Baby makes three but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to end! Whether you’re planning your first family getaway, or looking for that extra push to book your first flights with your bub, we’ve got you covered with some tips, tricks, and more on what you need to know before travelling with your baby.
Booking the first trip with your baby in tow may seem a little daunting. Whether it’s the fear of being the parent with the inconsolable child on the plane, or the thought of not having everything you need by your fingertips, there’s just so much to think about. But travelling overseas is a great opportunity to create memories as a new family, and it gives you the chance to slow down and see things through your baby’s eyes. Of course, it does require a little bit more planning and preparation, and that’s why we’re here to help get you started. Here’s how to start preparing for your baby’s first trip 👇
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Is It Time To Travel Yet?

Image Credits: Our Globetrotters
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule about when’s a good time to start travelling with your baby. There are some who choose to travel less than three months in, while others prefer to wait till their babies are slightly older and would be able to appreciate new experiences. But if travelling has been a big part of your life, it doesn’t have to change now that the baby is here.
In general, many have found that the ages of three to six months are a good time to start taking your babies on trips. At this age, most would have settled into their routine, making it easier for you to anticipate their needs. They would also have had more of their necessary vaccinations, plus they generally would have better neck control, making it safer and easier to bring them around in new environments.
Preparing For Your Baby’s First Trip: A Guide For New Parents — Check out this guide to travel insurance and if Covid’19 coverage is still essential
Preparing For Your Baby’s First Trip
You might be asking yourselves ‘Where should I go?’. Now that you’ve decided to take the leap of faith and go on that trip, the next step is deciding on a place to go. Here are some things to think about when choosing your next holiday destination.

Image credits: Unsplash
⏲️ Travel Time
It goes without saying that taking a shorter vacation to test the waters might be a wiser choice. Whether it’s going across the border on a road trip, taking a short ferry ride, hopping on a short flight to a neighbouring country, or even planning a local staycation, would give you a taste of what travelling with a bub is like. Plus, it would help you to anticipate your packing list.
If you’re feeling adventurous and plan to go a little further, try to minimise your travel time and opt for direct flights instead. Multiple long transits would make for additional stress factors that you honestly wouldn’t need at this point.
☁️ Climate
For bubs who have lived in a place like sunny Singapore all their lives, a visit to another country in the dead of winter might be pretty uncomfortable. Visiting a country that’s slightly more similar in climate might make it smoother for you and your baby to adjust. Plus, cooler temperatures would also mean having to buy and carry more layers of clothing, which not only adds to the weight that you carry around but also means having to peel off multiple layers every time you need to check a diaper or change their clothes.
⛰️ Terrain
While a visit to Europe might sound dreamy and fun, the reality of walking extended distances while pushing a pram and dragging luggage around on cobblestone ground, up and down multiple flights of stairs, might not be as great. It’s good to do a bit more research on places that you’re looking to explore, to make sure that they have extensive public transport systems, don’t require that much walking, and have more pram-friendly amenities like lifts and escalators that would help you travel with ease.
If you’re looking to go on a trip to Asia, countries like Japan, Seoul, and Taiwan might be good options.
Preparing For Your Baby’s First Trip: A Guide For New Parents — Check out this guide to budget-friendly family holidays in Europe
Finding Accommodation

Image credits: Dan Morris
The next important thing to consider is the type of accommodation to opt for. In reality, a significant amount of time will be spent at your house or hotel, so it’s important to choose a place that you would enjoy and feel relaxed in too. Some other factors to consider are the location of the accommodation, the amenities and services available within the vicinity, and the layout of the rooms. It would be better to choose a place less rural so that you have access to healthcare or other necessities in case of an emergency.
The layout of the room matters too. Having a separate room for the baby to sleep in would mean that the holiday doesn’t pause every time the baby has to take a nap, and you’d still be able to move around without worrying that you would wake the baby.
Lastly, if you’re comfortable with the idea of getting some additional help with the bub while on holiday, there are some hotels and resorts that offer supervised childcare services so that you can have some free time while knowing that your baby is well taken care of.
Here are some places to consider:
- Vacation Rentals: Renting a family-friendly home would mean that you would have access to amenities like kitchens and washers that will make it easier to clean up after the baby. Babies mean messy business! This also means that you’ll have extra space to roam about.
- Family-friendly Hotels: Family-friendly hotels usually have family suites and provide amenities like baby cribs, childproofed features, and even wading pools so that the entire family can have fun.
- All-Inclusive Resorts: Choosing an all-inclusive resort would mean that you have access to food, activities, and all you need without needing to leave your accommodation. It makes everything more convenient and stress-free!
- Wellness Centres: Some wellness centres provide childcare services while you can take time off to enjoy a nice massage or facial. It really is the best of both worlds since you get to relax but also have time for your baby.
❗Here’s a tip to make booking baby-friendly lodgings easier, while also enjoying discounts and cashback: Book your accommodations with Agoda and Expedia via YouTrip Perks!
Preparing For Your Baby’s First Trip: A Guide For New Parents — Find out more about YouTrip Perks here
Packing For Your Trip

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As the trip approaches, one of the most stressful parts of travelling might be figuring out what to bring along for the trip especially if you’re an over-packer like me. Perhaps a list of what not to bring might be more helpful. But just in case you need somewhere to start, here are some additional travel essentials besides clothes, diapers, and milk that you should consider investing in before making your first trip.
1. Diaper bag

Image credits: Amazon
A good diaper bag goes a long way, especially when travelling. Make sure that it has a good number of compartments, is preferably waterproof inside and out, and that it’s comfortable to bring around. This diaper bag from BabbleRoo has been tested and proven by parents, and it looks good too!
Price: ~S$113.40
Ratings: 4.8/5 from 21,525 ratings
❗Get up to 12% cashback when you shop on Amazon.sg via YouTrip Perks and check out with YouTrip!
Preparing For Your Baby’s First Trip: A Guide For New Parents: Check out this diaper bag here
2. Travel Pram

Image credits: Amazon
Having a pram would save you the pain of having to carry or wear your baby for the entire duration of the trip. Plus, you get to leave some of the heavier stuff you’re carrying, like the diaper bag, on it too. This pram from Jeep weighs about 9kg and also allows you to attach a car seat to it if you’re thinking of renting a car for your travels.
Price: ~S$145
Ratings: 4.3/5 from 3,392 ratings
❗Get up to 12% cashback when you shop on Amazon.sg via YouTrip Perks and check out with YouTrip!
Preparing For Your Baby’s First Trip: A Guide For New Parents — Check out this Reversible stroller here
3. Changing Mat

Image credits: Amazon
Depending on the city that you visit, how baby-friendly the place is varies. You might want to consider bringing along a reliable changing mat to handle any poop-nami situations anywhere with ease. Consider this portable changing pad that’s waterproof and has a built-in pillow so that your bub can change in comfort and with ease.
Price: ~S$30
Ratings: 4.8/5 from 928 ratings
❗Get up to 12% cashback when you shop on Amazon.sg via YouTrip Perks and check out with YouTrip!
Preparing For Your Baby’s First Trip: A Guide For New Parents — Check out this waterproof changing mat here
Extra Tips & Tricks

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1. Plan travel around your baby’s sleep schedule
Take advantage of your baby’s sleep schedule and try to plan such that travelling coincides with naps. Whether it’s for the flight, train rides or even long car rides, it’ll probably help both you and your baby travel easier.
2. Get your travel essentials early
Make sure to take your new purchases out for a practice run or two before actually travelling with them. You’d want to be familiar with the functions and features of the items you buy for travel. Make sure that they are a help and don’t become a hindrance instead. Online shopping allows you to have everything at your fingertips. If you’re looking for travel essentials from Watsons or Shopee, remember to use your YouTrip card for savings from cashback and discounts.
3. Don’t stick to the plan
With all the planning and preparation that you’ve done, be prepared to be flexible with your plans while you’re travelling and make the most of it! On days when the baby is just not having it, it might not be the best idea to visit an attraction that’s a two-hour drive away. But make the most of it and relish just being in a different city.
4. Ask for discounts along the way
One of the perks of travelling with your kids while they’re still small is the discounts and perks that come along with them. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or for special services like shorter queues at attractions, special parking lots for families and concessions at different attractions. Also, don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card with you so that you don’t have to worry about additional hidden costs and pesky bank fees while travelling. That’s one less thing to worry about!
Preparing For Your Baby’s First Trip: A Guide For New Parents — Check out our guide to travelling with kids
See The World Through Your Baby’s Eyes

At the end of the day, holidays are meant to be fun and relaxing, so don’t get too stressed out over it. Give yourself time to prepare before leaving, and just take things as they come along the way. It may be stressful, but what’s more important is the quality time that you get to spend together as a family. Make sure to make use of your YouTrip card while travelling to lock in the best rates all day and skip those pesky bank fees!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Happy travels!
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