Traveling with a baby is an adventure that comes with its own set of joys and challenges. We recently took our first big family trip to Mexico City with our 7-month-old daughter, and it was a mix of careful planning, last-minute adjustments, and a lot of learning along the way. From deciding what gear to bring to navigating a bustling city with a little one in tow, here’s a look at what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons we picked up to make future travels with a baby a bit smoother.
Planning is Key (But So Is Flexibility)
Before the trip, we went all in on planning—researching baby-friendly spots, testing out different carriers, and even investing in a fancy travel stroller. We thought we had it all figured out, but as any parent knows, plans with a baby are more like loose guidelines. Flexibility became our best friend. Luckily, we had the ultimate support squad: my in-laws, mom, and brother. They made everything from the airport hustle to exploring the city so much easier. It turns out, traveling with a baby is a team sport!
Essential Baby Gear for the Trip
- Foldable Camp-Style Chair:
This chair was incredibly useful. Whether we were at a restaurant, visiting Xochimilco, or just relaxing at our Airbnb, it gave our daughter a comfortable place to sit when she got tired of being held. It’s definitely something to consider bringing along on any trip with a baby. - Ergo Baby:
This was probably the most valuable item we packed. It allowed us to navigate the city with our baby close and our hands free. She even napped in it while we explored. If you’re traveling with a baby, I highly recommend having one of these. - Diaper Bag Essentials:
We packed everything we thought we needed in our Beis Backpack DIaper Bag: bottles, formula, water, diapers, toys, a muslin blanket, sunblock, and extra clothes. While the bag was bulky, it was essential for the trip. This also has a luggage passthrough which made it nice when in the airport. This is a bit bulkier than I would like but having space to fit everything we needed for the day. - New Toys for the Plane:
Bringing along a few new toys and books turned out to be a great idea. Our daughter was entertained by the novelty, which helped keep her calm during the flight. This is a small but impactful tip for anyone flying with a baby. - Battery Packs, Water Bottle, and Cheap Headphones:
Along with baby gear, I packed a few personal essentials like battery packs for our devices, a water bottle to stay hydrated, and a pair of cheap headphones (which I, unfortunately, lost during the trip). These items were invaluable, especially for keeping our devices charged for navigation and entertainment.
Lessons Learned: What We’d Do Differently
- Be Mindful of Your Accommodations:
One thing we learned the hard way was the importance of air conditioning. Our Airbnb in Mexico City didn’t have AC, and our baby, who tends to run hot, struggled to sleep comfortably. We had to improvise with fans and makeshift tents. If you’re planning a trip with a baby, make sure your accommodations are well-suited to your baby’s needs, especially when it comes to climate control. Besides the AC issues, she had fun in the airbnb and we enjoyed having everyone together under one roof. - Reconsider the Stroller:
We brought a stroller with us, but it only got used in the airport. The busy sidewalks and crowded streets made it impractical for getting around the city. If we could do it over, we might skip the stroller entirely and rely more on the baby carrier.
Streamlining Your Packing
For my personal items, I aimed to keep things simple. I packed a backpack with clothes and tech accessories and carried a sling bag from Tomtoc, which was perfect for keeping passports, money, and other essentials easily accessible. I also liked that this has a zippered pocket in the back, closest to you, to keep things extra safe. The sling worked well even with the baby carrier on, allowing me to keep important items close without overstuffing pockets or the diaper bag.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with a baby requires a balance of preparation and adaptability. While there are definitely things we’d change for our next trip, like our choice of accommodations and how we packed, this experience taught us a lot about what works and what doesn’t when hitting the road with a little one. Whether you’re planning a trip to a bustling city or a quiet getaway, these tips can help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family.
