Travelling long haul with a baby

Travelling Long Haul with a Baby: What You Really Need to Know

Let’s be honest: the words "long-haul flight" and "baby" don’t exactly scream "relaxing." But with the right kit, a little planning, and realistic expectations, it can be a lot more manageable (possibly even enjoyable) than you think.

At Merry Go Round Club, we help parents travel smarter, lighter, and with less stress by offering premium baby gear for rent. Here’s our tried-and-tested guide to making long-haul travel with your baby that little bit easier.

1. Book Smart

• Request a bassinet seat early - they're limited but can be super useful.
• Opt for night flights to maximise sleep for you and baby.
• Bottle feeding? Pre-sterilised bottles and ready made formula are lifesavers.

2. Pack Light, Pack Smart

• Your nappy bag must haves: spare clothes (for you and baby), wipes, snacks (if weaning), sterilised dummies, muslins, and ziplock bags for mess.
• Bring a few toys: one or two favourites plus something new.
• A baby carrier is a godsend in the plane, in airports and in queues.

3. Don’t Lug It. Rent It.

Travelling with a baby means gear. No two ways about it! It’s good to know that if you bring a buggy and travel cot, they don’t count as part of your weight allowance. If you check in a buggy bag - you can fill it with extras (nudge nudge, wink wink) But equally, you don’t need to bring it all with you.

It’s easy to rent bulky baby essentials to be delivered to your hotel or Airbnb. At Merry Go Round Club, we offer:

• Lightweight travel buggies (like the YOYO)
• Portable travel cots
• UV sterilisers for bottles and dummies

For the trip but also at destination.

4. In-Flight Tips

• If your little one is awake, feed during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure. If they are asleep - let them sleep!
• Dress in layers for temperature shifts.
• The air pressure can also really impact their tummies - we are talking poonamis here.. Bring spares. Of everything.
• If your baby cries, remember: you're doing your best, and most people get it.

5. Settle In Gently

• Give yourself a few days to adjust to the new time zone. They do say one day per hour or time zone change. Best thing to do is to get into local time asap - lots of fresh air, daylight and movement to get them into routine.
• Keep routines familiar but flexible.
• Embrace the unpredictability. These are the moments memories are made of.

 

Final Thoughts

Travelling long-haul with a baby isn’t always easy – but it is totally doable. With the right prep, smart gear choices, and support along the way, you’ll get there.

And when you do? You'll realise you're more capable than you thought.