How Can I Help My Baby Stay Calm During Travel?

Traveling with a newborn can feel like embarking on a mini adventure with a very vocal (and unpredictable!) passenger. The change in surroundings, disrupted routines, and sheer overstimulation of it all can be a lot for a little one to handle.

As a neonatal nurse, I’ve seen just how quickly a baby can get overstimulated—and as part of my family’s business, Butterfly Maternity, I know a thing or two about keeping babies calm and comfortable. With a few clever tools and some planning, you can create a travel setup that keeps both you and your baby as relaxed as possible.

To keep your baby calm during travel, create a familiar environment, pack essential calming tools like a baby pod or lounger, and maintain a soothing routine with feeding and nap times. Using familiar items and sticking to a routine as much as possible can help reduce stress for both of you.

Why Do Babies Often Struggle with Travel?

Travel can be disorienting for anyone, but for a baby who thrives on routine and familiarity, it can feel downright overwhelming. Here’s why babies tend to struggle with travel

Impact of New Environments

Babies are sensitive to new environments, and travel exposes them to a lot of stimuli at once—different sounds, lights, and people. This influx of unfamiliarity can be overstimulating, leading to fussiness and difficulty settling down. Keeping some familiar items on hand and ready to go in your baby bag, like a favourite blanket or toy, can help provide a sense of security amidst the chaos.

Disruptions in Routine

Most babies find comfort in routine, especially around feeding and nap times. Travel often throws these routines out the window, leading to increased fussiness as babies adjust to the unpredictability. Planning ahead for these needs can go a long way toward helping your baby feel more at ease on the go.

What Are the Best Items to Keep a Baby Calm During Travel?

When it comes to keeping a baby calm on the road, a few key items can make all the difference by providing comfort, familiarity, and soothing support

• Baby Pod or Lounger: A baby pod or lounger, like the one we offer at Butterfly Maternity, creates a familiar space for your baby to relax, rest, or nap. Our baby pod is easy to carry and adaptable, making it a comforting constant that helps babies feel at home anywhere.
• Soft Blanket and Favourite Toys: Bringing along items that smell like home can help comfort your baby. A blanket from your baby's nursery or their favourite toy offers reassurance and keeps them entertained in a way that doesn’t overwhelm.
• Portable White Noise Machine: Travel often involves unfamiliar and unpredictable noises. A portable white noise machine can help drown out these sounds, providing a calm, consistent background noise that soothes your baby.
• Swaddle or Sleep Sack: Swaddling can recreate the coziness of the crib, helping babies feel secure and comfortable. A sleep sack is especially helpful for keeping them warm and snug during flights or car rides.
• Baby Carrier: Close contact is one of the best ways to keep your baby calm. A baby carrier allows you to carry them close to your body, which reduces their anxiety and promotes calmness through the comforting smell and sound of mum’s heartbeat.

How Can a Baby Pod or Lounger Help During Travel?

A baby pod is an ideal travel companion for maintaining a sense of stability and security. With a baby pod, you can bring a bit of “home” with you wherever you go, whether it’s in the car, on a plane, or in a hotel room. Our Butterfly Baby Pod provides a familiar, cozy sleep environment that helps your baby feel safe and calm amidst new surroundings. It’s designed to gently cradle your baby, with soft, supportive edges that help them feel snuggled and secure, much like the comfort of a crib or bassinet. 

Creating a familiar space within the pod by adding a favourite blanket or toy can make it even more soothing. Lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up, the pod is perfect for on-the-go naps, allowing your baby to rest in a consistent, comfortable space no matter where you are. By offering a familiar sleep environment, the pod helps your baby settle more easily, making travel less stressful for both of you.

Check out the Butterfly Baby Pod here.  

Tips to Keep Your Baby Calm During Travel

Traveling with a baby can be challenging, whether by plane, car, or train, but a few simple strategies can help keep your little one calm and comfortable.

• Plan Feedings Strategically: Feeding during takeoff and landing on a plane can help ease ear discomfort from pressure changes. For car rides, feeding during breaks prevents restlessness and keeps your baby satisfied along the way.
• Book Comfortable Seating: If flying, booking a bassinet seat on long-haul flights gives your baby a dedicated rest area. Having your breastfeeding pillow for a more comfortable position also helps. 
• Pack Extra Essentials: Keep extra nappies, wipes, and a change of clothes handy, along with snacks and water for yourself. Being prepared for any situation helps reduce unexpected stressors, allowing you to stay calm and focused on your baby’s needs.
• Bring Baby-Friendly Entertainment: Small toys, soft rattles, and sensory items can help keep your baby engaged without overstimulation. Items with familiar textures or sounds are ideal, as they help provide comfort without overwhelming them. 

• Adjust for Comfort: Babies are sensitive to temperature changes, so ensure a comfortable environment by adjusting the car or plane temperature as needed. A small blanket or sleep sack helps keep your baby cozy without overheating.
• Take Frequent Breaks: For longer car rides, stopping every couple of hours for nappy changes, feedings, and some stretch time keeps your baby comfortable and prevents restlessness. These breaks also give you a moment to reset and recharge.
• Travel During Naptime or Bedtime: Whenever possible, plan your travel around your baby’s natural sleep schedule. Moving during naptime or bedtime encourages them to sleep, making the journey smoother for everyone involved.
• Stay Relaxed: Babies are incredibly intuitive and can pick up on your stress. Staying calm and collected helps them feel secure, so take deep breaths and remind yourself that travel is an adventure.

• Practice Short Outings Before Big Trips: To prepare your baby for travel, try a few short outings beforehand. This practice can familiarise them with the concept of leaving home, making longer trips feel less daunting.
• Be Flexible with Expectations: Travel with a baby often involves a few surprises. Staying adaptable and focusing on going with the flow can help you both manage the journey with less stress.
• Maintain a Schedule: Keeping your baby’s usual feeding, napping, and bedtime routines as consistent as possible can provide a sense of stability. Familiar schedules make new environments feel less overwhelming and help keep your baby calm even when away from home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use a baby pod during travel?

Yes, many baby pods are designed for portability and provide a secure and familiar space, helping babies stay calm

How can I soothe my baby if they’re upset during travel?

Try feeding, offering a comfort item, or using gentle rocking to help calm them. Keeping a consistent routine can also reduce anxiety

What if my baby struggles to sleep while traveling?

Using familiar items like a baby pod or blanket, setting a regular nap time, and blocking out distractions can help improve sleep during travel

Are there travel-specific baby pods I should consider?

Look for pods that are portable and easy to clean, like our baby pod, which is designed to help babies feel at home no matter where they are

Closing Thoughts

Traveling with a baby can be challenging, but with the right approach and tools, it’s absolutely manageable. From baby pods that provide comfort to white noise machines that drown out unfamiliar sounds, a bit of preparation goes a long way.

If you’re looking for supportive items that can make a difference, our Butterfly Baby Pod is designed to keep your little one calm and comfortable, whether you’re on a road trip or a flight. Check it out here. Safe travels!