Travelling with toddlers (between 0 and 3 years old) can seem like a next-level adventure… and it is! But it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation and the right gear, family holidays can become an unforgettable and stress-free experience. We know that your first UK holidays with toddlers are often full of questions: What should we pack? How do we keep up routines away from home? Where can we stay to ensure everyone is comfortable?
Planning ahead is key: anticipating your baby’s needs during the journey and stay is essential to ensure that the whole family enjoys the trip with peace of mind. Having the right accessories on hand can make the difference between a chaotic experience and one that’s safe, comfortable and joyful.
CONTENTSWhat to Pack When Travelling with a Baby: Recommended EssentialsMobility Essentials for Stress-Free Travel with ToddlersPushchairsBaby CarrierCar SeatFeeding on the Go: Practical Items for Your BabyThermal BagsPortable SteriliserBibsHygiene and Care Essentials for Your Baby’s ComfortPortable Changing MatComfortable ClothingSun CreamBags for Dirty Clothes or Used NappiesEntertainment and Wellbeing Depending on Your DestinationBeach AccessoriesSmall and Safe ToysSoft Books and Fabric ToysReady to Travel with a Baby? Tips and Family-Friendly Destinations
What to Pack When Travelling with a Baby: Recommended Essentials
In this blog, we’ll help you prepare everything you need to travel with toddlers, from what to pack in your suitcase to which mobility, feeding, hygiene and entertainment items are must-haves. We’ve gathered recommendations from experts in specialised baby shops who know exactly which products are practical, safe and comfortable for toddler friendly holidays. Their suggestions are based on years of helping families find what really works. You’ll also find practical toddler travel tips and ideas for the best places to travel with toddlers.
Discover what you simply can’t go without when travelling with toddlers
Mobility Essentials for Stress-Free Travel with Toddlers
Travelling with a baby means moving around—a lot. From the car to your accommodation, including flights, trains or walking excursions, toddler-friendly transport gear is a must.
Pushchairs
A compact, foldable stroller is ideal for travel, especially if you’re flying or using public transport. Make sure it reclines fully if your little one still takes frequent naps, and choose a model that’s lightweight and easy to handle with one hand.
Baby Carrier
Perfect for situations where a pushchair isn’t practical—think hikes, sightseeing or rough terrain. Baby carriers allow your little one to stay close and cosy while giving you full freedom of movement.
Car Seat
Essential if you’re driving or planning to rent a car at your destination. Many airlines also allow you to check it in for free. Just make sure it complies with current safety standards and suits your child’s age, weight and height.
Feeding on the Go: Practical Items for Your Baby
Having everything you need to feed your baby—whether you’re breastfeeding, using formula, or offering solids—makes travelling with toddlers much easier.
Thermal Bags
A thermos or insulated bag is ideal for keeping milk or water warm. If you’re going to spend many hours away from your accommodation, these are essential to maintain food at the right temperature for your baby.
Discover the products reommended by Bimbi Montessori to make feeding on the go easier:
- Children’s Thermal Bottle: Keeps drinks cold for 24h or hot for 12h, with an adorable design. Compact, durable and comes with a handle for easy carrying wherever you go.
- Thermal Food Container: Ideal for carrying snacks, purées or lunch to the park, on a train ride or during a day trip. It keeps the contents warm and ensures your little one always has their favourite food close by.
Portable Steriliser
To keep bottles, dummies or teething toys clean while travelling. There are models that work with microwaves or even UV light—perfect for destinations with limited facilities.
Bibs
A must-have that takes up minimal space. Waterproof bibs are particularly useful for avoiding stains and keeping your baby clean at mealtimes—so they can enjoy their favourite foods anywhere.
Hygiene and Care Essentials for Your Baby’s Comfort
When it comes to traveling with toddlers, hygiene is one of the biggest concerns. Being away from home doesn’t mean giving up cleanliness and comfort. With the right items, you can care for your baby anywhere:
Portable Changing Mat
Carrying a portable mat is essential to ensure a clean and comfortable surface in any situation. Ultra-compact models fold easily and fit perfectly into your nappy bag.
Comfortable Clothing
Choose light, breathable cotton clothes and accessories that are easy to put on and take off. Outfits with press-studs or zippers make quick changes easier—especially during long journeys or in hot or sunny places. Make sure everything is suitable for the climate and destination, and above all, soft and comfortable so your little one is protected at all times.
Here’s a product recommended by Botiga la nina, that’s perfect for protecting your baby from the sun:
- Sun Hats: Hats are a must during family holidays with toddlers. Little ones need to be protected from sun exposure and heat. Their delicate skin and vulnerable heads mean too much time in the sun without protection can lead to heatstroke. Cotton hats are breathable and some even come with built-in sun protection, ideal when spending long periods outdoors.
Sun Cream
If your destination is sunny and UV rays are strong, don’t forget a baby-friendly sun cream specially formulated for sensitive skin. A good cream will prevent irritation and discomfort during travel hours.
Discover how to care for your skin this summer in our article about sun protection.
Bags for Dirty Clothes or Used Nappies
These airtight bags help maintain hygiene and control odours until you find a proper bin. They’re compact, reusable or biodegradable, and extremely useful on the go.
Entertainment and Wellbeing Depending on Your Destination
Keeping your baby entertained and relaxed while travelling is just as important as having all the basics covered. Whether you're heading to the beach or the mountains, it’s essential to bring everything your little one needs to enjoy moments of joy and stimulation. Even though toddlers may not yet engage in structured play, many items can still stimulate their senses, providing both comfort and fun.
Beach Accessories
When planning a seaside getaway with your baby, don’t forget about the right clothing and sun protection. If you're visiting a pool or the sea, make sure to pack sunscreen, a float vest, and other accessories that ensure safety and enjoyment.
Take a look at these baby-friendly beach products recommended by Botiga la nina:
- Float Vest for Learning to Swim: Perfect and safe for pools and the beach. Helps little ones learn to swim gradually and confidently. These vests come with a safety strap that goes between the legs to prevent the vest from slipping over the head. They include eight compartments, each with three floating elements, which can be removed gradually as the child gains confidence, until no floatation is needed.
- Silicone Beach Bucket with Moulds and Spade: Beach toys are a must for any toddler-friendly holiday. Silicone versions are ideal for lighter packing—they’re flexible, unbreakable, and easy to squash into your suitcase. Once unpacked, they return to their original shape. Also great for park sandboxes or play areas.
Small and Safe Toys
Sensory toys made of fabric or silicone are perfect for popping into your bag. Choose options that don’t make too much noise and are made from safe materials, without any small parts. Montessori-style toys with textures and shapes are ideal for sparking curiosity while your baby enjoys their little holiday adventures.
Discover these products recommended by Artiijoc to spark your baby’s curiosity and fun:
- Sensory Bottle, Universe Edition: These sensory bottles are perfect for toddler travel. They capture your baby’s attention with colours, glitter and small floating objects. They stimulate sight and touch, and help calm babies during moments of restlessness. Plus, they’re compact and easy to carry.
- Montessori Toy Kit, 9 Pieces: A varied set of small, safe toys that stimulate different senses and motor skills. Perfect to offer variety during long trips and keep your baby engaged with textures, shapes and colours.
Soft Books and Fabric Toys
An excellent way to familiarise babies with colours, textures and sounds. Many of these books include interactive features like mirrors, gentle noises or raised patterns that help babies focus and relax while travelling.
Discover another great item recommended by Artijoc to keep your baby entertained on the go:
- “Joe” Soft Photo Album: A soft, baby-safe photo album so your little one can look at pictures of family and loved ones during the trip. It helps maintain emotional connection and makes familiar faces easy to recognise—offering security and visual comfort. It’s lightweight and very travel-friendly.
Ready to Travel with a Baby? Tips and Family-Friendly Destinations
Now that you’ve got your toddler travel essentials sorted, it’s time to choose the right place. The campsites of Grupo Sènia are an ideal choice for family holidays with babies and toddlers. Not only are they set in stunning natural surroundings, but they also feature facilities specially designed for families with young children:
- Toddler-Safe Pools and Splash Areas: Your little ones can enjoy the water safely, thanks to shallow pools specially designed for toddlers. The Sènia campsites are perfect for a refreshing and fun splash.
- Seni Club: A space with activities created just for young children, starting from age four. It’s run by trained monitors and offers a secure, fun programme. The Seni Club is open every weekend during the low season and every day in the high season.
- Playgrounds Inside the Campsites: Fully equipped with swings, spring toys and the charming Sènia playhouse, featuring different levels to explore and climb, perfect for toddlers learning through play.
- Comfortable Family Accommodation: You can even request a Baby Pack in advance, which includes a cot, highchair and baby bathtub, making your stay more convenient and toddler-friendly.
In addition, the warm and attentive service provided by the Sènia staff ensures that every family feels supported. Travelling with toddlers becomes far more relaxing when you know you’re headed to a place that’s ready to welcome you with open arms.
So, travelling with a baby between 0 and 3 years old may require quite a bit of planning, but the result is a truly unforgettable family holiday. With the right gear for mobility, feeding, hygiene and entertainment, every journey becomes easier and more comfortable.
From baby carriers and portable changing mats to bottles, teething toys or soft books, every item plays a role in turning the trip into a positive experience for both baby and parents. And let’s not forget: your destination matters too. Where you choose to take your little one will shape their first memories and spark their curiosity about the world around them.
So, are you ready for the adventure?
If you're planning your next family escape, don’t forget to:
- Visit our last minute deals to book your ideal family-friendly accommodation and explore all the services our campsites offer for those travelling with toddlers.
- Check out our recommended baby stores to pick up the best toddler travel gear:
Find all the must-have travel items for babies at specialised stores near you.
