How to Travel Europe with a Baby: Essential Tips and Advice

Europe is baby-friendly for travel with excellent infrastructure, family-oriented cultures, and support for parents, ideal ages are 3-9 months when babies are portable but not yet mobile. Essential gear includes lightweight stroller for cobblestones, baby carrier for stairs, portable changing pad, and white noise machine. Book early morning/late evening flights, request bassinet seats (bulkhead rows), and babies under 2 fly free on lap within Europe. Feed during takeoff/landing for ear pressure. European cities offer abundant pharmacies, baby supplies, public changing facilities, and restaurant high chairs. Poland, Germany, Scandinavia especially accommodating with excellent public transport accessibility.

When to Start Traveling

Most airlines allow babies to fly from 2 weeks old, though many parents prefer waiting until 2-3 months when babies are more settled and have received initial vaccinations. The sweet spot for many families is between 3-9 months, when babies are portable but not yet mobile. Once they start crawling or walking, travel becomes more challenging (though still very doable).

Essential Gear for Baby Travel

The Must-Haves

• Lightweight stroller: A compact, umbrella-style stroller is invaluable for navigating cobblestones and public transport
• Baby carrier: Essential for stairs, uneven terrain, and keeping hands free
• Portable changing pad: Public changing facilities vary widely across Europe
• White noise machine or app: Helps babies sleep in unfamiliar environments
• Blackout curtains or shades: Portable versions that attach with suction cups work wonders

Nice to Have

• Travel crib or pack-n-play (many hotels provide these free)
• Portable high chair or booster seat
• Insulated bag for bottles or food
• Baby monitor with good range

Flying with a Baby

Booking Tips

• Book early morning or late evening flights when airports are quieter
• Request bassinet seats on long-haul flights (usually in bulkhead rows)
• Babies under 2 typically fly free on your lap within Europe
• Consider paying for a seat on longer flights for more comfort

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

• More diapers than you think you need (at least double)
• Multiple outfit changes for baby AND you
• Bottles, formula, or nursing supplies
• Pacifiers and favorite toys
• Snacks for older babies
• Baby pain relief (for ear pressure)
• Entertainment (new small toys, books)

During the Flight

Feed your baby during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. Walk the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off. Don't stress about other passengers too much, as most people are understanding. European carriers generally have good facilities for families.

Train Travel with Baby

Trains are often easier than flying with babies. European trains typically offer:

• No security lines or boarding stress
• Space to walk around during the journey
• Often dedicated family compartments or areas
• Easier baggage handling
• Scenic views to entertain older babies

Book family-friendly carriages when available. Many trains have changing facilities, and some even have play areas. First class can be worth the splurge for extra space.

Accommodation Tips

Hotels vs. Apartments

For longer stays, apartments offer significant advantages: separate sleeping space for baby, kitchen for preparing food, laundry facilities, and more room to spread out. For shorter stays, hotels with good family services can work well.

What to Look For

• Crib or cot availability (request in advance)
• Elevator access (carrying stroller up stairs gets old fast)
• Laundry facilities or service
• Kitchen or kitchenette
• Quiet location for nap times
• Early check-in options if arriving on an early flight

Maintaining Routines on the Road

Babies thrive on routine, and keeping some consistency helps everyone:

• Try to maintain similar sleep times when possible
• Bring familiar items (blanket, toy, sleep sack)
• Don't overschedule, as babies need downtime
• Build in nap-friendly activities (stroller walks, carrier exploring)
• Accept that some days won't go as planned

Feeding on the Go

Breastfeeding

Europe is generally very accepting of public breastfeeding. Most countries have no restrictions, and you'll find plenty of comfortable spots in parks, cafes, and public spaces. Nursing covers are rarely needed unless you prefer them.

Formula Feeding

Formula is widely available across Europe, though brands vary by country. Bring enough for your trip if your baby is on a specific brand, or be prepared to try local equivalents. Pharmacies (apteka in Poland) typically stock formula.

Baby Food

For babies eating solids, European supermarkets have excellent baby food sections. You can also easily prepare simple foods in apartment kitchens. Many restaurants will happily mash or puree regular foods for babies.

Healthcare Considerations

• Bring your baby's health records and vaccination history
• Pack a basic first aid kit with baby-appropriate medications
• Research pediatric care options at your destination
• Get travel insurance that covers infants
• If your baby has special needs, translate key medical information

Baby-Friendly European Destinations

Some destinations are particularly welcoming for families with babies:

• Scandinavia: Exceptional baby facilities, family-oriented culture
• Netherlands: Flat terrain, bike-friendly, excellent public transport
• Germany: Well-organized, family-friendly restaurants and attractions
• Poland: Affordable, great parks, increasingly family-focused
• Portugal: Mild climate, relaxed pace, baby-loving culture
• Croatia: Beautiful beaches, slower pace, family-oriented

Managing Jet Lag

For trips involving significant time zone changes:

• Gradually adjust schedules before travel if possible
• Expose baby to natural light during destination daytime
• Follow local meal times from arrival
• Be patient, as adjustment typically takes 2-3 days per time zone
• Don't fight natural tired signs initially

Practical Tips from Traveling Parents

• Accept that you'll see fewer attractions and move slower
• Schedule activities around nap times, not against them
• Parks are your friend, as babies love green spaces everywhere
• Book accommodation with good cancellation policies
• Pack light and do laundry, rather than overpacking
• Take photos but be present in the moment too
• Connect with other traveling parents through social media groups
• Remember that "good enough" is perfect when traveling with a baby

Final Thoughts

Traveling Europe with a baby is absolutely possible and can be deeply rewarding. Yes, it's different from pre-baby travel. Yes, some days will be challenging. But watching your little one experience new places, tastes, and sounds creates memories you'll cherish forever. Start with shorter trips to build confidence, pack smart, stay flexible, and embrace the adventure. Your baby is more adaptable than you think, and Europe is ready to welcome your family.

Related Europe Family Travel Guides

• Explore Warsaw family-friendly services and activities
• Read more Warsaw and Europe travel guides

Family travel service or baby gear rental in Europe? List your services on ExpatsList to help traveling families.