Last updated: March 2026.
Planning your first baby-friendly holiday can feel like a daunting task. Presuming you’ve got their passport sorted (if not, here’s our step-by-step guide), you’re probably thinking: where should you go? What type of accommodation works best? How do you make feeding, sleeping, and travelling easier with a baby in tow?
The good news: with the right planning, your family trip can be smooth and enjoyable. Below are ten steps we’ve learned that will help you plan a stress-free holiday with your little one.
1. Start small and build up
If you’ve never flown with your baby before, begin with short-haul trips before tackling long-haul. Our first flight was an under-two-hour hop to Norway with our 4.5-month-old. We then tried Mallorca and Île de Ré, before venturing further afield to Boston. By the end of the year, we’re building up to a 9-hour flight to Miami, but only after gradually gaining confidence.
When planning a baby-friendly holiday, flight length matters. Direct flights are obviously easiest. If you do need a stopover, make it intentional – don’t risk the chaos of unexpected overnight layovers. (I once ended up stranded in Doha after a delayed London departure, which was bad enough pre-baby, a nightmare if I’d had one in tow!). For short-haul, Greece is one of the easiest destinations from the UK: most islands are around 4 hours away and the choice of family resorts is excellent. Our guide to the best Greek islands for families covers all the main options.
👉 For more tips, check out my full guide to flying with a baby, or the best flight times for minimising the impact of jet lag.
2. Factor in climate comfort
Extreme weather can make holidays harder work. Babies generally cope best in milder climates, so avoid destinations during their peak heat or cold. On our recent Mallorca trip, a heatwave pushed temperatures above 30°C, which was uncomfortable for all of us – especially R. As tempting as it can be to chase the hot sun, it’s not going to be fun if you’re spending the whole time trying to keep your baby cool.
👉 If you do travel to hot destinations, don’t miss my list of 10 travel essentials for the heat.
3. Consider healthcare access
Reliable medical care is an important consideration. Some parents feel fine venturing into the wilderness, while others prefer destinations with excellent healthcare systems. It’s such a personal choice. For example, I’ve avoided the Caribbean for now, instead opting for the US and Europe. But we’ve met my desire for an interesting beach holiday by going to Cape Cod (south of Boston) and the Florida Keys (south of Miami). There’s somewhere for everything, no matter what your criteria!
👉 If you’re based in the UK, I cover getting a GHIC for your baby here.
4. Research how easy it is to get around
Is your destination pram-friendly? Consider cobblestones, narrow lanes, steep hills if you rely on a pram, and check out public transport access before booking. Don’t forget to look at how you might get from the airport to your destination with a baby, if you aren’t taking a car seat.
We always assess ‘pramability’ in our destination guides – it can make or break a trip.
👉 For more on different trip options, see my blog on which type of holiday is best for babies.
5. Use smart filters when selecting accommodation
Baby-friendly accommodation isn’t just about a comfy bed. Use Airbnb and hotel booking filters to find places with:
- Cribs and high chairs
- Washing machines
- Parking
- Budget-friendly options
And if there’s must-haves that you can’t see, ask the question. Blackout curtains, stair gates, noise levels, and nearby shops all matter more than you think. I forgot to ask about (or bring along) blackout blinds in Norway and ended up battling long summer evenings with a wide-awake baby!
I also do research on TripAdvisor’s forums, or pick up a cheap copy of a physical guide book like the Lonely Planet to look at area recommendations (but check the publishing year to ensure it’s not all out of date).
6. Search for parents’ reviews to ensure no surprises
Search for keywords like baby, child, or family when reading reviews on any platform. They’ll reveal whether a property is truly family-friendly – sometimes it’s the smaller details, like safe outdoor space or proximity to a supermarket, that make or break a stay with a little one.
It’s also worth thinking carefully about which platform you book through in the first place. Not all rental sites make it easy to filter for the things that actually matter when you’re travelling with a baby – things like cots, stairgates, enclosed gardens and step-free access. I’ve compared Airbnb, Booking.com, Sykes Cottages, James Villas, Luxury Cottages and InterHome side by side in my holiday rental platform comparison, including how each one scores on family search filters, hidden fees and customer service. Worth reading before you start your search.
7. Prepare well for your flight
👉 Our guide on all things flying with a baby is popular with parents.
8. Pack smart
Packing for a baby can feel like preparing for a small expedition, but a few clever choices make all the difference. Focus on the essentials: enough nappies and wipes for the journey (you can usually stock up at your destination), a lightweight travel pram, and a baby carrier for places that aren’t stroller-friendly. Don’t forget familiar sleep items like a favourite blanket or white noise machine – they can help settle your little one in new surroundings.
👉 I’ve created a detailed packing list for parents, which will help ensure you don’t forget anything.
For your child’s own luggage, our guide to the best kids suitcases covers everything from toddler backpacks for lighter trips through to ride-on suitcases that keep little ones entertained on the way to the gate.
9. Plan ahead for feeding, especially once on solids
Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or weaning, a bit of planning makes life easier. We travel with:
- Low-sugar food pouches and snacks
- A small handheld blender (fits into checked luggage)
- Reusable silicone pouches for days out
This way, we can always have a mix of items to enjoy at your accomodation or on the go.
10. Upgrade your experience
If you’re tackling a long-haul leg and think business class is off the table, think again. We’ve cracked the code using Avios and strategic card perks – like the British Airways American Express Premium Plus card and Barclays Avios bank – so that while you’re technically paying an economy fare, you’re often enjoying lie-flat comfort for the same price. For smart families, that’s priceless extra space to feed, soothe, or nap with your baby.
Want the full how-to on using upgrade vouchers, companion fares, and off-peak reward booking? I’ve broken it all down in my post on flying business class with a baby for economy prices – definitely worth bookmarking before planning!
Remember there’s no ‘perfect’ baby-friendly holiday
Every family has different priorities: flight length, climate, healthcare, stroller access, or feeding convenience. The most important thing is finding what works for your family. With these steps, planning a baby-friendly holiday doesn’t have to be overwhelming – you can travel with more confidence and actually enjoy the journey. Whatever happens, you’ll make some unforgettable memories!
Allie, Jack & R x
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