If you are a parent, you’ve most likely contemplated traveling with your infant. You probably even decided against it. Traveling with an infant can be intimidating for new parents, but Marisa Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care, is here to tell you (and your audience) it’s more manageable than you think.
As a trusted Newborn Care Specialist (NCS), sleep consultant, and postpartum doula with years of hands-on experience, Marisa helps families navigate the often overwhelming process of traveling with a baby, making the journey smoother and less stressful. With her expertise, she’s become a go-to resource for parents looking for practical, real-world travel tips that work.
“It’s not as hard as people think it is. With the right preparation, organization, and planning, you can make travel a breeze,” said Marisa. She’s all about preparation, especially when it comes to recreating a baby’s home environment to keep things consistent and familiar.
Here are 5 tips Marisa can discuss with you about how to successfully travel with a baby:
Travel Tip #1: Replicate Their Sleep Environment from Home
According to Marisa, the number one priority is ensuring your baby sleeps as they would at home. “Call ahead to make sure your accommodation has a crib or pack-and-play, and if not, rent one. Bring your baby’s own sheets—unwashed so they smell familiar—along with their sound machine, swaddle, and pajamas.” This simple step can make a huge difference in creating a comfortable and familiar sleep setting, helping the baby feel at ease in new surroundings.
Travel Tip #2: Pack Extras – Lots of Them!
“Always pack extra everything—clothes, diapers, wipes, and pajamas—because your day might last longer than expected.” Marisa’s key to keeping parents at ease is having a backup plan for everything. When it comes to longer trips, she recommends seeking out extra help, whether from grandparents or a professional NCS. “Having hands-on support means you can keep the baby on their routine and still relax and enjoy your vacation.”
Travel Tip #3: Plane Travel – Let Your Baby Lead
Flying with a baby? Marisa offers valuable guidance for keeping them calm and comfortable on the plane. “During takeoff and landing, a pacifier or bottle can help protect their ears from pressure,” she notes. She also emphasizes dressing the baby for comfort, similar to how you would want to be dressed. “If your baby gets fussy, respectfully let them lead the way. Forcing a pacifier or bouncing them aggressively can do more harm than good. Instead, take a gentle approach—walk them around, check their temperature, and adjust as needed.”
Marisa loves products like the Doona car seat stroller for ease of travel. “You don’t have to take the baby in and out of the car seat, and it’s easy to gate-check or take on the plane.” She also suggests using a sound machine like the Hushh, clipped to the stroller for soothing sounds during the trip.
Travel Tip #4: Plan Around Baby’s Schedule – But Be Flexible
When it comes to aligning travel with your baby’s nap and feeding schedule, Marisa is a firm believer in planning ahead. “If it’s an extremely long flight and you can fly overnight, do it. Dress the baby in pajamas, have a bottle ready, and dim the lights. During the day, and for shorter flights, try to time travel around naps.” If things don’t go as planned? “Have a plan B. Bring everything you need to comfort and soothe your baby.”
For parents who are struggling with the idea of managing their baby’s routine while traveling, Marisa encourages them to explore short-term support options like those provided by Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care. “A lot of parents don’t realize that hiring a professional NCS for short-term travel is an option. It can be a game-changer for families who want to travel stress-free.”
