You know that moment of quiet that hits you as a first-time mum when you realise you’re about to travel with your baby? Yeah, that one. It’s not fear exactly, and it’s definitely not that you don’t want to go. It’s just that something in you knows this trip is going to test you in brand new ways.
If that’s where you are right now, welcome. This post is for you, mama.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip to see your folks or a major relocation that requires flights, road trips, and everything in between, travelling with a baby isn’t something they really prepare us for. It brings up a whole bunch of questions that no antenatal class ever covers, especially for us Nigerian mums.
So let’s talk about it honestly, gist-style, because you’re not alone, and trust me, you can actually do this.
And if you’d rather listen, we recently recorded a full Spotify podcast episode on this very topic. You can listen here “Travel with Baby“
The most important things:
1. Your baby is not an accessory, they are your travel companion.
This may sound obvious, but it’s often forgotten in the rush of logistics. Your baby is not just part of your luggage. They are a whole human with needs, moods, and limits.
Before you pack, pause and observe. What helps them settle when they’re overstimulated? Do they nap better when held or when swaddled? Are they still feeding every hour or going longer stretches? These tiny insights help you prepare for the journey you’re actually going to have, not the one you hope for.
Plan with your baby in mind. The road or the flight is not just yours, it is theirs too. And when you prepare for them, you’re also reducing stress for yourself.
2. Pack light, but pack wisely, especially for yourself.
Mums are often told to pack “everything”, just in case. But “everything” can quickly become a heavy, sweaty burden that makes you resent the entire trip before it begins.
You don’t need five pairs of baby shoes. You need spare onesies, diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for you. If your baby spits up or has a diaper blowout while you’re in a crowded park or airport, you’ll be grateful you packed that extra T-shirt.
Also, don’t forget the small things that bring you comfort. A bottle of water, a snack, Lip balm, and a headscarf. These are not luxuries, they are a quiet way of saying, “I matter too.”
3. If you’re flying, keep your expectations soft.
Airports are not the most baby-friendly places, especially in Nigeria. Security lines are long, breastfeeding rooms are scarce, and airline staff may or may not be patient with you. Still, you can get through it.
Carry your baby in a sling or carrier if you can. Feed during takeoff and landing to ease pressure in their ears. Keep a small bag in your hand luggage with essentials for the flight: diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, a bottle or pacifier, and something soft to keep your baby warm.
And please, don’t let the fear of stares silence you. Babies cry, you are not doing anything wrong if your baby is loud. The goal is not to silence your baby, the goal is to be present for them.
4. If you’re travelling by road, prepare for the unpredictable.
There is no amount of “planning” that can account for bad roads, traffic, police stops, or breakdowns. But you can still take small steps to reduce the pressure on yourself.
Travel early if possible. Babies often sleep more in the morning, and the roads are usually calmer. If you’re using public transport, speak up for your comfort. You and your baby deserve space, even if the conductor does not think so.
Pack your baby bag like it is your emergency survival kit. Keep wipes and diapers where you can reach them quickly. Carry extra water, and try not to bury everything you need at the bottom of your bag.
A soft wrapper or scarf will go a long way. You can use it for warmth, shade, breastfeeding, or to create a small boundary when the world feels too loud.
5. The most important traveller is you.
There is something quiet and sacrificial about the way mothers travel. You think for two, you plan for two, but somewhere in between, it is easy to forget yourself.
You are not just the one carrying the baby. You are the one carrying the weight of the entire trip.
So check in with yourself too.
Eat something. Rest when your baby sleeps. Drink water. Ask for help when you need it. The journey is not a test. It’s a transition. And you are allowed to move through it gently.
If it doesn’t go as planned, if you forget something, if your baby cries more than usual, it doesn’t mean you failed, it only means you’re human.
You’re doing something brave, and that deserves to be acknowledged.
Listen to the Podcast: “Travel with Baby:”
If this blog post spoke to you, I encourage you to listen to our new podcast episode on this very topic. It is real, tender, and full of the things I wish someone had told me before I travelled with a baby the first time.
You can find it now on Spotify just search for 5StarMums Podcast: Travel with Baby or click here if you’re already logged in.
You don’t have to do this alone. There is a growing circle of mothers walking this path with you, and every time we speak about it honestly, we make the road a little softer for the next woman.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with a baby isn’t easy, it’s not always graceful. Sometimes you arrive at your destination looking nothing like how you planned, but you arrive, and your baby arrives safe, and that’s what matters.
You don’t have to be perfect, You just have to be present.
If this post helped you, I’d love to hear your story. You can leave a comment, share it with another mum, or message us on Instagram @5starmums, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes that speak to the heart of motherhood.
“Don’t go through mumming alone.”
FK Jesuyode
Founder, 5StarMums
