All the benefits of painter’s tape, the ultimate formula hack, and how to get away with overpacking
Traveling as a family is hard enough, but add a baby into the mix and your trip can go from fantastic to frightful in a heartbeat. Thankfully, parents from all over the world have gone before us and figured out everything from the best way to baby-proof a hotel room and how to get through TSA without breaking a sweat, to securing the coveted bassinet on a long-haul flight. These baby travel hacks from TikTok are bound to make your upcoming trip an actual vacation.
Bathe On the Go
@xoxomaryl Few new favorites from this trip 🤍 #momsoftiktok #travelwithbaby #amazonbabyfinds #momlife #fyp #babytok #amazonfinds #ugcmomcreator #motherhood #babiesoftiktok
♬ Coffee Talk (Extended) – BLVKSHP
Once you’ve had a baby, reality sets in: babies have so.much.stuff. It’s one thing to keep a well-stocked home but traveling is another story. Travel light by getting creative with must-have baby necessities like this inflatable tub. When not in use, it can be folded down to easily fit in a suitcase, then simply blown up when it’s bath time.
You Can Bring Lots of Bottles and Snacks Through TSA
@jai_definingflysince85 Baby travel tips – TSA security check! Always, always, always pay attention to the way TSA handles your bottles or other containers containing fluid or liquid for your little one! #babytraveltips #traveltips #tsa #momsoftiktok #travelingwithbabies
♬ It’s A Wrap – Sped Up – Mariah Carey
Getting through security can be intimidating enough, but toting a baby, bottles, and all the other infant sundries can make the process near nightmarish. The good news is that baby bottles and snacks are not subject to the 3 oz. liquid rule the rest of the population must abide by. So stock up that carry-on with all the supplies you need, and per TikToker Jai Lynn, you are able to request that no agent tampers with anything your little one might touch with their mouth.
Painter’s Tape!
@kelsewhatelse I never pack for a trip traveling with children without packing painter’s tape! And I have never been on a trip where I packed the painter’s tape where I haven’t used the painter’s tape! It’s a miracle item that helps us sleep better, play better, and live safer while we’re on the go! What is your must-have family travel item?? . side note, if you’re wondering why you’ve seen this video before with someone else, it’s because she stole my content off of my Instagram and reposted it before I could get it posted on here. I promise this is the original video 😢 . . . . . #kelsewhatelse #familytravel #travelwithtoddler #painterstape #familytravelhack #travelhack #momhack #momtips
♬ original sound – KelseWhatElse
You’re done packing: did you pack the painter’s tape? This household product is there to help baby-proof, provide entertainment and basically be there for all your needs in a pinch. Grab a roll the next time you’re placing an Amazon order!
Related: 21 Clever TikTok Travel Hacks to Make Traveling with Kids a Breeze
Feel Free to Overpack
@kaleighgawn Ultimate travel hack for the overpacker #toddlertravelhacks #toddlertravel #traveltips #flyingwithatoddler #travelwithatoddler #packwithme #packinghacks
♬ original sound – Kaleigh | Toddler Mom
Over-packers unite! You don’t have to pare down to the bare minimum on your next trip with your baby. This genius hack from Kaleigh Gawn uses vacuum seal bags and a handheld sealer to shrink down bulky items like diapers and extra blankets so you can reclaim all that suitcase space.
Bottle Drying Rack
@rachel_meaders Links are in my bio!!💕🤗 #amazon #travelhacks #babytravelmusthaves #momhacks #babytravelhacks #babytraveltips
♬ original sound – Rachel Meaders
Vacation is supposed to be a time when you leave your cares behind, but not when it comes to cleaning baby bottles! That’s why we think this collapsible bottle drying rack is so genius. Everything you need fits in a compact case and come with everything you need to both wash and hang dry both pump and bottle parts.
Rent Your Baby Gear
@where.is.briggs Discount code- WHEREISBRIGGS for rents4baby #rents4babypartner Definitely recommend renting your baby gear on your next trip! I don’t know who loves it more, myself or Steve. 😅 #baby #toddler #rentbabygear #momsoftiktok #dadsontiktok #familytravel
♬ original sound – Jess ✨ Baby + Toddler Mama
Baby gear takes up a ton of space on a good day, but even more so on a road trip when you have to share trunk space with luggage. This hack from @where.is.briggs involves leaving bulky items at home and using a rental service like rents4baby that provides everything from cribs and strollers to beach supplies like tents and wagons. Just place your order and the service will drop off your items at your destination.
Reserve Bulkhead Seats, Get a Bassinet
@erin_dittmer The coolest perk when traveling with a baby 🙌🏼✈️ #bassinet #babyonboard #travelingwithbabies #StemDrop001 #FomotionalFinds
♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
The rumors are true: bassinets on flights do exist! While this option doesn’t exist for every airline, many long-haul flights offer free bassinets for bulk-head seats. Most of the time they are first come, first serve so be sure to ask the ticket counter when you arrive if there are any available for your trip. Weight limits do apply.
Many Cruise Lines Offer Free Baby Food
@jaraandrea Replying to @user097712651 Tips I wish I would of known and hope they help you! #travelbabytips #babycruise #babytips #travelwithababy #cruisewithatoddler #babytravel #tips #cruisetips #cruise #cruiseship #travel #traveltips
♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) – Ellen Once Again
When it comes to baby travel hacks from TikTok, this one takes the cake. Cruises are known for their plentiful array of cuisines, and baby doesn’t have to miss out. Nowadays, many cruise lines offer options to request baby food alongside your meal in the dining room (with advance notice) or to have the chef puree just about anything for your tot. Make sure you check out your cruise line before embarking to your destination.
No More Lost Toys with These Suction Cup Spinners
@mothercould And then you just hope for the best! 🫠🤪 #baby #travel #travelhacks #babyactivities
♬ dance(256762) – TimTaj
There’s barely enough room to stow your carry-on in the seat in front of you on an airplane, so having to constantly dig around for a lost toy is a no-go. This hack from @mothercould involves grabbing a couple of suction cup toys that easily stick to the window so everyone stays happy.
Noise Reducing Earmuffs
@laineandlouise Amazon baby travel must haves! #firsttimemom #babytraveltips #amazonbabyfinds #amazontravelessentials #momtok #babytoys
♬ original sound – Kathryn | mom life
As adults, we can forget that planes are LOUD. Protect baby’s ears with a pair of ear muffs that not only block out the potentially scary sounds of taking flight but also provide a quieter atmosphere for a nap or two.
The Ultimate Formula Hack (in the UK)
@ ♬ –
While this baby travel hack from TikTok is only currently confirmed to work in the UK, it’s worth its weight in formula gold. TikTok parents @thetravelinggays share how to take a vacation’s worth of baby formula with you by ordering a supply at the airport Boots store. We can only hope the idea catches on in the States!
Bring the Car Seat—or Don’t
@amomexplores Checking car seats is free! Oh- and use BabyQuip to rent car seats! They’re so much cleaner and nicer. #travelwithbaby #familytravel #momtok #fyp
♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Many parents feel the most comfortable bringing their car seat for air travel, but here are some hacks you might not know. You can skip booking a ticket for your baby and take a gamble by asking if there’s an open seat you can snag for free. If there isn’t one, you’ll be able to check your car seat for free at the gate or when you arrive (we highly recommend a seat cover for protection). If you’d rather not lug a giant seat around the airport, there are always options to rent a seat at your destination.
Leave the Booster Seat at Home
@cecemicciche awesome baby find!! I absolutley love this travel harness seat🤩 #babyfind #amazonfind #momhack #firsttimemom
♬ original sound – Cecelia | Realistic WFH Mom
Sure, your baby loves to sit at the table with the family, but who wants to cart around a booster all vaycay? Make staying with grandparents or friends a cinch and pickup up this compact and foldable harness seat for your next trip.
Go Hands-Free and Baby Wear
@macygilson 5 TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY ✈️ #travelhacks #babytravel #babytravelmusthaves #babytraveltips #babytravelhacks #ftm #HolidayOREOke #motherhoodunplugged #momhacks
♬ original sound – M A C Y G I L S O N
If you’re not already baby-wearing, traveling is the perfect time to start. Not only do you have to get your own luggage to your destination, but all your wee one’s accessories too (with the same two hands you’ve always had). Using a baby carrier or wrap is the perfect way to navigate checking luggage, getting through security, and getting seated on your plane. Plus, who doesn’t want some extra baby snuggles?
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
