Don’t rush to back out just yet. Master this guide, and you won’t be heading into the unknown blindly.
Do your homework before the trip, pack the necessary gear, and bring along a strong heart. Dare to go on a trip at the drop of a hat?
The most beautiful scenery is on the road.
Choosing the right destination is half the battle when traveling with kids.
0–1 years old:
For babies under 1 year old who can’t walk yet, need to eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom, their range of activity is very limited. The best way to travel with a child this age is to pick a quiet and comfortable place for a vacation.
Find a resort that’s in a scenic area itself, or simply spend a few days somewhere with beautiful surroundings.
It’s not tiring, allows for relaxation, and the resort’s play facilities and nearby scenery will be more than enough to keep your little one entertained.
1–2 years old:
At this stage, you can truly start traveling “for fun.”
Plan slow-paced trips close to nature—seaside beaches and theme parks are great choices.
Kids’ enthusiasm for the sea and sand never fades, no matter how many times you go. Small theme parks are also fun without being too exhausting.
You can switch locations every two or three days, depending on your baby’s physical condition and mood.
Long-distance travel isn’t highly recommended. Trekking through mountains and rivers is not only tough on parents carrying their babies but can also easily tire and frustrate the little ones, affecting the quality of the trip.
2–3 years old:
They can now handle low-intensity walking tours. This is the best stage for traveling with children, as they can freely explore and experience the world. Trips focused on nature—like mountains, water, animals, and plants—are ideal for this age group.
Large theme parks and cruises are also popular with kids.
Island getaways are not to be missed either. On warm islands, enjoy the relaxing pleasure of strolling along the beach and savor the unique joy of family time.
3 years and up:
Pretty much any itinerary with an intensity suitable for adults is manageable for them. You can even let your child help plan the trip.
The best upbringing happens on the road.
Many people hesitate about family trips, mainly because kids can be uncontrollable in public.
But did you know? The biggest change travel brings to a child is learning to adapt to the environment and then to compromise.
The little princesses and princes who are self-centered at home will only realize once they step outside that sometimes planes are delayed, sometimes the food is bad but you still have to eat it, sometimes you don’t like the bed but still have to sleep in it, sometimes the bathroom isn’t great but you still have to use it, and sometimes the ride is boring but you just have to wait until you reach your destination.
But none of these small details take away from the fact that travel can bring so much more joy.
They’ll gradually learn that life is about making choices, that people from all walks of life deserve respect, and that no one’s lifestyle should be judged lightly.
A person’s refinement is reflected in the paths they’ve walked.
Yi Shu once said, “A truly elegant lady never flaunts what she has. She doesn’t tell people what books she’s read, where she’s been, how many clothes she has, or what jewelry she’s bought, because she has no sense of inferiority.”
Only when you carry the world in your heart will you stop fussing over the trivial and petty.
Just as those with the most forgiving hearts often appear the gentlest in temperament.
A journey is a test for children, but even more so for parents.
When you’re willing to invest double the time, patience, and attention, you’ll find it’s not hard to realize that children can actually be managed.
Going through the unfamiliar together with your child, using your own wisdom to overcome challenges—that’s what real growth on a journey looks like.
The most beautiful refinement is always found along the way.
If you’re worried about losing control of the situation, try reading C-Mom’s articles: “I’ve Got Candy in My Pocket, Always Have Candy—A Brief Discussion on Teaching Kids in Public,” “Tame a Tantruming Child in One Minute—Wanna Try?”, and “Because You Never Plan Ahead, Your Child Always Has Immediate Worries.”
A journey reveals people’s true nature the most.
You might discover that the so-called spoiled brat is actually quite considerate of others, or that the so-called troublemaker can turn out to be brave and upright.
Don’t label a child as a “brat” until after the trip is over.
The coolest transportation is on the road.
Long-distance travel: airplanes are the top choice.
For overseas trips or long domestic journeys, flying is still recommended.
But it’s worth noting that you should try to avoid layovers. On our trip to Thailand, the wait time during our Hong Kong layover was almost as long as the flight itself—ugh, the waiting was soul-crushing.
Medium-distance travel: high-speed rail is the best option.
Domestic medium-distance trips highly recommend taking the high-speed train. Kids are always super excited about trains, right? Every time I take CC on the high-speed rail, she bounces with joy.
It’s fast, safe, and most importantly, allows freedom of movement, which is incredibly meaningful for kids. Many kids get on and don’t even want to get off.
If your child loves trains, why not take them on a nostalgic train adventure?
Short-distance travel: driving is the top pick.
For short trips, driving is still recommended since it’s much more convenient for getting around and stopping as needed.
If you have enough people, driving is also a good option for medium distances—but watch out for fatigue, don’t drive angrily, and never speed.
Must make sure your child sits in a car seat. A car seat. A car seat. Important things need to be said three times.
The coolest gear is on the road.
Clothing:
3–4 diapers per day for babies are essential;
2–3 sets of clothing per day are a must, with thickness chosen based on the local temperature;
One waterproof changing pad—can be used anywhere to change diapers, or as a seat for the child;
At least two waterproof bibs for babies who can eat by themselves;
Moms should bring one nursing cover—it’s a feeding lifesaver, and can also double as a blanket when the baby sleeps;
In crowded places, try to dress your child in bright-colored clothing to make them easier to spot.
Food:
Babies aged 0–6 months who are breastfed:
For breastfed babies, bringing your own caregiver (e.g., a nanny or mother) is sufficient!
For formula-fed babies: formula milk, bottles, portable formula dispensers, and a thermos of hot water (you may not always find hot water on the go).
Babies aged 6–12 months starting solids:
Cereal rice: This is a versatile option—use it to make a quick meal when there's nothing else available. As a formulated product, it offers balanced nutrition. Preparing a small bowl of cereal is the most convenient lunch while traveling.
Ready-made baby food: Various fruit purees, meat purees, vegetable purees, and mixed purees can be eaten straight from the package. They're perfect to pair with cereal or serve as a snack. Sterilized and vacuum-packed baby food contains no preservatives, so moms can feel safe feeding it to their children.
Yogurt and fruit: Both are great snack options, and combining them makes for an especially tasty treat.
Age 1 and above
Bring along a baby food scissors, and you’ll be able to feed your baby almost anywhere as long as the food isn’t too greasy or salty—you can adapt adult meals for your child.
Snacks: Cookies, cream puffs, fruit... These are great for staving off hunger between meals, if a meal is delayed, or during long waits at the airport.
Transportation:
Your best options are baby carriers and foldable strollers.
A stroller that can recline, sit upright, and be taken on a plane is truly a lifesaver—it frees up your hands and saves energy.
Unless you’re going hiking or wading through water, it works great in generally flat areas. The baby can sit when tired, sleep when sleepy, use it for storage when not sitting, or even as a makeshift high chair in restaurants without child seating.
If a stroller isn’t practical, opt for a baby carrier. A quality carrier allows you to carry your baby even on hikes.
Travel:
Tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer: When you’re out, you won’t always have access to soap and water. What if your baby touches everything and then wants to eat? These three items are essential.
Sealable plastic bags: Useful for organizing baby food, teething toys, utensils, and other miscellaneous items—keeping things clean and easy to grab.
Anti-lost bags (or straps): During long holidays like National Day, tourist spots will inevitably be packed. Children are small but can run fast, so a high-quality anti-lost bag or strap is clearly important.
Sleep:
Most hotels don’t provide separate pillows or blankets for children.
Bring your child’s usual sleeping pillow, sleeping bag or small blanket, bath towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste. These help your child adapt to new sleeping environments and make it easier to sleep during the trip.
Entertainment:
During waits or rides, few babies will stay perfectly cooperative. That’s when you bring out your secret weapons—their favorite picture books, toys, candies, etc., which can work wonders for soothing them.
For children over age 2, prepare a few downloaded cartoons.
Essential medications:
Fever reducers: acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Fever-reducing medication is the number one must-have for families. Regardless of the cause of fever, whether you’re going to the hospital or not, or the child’s overall condition, once the temperature exceeds 39°C, it should be reduced.
Parents just need to monitor and record the child’s temperature changes.
If you’re only bringing one type of medicine, make it fever-reducing medication. (For information on baby fevers, see 0–6 Years Old: Common Childhood Illnesses—Home Care for Fever)
Diarrhea category: Oral rehydration salts and smectite powder
Diarrhea itself won’t harm your child’s body, but dehydration can cause a range of health issues.
To prevent or treat dehydration, oral rehydration salts III are recommended. If you can only get oral rehydration salts II, dilute them to 750 ml instead of 500 ml.
Also, smectite powder is very effective at stopping diarrhea and has almost no side effects, so you can give it to your child before seeing a doctor. (For information on baby diarrhea, see Diarrhea High Season—Essential Home Care Guide)
External disinfection supplies: Small bottle of iodine tincture, cotton swabs, and band-aids.
Mosquito repellent or mosquito repellent wristbands:
If you’re going to places in nature like the suburbs, botanical gardens, or zoos, it’s best to prepare your child against mosquito bites—bring mosquito repellent and anti-itch creams.
Mom C says
Final reminder—don’t be overly sensitive when you’re out and about.
What are you here for? To have fun!
So don’t expect everything to be as neat and orderly as at home. If your child doesn’t sleep enough or eat well for a few days, and things are a bit messy, the sky won’t fall.
Flight delayed messing up your schedule? Took a wrong turn because of a misunderstood road sign? Hotel not great and you can’t sleep well? Attraction not as beautiful as expected and you’re super disappointed? These things are all totally normal, okay? Stay calm and don’t pass your bad mood on to your child.
Remember that open-minded saying: The person who turns a winding road straight is smart—they found a shortcut. The person who turns a straight road winding is open-minded—they saw more scenery.
Travel with this kind of open-minded attitude, and every place will be the most beautiful scenery.