Planning your baby’s first holiday? Travelling with a little one can feel daunting, especially when you're flying for the first time. From what to pack to choosing a car seat and buggy, a little preparation can make your journey much easier.
If you're flying from Dublin Airport, here are some practical tips to help you and your baby enjoy a smoother start to your holiday.
What Should I Pack When Flying with a Baby?
The key is to keep the essentials easily accessible in your hand luggage. Consider packing:
- Nappies and wipes
- Spare clothes for your baby (and yourself)
- Bottles, formula, and baby food
- Muslin cloths and a changing mat
- A favourite toy or comforter
- Any essential medication
Dublin Airport has dedicated baby feeding rooms in both terminals beyond security, with facilities including bottle warmers, microwaves, and seating.
Travel tip: Pack your changing bag so that the things you need most are easy to reach. You’ll thank yourself later!
Should I Bring or Hire a Car Seat?
If you're hiring a car at your destination, you'll need to plan how your baby will travel once you leave the airport.
You can bring your own car seat or look into hiring one at your destination. Stork Exchange Dublin offers baby equipment rental from Dublin Airport, including car seats and other travel equipment.
Hiring larger baby equipment can be a useful way to reduce the amount you need to bring with you.
Can I Hire a Buggy at Dublin Airport?
If you don't want to travel with your own buggy, baby equipment rental is another option.
Stork Exchange offers a range of pushchairs and travel buggies for hire from Dublin Airport. If you're bringing your own buggy, check your airline's policy before travelling, as requirements can vary.
Dublin Airport requires buggies and prams to go through security screening, so allow a little extra time when travelling through the airport.
Is It Better to Stay Near Dublin Airport Before an Early Flight?
For families with an early morning flight, staying at an airport hotel the night before can make the journey considerably less stressful.
Rather than waking your baby and starting a long drive in the early hours, you can stay close to the terminals and take a little more time getting ready in the morning.
At Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport, our complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle is available for hotel guests and customers using our airport parking facilities.
Our Baby’s First Holiday package also includes a cot prepared in your room, a wipeable playmat, a baby bath seat, children's toiletries, and a soft baby bathrobe.
How Can I Make Travelling with a Baby Easier?
You don't need to keep your baby's entire routine exactly the same while travelling. Instead, bring a few familiar things that can help them settle in new surroundings.
A favourite comforter, toy, book, or sleepwear can provide a little familiarity during a busy travel day.
It's also worth giving yourself more time than you think you'll need. Allow extra time for feeds, nappy changes, airport security, and getting everyone settled before boarding.
What Baby Facilities Are Available at Dublin Airport?
Dublin Airport has facilities designed to make travelling with babies easier, including baby changing areas and dedicated feeding rooms in both terminals.
Checking what's available before you travel can help you feel more prepared and means you'll know where to go if you need somewhere quiet to feed or settle your baby.
Start Baby's First Holiday at Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport
A little preparation can make a big difference when travelling with a baby.
Staying close to Dublin Airport means less time on the road before your flight, while our Baby's First Holiday package takes care of some of the practical details, including a prepared cot and baby-friendly amenities.
With a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, comfortable accommodation, and easy access to Dublin Airport, Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport is a convenient place to begin your family's first adventure.
Because baby's first holiday should be about making memories - not worrying about the logistics.