Abu Dhabi

Traveling with a 6-Month-Old: Tips, Tricks, and Must-Haves

Travelling with a baby might sound daunting, but it’s completely doable—and dare I say, even fun! Late February 2024, we packed up our lives (or so it felt) and headed to Abu Dhabi with our 6-month-old. Between poonamis (yes, plural), weaning on the go, and navigating the tiniest airplane changing table, we picked up a few tips that I just have to share.

Here’s how we managed—and how you can too!

Packing Smart (Because Babies Have More Gear Than Adults)

The trick to packing for a family of three? Packing cubes. I swear by these organisational miracles. Pack one cube per night with outfits for the whole family, plus an extra for emergencies. It’s so much easier than rummaging through a suitcase for a vest!

We split essentials between two suitcases so that if one went AWOL, we’d still have what we needed. Trust me, it’s worth it.

My backpack became my grab-and-go hero, filled with:

• Nappies, wipes, and a travel-changing mat (because wrestling a full backpack in the plane’s tiniest bathroom is no fun).
• Extra clothes for both baby and me. Cabin pressure, excitement, or magic? I’m not sure, but poonamis happen. By the end of the flight, fellow passengers were watching to see which outfit our baby would debut next!
• Toys like spinners and rattles to keep her entertained.

Airport Security: Patience is a Virtue

You can bring baby milk, food, and water through security, but each item will be scanned. Every. Single. One. So, give yourself extra time. 

Top Tip: Boots Orders

Pre-order baby essentials (formula, food, toiletries) from Boots and pick them up after security. It doesn’t count toward your luggage allowance, and the box is super handy for the flight. Genius, right? (Check out my Instagram reel for the how-to.)

Flying with a Baby: Our Experience with Bassinet Seats on Emirates

When we flew with Emirates, we requested a bassinet seat to make the journey easier with our little one. The airline staff was helpful and let us know that priority for bassinets is given to younger babies, but luckily, our baby was the youngest needing one on that flight. Ironically, though, she didn’t end up sleeping in it at all! Still, having the extra space and option was a lifesaver, and it’s something we’d recommend requesting if you’re traveling with an infant. Just be prepared for the unexpected—babies have their own plans!

Travel Essentials for Babies

1. Stroller & Carrier Combo

We traveled with the Silver Cross Clic Travel Stroller, which fits in most overhead compartments. For our Emirates flight, they made us check the stroller at the gate, so having a stroller bag meant the stroller would stay clean. I would highly recommend baby wearing if possible giving you free hands and baby close! - baby carrier 

2. Sterilising Made Simple

Milton sterilising tablets were my travel must have. After security, I popped a tablet into a travel sterilising container with bottled water and rotated bottles for the next feed. On the plane, we packed spare bottles instead of stressing about cleaning mid-flight.

3. Weaning on the Road

Our little one was starting solids, so we brought Ella’s Kitchen pouches for convenience. At the hotel, we embraced fresh, soft fruits that were perfect for baby’s first tastes. Weaning vests made mealtime mess-free, even in fancy restaurants.

4. Plane-Friendly Formula

We used Aptamil travel bottles for the flight—no prepping, no stress. Once we arrived, we switched to powdered formula and our Tommee Tippee GoPrep for easy feeds.

Beach and Pool Fun

Late February in Abu Dhabi offered warm days and cool evenings—ideal for pool and beach outings. We brought:

• • A swimming suit to keep baby warm and sun-protected.
• • The cutest baby sunglasses (practical and adorable).
• • A swimming float for splashing around.
• • A rechargeable pram fan to wrap around the stroller or loungers to keep everyone cool.

Skincare for Sensitive Skin

Sun protection was a must! We used Child’s Farm sunscreen for her sensitive skin. After research, it came out on top—and it’s reasonably priced.

The Perks of Joining the Travel Business

Just before traveling, I joined the travel business—and I’m so glad I did! Although I had already booked the trip beforehand (don’t remind me how much we could have earned back!), I asked for a hotel tour as an agent. It turned out to be the best decision ever. On arrival, we were treated to VIP services, an upgrade, the famous gold coffee, and even champagne afternoon tea on the beach.

Perks of the business, ay? If you’d like to learn more about the travel business and how you can enjoy benefits like these, click here.
 

Here’s to stress-free (and fun!) family adventures!

Shopping List - Shop my recommended products to make your holidays as enjoyable as mine! From travel essentials to baby-friendly must-haves, these items are perfect for a smooth, stress-free journey with your little one.

Packing Cubes

Travel Changing Mat 

Suction Spinners

Silver Cross Clic Travel Stroller

Silver Cross Clic Stroller Bag

Milton Steriliser Tablets

Weaning Vests

Tommee Tippee GoPrep

Swimming Suit

Rechargeable Pram Fan

Children’s Farm Sunscreen