What are the best activities to plan for traveling with a 3-6 month old baby? At the age of 3-6 months, many babies are happy just looking at interesting things with moving parts, colors, action or nature. It can be an agreeable for a baby at this age to stay happy in a baby carrier, see new things and be outdoors or in interesting places.

Things to do

There’s lots to do with a 3-6 month old, and most of it is still for you (how lucky!). At this age, we continued to travel “for us,” and created ways for our baby to be happy on the road during activities.

Stimulating environments

We suggest looking for stimulating environments, like lights or exhibits with things that move, as nice activities during travel for 3-6 month olds. Taking your infant to a museum, or a gallery or even a children’s zoo are all fair game.

Part of the fun in these is researching interesting trips in your area so that you can consider day trips during parental leave.

Hikes

Hikes with a baby carrier or flat walks in nature are great at 3-6 months, so that babies can see trees and water (some of their favorite things). Some babies closer to 6 months may “appreciate” seeing animals for the first time.

At this age, we used hiking as an activity, and then as an opportunity for nap time, as our baby was a cat-napper at this age (30-40 min). A travel baby carrier (the Baby Tula Carrier Lite) became one of our best assets for hikes.

Beaches

If you have a way to create shade with an umbrella, consider that many families choose to start beach vacations at this age. (Of course, bring a baby tent or a way to keep your baby less sandy.) Once out of the newborn phase, beach vacations are one of the most common types, for families with a young baby.

My tip is to plan for having your infant in the shade, as sunscreen is only recommended at 6+ months, and choose how you’d want your infant to take a nap at the beach, whether in a baby carrier or travel bassinet.

Places parents like

Locales like breweries, wineries, casual food halls or other flexible dining environments can be baby-friendly, and are fun for parents like you. At 3-6 months, babies are in one of their most portable stages, meaning they can bob up and down in a baby carrier and enjoy watching things that move, no matter where.

We had good experiences at breweries with outdoor seating areas when our daughter was this age. We also took her to restaurants, and didn’t need to worry about a high chair, baby seat or booster seat. 3-6 months is a great time to enjoy bringing a baby to places you’ve been wanting to go!

Tips for vacation activities

With the following actionable tips, check out what we recommend as best practices for activities on your itinerary with your 3-6 month old.

Naps

  • Be prepared to coordinate around naps, if your child already has a sleep schedule, or, incorporate sleep on the go.
  • This means doing car rides or baby carrier walks when your baby is expected to be snoozy.
  • If your baby has no schedule with napping, create ways to encourage naps on the go (stroller, car ride, plane ride with your baby carrier).

At this age, you can start using tips for planning naps during travel, especially if your baby has had success with a nap schedule. (And if not, don’t worry)

Walking

Walking around is still a top activity to try, for city trips, walks in small towns, flat hikes or even strolling through museums or shops.

  • If there will be different types of weather, come prepared with a rain shield for the stroller, or a sun flap for a baby carrier.
  • Parents should wear great walking shoes with support, as walking around with a baby carrier means walking with a bunch of extra weight!

Feeding

Feeding on the go is a big part of travel with a young infant and will mostly refer to how and when you feed your baby their milk at this age.

  • Remember: you can breastfeed anywhere! Bring along your nursing cover.
  • Prepare bottles and how to store them if you’ll be out from the hotel for several hours.
  • For feeding solids, all you need in your diaper bag during activities is a bib, a puree (if this is your method of feeding) and maybe a spoon! You can always feed your child in restaurants, breweries, natural areas, shopping centers and rest areas.