Cruising with an Infant: Baby Travel Gear for Super Mom

The time has come – after months of learning the ins-and-outs of parenthood, you are finally ready to take your first vacation, a cruise vacation. BUT there are so many anxieties that fill your mind:

Can I take my little one on a cruise?

What do I pack?

Will it be a difficult to travel?

The minimum age to set sail is 6 months old on most cruises, and on transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii and South America cruises, the minimum age to cruise is 12 months. Many cruise lines do an excellent job of accommodating guests traveling with infants; however, there are a few things from Boppy you may want to consider bringing along to take the stress out of travel.

AIRPORT – Teething Scarf

Boppy

Teething Baby | Photo: Boppy®

The most anxiety-riddled part of a vacation is getting to your first destination, and with an infant along for the ride, it can get a bit more difficult to navigate. Six months is prime teething time for your little one which makes the busy airport a daunting task. Between the cries and the drool, you may need a little extra help to keep your sanity.

RELATED: Man the Baby Stations! – We’ve got a ship-load of kids ahead!

Our top tip for airport travel with an infant is the Boppy Teething Scarf. The scarf helps keep your trendy travel attire drool free and stylish, while baby has a perfectly placed teether to help provide comfort and relief for those achy gums. The teether is made of food-grade silicone, and is the preferred option to mom’s jewelry.

EMBARKATION DAY – Comfy Fit Baby Carrier

On a number of cruise lines, you will be given the option to either carry your luggage onboard, or to leave it at the terminal to be brought to your stateroom. For a breezy boarding process, the Comfy Fit Baby Carrier allows you ditch the stroller and easily wrap your little one around yourself.

Its lightweight, soft material clings to your form while the padded waist belt and wide shoulder straps add support. The fabric is weaved with spandex, which makes it move alongside your body with the comfort of yoga apparel. The Comfy Fit Baby Carrier can support babies from 8-35lbs and there is no insert, so it is very easy to use. There is even a zipper pocket in the front to stash additional items, or cookies from the midday buffet

BEACH DAY – Tummy Time Prop

Boppy

Tummy Time Prop | Photo: Photo: Boppy®

Heading to the beach requires a full-beach check list, especially when you are traveling with a 6-month-old. One thing not to forget on the list is Boppy’s Tummy Time Prop. It is lightweight and easy to pack with all of your other beach items. Plus, we found this prop to have enough support to keep your little one elevated, while also keeping them cool. The sand easily brushes off, and the pillow is easy to wash, so sunscreen is no obstacle. The best part is that the Tummy Time Prop comes attached with entertainment, including a nautical-themed plush crinkle toy and teething ring! Perfect for the little cruiser.

Now in its 25th year, Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine is published bi-monthly and available worldwide through digital subscription. It offers the latest news in cruise and travel, with in-depth features on voyages, new ships, the best destinations, readers' picks, onboard cuisine, entertainment, and more!