I love traveling with my family. We’ve been to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and even to Thailand.

But I’m not going to lie: The first time we traveled as a family of three was one of the most challenging trips we’ve ever taken. Sure, there were a few logistical challenges to overcome. But I think the biggest obstacle we had was our own fear and anxiety. We worried about whether we’d be able to keep our baby entertained on long drives; whether he’d be disruptive in a restaurant; and whether he’d sleep at night in an unfamiliar hotel room.

As it turned out, our baby actually did pretty well on that trip — better than we expected him to, in fact! Since then, we’ve travelled with him several times (including a couple more international trips), and every time he amazes us with how adaptable he is.

Now that we have two young kids, traveling has gotten even more fun — and even more challenging! But along the way, I’ve picked up some tips for travelling with babies that you might find useful if you’re planning your first trip with a little one:

1. Bring the Right Gear

The right gear can make all the difference when traveling with a baby, especially if you buy an isofix car seat with Maxi-Cosi. A lightweight stroller, such as the Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller, is easy to maneuver and perfect for navigating busy airports and crowded streets. The stroller can also double as extra storage for diapers, wipes and any other essentials you’ll need to keep close at hand.

You can also use the stroller as a wagon to haul around your luggage — this is especially helpful if you have multiple children in tow. Simply place your suitcase in the basket or strap it onto the stroller handle using easy-to-use accessories like the Buggy Bench or Stroll-Smart™ Handlebar Console.

If you want to keep your hands free so that you can keep an eye on your kids, consider bringing along a baby carrier or sling such as our Solly Baby Wrap or Boba Carrier 4G. Plus, these carriers make for great ways to keep your baby in sight during stops at crowded museums or open-air markets.

2. Pack Lightly

Pack only the basics and make the most of the things you already have. Try to stick with one stroller and one car seat. If you have more than one child, try to find a double stroller that accommodates two children at once. If you plan on flying, check ahead of time to make sure you can use your car seat during the flight. You will also want to make sure your carry-on items are up to date with current TSA regulations.

3. Plan Ahead

If you’re travelling by air or train, call ahead with your airline or railroad company for assistance in getting on the plane first. This will give you plenty of time to get settled in before take-off. If you plan on driving to your destination, consider packing a bag of activities that will keep your child entertained during the trip.