Travelling by ferry with a baby

Are you looking to travel with your baby? If you are headed to Ireland, the UK or France, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect. Packing for a baby can feel like a never-ending military operation  with clothes, bottles, nappies, cots, wipes, slings, and car seats on the list of necessary items.

Fortunately, travelling by ferry can alleviate some of the stress of traveling with a young child. Unlike air travel, there are no security lines or luggage restrictions to worry about, and there is plenty of space on board to take care of your little one. Ferry travel with wightlink.co.uk offers a relaxed pace, allowing you to focus on your baby without feeling rushed.

Here are some of the benefits of travelling by ferry as a parent with a baby:

BRING YOUR OWN FOOD

You can bring food for your baby without having to worry about packing it in sandwich bags, and you can take more than what your baby will need, just in case. There are plenty of stations available onboard for heating up bottles of baby formula or baby food and if you or your partner are breastfeeding, there are also comfortable seats on the boat for you to do so.

TAKE A BUGGY OR PRAM

Taking a buggy or pram on board a comfortable and safe place to rest for your baby to rest while allowing you to move around easily. To make things easier on yourself, consider bringing a lighter buggy than usual for the trip.

BRING FAVOURITE TOYS

Bringing a favourite mobile, soft toy or teething ring can provide comfort and entertainment for your little one, depending on their age.

PACK EXTRA CLOTHES

Accidents happen, so it's always a good idea to bring a bag with two sets of clothes for your baby and one for yourself.

UPGRADE TO A LOUNGE

Many parents recommend upgrading to a seat in the lounge. You'll get a comfortable chair, a table for your belongings, plenty of space for both parents and children, complimentary tea, coffee and snacks  and gorgeous views over the sea.

CONSIDER A CABIN

If your baby is under eight weeks old and hasn't yet been vaccinated, consider booking a cabin to keep away from potential illnesses and make the journey more comfortable for the whole family.

While most ferry sailings are very smooth, it's always a good idea to take some sickness pills for yourself, just in case. You can relax and enjoy the journey, as babies under two rarely experience travel sickness.

Traveling by ferry is an excellent option if you're traveling with a baby and young children. With a full-service restaurant and a selection of children's meals, as well as a soft play area, your little ones will be entertained from the moment you board until it's time to disembark.