Headphones for Toddlers? Yes!

When I first became a parent, I was certain I was going to limit my daughter’s screen time to an hour a week of highly educational programming that would stimulate and instruct. Then I remembered that I was television producer with a great love of garbage reality television. Truthfully, the TV is on A LOT in our house.

But even though my kids were and are no stranger to screens, when we would fly were immediately attracted to the seat-back entertainment. In the olden days we lugged along our portable DVD player and new DVDs, as well as a few old favourites.

Nowadays, tablets make our lives easier (and lighter) in terms of keeping our kids’ attention. And this bodes well for those of you who actually do rigorously limit your kids’ screen time. You’ll likely have a captive audience (pun intended) to whatever app you let them play with or show you let them watch.

Toddler tech has come a long way!

Paw Patrol should be seen and not heard

When my kids were really little, they were happy enough to just watch the screen. But the time soon comes where they want to listen as well. And not everyone, including yourself, wants to listen to Dora. Or Paw Patrol. Or Mickey. (Actually, I don’t mind Mickey, but I’m not certain my fellow passengers want to listen to the “Hot Dawg” song for the trillionth time). So you need headphones for toddlers.

THE Cutest Headphones for Toddlers

We have two pairs of these adorable headphones from Califone: Panda ones and Tiger ones. They also come in Bear. They fit little heads and have a separate volume adjustment on the cord, so you can be certain the noise levels aren’t too loud for their ears. And they adjust to fit grown-up heads to watch a real movie if your kids fall asleep on the plane. (A girl can dream, can’t she?)

You can order these adorable (and inexpensive!) headphones via Amazon

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• A Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Baby Travel Gear Essentials
• Toddler Tech, Baby Headphones & Travel Accessories
• What to Bring to the Beach with Babies & Toddlers
• Baby Beach Tents & Portable Sun Shelters
• Portable Toddler Beds for Travel
• Best Travel Cribs & Sleep Accessories
• Potty Training Travel Tips
• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age & Stage

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All About Baby Club Med…

Baby Club Med is an optional program for babies and toddlers ages four to 23 months that is available at select Club Med locations around the world. Our daughter was two when we visited Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, and the G.O.s that run the baby program there at the time were international Early Childhood Education students.

We were first-time helicopter parents who had never left their baby with anyone other than family before. And we were able to hang out and use the facilities with our daughter so we could spy on observe the G.O.s in action. Ultimately we were confident enough to leave our daughter in their care and enjoy some grown-up time that may or may not have included hiding behind palm trees to spy on them see what they were up to.

Children two and under are welcome and always free to stay at most Club Meds. Using the baby services is completely optional. You can sign up your baby once you arrive at your resort and pay per use. Unlike some other resorts with baby clubs, Baby Club Med services are an additional fee.

Baby Club Med: Locations

Baby Club Med services are available at 11 Club Med resorts around the world: Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Ixtapa Pacific in Mexico, Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon,Valmorel, Les Arcs Panorama, and Opio en Provence in France, Da Balaia in Portugal, Albion Plantation in Mauritius, Bali (Indonesia), Cherating Beach in Malaysia, and Phuket in Thailand.

Valmorel is a ski destination, but Valmorel offers summer programs for your holiday with baby as well. 

Baby Club Med: Amenities 

Baby Club Med G.O.s offer complete baby and toddler supervision and activities for children as young as four-months-old and up to 23-months. The activities are age-appropriate and fun. They include outdoor walks, sing-a-longs, playing dress-up, and chasing bubbles. There is usually a shaded, shallow splash pool, as well as an area for sand play. 

It is up to you if you want to leave your child for naps and meals. There is a napping area with cots and cribs that is quiet and cool. The kids have their own eating area, and you are welcome to join them for lunch and snacks if you like.

But even if you choose not to leave your baby, all resorts that offer it also supply a number of baby and toddler amenities. Baby gear like cribs, change tables, high chairs, and bath tubs are available for your room. 

For additional supervision and care, Baby Club Med organizes the nightly “Pyjamas Club” with quiet activities and bedtime. You pick up your (hopefully already asleep) bundle of joy after a grown-up evening of amazing food and drinks. Alternately, you can arrange for private babysitting in your room with one of the G.O.s.

Baby Club Med: Food

Food-wise, “The Baby Corner”of the main restaurant features a baby-friendly buffet and a selection of baby food jars, as well as a bottle warmer and microwave. There is also the aforementioned “Baby Restaurant” where babies and toddlers enjoy balanced (and yummy!) meals prepared just for them, with you or as part of Baby Club Med. The resorts also offer bottle rooms or “Biberonneries” that are open 24/7 and offer a sterilizer, bottle warmer, microwave, bottled water, and a small selection of prepared baby food jars.

Baby Club Med: Fees

The Baby Club Med resort amenities like the cribs food and bottle rooms are included in your stay. The supervision services, the Pyjamas Club, and private babysitting can be reserved in advance or once you’ve arrived. The fees for these services are not included in your stay and can be paid onsite.

The fees vary from location to location but the cost is usually around US $100/day with a half-day rate available. You can save some money if you decide to book these services in advance. 

Additional Information:

In order to use Baby Club Med facilities and services, you must show proof that your baby’s scheduled vaccinations are up-to-date. Check to see if your chosen destination requires additional travel vaccinations for babies and toddlers.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Club Med Ixtapa Pacific at Tripadvisor

See Also:

• A Review of Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
• Best Resorts for Babies and Toddlers
• Resorts with Baby Clubs in the Caribbean and Mexico
• Dominican Republic Resorts with Baby Clubs
• Jamaica Resorts with Baby Clubs
• Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs
• Mexico Resorts with Baby Clubs
• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age and Stage
• Tips for Sun Safety for Babies & Toddlers + What to Bring to the Beach
• Infant Travel: Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier…

*Additional photos courtesy Club Med

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

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Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo Vacations in Cuba

Before I booked, I didn’t realize that Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are essentially just hotel strips. No town, no shops, and no Cubans… Except, of course, for those working at the resorts. There were plenty of excursions. But, with a baby in tow, I prefer to do our own thing on our own time. I don’t want the worry of throwing a busload of people off schedule. Plus, it’s enough to stay put in a resort for a week, we want to do at least a little exploring by ourselves.

So I’m glad I read about Playa Pilar, or Pilar Beach, before we went.

Getting to Playa Pilar

There’s a public bus that goes from resort to resort along Cayo Coco and then Cayo Guillermo, ending up at Playa Pilar. The fare is $5 CAD or USD or 5 Euro return, and kids are free. We expected a large coach, which all the tourists are carted around on. When a 16-passenger van pulled up, I gulped at our large beach bag and stroller. Somehow it all fit and we were on our (very bumpy) way.

*Note* the public relations person at our hotel mentioned that if the bus fills up at the resorts previous to yours, they simply won’t stop at your resort. You have no way of knowing if this will happen! Ours was 4th from the top so we took our chances. The ride from Cayo Coco to Playa Pilar took about an hour.

Arriving at Playa Pilar

Once you leave the bus, you walk along a wooden bridge for a fair bit, and when you come to the end, this is what you see:

Playa Pilar Is Worth the Trip

The sand is so very soft. And even though it was quite windy on the day we went, the slope into the water is so extensive that by the time the waves hit the shore they’re very gentle.

Apparently, on calmer days, small catamarans and glass bottom boats are there to take you out to the reef. Unfortunately we brought our lifejackets and snorkel gear for nothing.

The wind was cool, but that made the water seem warmer.

Facilities and Food at Playa Pilar

Lounge chairs are $10 for the day, which includes three drinks.

The washrooms and showers are very clean. Bring your own TP or tip the lovely lady for some toilet paper.

My then almost-9-month-old found the sand quite delicious (in spite of my best efforts!). There’s a restaurant there in case you fancy a snack, a beer, an ice cream, or a coffee.

Note that there is very little to no natural shade at Playa Pilar. You will want to bring a baby beach tent or travel beach umbrella.

Returning back to the hotel…

You’re given a schedule for the return bus trips to the resorts.

I was a little concerned about what would happen if there were too many people to fit on the bus back, but the woman assured me that we’d be fine. Sure enough, a large coach came for the final departure at 5pm, and we returned back at our hotel by 6.

The beach at our resort was lovely, but Playa Pilar was a great little escape for the day.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• A Month in Cuba with a Baby and Toddler
• Cuba Vacations with Kids: Fast Facts for Families
• Is it Safe for My Toddler to Drink the Milk in Cuba?
• Resorts with Baby Clubs in Mexico and the Caribbean
• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• Tips for Visiting Mexico and the Caribbean with a Baby or Toddler
• Travel Vaccinations for Babies & Toddlers

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I have never been to Las Vegas. It’s probably the last place I would think of visiting with my kids. At least it was until I was surprised by a Vegas hotel’s reaction to complaints about a breastfeeding mom. I want a grown-up getaway there with days filled with cocktails instead of sippy cups and high heels instead of flip flops. Reader Helene Vece grew up and has lived in Las Vegas for the last 35 years, and she’s sharing top tips for Las Vegas with kids. Thanks, Helene! 

Las Vegas for Toddlers

Las Vegas and toddlers normally aren’t associated as two things that go together. But, they really are! Parents with young children shouldn’t miss out on visiting the famous Las Vegas Strip because of travel concerns. In reality, Sin City has tons of activities for toddlers!

The DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, the Fountains of Bellagio, the Coney Island Emporium, and Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat are just a few of the baby and toddler-friendly attractions in Las Vegas. The best part? They are all affordable and located on glitzy Las Vegas Boulevard! Parents can see the sights while children delight in engaging and educational attractions.

The Bellagio

First, let’s address the main concern for most moms: bathroom breaks while walking the Strip. Baby-friendly bathrooms in Las Vegas are hit and miss, except for The Bellagio! The bathrooms inside this beautiful resort are extra-large! Moms with young children don’t have to cram into a single stall with their child. The Bellagio has plenty of room for mom, a few toddlers, and a stroller.

The separate sitting (nursing) areas built into the lobby bathrooms are an appreciated comfort. The Bellagio is a wonderful place for families to visit because the resort is clean and the attractions are free. Little children are always fond of the dancing fountains out front of the hotel, which go off every 15 minutes. The Bellagio also hosts an indoor flower conservatory that is free.

Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Another great activity for those traveling with children is the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The tickets prices are very reasonable. Parents can take children in strollers to the bottom level of the Habitat for an up close and personal view of the dolphins. Large glass windows allow children to press their hands and faces against the glass as dolphins swim about. Sometimes they even come face-to-face with the children! The Habitat has a large cat section filled with lions and tigers, but no bears-oh my! The lions do brag about with furious growls, so use your discretion when it comes to visiting this section of the Habitat.

Coney Island Emporium

The Coney Island Emporium located within the New York New York Hotel is fun for parents looking to stroll around, grab a quick bite and keep the younger ones entertained. The carnival games may be for school-aged children, but the lights and sounds will make toddlers “ooh” and “awe”.

Plus, the Coney Island Emporium has great ice cream. The hotel’s bathrooms do offer changing stations that will do the trick, but they are nowhere in comparison to those at The Bellagio.

DISCOVERY Children’s Museum

About ten minutes from all the glitz and glitter of the hotels is the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum. The Museum is on Las Vegas Blvd. but families will have to take a cab to get to the location and back. Everything in Las Vegas looks close, but the Museum really isn’t. General admission tickets are $17 and local resident tickets are $13.50. There is no charge for babies who a year old or younger.

The Museum has lots to offer toddlers and the building was designed to accommodate parents traveling with several bags and multi-child strollers. Every exhibit, and there are over a hundred, incorporates an educational component.

Las Vegas has many fun (often free) activities for toddlers. And, there are several hotels that offer daycare or in-room babysitting in their concierge office.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

Many thanks to Vanessa at Desumama.com for the picture of her daughters at the Children’s Museum. Check out her original review here.

See Also:

• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• Tips for Sun Safety for Babies & Toddlers + What to Bring to the Beach
• Resorts with Baby Clubs in Mexico and the Caribbean
• Tips for Visiting Mexico & the Caribbean with Babies and Toddlers
• Is Beaches Turks & Caicos Worth the Money?
• Walt Disney World with a Baby or Toddler

Las Vegas photo courtesy Bob Townsend

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Without a doubt, Centre Island is one of our favourite spots in Toronto.

And the ferry ride to get there not only delights toddlers, but is part of the feeling that you’re escaping the city when you’re still in the heart of it.

Well, once said toddler gets over the disappointment of taking a ferry and not a *fairy*

Centre Island & Toronto Islands Park

There are very few weeping Willow trees left in Toronto. Their destructive root systems mean the city cut most of them down years ago. So the Willows swaying in the breeze are one of the first things I notice when we step off the ferry. Instantly it’s easier to breathe as the kids toddle off along the path.

Because Centre Island is part of the Toronto Islands Park, there are plenty of clean washrooms that have change tables. The paths are all really well maintained. It’s a breeze for any kind of stroller. If you’re the active type, bring your bike with baby seat or trailer and zip around the island. The greenspace along the lake is so lovely. Keep in mind that Hanlan’s Point Beach is clothing optional. You may see a little more nature than you intended as you pass by there. There’s plenty of shady spots for a picnic, and to feed baby.

Centreville

The small amusement park, Centreville, is a total favourite of my kids, which I think is wonderful as it was my favourite too. Even the tiniest toddler can go on some rides solo, and my kids are delighted to wave to me from the flying bees. Admission to the park is free, but ride ticket prices vary. Small toddlers can probably get by with purchasing tickets as you go (it’s free for mom or dad to accompany tots on some like the historic Carousel), but it may make sense to purchase wristbands for older toddlers and preschoolers, especially if they love the rides. Keep in mind that lines are shorter in the morning, and during weekdays.

Food on Centre Island

It’s pretty much typical fast food available at Centreville, but the pizza is fresh and not a bad deal. You can (usually) purchase milk at the Pizza Pizza. The sit-down restaurant is pretty good. Our preference is to pack most of our snacks and drinks for our visit.

Getting to Centre Island

Even though the ferries start running at 8am, Centreville doesn’t open until 10:30. My advice for early birds is to walk through the park to the Far Enough Farm, an adorable little farm on the edge of the island where you can check out the chickens, pigs, horses, and cows. There’s even several peacocks roaming around, showing off their colours. The Far Enough Farm, along with Riverdale Farm, are always open and always free – for now anyway.

Ferry tickets are $9.11 return for adults, and $5.86 for seniors and students. Youths 14 and under are $4.29, and children 2 and under are free. Centreville is open daily from the beginning of June until the beginning of September, and weekends in May and September. Deals on ride passes are sometimes available on their website. The Far Enough Farm is open year ’round. In the summer, ferries run every 15min from 8am until 11:45pm.

Just 12 minutes away from downtown on the ferry and you’re worlds away from the city. Centre Island is the perfect outing with baby.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

View Larger Map

See Also:

• 5 Tips for Visiting Centreville Amusement Park with a Baby or Toddler
• Visiting the Theme Parks at Walt Disney World with Babies & Toddlers
• The Complete Guide to Canada’s Wonderland with Babies & Toddlers
• Tips & Tricks for Visiting Walt Disney World with Three Kids
• Best Walt Disney World Rides for Babies & Toddlers
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Baby Travel Destinations
• Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers
• 5 Reasons to Love Travel with a Stroller
• Planning Your First Trip with Baby

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Air travel is expensive. And as additional fees are added and added, families bear the brunt since flying with children often comes with additional luggage and extra gear. Charging families extra for assigned seating with their minor children feels like salt in the wound.

Here a list of airlines that let families sit together for free. This is close to being legally required. Until then, maybe support the airlines that aren’t gouging parents.

Airlines That Let Families Sit Together for Free:

Air Canada

Policy: Air Canada provides complimentary seat assignments for parents/guardians and children under 14 traveling together.​

Details: Families are automatically seated together when booking. If adjacent seating isn’t possible, Air Canada offers alternative flight options or a full refund.

Air Transat

Policy: Air Transat assigns adjacent standard seats for free to children aged 2–13 and their parents/guardians on the same booking.​

Details: Seats are grouped together and assigned by the system 14 days prior to departure.

Alaska Airlines

Policy: Alaska guarantees adjacent seats for children 13 or under and an accompanying adult at no additional cost for all fare types.

Details: Alaska uses technology during booking to seat families together. If seats aren’t available during the online process, customers are encouraged to contact reservations, and Alaska will manually assign seats together at no additional cost. Applies even on Saver fares.

EVA Air

Policy: Strives to seat children under 14 near their parent or guardian at no extra charge on flights to and from Canada.​

Details: Proximity depends on the child’s age, with specific seating arrangements outlined by the airline.

Frontier Airlines

Policy: Frontier automatically assigns seats to ensure children 13 and under are seated with an accompanying adult at no extra cost.

Details: Frontier’s system blocks specific seats to reserve for family seating. When a reservation includes a child, the system assigns adjacent seats automatically 24 hours before check-in. Customers do not need to pay for seat selection to sit together.

JetBlue Airways

Policy: Guarantees adjacent seating for children 13 and under traveling with an adult, applicable to all fare classes, including Blue Basic.

Details: JetBlue uses automated seat mapping to ensure family seating during booking. If a suitable arrangement isn’t available, JetBlue invites customers to contact support and will assign seats manually—without added fees. Applies to all fare types.

Singapore Airlines

Policy: Offers free standard seat selection for families traveling with young children on the same booking.​

Details: Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, excluding emergency exit rows.

WestJet

Policy: WestJet guarantees that children under 14 will be seated with an adult at no extra charge.​

Details: If seats aren’t available at booking, WestJet will assign seats to ensure children sit next to at least one adult in the travel group.

Airlines with Limited or No Guarantees for Family Seating

Some airlines may attempt to seat families together but do not guarantee it without potential extra charges:​

Delta Air Lines:

Delta strives to seat family members together upon request but does not guarantee it, especially on Basic Economy fares.

United Airlines:

The first adult listed on the reservation can sit next to up to two children in their party for free.

Southwest Airlines:

Southwest Airlines operates on an open seating policy; families with children aged six or younger are allowed to board during Family Boarding, but specific seats are not guaranteed. ​

Tips for Ensuring Families Can Sit Together on a Plane:

• Book Early: The earlier you book, the more seating options are available.​
• Single Reservation: Ensure all family members are on the same booking to facilitate seating together.​
• Check Airline Policies: Review the specific airline’s family seating policy during the booking process.​
• Contact the Airline: If you’re unable to select seats together online, call the airline’s customer service for assistance.​
• Arrive Early: Early check-in increases the chances of securing seats together.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• Baby Travel Destinations
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with a Newborn Baby
• Information & Tips for Traveling with a Baby or Toddler
• Tips for Road Trips with a Baby or Toddler
• 5 Reasons to Love Travel with a Stroller

Photo by Kirill Pershin on Unsplash

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Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler

Considering visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a baby or toddler? Children under the age of three do not have to pay for park admission. So, why not bring them along for some fun?

When it opened in 1981, Canada’s Wonderland was the first major theme park in Canada. And it remains the largest amusement park in Canada. 

I’ve been a gazillion times! So, if you’re thinking of visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a baby or toddler, I can help plan your day and make the most of your trip.

Baby Care Centres:

Like visiting Walt Disney World with a baby or toddler, Canada’s Wonderland has taken Mickey’s cue and created Baby Care Centres for their small guests and their parents. For the one park there are two centres, one in KidZville and the other in Medieval Faire. There is also a baby care centre in Splash Works water park. While there are change tables in the washrooms and most restaurants in the park can warm bottles, Canada’s Wonderland’s baby care centres offer a little respite for baby and for parent to chill out, recharge, and head back out to the park.

The Basics:

• Stroller

Since a day at Canada’s Wonderland involves lots of walking, bring your stroller or a wagon. But, if you’re past full-time stroller use and/or you have a toddler or preschooler along who tires easily, you can rent a stroller for the day. The strollers at Canada’s Wonderland are the molded plastic ones that you’ll find at Disney World or the Toronto Zoo. The rental fee for a single stroller is $17 plus tax (+$5 refundable deposit) and for a double stroller is $26 plus tax (+$5 refundable deposit). Your deposit is refunded when the stroller is returned in good condition.

Canada’s Wonderland stroller rental is located on the far left as you enter the park.

• Outside Food

You are not allowed to bring outside food, beverages, or coolers into Canada’s Wonderland. However, baby food and formula are permitted, as well as plastic bottled water. Although, if food allergies are a concern, they have a detailed page on their website outlining safe food options at the park that cover most dietary requirements. So if you or a member of your group has a severe food allergy, please contact Canada’s Wonderland before your visit for more information,

• Other Essentials

You don’t need to go crazy and follow a list like our carry-on packing list. But, you want to make sure you’re not purchasing necessities if you don’t have to:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• A change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Hat(s)
• Permitted baby food, snacks, and/or formula
• Bottles/drinking cups
• Pacifier and clip
• Swimwear and towels if visiting Splash Works
• Soft infant carrier or sling for naps/comfort

Our Guide to Eating, Sleeping, Playing & Getting Around Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler…

Eating at Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler:

You are allowed to bring in baby food and formula when visiting Wonderland with a baby or toddler. This is pretty much the only outside food permitted in the park. However, if you need or want to supplement what you’ve packed, there are lots of healthy (and not so healthy, because Wonderland) options available to purchase.

Your best bet would be either the MarketPlace International Buffet, which offers a salad bar and a fresh fruit bar, and KidZville Snacks, which sells fresh fruit and fruit cups alongside its fast-food options.

Like most major theme parks in Canada and beyond, eating at Canada’s Wonderland is not inexpensive. However, they have a number of dining and drink plans available that offer great value for the money.              

I am probably not the best one to seek answers about the healthiest food options at Wonderland, simply because I could not wait to celebrate “Baby’s First Funnel Cake” when my son was a toddler. Literally that’s all I would eat there if I could get away with it.

Sleeping at Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler:

Unlike, say, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there really aren’t many (or even any) cool and/or quiet places to take baby for a stroller walk. Canada’s Wonderland is hopping! If there’s no chance of a nap simply by the sheer act of riding around in the stroller on a hot afternoon, you may consider dropping the nap for the day. Or you could try heading out to the parking lot and picnic area for a quieter place to wander with baby.

Playing at Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler:

Best Rides at Canada’s Wonderland for Babies and Toddlers:

Canada’s Wonderland has two family-friendly areas within the park, KidZville and Planet Snoopy. And there are more than 25 kids attractions suitable for most little kids. However, unlike the vast number of rides for babies and toddlers at Disney World, a number of these rides are not suitable for lap or “handheld” infants.

From their guest assistance guide, Wonderland’s definition of a lap or handheld infant is:

Hand-Held Infants: Hand-held infants are children who are unable to independently walk or maintain seated postural control.

The rides at Wonderland that do permit lap or handheld infants are: Antique Carousel, Character Carousel, and the ground level of the Maple Park Treehouse.

KidZville

KidZville rides skew older than those at Planet Snoopy. But don’t despair if you want to ride the latest monster coaster, Yukon Striker while visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a baby… They have a “Parent Swap” program. Wait in line as a family and tell the ride attendant when it’s your turn. Then, one will ride and the other will hold the child. When the first rider returns, they swap out.

Measure your child when you arrive at the park. Have them wristbanded so there will be no confusion (or tears) as to whether or not your child is allowed to go on a ride. My daughter was 36″ on her 2nd birthday and my son reached that height well before. And that is the absolute minimum height for some Wonderland kids rides. 

KidZville Rides for Babies & Toddlers:

Blast Off

Blast Off is like a mini Drop Zone. Riders must be at least 36″ to go on. You do not have to accompany your child but if you are over five feet tall you must ride with  a child.

Flying Eagles

In the Flying Eagles‘ unique carriages, the ride starts with spinning at a high speed, that increases so as to rise above the ground. Once in the air, you can control your carriage’s flight by heading up or down. Guests must be 44″ tall to ride alone or 36″ tall if with a companion.

Frequent Flyers

This is a cute combo of miniature hot air ballons and a Ferris wheel. Guests must be less than 60″ tall to ride. Handheld infants are not permitted.

Jokey’s Jalopies

These old-fashioned cars are a classic. Like the ones at Centreville, I used to imagine I could manouvre it off the track and drive around in it. You can’t actually do that, BTW. Each car sits four people and guests must be 46″ tall to ride alone or be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted.

Jumpin’ Jet

This airplane that zooms up and down, both clockwise and counter-clockwise, will prep your kids for future swoopy rides. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ tall must be with a child. There is a maximum of one adult per row.

KidZville Station

This very cute miniature train ride fits four people per car. It slowly chugs its way around the track set up in  alightly wooded area. Riders must be 40″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Maple Park Treehouse

The Maple Park Treehouse is a large play structure with bridges, slides, and climbing structures to explore. Guests over 54″ tall must be accompanied by a child. Hand-held infants are permitted on the ground level. The ground level is also wheelchair accessible.

Sugar Shack

Similar to the Mad Tea Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, these maple syrup buckets will spin you while you spin yourself–as fast or as slow as you can manage. Riders must be 44″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ tall must be accompanied by a child and there is a maximum of one adult per car.

Swing Time

A miniature version of the classic rotating swing ride, Swing Time features a child-size chair swing with free hanging seats suspended from a gently rotating tower. An individual lap bar and a between-the-leg safety belt secures each rider. Guests must be between 36″ and 54″ tall to ride.

Taxi Jam

Taxi Jam is a small, steel roller coaster for kids. It’s designed to be a child’s first roller coaster at Canada’s Wonderland. Guests must be 40″ tall to ride alone or 36″ tall with a parent or guardian. Guests over 60″ tall must be accompanied by a child.

Treetop Adventure

These very cute small helicopters make their way slowly around an elevated track. You can make it go a bit faster by pedaling! Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Planet Snoopy Rides for Babies & Toddlers

Boo Blasters on Boo Hill

This ride is similar to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. You aim and shoot targets with a laser gun, and you compete for high score with your seatmate. It’s dark and noisy. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted.

Character Carousel

Wonderland’s Character Carousel is a child-sized version of a traditional carousel. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and all of the Peanuts characters spin with 20 beautiful horses and two chariots. Guests must be 46″ tall to ride alone or be accompanied by an adult. Handheld infants are permitted in chariot seating. Guests over 60″ tall must be accompanied by a child and are not permitted to ride on a jumper horse.

Ghoster Coaster

The Ghoster Coaster is most Toronto kids’ first real roller coaster experience. It’s still a great ride for adults! Riders must be 46″ tall to go on alone or 40″ tall with a parent or guardian.

Joe Cool’s Dodgem School

If your toddler is 36″ and up and is of a sturdy sort, they might enjoy Joe Cool’s Dodgem School. This classic bumper car ride promises strong side to side movement and rapidly changing forces and direction. Guests must be between 36″ and 54″ tall to ride.

Lucy’s Tugboat

This is a mini version for the classic midway swinging pirate ship ride. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ tall must be with a child and there is a maximum of one adult per row.

Peanuts 500

This little race car ride doesn’t look like much, but every parent I know loves it. The spin around the corners is really fast and fun. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Sally’s Love Buggies

Sally’s Love Buggies are little cars that go round and round and up and down and you control how high with a handle. Riders must be 44″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Snoopy’s Revolution

This is Snoopy’s version of a mini Ferris wheel. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Snoopy’s Space Race

These are little rocket ships that gently spin and go up in the air. Riders must be shorter than 60″ to ride. Handheld infants are not permitted.

Snoopy Vs. Red Baron

Ah yes, that pesky Red Baron that Snoopy has up against since time immemorial. The miniature fighter planes go up and down as the ride rotates around in a circle. Riders use a joystick to control the elevation of their unit. Guests must be between 36″ and 60″ tall to ride. Lap infants are not permitted.

Snoopy’s Space Race

Miniature rockets (featuring Astronaut Snoopy and his assistant Woodstock) gently spin and raise riders up in the air. Guests must be less than 60″ tall to ride. Hand-held infants are not permitted.

Swan Lake

These classic swan boats are similar to the ones at Centre Island. It’s a great little break to paddle around the little pond whild surrounded by all the busy-ness. Riders must be 48″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ must be with a child. There is a maximum of one adult per boat.

The Pumpkin Patch

This ride is kind of like a horizontal Ferris wheel. The little pumpkins spin independently as the ride goes around and around. Each pumpkin seats four and riders must be 44″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ must be with a child.

Woodstock Whirlybirds

This ride is similar to The Pumpkin Patch except you can spin your nest as it goes around and it also rocks a bit up and down. Riders must be 40″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ must be with a child. There is a maximum of one adult per car.

Main Park Rides for Babies & Toddlers

Antique Carousel

Wonderland’s Antique Carousel is almost 100-years-old and features 64 original hand-carved horses (24 stationary and 42 jumpers) and two chariots. Guests must be 46″ tall to ride alone or must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are permitted in the chariot seating. Service animals are welcome.

Flying Canoes

The Flying Canoes is a family ride where guests go up, down, and around in a big canoe. Riders can control how high tto fly by the press of a button. Guests must be 48″ tall to ride alone or 36″ tall if with a parent or guardian. Lap infants are not permitted.

Shows and Attractions at Canada’s Wonderland for Babies and Toddlers:

Since there isn’t too many rides for very small guests, visiting Wonderland with a baby or toddler is more about the shows. All of the performances at Canada’s Wonderland are family-friendly. The Victoria Falls High Divers leap off Wonder Mountain four times daily. Every day at 5:00pm,the Peanuts Block Party takes over Planet Snoopy. Five times per day, Snoopy’s Dog Days of Summer show features singing and dancing at the Playhouse Theatre. And Snoopy’s Symphony of Water takes place four times per day. Snoopy conducts the fountains in front of Wonder Mountain to dance along to music.

In the summer months, don’t miss KidZfest, with live entertainment and dance parties, and visits from your favourite TV characters such as Thomas & Friends, Toopy & Binoo, ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks, Bob the Builder, Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora the Explorer, and MARVEL© Superheroes!

Visit the Canada’s Wonderland website for a complete list of shows and showtimes.

Canada’s Wonderland’s Splash Works with a Baby or Toddler:

Of course you know that there’s a whole other park inside Canada’s Wonderland. The Splash Works water park has been open since 1992. Entrance is free with your park admission or Season Pass.

Life jackets are available and free to use, and please take measures for pool and sun safety. 

The Lakeside Lagoon, as well as the Pumphouse and Sprayground, can be busy but can also be lots of fun for mobile toddlers. Handheld infants must have direct adult supervision. If your toddler is over 36″ they’ll love the water slides at Lakeside Lagoon. Lap infants are not permitted down the slides.

The Supersoaker, The Plunge, Riptide Racer, and Whirlwinds waterslides all have a minimum height requirement of 40″ for a child who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Lazy River

All children under 48″ must wear a life jacket in the Lazy River. You float with inner tubes through the quarter mile-long track. Children under 42″ may ride with their parent or guardian in the same inner tube. 

Waterways

These smaller water slides allow children 36″ and over to ride down alone or choose to go with their parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over five feet must be with a child.

White Water Bay

White Water Bay is one of Canada’s largest outdoor wave pools. The waves come fast and furious for five minutes and then there’s a five-minute break. Eveyone under 48″ must wear a life jacket. Wave pools are super fun but please watch your children closely and stick to the shallower end with your small children.

Getting Around Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler:

Compared to Disney World or Universal, Canada’s Wonderland is not that big. However, it’s totally possible to spend the entire day here–from opening to closing–without running out of things to do. Prepare for LOTS of walking. We mentioned this previously, but don’t even think about visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a baby without a stroller.  Make sure you and your chldren are wearing comfortable shoes. 

Also, you may also wish to bring along a soft carrier or sling. Sometimes, for a nap or just for comfort, being able to wear baby is an option if they’re fussing.

Lastly, if you don’t want to spend your entire day in KidZville and Planet Snoopy, when you enter the park, head to the left of the fountains and start your day with the Antique Carousel. Then, make your way around the park clockwise.

Visiting Wonderland with Children with Autism or Special Needs:

Canada’s Wonderland is accessible and inclusive. In addition to their Baby Care Centres, they offer a Quiet Room located at Guest Services for those with sensory processing concerns. Ride accommodations can be made. Consult their downloadable Guest Assistance Guide for their complete policies and for futher information you can consult Wonderland’s Guest Services team prior to your visit, or check in with them upon arrival at the park.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
visiting Canada’s Wonderland at TripAdvisor

See Also:

• Visiting the Theme Parks at Walt Disney World with Babies & Toddlers
• Tips & Tricks for Visiting Walt Disney World with Three Kids
• Best Walt Disney World Rides for Babies & Toddlers
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Baby Travel Destinations
• Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers
• 5 Reasons to Love Travel with a Stroller
• Planning Your First Trip with Baby

My family received complimentary admission to Canada’s Wonderland. All opinions remain my own.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

The post Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

How to Gate Check a Stroller

Looking for gate checking stroller tips?

Maybe you’ve bit the bullet and bought a travel stroller. Or perhaps you’re schlepping along your trusty old jogging stroller. If you’re bringing your stroller when you’re flying with baby, you’ll need to gate check it.

This seemed really complicated to me before I actually did it. But honestly, it’s nothing. Depending on your airline, your stroller simply needs to fold.

**CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF THE DIFFERENT AIRLINE GATE CHECKING STROLLER POLICIES**

When you check in with your luggage, tell the counter person that you want to gate check your stroller. They’ll either give you a tag to affix, or they’ll put it on your stroller themselves. If your stroller needs to be folded in two pieces (I’m looking at you, Bugaboo) you’ll get two tags – one for each part.

I don’t necessarily believe you need to purchase a lighter stroller specifically for travel. However, some airlines (like American Airlines, for example) have re-jigged their gate-checking policies so that only light ones may be gate checked.

With our jogging stroller, I was concerned we’d have to deflate the tires. We didn’t, but I had a small pump and a patch kit in our carry-on anyway, just in case we got a flat on our trip. In most cases the stroller was waiting for us as we deplaned, but in smaller Caribbean destinations like Cuba, we retrieved it at the baggage claim. I have heard horror stories about having to retrieve your stroller at baggage claim at big airports like Heathrow. It doesn’t hurt to have a lightweight carrier or sling in your carry-on just in case you have to trek a ways to pick up your wheels.

Gate Checking Stroller Info: Before You Board

Buckle all straps and empty the basket completely before folding your stroller. Chances are anything attached to the stroller like Mommy Hooks or drink holders won’t stay put, so you may want to detach those as well.

Our UPPAbaby Vista had a travel bag you can purchase, and most stroller brands have accompanying travel bags, but we’ve never used one. I have considered it, though. We had a shiny new UPPAbaby G-Luxe and I didn’t want it to get damaged. Our Uppababy Vista suffered some slight damage on one of its trips, but not on any subsequent ones.

Gate Checking Stroller Info: Boarding

If you’re lucky, your airline will still offer pre-boarding for families with young children. When the time comes, simply push or carry your stroller toward the entrance to the plane. Fold it, and leave it with the tags showing for the baggage handlers. Put it just off to the side at the end of the jetway. Depending on your destination, this is where you should find it when you arrive.

Easy, right?

Below is a list of most airline’s gate checking stroller policies, and any notes that I can add from personal experience…

Airline Gate Checking Stroller Policies:

Air Canada Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small collapsible umbrella type strollers… A stroller with a collapsed diameter not exceeding 25.5 cm (10 in) and a length not exceeding 92 cm (36 in) is allowed, in addition to your carry-on allowance, regardless of destination. It can be checked at the gate to be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight.

Because gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them, large, heavy strollers will need to be checked in. They will count as one piece of baggage toward the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type. Large strollers are also subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.

**NOTE** We’ve taken two round-trip flights with Air Canada and a stroller, once with our Peg Perego, once with our UppaBaby Vista. For either flight, no one asked about the dimensions of our stroller, nor the weight, only that it folded.

Air France:

You can transport a foldable stroller and car seat in the hold at no extra charge. Some strollers may be accepted in the cabin, subject to space availability. Depending on the type of stroller, the following size limits apply.

• Small foldable stroller:* dimensions cannot exceed 15 cm x 30 cm x 100 cm / 5.9 in x 11.8 in x 39.4 in

• Other foldable stroller: this replaces your child’s hand baggage allowance and once folded, its dimensions cannot exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm / 21.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in.

Please note: strollers must be packed in a carrying case that covers the stroller fully. In addition, for security reasons, some airports may have to deny access to strollers inside the boarding areas.

Air Transat:

One stroller and one car seat accepted free of charge

Compact, foldable strollers that do not exceed our standard carry-on dimensions (23 x 40 x 51 cm / 9 x 16 x 20 inches) may be taken into the passenger cabin in lieu of a regular carry-on bag

Please ensure that checked equipment is properly wrapped/secured for transport to prevent loss or damage.

At most airports, passengers can use strollers up to the boarding gate. Upon arrival, strollers are delivered to the baggage arrivals area (except in Orlando, where they are delivered to the gate).

Alitalia:

Remember to attach a label to the stroller with your full name, address, and telephone number. Strollers are sent free of charge to all destinations and for all travel classes when traveling with a child up to 11 years of age.

For flights served by Alitalia, arriving and transiting passengers can request at check-in to have their strollers returned to them at under the aircraft or at the gate.

American Airlines:

-Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge

-If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate

-Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter

British Airways:

When it comes to pushchairs, the size is all important if you want to be able to collect your pushchair at the aircraft door on arrival.

If you have a small, fully collapsible and lightweight pushchair/stroller (with maximum dimensions of 117cm x 38cm x 38cm/46in x 15in x 15in when the pushchair is collapsed), you will qualify to take this right to the aircraft door and collect at the aircraft door at most airports.

Please arrive at your departure gate no later than 45 minutes before departure time, and prepare to pre-board the aircraft.

The staff will put your pushchair into the hold and will do all possible to return it to you at the aircraft door.

All other, larger pushchairs, including double and multi-piece pushchairs can be taken to the departure gate, however, on arrival you must pick up these larger pushchairs at the baggage carousel in the baggage hall.

Please be aware that walking distances at airports can be long, and if you bring a pushchair that does not fit within the criteria to be collected at the aircraft door, you should be prepared to transport your child to the baggage carousel by another method. Many parents find slings useful to carry their baby whilst keeping hands free for baggage.

Delta:

Children’s strollers and seat restraints are not counted as part of the standard baggage. Therefore, they can easily be checked for free. For your convenience these items may be checked at curbside, the ticket counter, or at the gate.

Emirates:

Passengers traveling with infants are permitted one fully collapsible stroller or carry-cot as a carry-on item if cabin space is available. otherwise, it must be transported as checked baggage in the hold.

PLUS! “Pick up a complimentary stroller in departures and connections in Emirates Terminal 3 and make your way through the airport with ease. You’ll find our strollers once you’ve passed through security. When it’s time to board, just drop it at the stroller park at the boarding gate or on arrival. Our strollers are regularly sanitised with a long-lasting disinfectant spray to keep your little ones safe.”

Jet Blue:

JetBlue will courtesy gate-check any of the following: strollers, car seats, child carriers/backpack carriers, booster seats, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches. If you chose to check any of these items (at the check-in counter or gate-check), it will not count as one of your checked bags. There is no fee assessed. There is no limit to the number of assistive devices a customer may transport as carry-on or checked baggage, within reason.

Additionally, this courtesy is extended regardless of whether the customer is traveling with the infant/child or is meeting the infant/child at their destination.

KLM:

On all KLM flights, you can take one collapsible stroller/buggy per child. You can check in the stroller/buggy as hold baggage at no extra charge or hand it in at the gate so it can be put in the hold. The stroller must have a protective cover, but it may not contain any additional baggage.

Lufthansa:

You can keep your buggy or pram with you until just before boarding; it will be handed back to you immediately after landing.

Porter Airlines:

When travelling with infants and small children, a collapsible stroller and a car seat are accepted at no charge in addition to your checked bag allowance. You can choose to check these items at the check-in counter.  Or bring them with you to the gate where they can be accepted as GatePorter items. Porter will Gate Check them for you. For your convenience, GatePorter items will be returned to you at your arrival gate.

Your stroller must be checked if it is:

• Non-collapsible

• Weighs over 50 lbs

We have flown Porter with a baby, and it is a very baby- and toddler-friendly airline.

Qantas:

To make your time on the ground easier, most mainline Australian ports have strollers. They are available for you to use once you have checked-in your own personal stroller. Staff will be on hand at the boarding gate ready to collect the stroller and to further assist you with pre-boarding the aircraft.

Qatar Airways:

Qatar Airways permits one stroller per child, which can be used up to the boarding gate.

Ryanair:

You can carry 2 items of baby equipment free of charge per child. This can be 1 pushchair plus one of the following items: car seat or booster seat or travelcot.

On arrival at the airport the 2 free items of baby equipment can be tagged for travel at a Bag Drop Desk. They close 40 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time

Children’s pushchairs can be used up to the aircraft steps and after landing the pushchair will be available at the aircraft steps (provided local conditions permit this).

Singapore Airlines:

Singapore Airlines allows passengers to carry a compact, foldable lightweight stroller on board, provided it meets their cabin baggage dimensions and can be stored in the overhead compartment.

Southwest Airlines:

Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.

The stroller and CRS or car seat allowance applies to any type of stroller (umbrella, full size, jogging stroller, etc.) and CRS or car seat.

The Customer may check the stroller and CRS or car seat at the curb, ticket counter, or gate. Southwest Airlines will not assume liability for damage to strollers, CRSs or car seats.

An optional Southwest-branded reusable car seat/stroller bag is available. Purchase at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter for a $17 onetime fee. Bag dimensions are 42”X20.5X12.5”.

We have flown Southwest with a baby and stroller and gate checked our Uppababy Vista without issue… Well, except that it got damaged on its first SW flight but not the second…

Spirit Airlines:

We will happily check one stroller and one car seat per child for no extra cost at the ticket counter. If you are traveling with two children, you are more than welcome to check a double stroller instead. You may also check these items at the gate. We’ll have them waiting for you in your arrival city when you get off the aircraft.

**NOTE – This is most surprising to me since Spirit charges for pretty much everything, including carry-ons!

Sunwing Airlines:

Parents are allowed one courtesy item such as a stroller, playpen, or car seat. This is in addition to their own luggage allowances.

**NOTE – We’ve flown Sunwing with a baby several times, with no issues with gate checking a stroller…

Thomas Cook UK:

A child younger than two years of age on arrival back into the UK, who will be travelling on your lap, may bring three of the following items free of charge: 10kg baggage allowance, a stroller/pushchair, a travel cot or a car seat (checked in to the hold). If all four are required, one item would be part of any pre-purchased hold baggage weight allowance on the same booking. Please remember that an infant does not have a hand baggage allowance. However, the accompanying parent/guardian is able to take infant food for consumption alongside their own hand baggage allowance.

If an Infant has been booked in a seat, the 10kgs baggage allowance no longer applies. A stroller or pushchair and car seat are still available for carriage free of charge. All other items would need to be part of any pre-purchased weight allowance on the same booking. A hand baggage allowance of 6kgs would apply if a seat has been booked.

A stroller or buggy can be taken to the boarding gate. It will then be taken to load into the hold. It must be completely collapsible and we would recommend having a protective cover, but may not contain any other items.

United Airlines:

United accepts one stroller and one car seat free of charge for each child, including children under the age of two traveling on an adult’s lap and infants traveling internationally on 10 percent of an adult fare, charged at the time of infant ticketing (it is usually less expensive to purchase the infant ticket in advance).

If requested by the customer, United can check strollers at the departure gate. United is not liable for damage to strollers. Customers cannot purchase excess valuation for strollers.

Note: Wagons and similar products are not considered strollers. Customers who bring them to the airport will need to check them as part of their checked baggage allowance before passing through security.

Virgin:

You’re welcome to bring one fully collapsible pushchair and a car seat, in addition to your free checked baggage allowance.

Car seats can be used onboard (in Economy only) if they meet the necessary requirements.

Pushchairs can be checked in or used up until the boarding gate, after which they will be put in the hold. Once we land we’ll have your pushchair ready outside the aircraft doors, whenever possible. However, at some destinations you may have to reclaim it at the baggage hall, due to local customs restrictions.

WestJet Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

When travelling with an infant, you may check in a car seat and stroller at no additional charge. A playpen may be substituted for either a car seat or stroller.

**NOTE – We’ve flown WestJet with baby several times, and other than the fact they don’t have milk on board, have had really great experiences with them – our strollers too!

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• Best Airlines for Families
• Flying with Baby: The Ultimate Tip List
• Best Travel Strollers
• Baby Travel Gear
• Baby Travel Gear Essentials
• The Complete Guide to Buying & Using Travel Car Seats
• The Complete Guide to Booking and Using Airplane Bassinets
• The Story of Our First Family Vacation
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier…
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Harder…

The post Gate Checking Your Stroller When Flying with Baby appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

Everything You Need to Know About Travel with a Newborn…

If travel was a big part of your life before you became a parent, chances are you fully expect to travel with your baby. This is great! But once baby actually gets here you may have doubts about how easy or fun or fulfilling it may be to travel with a baby.

Some families have no choice but to start traveling young. I know of a few instances where parents were adopting from out of state or their surrogate lived a few provinces away. In another instance, a mom friend was attending a family member’s destination wedding. And, in some sad cases, illness or a death in the family necessitates unexpected travel with a baby in tow.

But let’s pretend you’re champing at the bit to make the most of your maternity leave, so traveling with a newborn is something you’re choosing to do straight away. As with all aspects of baby travel, you have four main considerations of Eating, Sleeping, Playing, and Getting Around.

How Soon Can You Travel with a Newborn?

Unless you have a home birth, technically you travel home from the hospital with your baby. So the actual answer is: pretty much right away. Unless the travel is absolutely essential, instead of asking how soon can you travel with a newborn, the real question should be how soon should a new parent travel or how long do you need to wait to travel after giving birth?

Probably the real meaning behind this question is when can a newborn fly or how old does a baby have to be to fly. The answer truly depends on you and the airline. Most airlines have policies that require a physician’s note for infants younger than seven (7) days, and that age can vary anywhere between three days and three weeks. If you know you’ll be flying with a newborn that young, it is best to consult with the airline directly.

If you’re traveling purely for pleasure, there seems to be a lot of thinking around waiting until your baby has had their first round of vaccinations. Probably because travel exposes you to a lot of germs. If you’re breastfeeding, you are passing along a certain amount of immunity to your infant. Also, a newborn can be bundled and protected from germs much more easily than an older baby who’s always grabbing everything and sticking their hands in their mouth.

So long as you’re all feeling up to it, there’s really no reason to wait.

Where to Travel with a Newborn

As with any trip with a baby, choose somewhere that’s safe, that’s clean, and has good access to healthcare. When my son was 10-weeks-old, we went to Quebec City and it was a great choice. The flight was short, the weather was mild (it was summer), and we could walk a lot but it wasn’t so big that it was overwhelming.

At 10-weeks postpartum, I wasn’t exactly keen to wear a bathing suit nor deal with sand and sunscreen, so a beach trip was out. A city trip with a newborn is pretty easy. They are usually content to be worn and they’re still small enough to not be overly heavy. They are also usually pretty content to be carted about in their infant carrier car seat.

City trips with lots of sightseeing and/or museums get harder when your babies become toddlers (ie. mobile). Keep that in mind if there’s somewhere nearby you’ve always wanted to visit. Some great options (depending on where you are located) are the aforementioned Quebec City, plus New York City, or even Raleigh, North Carolina.

Traveling with a Newborn: Eating

In terms of feeding, this is truly the easiest time to travel with a baby. Traveling with a newborn means no messy snacks or finger foods, and you can eliminate bibs and feeding implements from your packing list.

Breastfeeding

If there was ever an argument for breast being best, it should be around traveling with a baby. No bottles, no sterilizing, no formula, no mixing, and no heating. So long as baby is nursing well (and you are nursing well!) an exclusively breastfed baby is truly the easiest to travel with.

I have nursed in airports and on planes (and in restaurants and museums) and I can report that I have never been on the receiving end of stink eye or shade. I never used a cover, either. I’m the type of big mouth that would have unleashed if anyone said anything, anyway.

My biggest annoyance about nursing in public was showing off my back fat, so I came up with a good clothing system. Travel can be tiring so make sure you stay rested and well-hydrated to keep your milk production up. If you’re traveling with a newborn you’re likely not in any kind of fixed routine or schedule for feeding yet. Enjoy this flexible time, however inflexible it may feel

See Also:

• How to Travel with a Breastfeeding Baby
• Solutions for Breastfeeding Concerns While Traveling
• How to Travel with a Breast Pump

Bottle Feeding

No judgement. Fed is best but we can all agree that bottles are a pain in the butt. You still have the flexibility of a baby on a liquid diet who is not on a set schedule yet. But you have to sort out cleaning and sterilizing bottles and nipples and traveling with formula and heating bottles while en route. Not to worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Traveling with Formula:

If you’re not certain you can purchase your brand of formula where you’re going, you need to pack as much as you think you’ll need and then some. Pre-mixed or liquid concentrate formula will be very heavy. If you’re considering switching to a powder, do so well in advance of your trip. Don’t check your formula as luggage. It is precious.

Traveling with Bottles:

For your journey, prep your bottles with pre-measured boiled or sterilized water and mix the bottles as you need. The liquid restriction rules don’t apply when you’re traveling with a baby under 24mos. Keep all of baby’s bottles and formula together to make going through airport security easier. If possible, get baby used to room temperature bottles so you don’t have to deal with heating them. If that’s not possible, there are travel bottle warmers, but that’s one more thing to pack in your carry-on bag.

Now, it is possible to sterilize baby bottles in hotel sinks, but with a newborn it’s much easier to stay somewhere with access to a kitchen, or at least a microwave, to use a microwave sterilizer or bags. Baby is too young to mix formula with bottled water, so at the very least, a compact travel kettle is a must. The bottles with pre-sterilized liners are the easiest to travel with, since you only need to pack (and clean, and sterilize) the lids, caps, and nipples.

See Also:

• Feeding Baby on Holiday
• How to Sterilize Baby Bottles in Hotel Room Sinks
• Bottle Feeding Travel Tips

Baby Travel Gear: Eating

• Travel Nursing Pillows
• Travel Bottle Warmers
• Insulated Bottle Bags
• Travel Bottle Sterilizers
• Travel Bottle Drying Racks

Traveling with a Newborn: Sleeping

A newborn still sleeps pretty much anytime and anywhere. This is the bonus of traveling with a newborn… There is no sleeping schedule to potentially mess up. Of course, you may be in the process of trying to establish a routine, so keeping things as “normal” as possible is key to keeping that on track.

When my son was a newborn, he had his days and nights mixed up for the first few weeks. It was tough to turn him around but we stuck to the routine we wanted to ultimately keep and eventually he (and we!) figured it out. 

Whether you co-sleep, use a bassinet, or have them sleep in a crib in their own room, try to modify that process while you’re away. We call this our “vacation routine.”

Time Changes & Baby Jet Lag

A newborn likely isn’t on a set sleep schedule yet, so will probably be the least-affected member of your family with regard to time changes and jet lag. But baby jet lag is definitely a thing and you should have some strategies in place to manage it.

Staying on “home time” is the easiest if your trip is short and the time difference not too major. Otherwise, immediately starting on your home routine but in your new time zone will have you all climatized the quickest. I’m not a fan of waking a sleeping baby but if it means getting proper rest at night I’m all for it!

See Also:

• Tips for Managing Time Changes & Baby Jet Lag
• Will Travel Mess with Baby’s Sleep?
• Fixing Baby’s Sleep Problems After a Trip

Travel Cribs

I don’t necessarily believe that you need to purchase a portable bassinet or travel crib. However, if you plan on doing a fair amount of travel with baby, then a travel crib may well be worth the investment. Also, once baby becomes familiar with their usual travel bed, they will likely fall asleep in it more easily! A decent travel crib is not inexpensive, but you can get more use out of it by storing at a Grandparent’s house and using it there, or even around your house for naps and quiet time.

Hotel cribs can be hit or miss. Mostly hit if you’re staying at a hotel chain with an expected level of service and amenities. However, I reluctantly admit that my children have slept in hotel cribs that would likely not pass our rigid safety standards. 

Co-Sleeping

If you are a co-sleeper, either by choice or by necessity, choosing to co-sleep while traveling with a newborn requires a bit of forethought. At home you’re able to create the ideal environment for safe co-sleeping. If you’re at a hotel or a guest at someone’s home or an Airbnb, you may not have such control.

Using travel bed rails and removing excess bedding can ensure baby stays safely in bed, and would be a safer choice than using extra pillows or rolled-up blankets. I read about a family who would deconstruct their hotel room bed and create a “sleeping nest” on the floor. Personally I think this sounds awful but I have a weird phobia about hotel carpets.

More on Baby Sleep & Travel

• Travel Cribs & Safe Sleeping Advice
• The Best Baby Travel Bed Options & Sleep Gear
• Travel Bassinets & Portable Baby Beds
• Fixing Baby Sleep Problems After Travel
• Will Travel Mess with Baby’s Sleep?
• The Ultimate Baby Travel Tips List: Sleeping

Traveling with a Newborn: Playing

Here’s the biggest bonus of traveling with a newborn. They don’t really play yet. So there’s no need to fill an iPad with games or shows and no need to scour the dollar store or internet for inexpensive travel toys. Save your money because you’ll need travel tech soon enough!

Your baby will see lots of new faces and hear lots of strange sounds on your travels. They’ll be spending lots of quality time with those who love them. That’s like the newborn baby travel version of playing.

Enjoy this time! It’s fleeting. Soon enough they’ll want to look at something other than your face

Traveling with a Newborn: Getting Around

You actually have the most options for getting around where you’re going while traveling with a newborn baby–from supportive carriers or slings, their car seat/infant carrier, to a stroller with a flat-enough recline that’s suitable for a young baby–or all of the above!

While this is the stage when you can technically get away without one, I always advocate for traveling with a stroller. Either you will want to give your arms or back a break or you will be too nervous to not have everything but the kitchen sink with you (guilty!) and require the basket. There is no right or wrong way to travel with a baby so long as you can manage baby and your belongings. If you think travel will be a big part of your lives, a good travel stroller is a worthwhile investment.

Make sure your infant carrier or sling can also be used by your travel partner (if you have one) and that it is small enough to be crushed down for easy travel. If traveling with your infant car seat carrier, make sure it can be installed without the base for use in both planes and cars.

Flying with a Newborn

If you’re wondering how soon can a newborn fly, the answer varies from airline to airline but most agree that a doctor’s note is required for a newborn baby younger than seven (7) days. Of course, please also take into consideration your or the mother’s postpartum condition and/or feelings. A woman who’s just had a C-section is unlikely to want to or even be able to fly for at least several weeks.

Truthfully, flying with a newborn is more stressful on the parents than the baby or even grumpy fellow passengers. First of all, just say no to goody bags for your nearby passengers. As grown adults they are fully capable of managing their own needs. As the parent of a newborn, you may be feeling less-than-capable of managing your baby’s needs plus your own, plus your luggage, plus coping with the usual stresses and strains of air travel. Give yourself a break and focus on getting through the trip. The anticipation will likely be worse than the actual journey.

Of course you will worry about germs and the fact that your baby has not had any vaccinations yet. At this young age you can best control what your baby touches and what (or who!) touches your baby. Keeping baby snug in their infant carrier car seat and/or a carrier or sling will keep well-meaning coochie-cooers at bay.

Flying with Car Seats

If you can afford it, consider purchasing baby a seat on the plane and bring on board your FAA-approved car seat. Most infant carrier car seats are great for travel and familiarize yourself on the rules and protocols around flying with car seats. A newborn must be rear-facing and it is not your problem if the car seat interferes with the recline of another airplane seat. It’s a good idea to print out the FAA policy and have it with you.

Flying with a Newborn as a Lap Infant

If your newborn will be a lap infant, check if your airline offers an airplane bassinet option. Usually they are no extra charge but they do require booking in advance.

If your newborn will be a lap infant, a comfortable carrier or sling will make your life easier mid-flight, but you will not be able to use it during taxi, take-off, or landing. There are horrifying YouTube videos that explain why this is. Be sure to have a good hold of your baby at all times, especially during bouts of turbulence or if the fasten seat belt sign is on.

Do not use any travel hammock or travel vest. They are actually unsafe. And a newborn is too young for a CARES Harness.

Planning a Road Trip with a Newborn

A road trip is probably the most ideal method of traveling with a newborn. You can stuff your car full of everything you think you’ll need, and you’re still years away from hearing, “Are we there yet?” every 15 minutes. However, if your baby despises their car seat, a road trip with a newborn may not be in the cards just yet.

Since newborns are rear-facing in their car seats, you might consider taking turns sitting in the back seat to keep them company. If your baby tends to sleep and sleep in their car seats, keep in mind that they will be quite wakeful at night if you drive during the day.

If you are able, try to drive at night. One of the best road trip tips we received was to nap in the afternoon and head where you’re going around bedtime. While one parent drives, the other naps until it’s their turn to drive. Make a pact to stop at the first hotel if either of you feels too tired to continue.

It’s not a great idea to feed a newborn in their car seat, and you’d have to be quite the contortionist if you are nursing. Plan to be delayed for any number of baby reasons, and make sure you have lots of wipes and changes of clothes handy in case of newborn poop explosions.

Rental Cars & Taxis with a Newborn

In most cities, it’s legal to ride in the back of a taxi with a baby in your arms. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Especially because the traffic or aggressive drivers would seem to necessitate car seats even more. It all boils down to your comfort level. If you can manage a few quick taxi jaunts with your baby on your lap, you are well within your rights to do so. I am a “worst-case scenario” kind of person, so riding in a car without a car seat is not an option for me or my children.

You can book private shuttles and even Ubers or Lyfts with car seats installed. I’m not sure I’d trust that they’d be safe or comfortable enough traveling with a newborn.

Rental Cars & Car Seats

A quick Google will lead you to a number of horror stories about the expense and condition of car seats from rental car companies. If you don’t know the history of a car seat, please don’t put your child in it. If you are bringing your car seat with you, and not purchasing your baby a seat on the plane, please don’t check your car seat in the aircraft’s main baggage hold.

Some car seat manufacturers consider a checked seat to be a “crashed” seat. If you will not be installing your car  seat on board for your child, please gate check it using a padded car seat travel bag to protect it.

Public Transit with a Newborn

If you’re doing a city trip, don’t shy away from using public transit with a newborn. As previously mentioned, the younger the baby the easier to travel with, so being able to comfortably spend time in a carrier or sling is a bonus for travel.

Consider investing in a lower-profile stroller that folds easily both for daily use and as a travel stroller. Remember that a newborn cannot ride in most umbrella strollers.

In some cities, or on Disney transportation, you will be required to remove baby from your stroller and fold it up for storage while you’re riding. Subway steps will be easier to navigate with a smaller stroller. While you’re traveling, try to avoid rush hour if you can.

Another option is to purchase the frame with wheels that most infant car seat carriers click into and use that as a stroller for travel while your baby is still small enough to comfortably spend time in it.

See Also:

• Everything You Need to Know About Buying & Using Travel Car Seats
• How to Use a Car Seats on Planes
• FAA-Approved Car Seats for Travel
• The Ulitmate Baby Travel Tips List: Getting Around
• Legal & Safe Car Seat and Stroller Alternatives

Traveling with a Newborn: Extra Considerations

Be patient with yourself. If this is your first baby, you’re in uncharted waters. If this is not your first baby, you likely have other small children to manage as you go. You’ll have a greater perspective of how easy most newborns actually are, but that won’t help while chasing a toddler and lugging assorted baggage and your newborn!

As with all aspects of travel with babies and toddlers, it gets easier. It also gets harder! Planning that first trip will seem daunting and scary but getting it out of the way early will build your confidence for more trips. Surviving that first vacation with a baby will build your confidence as a parent and as a traveler. You’ll eventually feel much more comfortable combining the two as you go on.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• Information & Tips for Traveling with a Baby or Toddler
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier
• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Printable Baby Packing Lists
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• A Complete Guide to Buying & Using Travel Car Seats
• Here’s Why You Should Travel When the Kids Are Little

*Photo by Kevin Keith on Unsplash

The post Tips for Traveling with a Newborn Baby appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

Visiting Canada with a baby? It’s a big place! And Canada is full of baby-friendly destinations that combine comfort, natural beauty, and just the right amount of adventure. Whether you’re exploring city streets with a stroller or enjoying peaceful walks in nature, there are incredible, accessible spots from coast to coast that are perfect for traveling with babies.

Here are some of the best places to travel in Canada with a baby:

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a dream for families with babies. The city is clean, green, and stroller-friendly with endless places to explore at a baby-friendly pace.

Why Vancouver with a baby is great:

• Easy access to nature (Stanley Park, Kitsilano Beach, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park with baby carriers)
• Walkable neighborhoods like Yaletown and Granville Island
• Family-friendly cafes and changing facilities throughout the city
• Mild year-round climate

Tip: Pack a rain cover for your stroller—Vancouver is beautiful, but it’s also rainy!

Banff & Lake Louise, Alberta

For outdoorsy families, Banff and Lake Louise offer awe-inspiring scenery and surprisingly accessible nature trails—even with a baby in tow.

Why Banff & Lake Louise with a baby is great:

• Paved trails around Lake Louise and Bow River are stroller-friendly
• Gondolas and lake cruises offer incredible views with minimal effort
• Plenty of baby-friendly accommodations and hot springs for a soothing soak (just not too hot for baby!)

Tip: A sturdy baby carrier will be your best friend for less accessible trails.

Québec City, Québec

With its fairytale vibes and European charm, Québec City feels like a trip abroad—without leaving Canada.

Why Québec City with a baby is great:

• Compact Old Town is walkable and stroller-friendly
• Beautiful green spaces like the Plains of Abraham for picnics and downtime
• Cozy cafés with baby-friendly nooks and change tables

Tip: Cobblestone streets can be bumpy—consider a baby carrier or jogging stroller for wandering Old Québec.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown is a coastal gem. It is laid-back, beautiful, and ideal for slow-paced family adventures.

Why Charlottetown with a baby is great:

• Quiet beaches with warm, shallow waters
• Great seafood and dairy-free options for nursing or sensitive bellies
• Red sand beaches are fun for baby’s first “dig”

Tip: Rent a car to explore PEI’s charming villages and coastal drives at your own pace.

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada’s capital is packed with culture, green space, and baby-friendly fun. Museums are awesome with a not-yet-mobile baby who is still content to be worn or ride in a stroller. Toddler visits are a leetle more challenging.

Why Ottawa with a baby is great:

• The Canadian Museum of Nature and Children’s Museum at the Canadian Museum of History
• Wide sidewalks and family-friendly hotels
• Seasonal activities like tulip festivals in spring and skating in winter

Tip: Try a canal-side stroller walk along the Rideau—it’s peaceful and perfect for nap time.

Victoria, British Columbia

Once a place of only newlyweds and nearly deads, Victoria offers a gentler pace, great weather, and plenty of parks and gardens to explore with your little one.

Why Victoria with a baby is great:

• Butchart Gardens is stroller-friendly and beautiful year-round
• Baby-friendly tea houses for a fun parent treat
• Beacon Hill Park has playgrounds and a petting zoo

Tip: Take the ferry from Vancouver—babies often love the motion and sights of the journey.

Muskoka, Ontario

Cottage country at its finest, Muskoka is ideal for a peaceful retreat and a great place for baby’s first canoe ride (life jacket required, of course!).

Why Muskoka with a baby is great:

• Calm lakes and quiet mornings
• Baby-friendly resorts and rental cottages
• Family hikes and dockside naps

Tip: Avoid peak bug season (late spring) and book accommodations with blackout blinds if your baby is light-sensitive.

Final Thoughts on Travel in Canada with a Baby

Traveling with a baby doesn’t mean you have to stick close to home. Especially if home is Canada! From the Pacific coast to the shores of the Atlantic, Canada offers safe, scenic, and family-friendly adventures perfect for even the tiniest travelers.

So pack the diapers, bring the baby carrier, and get ready to explore the glorious and free Great White North. Canada with a baby can’t be done in a day or even a week, so it’s great to have an excuse to plan more trips.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler
• An Eastern Canada Road Trip with a Baby and Toddler
• Baby-Friendly Toronto: Centre Island
• Travel Health & Safety Resources: From Healthy Travel to Tips for Traveling Sick
• Road Trip Tips for Babies & Toddlers
• Visiting Edmonton with a Toddler
• Travel Stories: From Banff to Jasper + Columbia Icefields Tour with a Toddler
• Travel Stories: Drumheller, Alberta & The Royal Tyrrell Dinosaur Museum

Photo by Malek Bensetti on Unsplash

The post Best Places to Travel in Canada with a Baby appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.