Holiday travel looks a little different once you add a baby to the mix. Instead of breezing out the door with a suitcase and a seasonal latte, you’re suddenly planning around feeds, naps, meltdowns, and the great mystery known as “how many diapers is enough for a four-hour drive?”

But French moms have a calm, practical way of approaching travel that makes the whole thing feel a little… lighter. It’s not magic. It’s mindset - paired with simple, thoughtful habits that work just as well for American families navigating short flights, long drives, and everything in between.

Here’s your French-inspired guide to traveling with your little one this holiday season - realistic, reassuring, and focused on helping you feel in control (even when the travel day tries its best).

 

1. Pack intentionally, not endlessly

French moms don’t pack for every possible scenario, they pack for what’s likely. That means:

• One well-organized bag
  

• One pouch for diaper changes
  

• One change of clothes for baby (and one for you)
  

• One comfort item that actually soothes them
  
  

And yes, your La Petite Crème Diapering Lotion or Balm is a smart addition. Travel days often mean quick changes in awkward spaces, and a gentle protective layer keeps sensitive skin comfortable when you can’t control the environment.

No, you don't need to bring the white noise machine and the spare one "just in case."

 

2. Make feeding simple

Whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or a little of both, French moms keep feeding logistics uncomplicated:

On short flights: feeding during takeoff and landing helps ease ear pressure.
On long drives: plan one meaningful stop rather than several rushed ones. And drive for as long as the baby is asleep!

This isn’t the time for new bottles, new formulas, or new routines. Stick with what already works.

3. Let naps be flexible

One of the calmest things French moms do? They don’t expect perfect schedules during travel.

If your baby naps in the car, wonderful.
If they skip their usual nap entirely, also okay.

When you arrive, fresh air, a dim room, or a quick stroller walk can help reset everyone.

 

4. Create a mini changing station on the go

Travel changes happen everywhere - in bathrooms, backseats, airplane lavatories. A small, ready-to-go kit makes it infinitely easier:

• travel changing mat
  

• a few diapers
  

• La Petite Crème
  

• cotton pads
  

• spare onesie

Everything in one pouch = no digging through your whole bag while balancing a squirming baby.

 

5. Choose comfort over chaos

French moms tend to choose smaller gatherings, quieter travel times, or earlier arrivals when possible. Less stimulation means calmer babies (and calmer parents.)

Bring a familiar blanket, a soft toy, and a sense of “we’ll make this work.” Babies pick up on our energy more than our planning.

 

Petites pensées

Holiday travel can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to become a test of endurance. A little preparation, a little flexibility, and a whole lot of grace go a long way. Your baby doesn’t need perfection - just your presence.

And everything else?

You’ll handle it step by step, mile by mile, baby in arms.