This article contains affiliate links that are marked with *. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
The moment you become a parent, your mind fills with dreamy scenes. Your baby snuggled in blankets, dozing in a cozy nursery, everything just so.
But now… hit pause on that picture and imagine something completely different. You’re in a new country. The landscape looks nothing like home, the shops are unfamiliar, and there’s no pharmacy just around the corner. And you’ve got a baby in tow.
This can be intimidating for many parents. But here’s the best part: traveling with your baby can be surprisingly simple and even sustainable. When you pack smart, think practical, and stay planet-friendly. In fact, it might just turn into one of your most cherished adventures. You’ll explore new places, connect with different cultures, and soak up uninterrupted time together as a family.
In this article, I’ll share 5 smart, eco-friendly tips to help you travel green with your baby, and actually enjoy the ride.
1. GET AROUND THE GREEN WAY
When it comes to eco-friendly travel, trains are total superheroes, especially for short to medium distances. They’re not only way lower in emissions than flying, but also way more baby-friendly. Spacious aisles, smooth rides, and no “fasten seatbelt” signs every five minutes. In fact, the German Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains offer a Kleinkindabteil (infant compartmen), which is specifically designed for families traveling with babies or toddlers up to 5 years old. It offers comfortable and child-friendly environment to make train journeys more enjoyable for both parents and their little ones.
Bonus: electric trains (especially those powered by renewables) can be up to 90% more efficient than planes!
Need to fly? Go for direct flights when you can. Fewer takeoffs, fewer landings, fewer airport meltdowns. It’s a win-win for your sanity and the planet.
Once you’ve reached your destination, explore on foot or hop aboard local buses and trams. Babies usually love the gentle motion and new sights, and you’ll get a more authentic feel for the local vibe.
Renting a car? Try a car-sharing service or opt for an electric or hybrid vehicle to keep your carbon footprint in check.
2. PACK LIGHT, PACK BRIGHT
Packing for a baby doesn’t have to mean bringing everything but the crib. The secret? Go minimalist and stick to the essentials. Think baby clothes, pacifiers, bottles, and a small first aid kit. Keeping it light isn’t just easier on your back, it’s better for the planet, too. Plus, traveling light means you’re more flexible: your bags will actually fit in a taxi, a boat… or even the back of a tuk-tuk!
Pro tip: Pack versatile baby clothes that mix and match easily. Fewer outfits, more outfit options = less bulk.
And when it comes to gear, think reusable and multi-use. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’ll save you money and space. Win-win! Check out the next section for smart packing tips to keep things simple and sustainable.
Pack Like a Pro with Reusable Packing Cubes
Tired of digging through a mountain of baby gear just to find a single sock? Say goodbye to messy bags and plastic waste with stylish, sustainable packing cubes that do it all.
I love the Packing Cubes mit Kompression* from Travel Dude, made from recycled plastic bottles and available on Avocadostore. This clever set includes three space-saving cubes plus a handy wet bag, perfect for keeping clean and messy clothes separate. The breathable, water-resistant design helps compress clothes, save space, and keep everything neat, so you can spend less time unpacking and more time exploring.
If you are looking for a super compact packing cube, go for the sustainable and functional Recycled Compression Packing Cube by Labo Mono* (available on Buy Me Once). This product is crafted from recycled polyester canvas, utilizing 3 to 4 recycled plastic bottles per cube. It comes with compression zippers, dual zipper design, and a mesh side panel.
Pick a Versatile Baby Carrier
Whether you’re weaving through cobblestone alleys or hiking up a scenic trail, having the right baby carrier is a total game-changer. Craving comfort and adjustability for all-day wear? The Omni Breeze Baby Carrier* (Ergobaby) has your back. Prefer something sleek, lightweight, and ultra-packable for travel? The Coya Babytrage* (Cybex) is your go-to. Small in size, big on freedom. If you are on the lookout for something uniquely local, swing by Girasol on the Eisenacher Strasse for beautiful cloth carries or pop into the ANGELCAB Brandstore on the Kaiserin-Augusta Strasse for a stylish surprise.
If you prefer to rent a carrier, I recommend checking out the carrier collection at the Madame Jordan Store in Berlin.
Whatever your adventure, there’s a carrier that’ll help you and your baby travel happy.
Rent, Don’t Lug: Big Gear On-Demand
No need to pack the whole nursery, travel light and rent baby gear at your destination!
In Berlin, Knuddelkind Berlin offers high-quality baby essentials for rent or purchase, including strollers, car seats, high chairs, and travel beds from trusted brands like Inglesina, Recaro, and Britax Römer.
Platforms like Babonbo and BabyQuip rent out everything from strollers and high chairs to cribs and bouncers, and deliver right to your hotel or Airbnb. In Berlin and across Europe, Babonbo is a solid choice. For trips to the US and Canada, BabyQuip has you covered. Expect to pay around €10–€15/day for a stroller.
Travel Strollers That Fold Like a Dream
If you’re buying a travel stroller, make sure it folds up compactly enough to fit in an airplane overhead bin (check those cabin size limits!). Look for features like multi-position reclining seats, extendable sun canopies, comfortable design, and all-terrain wheels. Top picks? The Cybex Coya Stroller* is one of my favorite. It’s chic, sturdy, and airport-friendly.
If you’re looking for a better price, check out the Berliner second-hand shop Fireflanz Baby-Kaufhaus for the used strollers’ selection.
3. GO REUSABLE WITH BABY ESSENTIALS (AND CUT THE WASTE!)
Go Green with Cloth Nappies
You don’t have to go full cloth to make a real impact. Even using reusable nappies part-time helps cut down on waste and makes your trip that much more sustainable.
A great place to start? Try the . These cozy designs (without a microfiber core) are made of 80% bamboo viscose, 20% polyester, and feel super soft and absorbent. Plus, the built-in pocket lets you add extra inserts when needed.
Planning pool time? Don’t forget a few biodegradable swim diapers. I love the Blümchen Pull-up Pant FLORAL (5-15kg) – Schwimmwindel + Trainer – recycled PES. It’s a swim diaper + trainer in one, made from recycled PES. Stylish, practical, and planet-friendly!
Want more adorable and eco-conscious options? Check out Windelmanufatur’s gorgeous reusable diaper sets, or swing by Die Windelei in Berlin for rentals, washing services, and expert advice tailored to you.
Washable Wipes for the Win
Say goodbye to endless packs of disposables. The soft, reusable wipes, especially bamboo-cotton ones, are kind to both your baby’s skin and the planet. I love the Pop-in Waschlappen (ohne Beutel) – 10 Stk.* from Stoffywelt. They are gentle, effective, and easy to clean.
Reusable Silicone Bags Instead Of Lunchboxes
Reusable silicone bags are lightweight, flexible, and always take up less space than the rigid lunchboxes. They are also multipurpose– making them suitable for storing, freezing, heating, and eating, all in one! Small reusable silicone bags are also great for on-the-go snacking and are easy to clean. In summary, they are more portable, versatile, and efficient, keeping things clean and compact when traveling. One of my favorites is the VORTEILS-SET | Wiederverwendbare Silikon Gefrierbeutelset* from pandoo available on Avocadostore.
Wet Bags = Stress-Free Travel
Wet bags are a parent’s secret weapon. They’re perfect for soggy swimsuits, soiled clothes, or cloth nappies. Check out the avo+cado Nasstasche (M) – gemustert* from Stoffywelt, durable, leak-proof, and way better than using disposable bags.
Pack Formula and Its Accessories!
As any parent knows, making a baby bottle on the move can be a bit tricky. The quickest and easiest way? A milk dispenser with compartments and a lid with an opening, just like the Milchpulver-Portionierer from babylove (DM). I’ve been using this ever since I switched from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding, and it’s been a total game-changer! But here’s the thing, when you’re traveling, especially for longer distances, the dispenser might not cut it on its own. You definitely don’t want to be caught without enough formula. So here’s a life hack for you: bring a larger portable formula container. This little trick can save your day if you run out of milk mid-trip. I personally like the Milk Powder Storage Container with Spoon from Termichy Store. It’s huge (I have the 400g size), airtight, and leak-proof. It’s perfect for those “just in case” moments. No more worrying about spills or running out of milk! And don’t forget the thermos to keep the water at that perfect 40°C temperature. I’ve been using the Thermoskanne WMF*, and it’s been amazing keeping my water warm for hours without a hitch.
Bring the Feeding Essentials – Opt for Reusable Food Jars & Pouches
Traveling with a toddler? Pack a silicone bib (like the sleeved pocket bib – Ozzo* from Done by Deer available on Kaliedy). It’s got a deep food-catching pocket and an adjustable neck. Pro tip: You can also find Done By Deer at BabyOne Store or babywalz in Berlin!
Try to bring your own feeding set with you. Throughout my travels, I have brought with me my Geschirr-Set Silikon maritim 2tlg from babylove (DM) and the cute Neil Sippy Cup by Liewood.
Mealtime on the move?
Keep your food just the way you like it—hot or cold for hours—with the stylish Nadja Essensbehälter from Liewood. Available in 350ml and 500ml, these leak-proof food jars are perfect for soups, stews, snacks, and more. No spills, no stress! Pro tip: You can also find Liewood at Folk Berlin Store!
And for smoothies or purees, try mininor moothie pouch w/spoon. This reusable silicone pouch is eco-friendly, fun to use, and super easy to clean.
4. COMPOST YOUR ORGANIC WASTE
Turn your food scraps into garden gold! Instead of tossing them in the trash, freeze your food scraps and drop them off at a local compost host. It’s easy and it makes a big difference! Use the MakeSoil App to find compost drop-off spots near your destination.
Want to go the extra (green) mile? Carry a compost bucket to store your scraps until you’re ready to drop them off. If you’re in Berlin, check out Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR). They offer compost buckets with lids and a starter set of biodegradable bags to make composting even easier.
5. STAY SUSTAINABLY AND SUPPORT LOCAL
Book eco-certified hotels, green Airbnbs, or family-friendly hostels that practice sustainability. Eco-hotels, resorts, or lodges usually adopt a variety of sustainable practices, such as the use of solar panels or renewable energy sources, low-flow toilets, locally sourced and organic food offerings, and green roofs or walls. Accommodations with kitchen access are a major win because they come with less packaging waste, more control over meals, and maybe even fewer tantrums. Alternatively, consider staying with friends or family, if there is space and you survive it!
Support local farmers’ markets and restaurants that use locally-sourced and organic products. Skip the cheap plastic souvenirs and look for locally made or second-hand baby treasures, they’re more meaningful, and better for the planet.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Travel is part of a sustainable lifestyle and sustainable travel with your little one isn’t about giving up comfort but about making thoughtful choices that are better for your baby and the Earth. Every small effort counts, and by leading by example, you inspire your little one to become stewards of the environment. With a bit of prep and the right gear, you won’t just be exploring the world, you’ll be raising a tiny human who grows up knowing how to care for it.
