Planning a trip with your baby? It’s exciting! But it's easy to get stressed about one big thing: What will my baby eat?
Don't worry. You don't need to pack your whole kitchen. A little smart prep and a few simple ideas are all you need.
Here is our easy, doctor-approved guide for stress-free travel feeding.
🧠 Part 1: Smart Prep (Pack These from Home)
These DIY mixes are lifesavers. They are healthy, easy to pack, and just need hot water or milk.
1. The "Just-Add-Water" Porridge Mix
- What it is: A powder of dry-roasted ragi, oats, makhana (fox nuts), or wheat daliya.
- How to make: Roast each item, grind into a fine powder, and store in an airtight box.
- How to serve: Add hot water or milk, stir well, and it's ready! You can also mash in a banana.
2. The Instant Khichdi Mix
- What it is: A dry mix of roasted rice and moong dal.
- How to make: Wash, dry, and roast rice and dal. You can even add powdered, dried veggies (like carrot or beetroot) to the mix.
- How to serve: Just ask your hotel to cook this mix with water until soft.
3. Energy Laddoos
- What it is: A perfect, no-mess snack.
- How to make: Use ragi or oat flour, a little ghee, and date paste (or jaggery for kids over 1) to bind them.
- How to serve: Give as a snack for older babies to hold, or crumble into milk to make a quick porridge.
🍼 Part 2: Easy Food Ideas (6-12 Months)
Fresh & No-Cook Options
- Banana
- Avocado
- Chikoo or Papaya (mashed)
- Cheese slices or cubes
- Fresh paneer cubes (a great protein snack for a day trip)
Simple Protein
- Boiled Eggs: This is the perfect travel food. It comes in its own clean package! Just peel and serve the yolk or the whole egg.
Great for Day Trips
Pack these from home for the flight, train, or car ride:
- Idli
- Soft, plain theplas
- Homemade atta or banana muffins (with no sugar)
TODDLER Part 3: Feeding Your Toddler (12+ Months)
This is when it gets much easier! Your toddler can eat what you eat.
The secret is learning how to order at the hotel.
How to Order for Your Toddler:
You don't need a "kids menu." Just make simple, clear requests:
- "Can you make this with less salt and no chili?"
- "One plain dal tadka (no chili) and one steamed rice."
- "A side of steamed vegetables (like carrot and potato) with no salt."
- "One plain omelette or scrambled eggs."
- "Plain curd."
🩺 A Quick Doctor's Note
Travel disrupts routines. Your baby might eat less or be fussy. That is completely normal.
Your #1 priority should be hydration (water, milk, or breastfeeding).
Don't stress if one meal is just a banana or some curd. A happy, relaxed parent is the best thing for your baby. Enjoy your trip!
Have More Questions on the Go?
Travel can bring up lots of new questions. We're here to help.
Download the Babynama app to chat with our team of pediatricians 24/7, right from your hotel room.