The stroller is in the hallway, diapers, pacifiers and changing pads are piled up on the kitchen table – and suddenly the idea of a trip with a baby seems less like a vacation than like a moving project. It’s at this very moment that many ask themselves: Is it possible to exchange homes with a baby? Our honest answer is: not only feasible, but also significantly more relaxing for many families than a hotel.
A swap house takes away exactly the things that quickly become exhausting when traveling with a small child: constantly eating out, no space for crawling, no fridge for porridge and milk, no washing machine after a minor mishap. Instead, you live in a real home for a few days. This is not a promise of luxury, but often simply the more practical basis for family trips.
Why HomeExchange can work so well with babies
With a baby, the way we look at accommodation has changed radically. In the past, a nice room in a prime location might have been enough. Today, what matters most are a quiet bedroom, a kettle at six o’clock in the morning, and a sofa on which to take a short breather after a long walk. These everyday details are often taken for granted when swapping apartments.
The kitchen is particularly pleasant. Not because you should cook elaborately every night during your vacation. But because you are flexible: heating up bottles, cutting fruit, preparing a porridge or quickly making pasta when the baby is tired and a visit to a restaurant wouldn’t be a good idea right now. A breakfast in pajamas instead of at the hotel buffet on time can be worth its weight in gold for baby gold.
There is also the financial advantage. Family rooms, apartments and holiday homes in popular cities or holiday regions are often the largest expense in the travel budget. With HomeExchange, you exchange your own home for another and thus save on accommodation costs. The money is left over for the rental car, a trip, good food or simply a longer trip.
But from our experience, something else is almost even more important: You travel slower and more genuine. You buy your bread from the bakery around the corner in the morning, know the next playground after two days, and don’t live between the reception area, breakfast room, and hotel room. Especially with a baby, this quieter way to travel is often exactly right.
Making HomeExchange with a baby possible: finding the right accommodation
A nice profile photo and a great view are not enough when searching for an apartment. With a baby, it’s worth looking at the accommodation from a different perspective. We first look at the sleeping situation. Is there a separate bedroom? Is there space for a travel cot? Is the apartment located on a noisy street or is it more quiet?
The floor can also be crucial. An old apartment on the fourth floor without a lift is not automatically a disqualifying criterion, but with strollers and shopping bags, you should honestly consider whether that suits your trip. If you want to be able to get around on foot a lot, a well-accessible apartment is often more valuable than the more spectacular address.
Also look at the kitchen, washing machine and bathroom. A washing machine significantly reduces the amount of luggage because you don’t have to pack clothes for every possible situation. A bathtub can be practical, but it’s not a must. Some babies like to bathe everywhere, others are happy to sleep after a day outside after a quick cat-washing.
If a home is already equipped with family-friendly features, such as a high chair, a baby bed, or toys, this is of course particularly convenient. However, you should only rely on this if you have discussed it directly with the host. Photos may be older, and an existing baby bed does not automatically mean that the mattress, bedding, or safety standards meet your expectations.
The questions you should ask before exchanging
The best message for potential exchange partners is friendly, concrete, and not over-optimistic. Briefly tell them how old your baby is and what is important to you. For example, ask if a travel cot fits in the apartment, if there are many stairs, and if the windows or balcony are secured.
Even small points can be addressed: Is there an elevator? Is the apartment quiet in the evening? Where can a stroller be parked? Is there a supermarket nearby? These questions do not seem demanding, but they show that you plan your stay realistically. Good hosts know their apartment and are usually happy to help with honest answers.
It is just as important to be open about your own home. If you a home exchange offers, clearly describes what families can expect from you. Do you have sensitive decor, an open staircase or areas that should not be used? Then let it be known. Clear rules create trust and prevent both parties from making up stories beforehand.
Not every exchange home is suitable for every stage of a baby's development.
A three-month-old baby who sleeps a lot in a stroller has different needs than a ten-month-old child who wants to explore every outlet, staircase, and drawer. Therefore, there is no one perfect accommodation for families.
With a very young baby, a central city apartment can work wonderfully if you like to go for walks and visit cafes. With a mobile toddler, perhaps a ground-floor home with a garden, a quiet street, and a short distance to the playground is the better choice. And if your baby is just teething, sleeping poorly, or going through a sensitive phase, a trip to a familiar environment with friends or family can be more relaxing than a city trip. It’s also completely fine.
HomeExchange is not a magic trick that makes every trip effortless. Lack of sleep comes with it, flight delays continue to be a problem, and a stranger’s bed can make the first night restless. The difference is that you have more space, more options, and less financial pressure when a day of vacation consists of just a walk, a midday nap, and noodles in the vacation rental.
Less to carry: What you really need to bring
The most common mistake before your first trip with a baby is overpacking. Of course, you need diapers, favorite pacifiers, medications, and clothes. But a change of apartment allows you to buy or wash many things locally. Especially on longer trips, this is a huge relief.
We would only pack things your baby really knows or that are hard to replace on the go: a sleeping bag, a stuffed animal, a pacifier, a small travel medicine cabinet, and if necessary, a carrier or stroller. Whether both are necessary depends on the destination. In a city with many stairs and cobblestones, a carrier is often more practical. For long walks, afternoon naps on the go, and shopping, a stroller can be indispensable.
A few familiar routines help you settle in. A small evening ritual with the same sleeping bag, book, or song can be more effective than trying to stick to a meticulous daily schedule while on vacation. On the day of arrival, try to avoid doing anything too big. First, shop for groceries, explore the apartment, and take a short walk – that’s enough.
Thus, the first exchange becomes a good experience.
For the first apartment swap with a baby, I wouldn’t necessarily choose the most complicated long-distance trip. A destination that you can reach by car or a short direct flight takes the pressure off the situation. Even a stay of at least four or five nights usually pays off more than a hectic weekend trip. Babies need time to arrive – and parents as well.
After arriving, take ten minutes to do a safety check. Are cleaning supplies or small items lying around? Are there hot radiators, open sockets, wobbly furniture, or a balcony access? You don’t have to remodel an unfamiliar apartment. But putting up a few things or keeping a room temporarily closed makes for more relaxing days.
Treat your host's home as you would want yours to be treated. Small mishaps happen with children, which is why open communication is more important than silent hope. Most problems are minor if addressed immediately and honestly. This mutual trust is what makes HomeExchange so special.
Perhaps your first exchange will be with an apartment two hours away, not three weeks at the other end of the world. That’s no small adventure. It’s the chance to find out how good traveling can feel when you’re not living in cramped quarters with a baby, but have a temporary home for a while.
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On my travel blog Wandernotizen I'll take you along on our family trips around the globe. Between wanderlust and everyday chaos, you'll find honest travel reports, tips, and plenty of material to ignite your wanderlust. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️