Exploring Scotland with a baby can be a scary thought for many people: the unpredictable weather, the strange foods, the seemingly rural nature of being in Scotland. With stunning landscapes, rich history, and family-friendly activities, Scotland is an ideal destination to travel with a baby, and it is well-equipped to cater for families with babies. Here’s everything you need to know to make your trip to Scotland with your baby seamless and unforgettable.
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Why Scotland With A Baby?
Scotland is known for its breath-taking scenery, from rolling hills and lush forests to rugged coastlines and historic cities. The country offers a mix of urban attractions, countryside charm, and cultural heritage, making it a versatile destination for families. A lot of people have an unknown draw to Scotland – they can’t shake the idea that they just need to come here and that feeling doesn’t go away just because they have had a baby. For others, they come to Scotland because they have family here. And at times, some people just want to see all of those amazing places they see in TV shows like Game of Thrones and Outlander.
Scotland’s Weather Throughout the Year
Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared for all seasons:
- Spring (March to May): Mild with occasional rain. Temperatures range from 6°C to 15°C.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and often wet. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.
- Autumn (September to November): Cool and wet. Temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C.
- Winter (December to February): Cold and often snowy, especially in the Highlands. Temperatures range from -1°C to 7°C.
Keep in mind that the weather for each season can vary widely depending on where you are travelling in Scotland at the time. It is best to monitor the weather on an app or join some Scotland travel groups on Facebook to be kept up to date with the weather. The figures above are expected averages, but recently we have noticed that there are really extreme weather events fairly regularly bringing us hot days up to 25°C in June and then the next week seeing hail stones.
There is a fantastic book we have that can introduce your baby or small child to Scotland’s Weather. Click here to find it on eBay.
Dressing a Baby for Each Season in Scotland
Please bear in mind the unpredictable nature of Scottish weather, and have alternative clothing ready for if the weather changes or isn’t as you’d expect.
Spring
- Light layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat and mittens
In Spring, I am likely to dress a baby in Scotland in something like a bodysuit vest, a t-shirt or long dress for a girl, leggings, socks and then a jumper. I may switch out the jumper for a long-sleeved dress. This is typical of what my baby would wear indoors or to nip to the store. To go outside for longer like to the play park or hiking through Puck’s Glen, I would add something like a hooded fleece and a pair of boots for more warmth on the feet. If baby is in the stroller I would add a light cover on her.
Summer
- Light, breathable clothing
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Light sweater for cooler evenings
In Summer, I am likely to dress my baby in Scotland in something similar to Spring but inside I may leave the socks and jumper off. In Summer, I’d opt for short-sleeved or sleeveless dresses while inside and when venturing out I would consider a light jumper or a cardigan. I would bring an extra, warmer jumper incase of weather changes. I like to add a hat for baby to protect her from any sun or brightness outside and of course, I would add socks and shoes for going outside. Scotland’s summer can feel warm enough at times that we may wear shoes without socks, such as crocs, but typically the weather is comfortable enough for wearing socks and trainers even in summer. If venturing out at night you might want to consider more layers or a stroller blanket.
Autumn
- Warm layers
- Waterproof outer layer
- Hat and mittens
In Autumn, in Scotland with a baby I would be starting to layer clothing to keep warm. I would use a bodysuit vest, and perhaps I’d be switching to long-sleeved ones by now. Even inside I would have baby in a light sweater, thicker trousers or a tights and leggings combination. I like to use tights in Autumn and Winter to make sure my baby can’t remove them (like she does with socks) so I know she isn’t doing anything to make herself cold. I sometimes add extra socks over her tights when inside but feel this would be uncomfortable with shoes. Outside, baby would have shoes on, trainers or small boots, wellies for rainy days. I would be opting for a coat with it’s own ability to create warmth, rather than a thin coat designed simply to prevent the baby from getting wet. In the stroller, baby would have a blanket and this will likely become a thicker fleece blanket by autumn.
Winter
- Thermal layers
- Insulated snowsuit
- Warm hat, mittens, and booties
In Winter in Scotland with a baby you will be layering baby by now. Inside baby may wear tights and trousers with a bodysuit, t-shirt and a jumper. Outside they will also need a thicker coat or a full winter suit. If they are walking they may use boots, wellies or trainers on the dry days. I would have a snood for baby so it can’t fall off, I carry a hat and gloves as standard to add to the outfit for baby as and when they are needed. Spares are handy if you have the space, just incase they get dropped in a puddle or melty snow. You’ll need a blanket for the stroller to help keep baby warm and may also want to use the rain cover on dry but windy days to prevent the harsh winds hitting baby’s face.
For the stroller, you will need the rain cover for your family adventures in Scotland with a baby! Even if it goes unused it is better to have it than get caught in a downpour without one.
Essential Baby Items + Travel Gear For Babies
- Diapers (which in Scotland, we call nappies) and wipes
- Nappy bags
- Baby food and formula
- Bottles and sterilizer
- Portable crib
- Stroller
- Baby carrier
- First aid kit
- Toys and comfort items
- Changing bag
- Decent backpack for parents
- Organised and accessible handbag
Where to Find Baby Items in Scotland
There are different types of stores that often cater to slightly different needs.
- Supermarkets: The main thing they stock is food and daily essentials. Examples of supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda
- Pharmacies: Also known as Chemists, they usually stock medicines and things to take care of ourselves like shampoo and toothpaste. Examples of pharmacies: Boots, Superdrug
- Baby Stores: Usually stock everything a Mum and baby need. Examples of baby stores: Mothercare, Mamas & Papas
- Online Retailers: Their offerings vary, but they usually have a range of household items. Examples of online retailers: Amazon UK, Argos
Let’s take a look at the list of essentials for travelling with a baby in Scotland and break down where to get each thing and which place with be most reasonably priced for those items.
Diapers (which in Scotland, we call nappies):
Nappies are best sourced from a supermarket, pharmacies and some other stores do stock them but the price is higher. The cheapest supermarkets to get nappies in Scotland are Aldi and Lidl. The nappies are still of good quality. After that, the next best value you’ll find is in either Asda or Tesco. Again, the supermarkets own brand nappies are still good quality.
Tip: Although each supermarket has their own brand of nappies they aren’t called, for example, Asda nappies. The brand in Asda is Little Angels. Each supermarket has branded their baby stuff with a cute name. The name doesn’t matter, what matters is that you’ll notice the price is lower on those items and as long as you are happy with the price then you can grab those ones.
Supermarkets also sell Pampers and Huggies but they cost more than the own brand items. You can sign up to the Pampers app when in Scotland to scan the codes inside of the nappy packs to get discount vouchers or free nappies. You can sign up before your first purchase and see if they offer you a voucher right away. The Pampers reward app is called Pampers Club. You can earn 200 bonus points by using my code to sign up: 4D5400B.
If you are a fan of Amazon nappies, those are also available in Scotland.
Baby wipes:
Baby wipes are also available in the supermarkets and are also good quality from the supermarkets own brands. My favourite wipes are the Mama Bear ones. I used to get these via Amazon but I just saw TikTok have them at a better price so I will buy from there in the future. You can use this shoppable TikTok video I made to buy them directly from my video.
Nappy bags:
These are handy when you are travelling with a baby because no one wants to be carrying a dirty nappy around with no where to put it and nothing to tie it up in. Nappy bags are so cheap and take up hardly any space in your bag. They are available at supermarkets for a really good price.
Baby food and formula:
Baby food and baby formula can both be bought at the supermarkets. Asda and Tesco will have a larger selection to choose from. Baby food is typically divided by age group it is best suited to. You’ll probably find absolutely anything you need for your baby as Scotland is very aware of organic food, purees and smooth foods and so on and sells food based on what is safe for that age.
If you baby follows a specialist diet you may be able to get what they need at the supermarket, and if not then you will find what you need in a pharmacy. For example, Sylvie is allergic to cow milk protein. She needs specialist baby formula and we pick this up from the pharmacy. We get it on prescription but I believe it can be bought also.
Bottles and sterilizer:
If your baby is bottle feeding then you’ll need bottles and a way to sterilise them. If you aren’t bringing bottles from home, or for whatever reason you need more, you can find the big brands in the supermarkets too. Tesco often does really good deals for Clubcard holders on the entire Tommee Tippee set that also sterilises the bottles.
You can also pick up bottles in a pharmacy and generic home stores like Home Bargains, B & M and Argos.
To sterilise bottles while in Scotland with a baby you’ll have a few options:
- rent or borrow a steriliser (check local Facebook groups)
- buy a steriliser
- use sterilising tablets
- microwave clean bottles in a big bowl of water to sterilise them
I made this TikTok video about how we make baby formula at the perfect temperature to drink when we travel (without a perfect prep machine). Hint: it is easy and the stuff you need will cost about £10!
Portable crib aka travel cot:
This is a personal choice, as some people will co-sleep instead. We usually let Sylvie sleep beside us rather than lugging a travel cot around. If you want to have a travel cot for your baby but don’t want to bring one from home then you can either buy one or rent/borrow one for your stay.
To buy one you would be best checking stores like Argos, Mothercare and Mamas and Papas. Some supermarkets get them in stock especially for their baby events but it is not guaranteed that you will find one.
Stroller:
A lot of people worry about whether they can use a stroller or a buggy in Scotland because of the cobblestone streets. I am here to say you can, us Scottish Mums do it all of the time. There are only some really cobble-y areas but the rest of Scotland is paved like you probably see it wherever you live. Check out this Instagram reel of me refusing to give up and miss out when using a stroller in Edinburgh and bumping it down a bunch of stairs. Just to say – I had 3yr old Luke in the stroller, I wouldn’t have done it with a young baby on board.
There are two strollers I recommend for flying with a baby, because they fold so small you can bring them as hand luggage onto the plane and put them in the overhead bins. This might seem unimportant until you deplane and have to walk for 5, 10, 15 minutes with a baby and no stroller… Anyway, we liked the GB Pockit back in the day (we had one on our 5 month Asia trip which began in 2017 and it lasted for a few years of travel after this but finally broke on the Isle of Lewis in 2021) and now we use a Maxi Cosi Lara 2.
Baby carrier:
A baby carrier is essential for the times you do want to do the cobblestone streets and stairway alleys. This is particularly a prominent feature in Edinburgh. If you are more adventurous, you will also need the baby carrier for any walks or hikes that are through a forest or woodland or up and hills. A baby carrier is also useful for when baby is unsettled, its great to get them to sleep and it can be used on the plane if you baby is a lap infant. It helps you be hands free rather than juggling baby legs.
We use a simple baby carrier, the Infatino Go, and have also used the baby carrier that comes in the Scotland baby box which is just a massive piece of fabric that you twist and turn in ways to make it become a secure baby carrier.
First aid kit:
Before we went to Asia to travel full-time with Travis, we were gifted a first aid kit from Yellodoor. If you click here it will take you to the exact kit we got, and still use, on eBay. The thing about this first aid kit is it is designed with kids in mind and doesn’t look scary or intimidating – it is super fun and it’s packed with everything you might need in a small emergency.
If you come to Scotland with a baby and you don’t have a first aid kit but you have decided you’d like one, you can pick them up in pharmacies and possibly Asda and Tesco, but unlikely in Aldi or Lidl. Some of the most popular chain pharmacies are Boots and Superdrug. With Boots you can also order things online and then go in to pick them up, you can get a wider range of choice doing it this way because they can deliver anything from the website to the store for you. If you are flying within the UK you can also use the click and collect system to pick up stuff after security in some airports. I did a video about it here and you can see here everything I got to bring to Egypt.
Toys and comfort items:
It is important to give baby an opportunity to play, and when we travel I try to make a little backpack that is just toys for the kids. I have an article about the best travel toys for a baby aged 6 months to 18 months. It has a list of 11 different toys that we personally use and recommend for our baby. Each item (where possible) links out to a TikTok video that is shoppable and you can buy the toys directly from the video. This doesn’t seem to work if you aren’t a UK customer though, so I will add links below to the same items on eBay.
- Stretchy Animal Toy
- MagiCubes
- Rainbow Shape Fidget Pop
- Fidget Track Toy
- Board Books
- Suction Spinners
- Suction Animals
- Mini Muffik Play Mat
- Yoto Mini
- Felt Busy Book
Changing bag:
A good baby changing bag is key to staying organised and not getting stressed when you can’t find things. If you are travelling Scotland with a baby you might be wearing baby in a carrier or wearing your own backpack. This is why I recommend that you do not get a baby changing bag that is a backpack. This leaves just a few options and the best is either a crossbody bag or one designed to always be on the stroller. If you wear baby for certain days then you will have no way to transporting a changing bag designed to be always attached to a stroller. I did a lot of research to find a good changing bag that would work for our unique situation and I came across the Wings of Wild changing bag and I love it.
It opens out like a suitcase so you can easily access everything, and quickly. Inside the bag there are so many compartments to organise and store things that it is any organising fans biggest dream. A lot of the storage compartments are clear plastic too so you can literally see inside and see everything you have in there. As a Mum with ADHD this has been a game-changer for me.
Here are a couple videos I made about the changing bag:
You can click here to check if there are any on eBay. I am waiting for the business owner to add them to TikTok so I can share more about them.
A decent backpack for the parents:
If you are travelling with a baby then you will be in charge of your own things and baby’s things. Having a good backpack alongside the changing bag can make all the difference to your packing strategy and overall travel days. We really like these simple, plain colour travel backpacks that we got on TikTok. David has the backpack in dark green and I have it in beige. The only thing is they are really popular and I’ve seen a lot of people with the same beige bag as me and I think if I get the chance I will update it to another colour so it is more distinguishable. I’ve never seen another person with the same backpack as David.
The backpack is extremely functional and has a laptop section, our 15 inch screen laptops fit well. It has a secret pocked in the back where you can keep your passport. While you are wearing it that pocket will be inaccessible to anyone else. There is a main section that opens right out like a suitcase. There are a few pockets within that area for further organisation. From the main packing area you can connect a power bank to feed to the outside of the back to be able to charge devices on the go. There is a waterproof section on the front of the bag and on the very front there are two more pockets. There are four clips on the side you can use to compress the bag size down a little. There is one drink pocket on the bag to hold a bottle. At the bottom there is a pouch to put in dirty clothes or shoes to separate them from your clean belongings.
An organised handbag:
My favourite handbag for when I go out with my baby in Scotland is this plain back tote from TikTok. It is so simple but so organised – it really helps me especially with an ADHD brain. The inside has sections to allow you to organise your bag to allow for smoother travel days. One of the inner sections is the perfect size to hold a pack of baby wipes and 3-4 nappies.
Areas of Scotland and Activities with a Baby
Travel in Scotland with a baby can be super simple, or more difficult. It really depends where you intend to go and what you want to do. I have thrown together some ideas of things to do in some of the most popular parts of Scotland. Hopefully, over time I can link out to articles with a lot more detail and ideas for each place.
Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: Explore the castle grounds and enjoy the views out to the city. We went recently with two strollers and although they got caught on some of the cobblestones it wasn’t too bad at all. It was, however, very cold and all of our children really struggles with how cold it was up there. Book your tickets in advance with GetYourGuide here.
- Edinburgh Zoo: Enjoy the animals and kid-friendly exhibits. The Zoo is quite hilly so it can be a challenge with babies in a stroller. Secure your Edinburgh Zoo tickets ahead of time here.
- TimeTwisters Soft Play: This soft play is really fun and has a nice quiet baby section beside the café. It is a lovely little break for some proper child-time in the busy city.
For more ideas on what to do in Edinburgh, click here.
Glasgow
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: Interactive displays for kids.
- Glasgow Science Centre: Family-friendly science exhibits.
- City Kids Adventure Play: A soft-play that caters for younger children.
Edinburgh and The Lothians
- Tantallon Castle: Family-friendly castle near Edinburgh with lots of room to run and explore.
- Pentland Hills Regional Park: Gentle walks and outdoor activities.
- Seton Beach: A beautiful yellow-sand beach just outside of Edinburgh.
The Scottish Borders
- Jedburgh Abbey: Explore historical ruins.
- Jedburgh Jail: Explore the old jail in Jedburgh and hang among to prisoners.
- Innerleithen Hill Plaques: After a very short hike up a hill you will be rewarded with an incredible view over Innerleithen and the most amazing plaques that stand in a circle where old iron hill forts used to stand.
For more ideas of things to do in the Scottish Borders, click here.
Fife
- St. Andrews: Beach walks and the Botanic Garden. Take a private tour to get to know St. Andrews from a local.
- Deep Sea World: Aquarium with marine life exhibits. The highlight of Deep Sea World is probably the underwater tunnel. The entire exhibit is baby and stroller friendly.
- Forth Road Bridge(s): You can admire the Forth Road Bridge from numerous locations, including Deep Sea World. The most enchanting and magical thing to do is to take a cruise on the river that flows under the bridges.
Dumfries and Galloway
- Drumlanrig Castle: Gardens and adventure playground.
- Mabie Farm Park: Farm animals and play areas.
- The Garden of Cosmic Speculation: This landscaped garden is an amazing place to explore. It only opens once a year – usually in May, so plan ahead. This activity would be best with baby in a carrier and not a stroller.
Ayr
- Culzean Castle and Country Park: Castle tours and parkland, you can do this all in a neat tour with GetYourGuide.
- Heads of Ayr Farm Park: Interactive animal experiences.
- Ayr Beach: A nice Scottish beach, very picturesque. We went recently and these are some pictures we took while there briefly.
The Scottish Lowlands
- New Lanark World Heritage Site: Historical site with walks.
- Five Sisters Zoo: Family-friendly zoo with various animals. Travis thought that this was one of the best places he has ever been to.
Argyll and Bute
- Puck’s Glen: Explore this beautiful and mysterious gorge that twists and turns through the forested Argyll area. Our kids really liked it here. Bring a carrier for baby. We carried Sylvie without one for the walk but it would be much easier if you brought one.
- Loch Lomond: Boat trips and gentle walks. The Loch is big so there are so many parts to see and explore.
- Sea Life: Another aquarium but this time at Loch Lomond. Available to book with GetYourGuide here.
The Outer Hebrides
- Callanish Stones: Historical site exploration. This is a nice open space and it is very easy to access. The car park is less than a minutes walk to the standing stones so it is very easy with a baby. Book via GetYourGuide here.
- Luskentyre Beach: Beautiful and peaceful beach walks. This is probably the most beautiful beach I have ever visited.
- Butt of Lewis: This lighthouse is a nice stop for a view out to see, a picnic or a quick explore around the area. There is parking but baby will be best in a carrier to take a little look around.
The Isle of Skye
- Fairy Pools: Gentle walks and stunning scenery. See the best of the Isle of Skye with this day trip on GetYourGuide.
- Dunvegan Castle: Castle grounds and gardens.
The Scottish Highlands
- Loch Ness: Boat trips and scenic walks. There are a lot of tour companies who offer these trips so just check through their description and see if it works for baby.
- Highland Wildlife Park: Zoo with native animals. Available to book with GetYourGuide here.
- Culloden Battlefield: This battlefield is a mostly open green area with paths to route you around it. It is easy to walk and explore with a baby in a stroller.
The Shetland Islands
- Shetland Museum: Family-friendly exhibits.
- Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement: Historical site exploration.
My Favourite Travel Gear for Scotland with a Baby
- Travel Stroller: Lightweight and easy to fold. We use a Maxi Cosi Lara 2
- Rugged Stroller: Suitable for rough terrains. We use an old Mamas and Papas travel system.
- Baby Carrier: Comfortable and supportive. We have the Infantino Go.
- Baby Snood: Keeps baby warm, can be worn like a hood, scarf, hat.
- Baby Hats and Gloves: Essential for cold weather.
- Baby Hiking Boots: For outdoor adventures. I got Sylvie’s for about £2.50 at a charity shop.
- Travel Kettle: Convenient for preparing baby food. We have this one.
- Travel Washing Machine: Handy for keeping baby clothes clean. We used this one. Click here to watch a tutorial on TikTok on how to use it.
- Ego Egg: Eco-friendly laundry solution. You can find it on eBay here.
If you have found my page because you also have an autistic child, below are links to different sets of PECS cards I have created to aid your trip to Scotland:
Travelling Scotland with a baby can be a wonderful experience with proper planning and preparation. It is helpful to know where to look to find things when you are here, and what type of stores you need to check. With its rich history, scenic landscapes, and family-friendly attractions, Scotland is an ideal destination for creating lasting memories.