Having just returned back to work after maternity, I am now looking forward to booking our first family holiday with our eight month old baby girl. I know for a lot of us this can be a daunting experience, as there is so much to think about travelling abroad with a baby, but follow these tips and you will soon be enjoying a hassle free family holiday.
Baby Clubs
Now might be a good time to join all the free baby clubs that well known brands and supermarkets offer. They often send out free sachets of food that are great for travelling. Ensuring you’ve got plenty of snacks can be your savior.
Toys
Take a couple of little toys such as teethers, rattles, teddies and maybe a baby book to keep them entertained on the flight. As well as a couple of new toys, babies love familiarity and so it is worth taking a favourite toy, which may help comfort them if they do start to get restless. It’s not just taking a baby on holiday, you’ve got to take every part of their nursery too – just in case!
Ask For Help
Don’t be shy to ask the flight attendants for help. It is part of their job, and they will be only too happy to warm baby food and milk for you. On most airlines families with babies tend to board first, which gives plenty of time to get to your seats and make yourselves comfortable. Also, if your little one does get restless during the flight, remain calm to help soothe them quicker – if you start to get frustrated or worry what other people are thinking, it will only make you both more agitated.
Hotel Or Apartment?
This is a choice that needs to be made depending on your needs as a family. There’s plenty of things to make travelling abroad with a baby easier, but it’s what works for your family that matters.
Hotels are ideal for families who prefer to have their meals and sometimes drinks included as it helps when budgeting your spending money. However, self catering apartments are more spacious and give flexibility for cooking what you like at times that are convenient. They also have fridges to store food and milk.
If you do decide to book a hotel though, you can check beforehand if a fridge is provided or if there is a facility to hire one.
Baby Medicines
You can now buy pain and fever medicines in boxes of single dose sachets. Brands such as Calpol sell them. They are ideal for popping into your case or hand luggage.
Baby Food
There are quite a few baby foods that come in boxes that you mix with water or milk. These are great for packing in the case when taking your baby abroad.
Keeping Warm On The Flight
It can sometimes get quite cold for a baby on the plane (well not just a baby), so it is worth carrying a blanket with you. You may be able to buy them on the plane, but sometimes supplies are limited.
Little Ears
Make sure you have a drink or a bottle to give your baby during take off as this will help reduce ear popping.
Order Online And Collect At Airport
Food and drink restrictions do not apply to hand luggage for babies, however if you take the ready made cartons you will be expected to open and taste them when going through security. Most UK airports have a Boots the chemist through the departure lounge, and you can order what you need online and collect it once you have passed security.
If Your Accommodation Doesn’t Have A Bath
A lot of hotels and apartments abroad have showers as opposed to a bath, which may be difficult when trying to bathe a baby. If you take a universal bath plug, these are great for popping in the shower basin or in the sink to make a little bath.
Keeping Cool In The Sun
Baby sun tents are great for keeping baby cool and out of the direct sun. Ideal for days at the beach. They pack flat so can be easily put into a suitcase.
Wherever you are planning to experience baby’s first holiday in Spain, Mexico or the Canary Islands, follow these tips to make your whole holiday experience a breeze.
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