Family Holidays With a Baby
Holidays look different once there’s a baby in the mix, and the planning that goes into them looks different too.
Start with accommodation. Places that describe themselves as family friendly usually already have a cot, a highchair and a few toys waiting for you, which means less to pack. Climate matters more than you might think. Families with young children travel most easily somewhere between 20 and 25 degrees during the day. Anything hotter and you’ll want shade wherever you go, from a pop up tent to a buggy cover.
If you’re heading abroad, a few jobs are worth doing early. Sort your baby’s passport well ahead of time. Apply for a free health insurance card for each family member. Take out proper travel and health insurance, and check whether your destination needs vaccinations your baby is too young for. Malaria prevention medication, for example, is not suitable for babies under two months.
Car journeys go more smoothly with regular stops for feeding, nappy changes and a stretch. Some parents find night driving works well, since it lines up with baby’s sleep. New toys brought out one at a time can buy you a surprising amount of peace on a long drive.
Flying brings its own small logistics. Airport security allows infant milk, sterilised water and baby food beyond the usual liquid limits, though you may be asked to taste it. A pushchair can go with you right to the aircraft door. For long haul flights, ask about a bassinet. During take off and landing, feeding or offering a dummy helps with ear pressure, the same job a boiled sweet does for an older child.
None of this needs to be complicated. A little preparation goes a long way, and most families find that once they’re there, the change of scene does everyone good.
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