When it comes to travelling with a baby, many people are worried about the length of time in the car, the heat of the place that they want to go to, or how to keep baby cool on balmy nights. It is an exciting thing to book and take your first holiday with a baby in tow – and while there might be some stress around it, here are some tips to make it easier for you.
Photo by Nils Nedel on Unsplash
When?
Different airlines have different policies about when a baby can hop on board. Although it is not uncommon for many people to book the first trip to be a few weeks after the first set of immunisations. Of course, there are some places you can’t travel with a newborn – anywhere you need extra vaccinations, or with extreme heat. Between 3-6 months is a great time. If you can, try to book in the off-season too. Airports won’t be as busy, and the flights should be a bit quieter too.
Baby Gear
You probably don’t need to take as much stuff as you think you do. It is often easier to pack just the essentials like the number of nappies you will need until you arrive at your destination. The less stuff that you take with you, the more relaxed your life will be. Certainly going through security at any rate. If you have managed to snag yourself a car from home to the airport, and airport to the hotel on the other side, then this won’t matter too much. But you might find the extra bags and carrying the baby while in the lengthy security checks can be horrible.
Rent A Car
If you are considering getting on coaches or walking around a lot when you get to the other side, then you might like to consider making your life much easier and getting a car. Rather than scrabble around trying to find a vehicle that has a car seat in the price, check out travel systems ahead of time. Not only will you have the pushchair but you’ll have the car seat and potentially a carrycot too. Renting a car for the duration of your trip is often much cheaper and easier than hailing cabs and publish transport.
Book Early
You don’t have to miss out on any of the experiences, restaurants or tours. The trick is to book as early as possible to snag your tickets and skip the queue. Another tip is to book an early time slot too. If you want to eat a delicious steak at a restaurant people are raving about the just book it ahead of when your baby is going to need to sleep. You get the steak and baby gets their bedtime without too much fuss. The older they get, the more likely it is they will want to play with cutlery and be loud and lovely. Which is no problem, but if you get flustered when your baby isn’t settled then this might put a damper on the experience.
Calming Noise
There are going to be times that you wish you had a sound machine or some music to help calm your baby. Even more so if that is part of your routine at home. Rain sounds, waterfalls, classical music and other relaxing music and sounds can help soothe a baby who isn’t enjoying being away from their own bed. The Calm app has a range of these, plus meditation for you if you need it.
Insurance
You have not too long ago given birth, and your newborn is new to all of this. You should make sure that you have coverage for both you and your baby and that you know where the nearest hospital and doctor is. Bug bites, slight fevers, and all of those things can feel much scarier when you aren’t at home – so plan for anything.
Pack Light
You are very unlikely to need 3 outfits for each day, plus 4 pairs of shoes and all of that extra stuff that people pack. Put comfort at the top of your list and make sure that you pack things that can be worn a couple of times and that are lightweight. If you are staying in an Airbnb, the chances are they will have a washing machine you can use – which is excellent. If not a great tip is to carry some spot stain removal or purchase some when you arrive.
Pack light, book early, and enjoy your first holiday!
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