Top 10 Tips for Travelling with a Baby
Parents generally fall into a few different categories when it comes to travelling with children. I have friends who have been on 90 mile walking holidays with nothing but a backpack, a ground sheet, and a three year old in tow. I can’t say this is my idea of a holiday, although the photos look beautiful and I do wish my four year old would walk further than the end of the road without complaining.
At the opposite end of the travel spectrum are some of the families I've worked with in the past (shout out to any old seasonaires.) These are families who are able to either bring their childcare with them on holiday or book their children into childcare or kids clubs once they’re away. If only my children were happy to go off to clubs! I’m not sure how I’ve ended up with 3 children who accuse me of deserting them when I’ve popped into the next room
The majority of the parents I know fall into a similar category to myself. We want a holiday in the sun, we have children who want to spend at least most of their time with us, we maybe kid ourselves about how relaxing this holiday will actually be. This is the denial that gets us through life, don’t ever lose it!
As an ex-seasonaire and long time childcare professional, as well as being a full time parent myself, I’m here to offer up any words of wisdom that I can muster in the form of Top 10 Tips for Travel with Children. To qualify what I mean by ‘travel’ I’m talking general summer holidays as opposed to travelling around the world in a campervan - although I do daydream about that exact scenario, except that in my dreams my children never argue, home learning is not stressful and I look much younger.
I’m going to start with tips for travelling with babies and work my way up. These lists are not exhaustive, especially when it comes to babies who require the same amount of ‘stuff’ whether you’re going away for an afternoon or three months. But I hope they’ll help anyone planning their first holiday with children, or those who just need a checklist. I’m also leaving out the obvious stuff like sunscreen, pushchairs and sun hats. I feel like no one needs a list
that comprehensive.
Top 10 Tips for Travelling with Babies: What to pack
1.Favourite comforter. At the top of the list because you will not be able to find their very specific, cuddled to death, jellycat comforter once you’re away. And Babies can fight sleep for a lot longer than you think.
2.If you’re sterilising bottles or utensils for your baby be sure to get either a pack of Milton tablets or some sterilising bags. Perfect for taking away and doesn’t require electricity.</li><li>A decent backpack for days out. Better than lugging a nappy bag around and you can fit in snacks, drinks and toys.
3.Baby’s sleeping bag. These are so much better than hotel bedding and you can use a lower tog sleeping bag if it's warm and add a blanket when it’s chilly.
4.I always used to take a blanket out and about when my children were younger. They’d often fall asleep in the pushchair in the evenings and having their own blanket to hand kept them warm and content whilst the adults were able to have a bit of an evening.
5.Small bath toys for the beach and pool. We used to have a tiny paddling pool that we’d blow up and fill with water on the beach. We could position it out of the sun, next to beach beds, and our children could happily play next to us. Also, a small blow up ring for the pool will be your best friend.
6.Sun shade for car windows. If you’re hiring a car you will not find any sun shades on the windows. You can pick up travel sun shades online that are great for stopping the kids from turning into jacket potatoes when the sun is strong.
7.Mosquito repellent. Bands that can be attached to the pushchair are better than using the really strong chemicals on babies skin and they last for ages.
8.If you’re catching a plane and need things such as formula milk, pre-order from Boots and select the collection point as the Boots at the airport. You will be through security and able to carry on whatever you’ve collected. Obviously check with the airport you’re going from, but I know this works at Gatwick. You can pick up your nappy cream, calpol sachets and any other essentials at the same time.
8.My biggest tip for travelling with babies is to reset your expectations. This won’t be the holiday you remember from ten years ago, but it will be a special memory in years to come. Don’t plan too much for your first day, give the baby time to readjust to the heat, sleeping somewhere new and being out more than usual. Make the most of nap time and take an afternoon siesta. Take it in turns to take Baby for a walk so the other parent has some time to read, swim or relax. If the baby falls asleep in the pushchair in the evening, use the time for a drink or a stroll but don’t stress if you want to go to bed yourself. There is no ‘right’ way to do things, as long as it works for you. I look back to the days I holidayed without kids and I can’t believe there were times I complained about being bored on the beach. Now I’m pleased if the children are playing happily long enough for me to enjoy a granita and get some sun on my legs.
