Going on holiday with a baby is certainly not the same as a fun and relaxing city trip with your partner. There’s a lot involved. You must take the necessary measures to care for your baby throughout the journey, including during the transfer. Going on holiday with your baby for the first time seems like an impossible task. You have to think about so many things at the same time. Yet it can be a real pleasure to go out with your young family. However, much depends on the choice of your destination and excellent travel preparation. Good planning avoids surprises so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
When will you be traveling?
There is no ideal age to travel for the first time. As soon as you and your baby are ready, you can leave. Your baby does need to sleep at regular times and of course needs to rest occasionally. It is often most convenient to move during the night, so that your child remains in the current biorhythm. For example, you can leave in the evening, let your child sleep in the car, and arrive at your destination in the morning.
Where to travel?
Choosing your destination when traveling with a baby is not easy. After all, you will have to take into account the fact that you are traveling with a baby and not all destinations are equally suitable. What you should definitely avoid are holiday destinations that are too hot or too cold. Also avoid very long trips of more than one day because your baby will get out of the normal rhythm. You will also lose your rhythm and will no longer be as fit. And you need that fitness to care for your baby. Holidays by the sea or in a green environment in the healthy fresh air are highly recommended. Specific holiday destinations, tailored to young families, such as Center Parcs, Landal or Roompot, are the perfect entertainment for slightly older children.
Make sure you have the necessary vaccinations
For certain destinations you require vaccinations. Don’t forget these for your baby’s safety. Visit your GP to ask which destinations require vaccinations.
Traveling by car
If you travel by car, you choose a very comfortable car seat for your baby. After all, your baby has to sit in this position for a long time and then a comfortable seat is not an unnecessary luxury. Try to stop every two hours to take your baby out. Install a seat for your baby that faces the direction of travel. These can be placed at the front or at the back of the car. If you choose a particular car seat model, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to properly install the car seat in your car.
Traveling by plane
You can immediately board the plane with your baby. The plane is the fastest means of transport for long destinations. If your child is younger than two years old, you can still hold your baby on your lap. Often you don’t have to pay anything extra for your baby. Children between the ages of two and twelve travel very cheaply. It is only from the age of twelve that your child will have to travel at a normal price like adults. Have your baby’s ears checked by your doctor before you leave. An ear infection can be particularly painful during plane take-off and descent.
Traveling by train
The train is a very comfortable means of transport. The disadvantage is that there is little luggage space for your belongings and of course your baby’s. The advantage is that children travel for free or at least pay less. If you are traveling by night train, reserving a berth is not an unnecessary luxury. It is important to know that there is not much room on the train to change your baby. You may find a changing cushion in the toilets. You can heat a bottle of milk via the sockets on the train.
Holiday with a baby: essentials
During the entire trip you will need all kinds of things that you should definitely not forget for the care of your baby. If you have forgotten something, you can go to a local store or pharmacy to save you.
- for the trip: pampers or diapers, wet and dry wipes, towel, some toys, favorite cuddly toy, bibs, daily food, water and some medicines.
- in your baby’s suitcase: (spare) clothes, jacket, spare diapers, buggy, (folding) bed, toiletries, extra food and of course a camera to take nice holiday photos.
- care products and medicines: antipyretic medicine, (bath) thermometer, disinfectant, physiological seawater, scissors, bandages, medicines, sunscreen and an anti-insect product.
