First Trip with Baby: 8 tips for The Holiday Premiere
Where to? What do you need to pack? 8 valuable tips for all parents travelling with baby for the first time.
The first time with Baby is exciting and beautiful, but also a huge effort. You don’t think about holidays at first, more about survival. But as soon as everything has grooved, wanderlust creeps out again and calls for a dream beach under palm trees – or at least a change of scenery.
With this new phase of life, a new holiday era begins. And since everything is new, the first trip with baby requires some extra preparation – no matter whether you want to go to the Baltic Sea or to Oman.
In general, the baby phase is a good time to travel. Because unlike older children, a baby will go along with everything if you take a few things to heart. When in doubt, just put him or her in the stretcher – at mum or dad’s breast he or she will immediately feel safe and at home.
The first trip with baby: Our 8 most important tips for a relaxing holiday
1. Climate
Ideally, it should not be extremely hot and not too cold at the holiday destination, as babies are not yet able to regulate their body temperature as well. Otherwise it will quickly become stressful for the little one and also for you if you constantly worry whether baby might be too hot or too cold.
2. Health
The hygienic conditions and medical care on site should play a role in the choice of destination, because of course you do not want to put your baby in unnecessary danger. Thermometers and an age-appropriate medication to lower the fever should not be missing in the first-aid kit. For everything else consult your paediatrician.
3. Documents
Every child, no matter how small, now needs a child passport when travelling abroad. Before travelling, however, it is essential to check which documents are required exactly. And don’t forget your baby’s health insurance card!
4. Arrival
In the car you are flexible, can travel at your own pace and have plenty of room for lots of luggage (never travel with baby). In a plane you can get relatively far in a short time, and children up to two years old can fly on your lap for free or for a small fee. Parents can take their pram with them to the plane with most airlines, and baby food is exempt from the ban on liquids on board. Although a train journey is more environmentally friendly, it can be really stressful with baby – it is often too crowded, too cramped and too hot on trains, and missing connections is twice as stressful with child and cone.
5. Accommodation
For those who can bear it, family or children’s hotels are great: The infrastructure is designed for babies (there are baby beds, safety gates, baby monitors, etc.) and you don’t bother other guests with the little screamer (they have at least one) – which is very relaxing. Holiday apartments are also a great choice: they offer space and useful things like a high chair and washing machine, and they are also a retreat for parents staying over night. But you have to cook and do the dishes yourself.
6. Day organisation
Your baby has already developed something like a sleeping and eating rhythm? Congratulations! Then you’d do well to consider the usual routines when planning your day – it’s easy on babies and your nerves.
7. Baby food
If you are not or not always breastfeeding, you should pack enough powdered milk. Baby is already in the complementary diet? Then you should take some paps from home for the first two to three days. This saves you the stress of having to find baby food as soon as you arrive. If you have a holiday apartment, you can also pack a blender and cook the porridge yourself if you don’t like the local offer (too much salt or sugar).
8. Helpers
A baby carrier is worth its weight in gold on holiday – you are much more flexible than with a bulky pram, and baby feels secure at your breast even on the other side of the globe. A beach shell is indispensable for a beach holiday – it provides shade and a sheltered space for slumber and breastfeeding. And then, of course, you need to bring along your baby’s cuddly blanket, soft toy and other personal items that your child needs to feel comfortable.