Hiya, beautiful parents!”)
I’m Sarah, and as a new parent, you’ll know that the thought of that “first holiday” with your
baby can have attached to it a mixture of excitement and pure, unadulterated terror. Is it
going to be a hassle-free break or a complicated, expensive exercise in nappy-changing
and sleep deprivation at a foreign postcode?
In fact, I’m here to report that it’s a bit of both, but mostly it’s worth it! Our initial family
holiday with our eldest (a rather plump 5-month-old at the time) was a whirlwind trip to a
Cotswold cottage, and then later a grander flight to Spain with both babies. Each time, it
felt like this enormous undertaking, but we learned so much.
So, if you’re browsing those holiday brochures or dreaming of a bit of a change of scene,
let’s think about taking that first break with baby.
The Big Decision: Where to Go and When?
This is probably the first obstacle. First-timer’s tip from me? Easy, local (ish), and low
expectations!
Try a UK Staycation: For our first full holiday, a cottage self-catering in the UK was ideal for
us. No flights, no time difference, familiar food, and easy and speedy access to shops like
pharmacies and supermarkets. Cornwall, the Lake District, or even a small seaside town
can be a nice escape from it all.
The “Golden Window”: Many parents love this one. Between 3-7 months, babies are
typically past the newly-born craziness, tend to have more routine nap times, and aren’t
crawling/walking yet (less baby-proofing to do!). They’re often happy just to sit and observe
the world pass by in their pram or sling.
Weather Matters: If staying in the UK, then have it all! Layers are your best bet. If abroad,
consider the heat – keep little ones under 6 months out of the direct sun completely, and
always prioritize shade and hydration for bigger ones.
Type of Accommodation: Self-catering allows flexibility around meal and room. A family
hotel can be great, especially if they offer baby equipment, but don’t fool yourself as to
how much you’ll be using hotel facilities if your baby has early nights.
The Art of Packing (It’s a Science, Really!)
This is where military efficiency kicks in. You will be packing more than you’ve ever packed
in your life for a tiny person. Love it!
My “Absolutely Cannot Forget” List:
Nappies & Wipes: Overestimate. Always. Especially if you’re flying to somewhere that your
usual brand may not be available. Pack for the journey and a couple of days, then plan to
buy more.
Baby First Aid Kit: Calpol/Nurofen (infant ibuprofen/paracetamol), thermometer, nappy
cream, snotty nose saline drops, antiseptic wipes, prescribed medicines.
Better safe than sorry!
Formula/Food: If formula feeding, ready-to-go cartons on travel days are worth
considering. If weaning, pouches or jars are your best friend. Pack familiar cereals or
snack.
Clothes, Clothes, Clothes: minimum 2-3 outfits a day, and PJs. Accidents will happen! And
always pack an extra set for you in the carry-on, trust me. Layers are also wonderful for
temperature fluctuations.
Sleep Essentials: Travel blackout blind (yes, a lifesaver!), portable white noise machine,
baby monitor, familiar sleep sacks or swaddles, and their favorite comforter/lovey. Sleep
routine is crucial for the sanity of all of us.
Pushchair/Sling/Carrier: A lightweight, travel-focussed buggy is a lifesaver. A baby
sling/carrier is pure genius for airports, town centres, or if the terrain isn’t pram-friendly.
Travel Cot: Check whether it’s provided with your accommodation and if you’re happy with
it. If not, then a compact travel cot is an investment worth making.
Feeding Gear: Bottles, sterilising kit (travel sterilisers are great!), breast pump if needed,
bibs, spoons, bottle brush.
Sun Protection (if needed): High SPF baby sun lotion, wide-brimmed sun hat, UV swim suit,
pram sunshade.
Comfort Toys/Books: A few small, familiar toys, favorite books, and teethers to distract and
comfort. New toys are magic too!
The Journey Itself: Smooth Sailing (or Flying/Driving) Tips
This is generally the most daunting part, but some pre-planning makes all the difference.
Driving:
Time it Right: Try to travel during nap times or overnight.
Frequent Breaks: Babies do not need to remain in car seats the entire day. Take frequent
breaks (every 2 hours for less than 6 months, more frequently if they’re unhappy) to remove
them, stretch, feed, and change.
Entertainment: Toys hanging from the car seat, music toys, or simply talking to them.
Window blinds are a must for sunny days.
Flying:
Passport: Get that baby passport sorted nice and early! (And out of the way of the best
passport photo session of your life).
Feed on Take-off/Landing: Sucking equalizes ear pressure – offer breast, bottle, or dummy.
Baby Bassinet/Sky Cot: On longhaul flights, reserve a bassinet seat if your airline operates
them. Book well in advance as they are limited.
The Essentials in Handbag: All the nappies, wipes, milk, spare clothes (for baby and you!),
medication, comforters for the flight. More liquids are usually allowed for babies, but they
may have to be scanned.
Pushchair at Gate: Most airlines allow you to take your pushchair as far as the boarding
gate, then it’s placed in the hold. You collect it on the other side.
Love the Priority Queue: Don’t be afraid! Babies and families are usually given priority
boarding and security check – use them!
Once You’re There: Settling and Having Fun
Scale Down Your Expectations: It’s not the type of vacation where you’ll be reading by the
pool for hours. It’s about being somewhere new, creating memories, and seeing new things
as a family.
Stick to Routines (ish): Try and keep nap times and bedtime as consistent as possible,
especially with younger babies. It makes them settle and means less overtired meltdowns.
Flexibility is Key: Be flexible! If a day out is too much, dial it back. If baby needs an early
night, that’s okay.
Explore Locally: Don’t try to do too much. Discover about parks, nice cafes, or short, easy
walks.
Take Help if Extended: If the grandparents or friends are joining in, let them help out! Even
an hour to yourself will feel like heaven.
Capture the Moments: Take photos, but also make sure to just enjoy the moment. These
first family holidays are so precious, even with added challenges.
Our initial break with the baby proved to us that it was okay for nothing to be just so. There
will be nappy blow-outs in peculiar locations, moments of complete exhaustion, and
perhaps some public meltdowns (by the baby, not you… please!). There will also be
occasions of pure joy, of seeing the world through your baby’s new eyes, and of bonding
your new family.
Breathe, pack an extra set of clothes (for you!) and have fun. You’ve got this, mum!
