Cute beach pictures, splashing in the pool, creating early memories that will last a lifetime.
Going on holiday as a young family can be amazing. It can also be stressful.
Coping with crying while you’re on the plane, adjusting your little one to a new environment, unfamiliar climates, and disrupted sleeping patterns – it can all get a little tense.
Which is exactly the opposite point of why you go on holiday in the first place.
So, if you’re thinking of taking your tot abroad for the first time, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared and ready for all eventualities.
Baby brand Micralite has teamed up with parents Paula and Matt, and mum Moon Hough who regularly jet around the world with their little ones, to share their top tips for travelling with a baby:
Manage your expectations
If you are used to travelling alone, Paula and Matt ssay: ‘It can be incredibly difficult to realise that you won’t be able to do everything or even what you had planned to do on days.’
They enthuse that slow travelling is the best way to enjoy a place and recommend families ‘plan to visit one thing each day and schedule in some daily baby fun, or downtime too.’
Research ahead of time
Ahead of your holiday, spend time planning places to visit whilst away.
Paula and Matt recommend: ‘Don’t overdo things in one day and spread activities throughout the time you are there.’
Moon also advises: ‘Stay in a place longer to ensure you can do everything you want.’
Book suitable accommodation
Choosing where to stay when travelling with a baby can be tricky.
To make sure your accommodation is suitable, Paula and Matt suggest: ‘Book an Airbnb or a house rental rather than hotels, because they have more amenities that are useful – like a kitchen or washing machine, as well as trying to book somewhere central to walk to attractions.’
‘Ahead of your trip, speak to the place you are staying about what they can offer,’ adds Moon, ‘so you’re not overpacking items you don’t need as they might already have them there.’
Fly around sleep times
Flying with a baby can seem daunting for parents.
To try to make the journey go as smoothly as possible, Paula and Matt recommend flying around the times your baby would normally sleep.
‘As having them asleep during the flight makes for a more relaxed journey, especially if it’s their first one as it’s less overwhelming,’ they explain.
They also add to be aware of the air pressure.
‘Have something for them to suck or chew on during take-off and landing,’ they add. ‘You can also massage their ears and the side of the head for extra comfort.’
Be weather prepared
Depending on where you are going on holiday, you need to ensure your baby is at a safe temperature and protected from the weather.
For a sunny destination, Moon advises: ‘Try to keep your baby cool and keep them covered in the shade. Make sure they are wearing a sunhat and drink enough water.’
Paula and Matt add: ‘Avoid being in the sun completely during the highest sun hours and sun cream (preferably 50+) should be applied every half hour to an hour.’
For cold destinations, Paula and Matt say it’s important to think about layers.
‘A snowsuit, waterproof boots and gloves are essential for snowy locations. They should always have at least one more layer than yourself.’
They also advise that no matter the location, to be all-weather prepared: ‘If you are going to a warm destination, always pack a jacket and if you going to a cold destination pack a shirt just in case of a sudden weather change.’
Source: Read Full Article