First holiday with baby: How to do it?

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Organising a first trip with baby

For young parents, the first holiday with a baby can be somewhat stressful. Indeed, the presence of an infant will give a completely different rhythm to your stay and of course implies real organisation. But don't panic, it is entirely possible to go on holiday with a baby thanks to a bit of organisation. Choice of destination, things to bring, organisation, tips... Discover all our advice to organise your first holiday with baby!

A suitable destination

The first step is to choose a destination suitable for the presence of a baby. It's difficult to consider a stay in an amusement park or camping for 2 weeks with a young child. Here, we recommend a quiet holiday, for example in an off-season seaside resort (since your baby is very young, you're not yet bound by school holiday dates).

It's also important to ensure that the chosen destination is family-friendly. Some offer childcare services, nappy changing facilities, etc. Moreover, take care to ensure that the heat won't be too intense during the chosen period. It's preferable to opt for a time when the weather is mild to enjoy walks with your baby without fearing overheating.

For your first holiday, a destination accessible by car and not too far from home will also be appreciated. This way, you avoid the stress of travelling by plane or train with a baby. By researching in advance, you can learn more about your destination and ensure that it is indeed a "kids friendly" place to avoid any disappointments.

Perfectly planned holidays

If you're the organised type, you're going to be able to indulge yourself. Indeed, it's better to anticipate these holidays with baby as much as possible. This involves booking accommodation in advance of course, but also transport, activities, etc. This way, you lighten your mental load and will be able to enjoy these first holidays with your child even more.

You can also gradually make a list of everything you will need during your stay, for you, and for baby of course. Nappies, food, clothes, toiletries, car seat, pushchair, think of everything they might need. While it's not about bringing the baby's cot bed and their entire room, try also to bring reassuring objects with the smell of home like a comfort toy, a blanket, etc.

Also make sure that the equipment planned on site is indeed available. For example, if a wooden baby bed or travel cot is planned in your hotel room, check that this is indeed the case to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

A routine like at home

On holiday, the rhythm is often different from that at home. However, it's important that your baby can maintain their usual rhythm to feel reassured. Meals, sleep, playtime... Try to respect your usual routine as much as possible to create a familiar environment despite the different setting.

Bring the minimum

While it's tempting to prepare for all eventualities, we recommend travelling as light as possible. Indeed, going away with a baby often involves filling up the car boot. If baby needs a lot of things, try nonetheless to avoid the superfluous in order to make your daily life on holiday easier. Keep in mind that in case of problems, you can also make purchases on site or adapt according to the situation.

Don't let your anxiety and desire to plan everything take over when packing, but rather ask yourself what is really irreplaceable and useful.

Stay flexible

Even if you have established a precise schedule, going on holiday with a baby often involves dealing with unexpected events. Opt for bookings with cancellation insurance so you can make last-minute changes if necessary. Just like in everyday life, things may not go as you would have wished. Have realistic expectations and enjoy the simple moments of your trip, these are often the most precious!

Keep rest times

Holidays with baby are likely to be somewhat demanding. So remember to allow yourself rest times and gaps in your schedule. You will certainly appreciate taking a little nap during your day, or simply relaxing by the beach or pool. You can also use your establishment's childcare system if you feel comfortable with this idea in order to enjoy a moment as a couple to go out for dinner, have a massage, go on a visit, etc.

In conclusion

Going on holiday with a baby is a real adventure, but also promises very beautiful shared moments for your family. To fully enjoy your stay, we recommend that you:

  • Choose a suitable destination: not too far, not too hot and if possible in a kid-friendly place
  • Plan your stay as much as possible: bookings, activities, list of things to bring, etc.
  • Maintain a routine as close as possible to the one at home: baby will thus be much more reassured.
  • Travel light: no need to bring the entire baby's room.
  • Stay flexible; you will most certainly face unexpected events.
  • Keep rest times: travelling with a baby is tiring!