Holidays with an Infant: How to Plan Stress-Free Vacations

Venicci Blog

Posted on May 7, 2024

Going on holiday with a baby is an opportunity to create many beautiful memories. But the first swim in the sea, building sandcastles, hiking, and taking photos together is only one side of the coin. The other side is a little darker because it's related to the stress and preparation for the trips. In this article, we will try to brighten this phase and show that it can also have a taste of good adventure. Let's get started!

Contents

How To Go on Holiday with a Baby?

Pre-planning is critical to a successful holiday. But what does that involve?

Firstly, it’s essential to choose your destination carefully. Look for family-friendly places like resorts or hotels that are safe for children. This is important if you are travelling with a baby and if you are going with an older child.

The timing of your trip is also crucial. When choosing a date, consider your child’s daily routine and other factors that could disrupt it. If you’re planning to travel by plane, we have a detailed guide on flying with a baby that covers this topic. So don’t hesitate to read it!

And if you’re travelling by car or train, check if you need a car seat or any other equipment to carry your baby. It’s also important to check the regulations of the country you’re travelling to, as legal standards can vary from one country to another.

Holiday with a Baby – Checklist

Travelling with children can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing. There are a number of myths about packing for a holiday for young parents, but there is a grain of truth in these stories.

Many people tend to overpack – especially when travelling with a toddler. But overpacking can be a problem, and underpacking can leave you struggling to find replacements. To simplify things, we’ve put together a checklist to help you pack. Whatever your trip or destination length, this checklist will ensure you have everything you need without overloading your luggage.

Things to take on holiday with a baby:

  • Clothing – short and long sleeved bodysuits (approx. 2 per day), sun hat, pyjamas, warmer sweater, socks.
  • Light blanket.
  • Children’s towel.
  • Baby care products – nappies, wipes, baby cosmetics.
  • Bottles.
  • Formula (if you aren’t breastfeeding).
  • Bottle steriliser.
  • Baby monitor
  • Portable travel cot (if not available on site).
  • First aid kit – thermometer, plasters, basic fever medication.
  • Child’s health booklet.
  • Pram/pushchair.
  • Baby car seat.
  • Toys, books etc.

Remember that every toddler is different, so add some products you use daily to this list of infant summer essentials. Adjusting the number of products according to the days you will be away from home is also essential. However, in case of emergencies, it may be a good idea to pack a few extra items.

By following these tips, you can ensure you have everything you need to make your next summer trip with your toddler successful.

Holidays with an Infant – Plan Your Holiday Activities

When setting a holiday schedule for your family, it’s important to remember that a change of environment can be stressful for babies. This means they may need time to adjust to the new situation before entering a new daily routine.

Instead of setting a rigid schedule, try to create a relaxed atmosphere that allows more freedom to enjoy the holiday fully. Regular rest and meal breaks should also be included in your daily plan to ensure your child gets the proper rest and nutrition they need. This can help them feel more comfortable and energised throughout the day, making it easier to adjust to new surroundings.

Remember, every child is unique and may require different amounts of rest and playtime, so it’s essential to be flexible.

When planning a family trip, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected events or bad weather. This is especially important if you’re travelling with older children who may get bored or upset in such situations.

By having an alternative activity or destination in mind, you can ensure that your family’s day out remains enjoyable and stress-free, no matter what challenges may arise. Whether it’s a museum, an indoor play area or simply a cosy spot to relax and read a book, having a backup plan can make all the difference in making your family holiday a success.

Are you eagerly waiting for your first holiday together, but before that, you need to prepare to welcome a new member to your family? It can be pretty challenging! However, you don’t need to worry –  we have a special guide to help you! Read „Preparing for a baby: What every new parent should know” and enjoy parenthood fully.