Travelling with a baby
The first holiday with a baby is a topic that divides opinion. While some parents want to spare themselves any addititonal stress, others want to start travelling with their baby straight away. Either way - don't let anyone put you under pressure. With good planning and preparation there are many different ways to organise your first get away together. If you are relaxed and confident, your little one will also feel at ease and your first holiday will be an unforgettable experience.
When can I travel with my baby?
There is no minimum age at which your baby is ready for their first journey. However, the reality of life for new parents usually differs enormously. In the first few weeks, the time you spend with your baby at home is exciting enough. You slowly get to know each other and with each day you understand the signs and needs of your little one better, so that after a while everyday life slowly returns - the best prerequisite for new adventures!
If you already have a certain routine in dealing with your baby on a daily basis, you can react more easily to unfamiliar situations and improvise in an emergency. In addition, it is very helpful for travel planning if your baby already has their (more or less) fixed sleeping habits and meal times, which you can take into account when traveling or waiting.
On average, this is the case from about the 3rd month and is in line with the recommendations of midwives and doctors. Regardless, as always, the most important thing is to go with what works best for your family.
Where to go on your first holiday?
When thinking where to go on holiday, its recommend to start with a small trip. Start with a short day trip by car, a nice walk with your baby in a baby carrier or a train ride to visit relatives. This way, you will gradually learn what your baby needs when your travelling and in which situations you are most relaxed. You can then take these experiences into account when planning a longer holiday.
The choice of holiday destination also depends on which means of transport you prefer to get there.
Car
If your baby has no problems with longer car journeys, the car is one of the most easiest methods of transport for your first holiday. You can take breaks whenever needed and theres lots of space to take all baby equipment with you.
Train
A train ride has some great advantages as you can fully concentrate on your baby's needs and you can get up and move during a long journey. However transporting your luggage is a little more difficult via train, especially if you need to change trains.
Caravan
If you like camping, a motorhome or caravan is also perfect for your first holiday with a baby. In addition to the advantages of the car, you have the possibility of self-catering and your sleeping accommodations are always with you. This way, you can easily head for more distant destinations and divide the route into several baby-friendly stages.
Flying
Flying with a baby is also possible and many airlines do not charge for children under 2 years old. However this normally means the child willl need to sit on a parents lap for the duration of the journey. You should take this into account when choosing your destination, because the longer the flight takes, the more strenuous it will be for you.
An important aspect of holiday preparation is choosing suitable accommodation. Whether it's a hotel, holiday home or camping - there are lots of child friendly options to fit all budgets. Hotel is a good option as you can enjoy all-round service and really relax. Often hotels will offer cots for young children, which can be booked in advance, meaning you dont need to take a cot with you.
In a holiday apartment or holiday home you have plenty of space and often have a quieter environment. Self-catering is a little more work, but offers the advantage that you can cook the foods your baby is used to and have space to prepare bottles.