Different travel and holiday options

Travelling by Plane

There is no significant scientific evidence to suggest that it is unsafe for infants to fly. There have been a few reports of flying being linked to cot death, but GPs and paediatricians have not advised against flying with a baby. Other than safety issues, you may want to consider how much liquid you are allowed to take in your hand luggage and whether or not it is appropriate to take your baby on a long flight. Some airlines make allowances for baby equipment such as food and milk, but these are all things you need to check before setting off. If it is a long flight, doing it at night is less likely to disrupt the baby’s routine. Make sure you are prepared for delays, with more than enough nappies, food and baby wipes.

You should also look up which airlines are most child-friendly so that you know what to expect. Some provide services that others do not. For example, children’s meals, extra leg room and bottle warming and changing facilities. These are all things that can make flying a bit easier. It is also a good idea to check whether or not you can take your buggy on the plane. Taking it with you is obviously much more convenient, so that you do not have to carry the baby for hours in the departure lounge, giving him/her somewhere comfortable to sit and sleep. It also means you will be able to board the plane first, giving the baby time to adjust to its surroundings.

Camping Holidays

Campsites often appeal to parents because they tend to be more family-friendly and relaxed than hotels or other accommodation. If you go to a foreign campsite, be aware that it might not have an authentic foreign feel to it. If you like the idea of camping but feel that a tent might be a stretch too far, most places offer mobile homes as an alternative. This will at least have a toilet and shower available, but before you go you must ensure that there is enough room for a travel cot, along with the rest of your baby’s equipment.

Many campsites have the facility for you to pre-book cots, high chairs and other useful things for babies such as baby baths and play tents. With a very young baby, it is best to look into all the available facilities thoroughly so that you do not end up in the middle of nowhere without any way of heating up food or buying more nappies.

Self-Catering Holidays

These hold a similar appeal to camping holidays, as they allow you a bit more independence than a hotel and can be less stressful if you are concerned about the other guests. Self-catering holidays are likely to be least disruptive to your baby’s routine because you can fit them to your own schedule in an environment which is more familiar than a tent. The facilities at self-catering accommodation vary enormously, so if you want a dishwasher, quality furniture and a range of TV channels, be prepared to pay more.

However, these are all things which may make the experience easier and more enjoyable. In the UK, self-catered accommodation varies enormously, whereas abroad, there is generally the choice of an apartment or a villa. Apartments tend to be more sparsely equipped. Do your research to see how child-friendly the building is; look into what buggy access is like, whether the garden is safe and whether there are places to go nearby. Take lots of toys with you as it is unlikely there will be any.

Family-Friendly Hotels

If a hotel claims to be family-friendly, this probably means it has entertainment facilities for children, and facilities for heating up food and milk. It also means that other guests will be expecting young children and will be less likely to make you feel uncomfortable when they cry. Hotels may be a particularly good option if you have toddlers as well as a newborn, because there may be clubs and activities to keep them busy giving you time to care for the baby.

Before you go, check what facilities the hotel has in terms of cots, high chairs and special dining arrangements. Many hotels do not charge for babies, especially if they sleep in a cot. With a newborn, a hotel crèche is unlikely to be a good idea, so spa treatments and other luxuries may be out of the question until your baby is older. Staying in a hotel means that you do not have to do any cleaning, but it can be restricting and stressful if your baby is not a good sleeper or eater.

Travelling with a Newborn Baby:

• Travelling with a Newborn Baby
• Health and Safety
• What to Take
• Different travel and holiday options
• Out and about
• Transporting newborns

• Travelling with a young child
• Going on a long car journey
• Keeping your child entertained
• Packing checklist
• Tips for safe travel
• Dealing with travel sickness