Preparing for a family vacation with a new baby can be challenging, but with some planning and preparation, it can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your family vacation with a new baby:
1. Consult with your health visitor/paediatrician
Before you make any travel arrangements, talk to your health visitor to ensure that your baby is healthy enough for travel and has received all necessary vaccinations. The last thing you want is to expose baby to any nasties – especially if you are planning on travelling abroad.
2. Pack strategically
Make a list of all the items you'll need for your baby during the trip, including diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, pacifiers/dummies, toys, and extra clothes. Pack more than you think you'll need, as you never know when you might encounter unexpected delays or mishaps. This is where we think the Keri-Kit changing bags will literally be your best friend – with so much room and organisation pockets that just make sense, you’ll be able to travel confidently (and be able to find your phone!)
3. Choose the right accommodation
Look for family-friendly hotels or self-catering rentals that offer amenities like cots, high chairs, and baby gates. You want to make your life as easy as possible. If you are travelling abroad check out Trip Advisor to see what other parents have said about the facilities at the accommodation – you’ll get a real-life perspective on whether the place is suitable.
If you're planning on staying with family or friends, make sure you have the conversation about the paraphernalia you are going to be bringing with you – there is nothing more awkward than when you turn up with all the stuff you need with kids and your hosts are not expecting it and can’t accommodate you!
4. Plan your transport carefully
Things to think about when you are travelling.
- How many feeds baby will need
- How many nappy changes
- Where you can do the above
- How you can do the above
- Having everything you need for the above (that’s where our stylish parenting bags come in!)
Whether you are travelling by car, train, plane or boat you will need to plan the above and they will have vastly different facilities available. Avoid the drama (and any domestic rows) by thinking ahead as much as possible. You don’t know how baby is going to be when travelling (even if they have travelled fine before) so you want to reduce as much preventable stress and anguish as much as possible.
5. Be prepared for the weather
Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack appropriate clothing and gear for your baby, such as sun hats, sunscreen, and warm layers. Big tip if you are new to this – pack simply. You may have found all those cute outfits and seen a tonne of images on Instagram of gorgeous babies dressed up in all their finery but believe us when we say this is a very augmented reality. Pack for your baby (and you come to that) as comfortably as possible. Sure, pack a couple of cute outfits, but don’t put additional pressure on yourself – it is meant to be a vacation. That’s why we love our kit bags. They combine style with functionality, so you don’t need to compromise on looking great while managing parenting too!
6. Keep your baby's routine in mind
All of the experts will tell you to stick to your baby's usual routine as much as possible, including nap times and mealtimes. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure in an unfamiliar environment. If that is not possible, try to create as much familiarity around baby as you can. A comforter, night light or bed clothes that will make baby feel safe and secure.
7. Be kind to yourself and take your time when you can
Remember that traveling with a new baby can be stressful and tiring however much you try to prep, so don't put too much pressure on yourself! It is your holiday too – so make sure you try to find time for rest and relaxation and doing things that bring you joy.
Where are you planning your first trip to be? Let us know, and send us your pics with your Keri-Kit – it will literally be your travelling best friend…
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