After the past 18 months, everybody is desperate to get away and either find some sun or simply a change of scenery. Travelling with little ones is always a little scary but after spending the last 18 months in our houses, the fear is a little different. Whether you've had a baby in the middle of a lockdown, and this is the first time that you will be going away or whether you have been on many holidays and just have concerns it all is totally normal.
Tackle one thing at a time, holidays are supposed to be fun and a relaxing time with your family.
Things to think about when packing, A child or baby, sometimes even adults like a home comfort, whether it be a bunny from their bed or cot or their favourite toy. I would also consider taking a bed sheet or muslin that smells of home. This can just be the comfort they need.
With regards to food and milk, if you are travelling abroad, it may be worth looking into what food they sell and if the supermarket is accessible. When children are a bit older, they should be more willing to eat different food and drinks but if it's a baby that is just beginning to try foods packing some supplies, just in case is a good idea. Most countries now though do seem to have a much bigger range than they used to. The same process should be taken with regards to milk, if your baby is used to a certain formula milk, sometimes they may not be overly impressed with you changing it, also you do not want any allergies when you are away on holiday. This should put your mind at ease.
Travelling to your destination. Whether you are traveling by plane, boat, train or car there are things to consider. What time of day is best to travel, with regards to your family routine? If travelling by car, then maybe the best time is nap time or maybe overnight dependent on the length of the journey. Also remember, if you have to stop several times for a feed or to get your baby out of the car seat is totally fine, the destination will still be there, and the journey can take as long as you need it take. You do not want to start your holiday stressed. Planes, boats or trains are very similar and again, just take one step at a time. Everyone worries their child is going to be the one screaming on an airplane. Invest in some toys that may keep them entertained, using screens is not a crime. There is a place in a child's life for screens and being trapped in an airplane with limited entertainment is most definitely one of them. There is a lot more room on a boat or train with a lot more to see, looking at the sea from the boat or all the tree's and spotting some wildlife on a train. Whichever transport method you are taking, just try to relax, if your child doesn't sleep when they normally sleep or are totally distracted so won't eat their dinner, its one day and it will be fine.
When you get to your holiday destination if there is a time difference, get straight into that time zone, you may have a tired baby for a few hours or an over excited toddler but just do what you can. Luckily there are lots of distractions on holiday, whether it's a dip in the pool or a trip to the local sights. Do you stick to the normal routine? I would say if you can try and stick to the same schedule with regards to the order of things, that is great but do not worry about timings. Children are surprisingly adaptable and will soon get used to it. If you are relaxed, they will be to.
When you get to your holiday destination if there is a time difference, get straight into that time zone, you may have a tired baby for a few hours or an over excited toddler but just do what you can. Luckily there are lots of distractions on holiday, whether it's a dip in the pool or a trip to the local sights. Do you stick to the normal routine? I would say if you can try and stick to the same schedule with regards to the order of things, that is great but do not worry about timings. Children are surprisingly adaptable and will soon get used to it. If you are relaxed, they will be to.
When booking a holiday, the temperature controls of a room is something I always look at, whether that is air-conditioning in a hot climate or heating in colder climates. With regards to sleep, your child will sleep a lot better if the temperature is set to what they are used to. Remember from a safety point of view, if the room is a little on the warm side, they will need less bedtime clothes.
With regards to naps, you may find that your little ones will nap better in a cot in the bedroom. Although this can be less convenient, it is often worth it so that you have a better day as a whole. If your holiday plans do not allow for this, that is also fine, just try to make a relaxing environment for them in their buggy. The worst case is they do not nap for that day, just remember its one day and they will soon get back to your routine.
This is the same for the evenings, sometimes making bedtime a little later so you can enjoy an evening meal together as a family is great or snuggling them up in a buggy so that they fall asleep, and you can go out and enjoy your meal as a couple. Equally getting some room service while your baby sleeps peacefully in their bed is also fine. There is no correct way of doing this. Do what works best for you or change it up. Holidays are for the whole family to enjoy!
When you get back home from your lovely relaxing holiday, there is always some anxiety of are they going to stay in holiday mode or time zone. It may take them a couple of days to get back into normality again, but it will not take long. Just go back to whatever routine you did before you went away, and they will soon sync again. With regards to sleep, their associations will still be there. So doing their bedtime routine as you normally would at home will soon get them back into the swing of things. Next time you plan a holiday, just remind yourself that it will all be fine.
Comment below to let us know how you travel with your children or Contact Us if you want more advice on travelling as a family.