Holidays With Babies | My Mills Baby

Advice for a new family travelling abroad

Travelling abroad with children is always a challenge, but never more so than when they are very young or it is for the first time. Fortunately, holiday companies and hoteliers have come to recognise that there is a significant demand for services aimed at this sector of the market and are constantly coming up with more and more ways to make travelling with young children easier.

Flying with a baby

Flying with a baby requires careful planning and preparation. As babies inevitably need lots of clothes, nappies, bottles, toys and other bits and pieces, parents may well have to restrict what they take in order to give them the lion’s share of the total baggage allowance. Perhaps the most important aspect of flying with a baby is deciding what to take as carry-on luggage. Bags should be packed with ease of access in mind, so that items such as nappies and dummies can be grabbed quickly. It’s also a good idea to make sure there is a change of clothes readily available, just in case of ‘accidents.’ A good trick is to put the baby in a warm cardigan during boarding, so that only light clothes are needed underneath. Milk, baby food and any medicines will need to go in a clear plastic bag so they can be easily checked by customs officers.

It is worth noting that on older planes, the slight engine vibration felt on seats located over the wings can sometimes help a baby get to sleep. Despite the fear some people have of flying, it is important to stay calm, as this will help prevent the baby becoming upset.

Making life easier

When deciding where to go on holiday with young children it is best to keep everything as simple as possible; really exotic locations should be avoided. The best option is to choose a destination with a mild climate and reliable local health services, plus suitable places for the children to play.

Some resorts are well known for being family friendly, so why not narrow the list of possible options down to perhaps three? Then, before making a final choice, check to see if they have baby equipment hire centres. These can make travelling much easier, because rather than having to take items such as buggies on the plane or ship, they can be picked up on arrival. Hotels can offer advice about services like this and may be able to provide cots and playpens. Many also offer crèches and babysitting services, which is fantastic for parents who wish to enjoy a little time to themselves.

Family friendly destinations

The perfect family holiday is one where everybody has a good time. Child-centred resorts might not sound like fun to adults, but it is easier for parents to relax when the kids are happy. Depending on their age, destinations like Disneyworld can really give children a thrill and Orlando hotels are well-known for being family friendly. Alternatively, a city break in Barcelona, with its street entertainers and nearby beaches, has plenty to interest everyone. The Canary Islands are another great child-friendly destination, especially for a winter break.

Remember, taking on the challenge of a family holiday can be a thrill in itself

This is an awesome guest post that I can’t claim to have written myself (I wish I could!)

You know you’re a mummy when you’re up at 4am jotting down genius ideas on how to keep your little one cool. This was me last night - pen in hand!

We all know the basics about baby sun safety. Smother them in SPF 50, pop on a brimmed sun hat, stay in the shade where possible, and plunk them in a paddling pool or bath to cool their core temperature. But here are some really genius little pick-me-up’s that might help give your child a bit of respite from the heat this summer. Better still - they all cost under a fiver, and are in many instances free!

Make an ice rattle!

Pop a few ice cubes in an old baby food jar (chill the jar in the fridge first). The cold rattle will keep babies hands cool.

Create your own air con!

Pop a bowl of ice in front of a fan in baby’s nursery. The ice will defrost overnight, chilling the air. The fan will ensure this cold air is circulated around the room. This is so refreshing as the ice pops and sprinkles up into the air as you lie in bed.

Spray bedding before bedtime!

Using a water spray (like the ones you use on indoor plants or for ironing) spray a fine mist of water over babies bedding before you put them to bed. The heat (and babies hot body temperature) will cause the water to evaporate and will improve room humidity.

Make a pillowcase sleeping bag!

If your baby is a Grobag fan, consider popping them in a pillow case instead. Make sure you cut out the inside section that normally folds over the pillow to stop them from becoming entangled. Otherwise - try to keep babies hands and feet uncovered as you lose most heat from your extremities.

Keep a sponge in your baby change bag!

As babies heads are the warmest parts of their bodies, cool baby down by regularly dampening their hair. They might look like a sweaty mess, but they’ll thank you for it!

Keep favourite toys in the fridge!

Pop a few of your childs favourite toys in the fridge (shape sorters and wooden blocks work well). They’ll be able to keep cool whilst they play. You can also place your child’s favourite soft toy (that they just can’t sleep without) in a freezer bag and leave in the fridge throughout the day for cold cuddles at night.

Keep sun hat in the fridge!

Much the same as above, pop your childs sun hat in the fridge for 20 minutes before you leave the house. If it’s nice and cool you might have more success getting them to keep it on too!

Try a foot and hand bath for instant refreshment!

Run cool water over the insides of their forearms, wrists and bottom of their feet. Your blood is closest to the surface there, so it cools much faster.