Children's shining eyes, warm rays of sunshine on their skin and a crystal-clear, refreshing sea. You hear the gentle sound of the sea and the happy laughter of children. A heavenly day. Who doesn't dream of it and spend months planning it?
The first holiday with a baby or toddler
… a very special challenge and at the same time a unique experience.
The first holiday with a baby has to be planned a little differently, but then nothing stands in the way of your dream of a relaxing holiday. Just because your family has a new baby doesn't mean you have to forego a summer holiday. But to make it as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, good preparation is very important. Here you will find a whole host of tips for planning your trip and a packing list to help you make your holiday a wonderful experience.
The holiday will certainly be different from all previous holidays, which doesn't mean that the only things on the agenda are children's hotels, children's buffets and children's discos. There are so many great options that offer a suitable solution for every need. Decide for yourself what is most important to you and plan accordingly. Should it be an all-inclusive club or a comfortable family apartment with cleaning and bread delivery service? Don't let other people's opinions influence you too much - you as a family have your own needs and you should find these on your holiday.
Anyone who thinks that having a baby means you have to forego holidays for the time being is wrong. There are fantastic destinations and a wide range of options for young families. The first holiday together offers the opportunity to recover a little from the first few months with the baby and to enjoy family life far away from everyday life.
We have the best tips for you on how to make your vacation a relaxing experience.
The right time for vacation
There is usually never a right time in life. It varies from baby to baby, because every little human being has its own mind and rhythm. You as parents are best placed to judge when your baby is ready - always rely a little on your gut feeling. Nobody knows your baby as well as you do, trust your instincts. Smaller babies in particular still sleep a lot and (usually) adapt well. And don't forget that vacation also has wonderful added value for your baby - pure family time, without everyday life, housework and work.
As a guideline, you can use the 3-month mark, which is also recommended by pediatricians. After the first 3 months of life, your baby will have gotten used to life, may have found a reliable sleep pattern and will also have received basic immunizations. As a mother, you will have physically processed the birth and have adjusted to your little darling. Do you still have concerns? Then feel free to speak to your midwife or pediatrician about it.
Maintaining routines
The more routines your baby can keep with you on vacation, the more relaxed the vacation will be. Give your baby regular sleeping and eating times, give him or her regular rest periods, and don't put too much pressure on yourself or the baby in one day. Feel free to take your baby's favorite cuddly blanket or comfort blanket with you so that your baby feels at home when sleeping in the cot or stroller.
Preparations and packing suitcases
Good and forward-looking travel planning is half the battle. The more you organize and clarify beforehand, the fewer stress factors you will encounter on vacation.
Think ahead about what baby equipment you want to take with you from home and what you might not have in your holiday destination. What care products, sleeping equipment, medication and possibly pre-food or supplementary food do you and your baby want to remember? Don't assume that you will find the same products in other countries, so it's better to take a basic set of equipment with you from home. Or find out beforehand what the conditions are like at your holiday destination. This will make your life easier on holiday and make you more relaxed.
Feel free to talk to your midwife, pediatrician or pharmacist about what they recommend for your first holiday with your baby.
Also think about toys and things to keep your baby busy, especially on the journey. Have enough things in your hand luggage to keep your baby busy and happy. Happy baby - happy parents.
And if possible, adapt your arrival and departure to your baby's rhythm. If your baby likes to sleep on the way, then plan your travel time accordingly. Or does your baby prefer to be awake when you are on the way? Then try to make sure that your baby has had enough sleep when you set off, then you will have the best conditions for a good mood.
Our packing list will also give you a good orientation. It also includes basic items for your first aid kit, which you should definitely take with you.
travel documents
Have you already applied for a child's passport for your baby? Take care of it in good time. Are your identification documents still valid and do you perhaps even need a visa for your holiday destination? Find out about the entry requirements for your travel destination in good time.
Please also have the documents you need for your journey (by train or plane if necessary) and your accommodation confirmation ready.
At a glance:
- passports
- (Visa)
- U-book
- vaccination certificate
- travel documents
- accommodation confirmation
International health insurance: well looked after on holiday
The health insurance coverage of statutory health insurance companies also applies in most European countries. If you are unsure, check with your health insurance company in advance to find out which services are covered. Sometimes you can even get travel cancellation insurance through your bank or providers such as ADAC. Find out what your insurance coverage is and whether it is sufficient for a relaxing vacation.
The holiday destination: spoiled for choice
What applies to the time of your trip also applies to the choice of destination. There are many options, focus on your needs. If you have not done any long-distance travel before, now would not be the right time to start, because it would be something completely new and perhaps too exotic for all of you. First of all, choose a holiday destination that is not unfamiliar to you as parents. Destinations that have a similar climate to ours are also particularly good for the baby. Then the little organism does not have to adjust too much, because babies' ability to adapt to temperature is not yet optimally developed. Journeys that take no more than 3-4 hours are often preferred and recommended by pediatricians.
Travel first aid kit: prepared for emergencies
Unfortunately, a small accident or emergency can also happen on vacation. It makes the situation easier if you have a well-thought-out first aid kit with you. There are classics that no first aid kit should be without and we have listed them here for you:
- thermometer
- antipyretics
- painkillers
- mosquito repellent
- Pavement
- nasal drops
- saline solution
- disinfectants
In addition, any medications that you otherwise need or that are necessary due to existing illnesses are recommended.
Although there are pharmacies everywhere, sometimes the country's regulations vary as to which medications are available over the counter (or in which dosages) and which ones are even available in the country you are holidaying in.
Before you travel, it is a good idea to check what medical care is available locally (which pharmacies, hospitals and doctors are available and what are their contact details) in order to be well prepared in the event of an emergency.
Pre-food & supplementary food
If your baby is no longer breastfed, you should also think about pre-food and supplementary food. There are different types of pre-food in different countries and your type may not be available. It is recommended that you take the pre-food with you from home. Then you know that your baby tolerates the pre-food well and likes it and you will not be exposed to complications if you have to spontaneously switch to a different food while on holiday. In the worst case, this will lead to digestive problems for your little darling - and that really does not have to happen on holiday.
The same applies to supplementary food. If this is already an issue for you, then think about what you definitely want to take with you to be on the safe side. Even the same products can have a different taste or composition abroad. If your baby is sensitive in this area or is a little gourmet with certain taste requirements, then take a supply with you from home. If your baby is completely relaxed about supplementary food, then of course you can also buy supplies at your holiday destination.
It is also always a good idea to have children's cutlery or at least a baby spoon with you, and also a small snack box so that you always have a few little things with you when you are on the go.
Water & Liquid
The same water standards do not always apply in the country you are on holiday to as they do here. Drinking tap water is often not recommended. Stick to this. A good tip is to always take a small thermos flask with you on holiday for warm or boiled water. Or you can buy water locally. This will avoid the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
In general, remember that babies in particular need more fluids in warm temperatures to avoid dehydration. Make sure your baby is not yet able to do this on their own. Always have a bottle (or perhaps even a drinking bottle) of water with you.
Mom tip: always have a blanket with you
Oh, and if you go on summer vacation, always have a blanket for your baby with you. Especially in southern countries, air conditioning is standard and on everywhere. The baby is not used to this and there is a risk of catching a cold. It can also be cold on airplanes. In addition, your baby knows his blanket and immediately has a familiar feeling and feels comfortable. Whether in the stroller, for a nap on the beach or a cuddle session in a restaurant - a blanket never hurts.
Sun protection: indispensable on vacation
Babies are particularly sensitive to UV radiation and heat. Intensive sun protection is therefore essential. In southern countries in particular, the sun is much more intense than it is here. UV clothing protects your little darling from the sun's rays.
Here are our sun protection tips:
- Sunscreen: SPF factor 50+ is strongly recommended for babies. Regular reapplying is extremely important.
- Lunchtime: you should avoid sunbathing in the blazing midday heat. Treat yourself to a little, cool break in your room during this time. The baby can take a nap and you also have some time to relax.
- Sun hat: highly recommended to protect your baby from sunstroke
- Sunglasses: there are very small and light sunglasses for babies. Try them out and see if your baby can handle them. Make sure the lenses have UV protection.
- UV clothing: there is great UV clothing for babies too. This will give your baby additional protection from the intense sun. Make sure it has UV protection 50+.
- Sun protection for the stroller. If you take your stroller or buggy with you, make sure you get a suitable sun protection/parasol beforehand. Sun protection can be very beneficial, especially if the baby is taking a nap in it.
stroller / buggy
If you can't take your own stroller with you on holiday (because you're travelling by plane, for example), it's advisable to take a foldable buggy. Most airlines allow this (please check with your travel company beforehand) and it doesn't take up too much space. Nevertheless, it offers a lot of comfort on holiday and gives your baby the opportunity to retreat into it and take a siesta at any time. You also have the advantage of being able to store all your things for the trip in it.
Conclusion for a wonderful holiday with baby
You see, with a certain amount of planning and preparation for your first holiday with a baby, nothing stands in the way of you having a fantastic holiday. Trust your instincts, focus on the needs of your little baby and don't plan anything that will pose major challenges for you as parents. The more relaxed you are and the more comfortable and safe you feel at your holiday destination, the more relaxed your baby will be.
We wish you a wonderful holiday.
Your Checklist for Summer Vacation