The first summer holiday with a new baby is a big milestone, but it’s not always as smooth as we’d like it to be. Even if the getaway produces plenty of happy, memorable moments, there’ll also be times when you’re wondering whether taking a big trip was really the smartest idea you’ve had. After all, any type of travel can be stressful, but it’s even more so when you’re travelling with a little human, no matter how much you love them!
You can’t expect the trip to be relaxing/joyful/not terrible at all points, but you can decrease the frequency and intensity of those headache-inducing moments. Mostly, it comes down to preparation. If you’ve packed the right products, you’ll have pretty much everything you need to get through the holiday, without having to navigate the challenge that comes from trying to track down an all-important item when you’re miles from home.
Have a big, sunny getaway with your newborn coming up? This guide, which covers all of the necessities — including some that are frequently overlooked — should ensure you’re fully covered.
Lightweight Travel Pram/Baby Carrier
If you’ve ever seen a parent trying to navigate narrow, busy streets with big luggage and a heavy-duty pram, then you’ll know that it’s not recommended. It takes an impressive amount of zen energy to get through those moments with a smile on your face.
Bulky prams are great when you’re at home, not-so-great when you’re travelling. Picking up a lightweight travel pram will make getting around straightforward without adding unnecessary stress. It can also be useful to have a lightweight baby carrier — they’re perfect for hands-free exploring, and have the added benefit of allowing for nap time on the move.
Sun Protection
Sun safety is important for everyone when they’re visiting a sunny climate, especially young ones! More than anything, ensuring that your baby is fully protected will give you peace of mind that they’re kept safe from the sun, allowing you to actually relax.
A wide-brim hat, baby-friendly 50+ sun lotion, and sticking to shady areas when possible provide the first line of defence against sun damage. It can also be worthwhile picking up a beach tent or other pop-up shade product, which allows your baby to stay fully protected even when there’s no natural shade cover around. While those products can be good for babies of all ages, they’re outright essential for babies under six months, who can’t wear sun lotion.
Swim Nappy
You’ll have dreams of spending plenty of happy moments with your baby in the swimming pool. Packing a swim nappy makes sure it can actually happen.
Many pools require that babies wear them while in the water. Plus, they just help to make the pool safer for your little one. They’re designed not to absorb water, which could otherwise drag them below the surface.
If you plan to spend more than one day at the pool, then it’s best to opt for reusable swim nappies. They last a long time, with the best quality options lasting for months or even years. Plus, they can help minimize holiday-related costs, and they’re better for the environment.
Portable Changing Mat
It’s the positive aspects of a fun summer getaway that you’ll focus on, but there are also some potentially grim scenarios that it’s important to consider before you head to the airport. For instance, the possibility of having to change your baby’s nappy when you’re in the middle of nowhere, far from anything resembling home comforts.
A portable changing mat is worth its weight in gold, though actually, they’re pretty light! They’ll take up basically no space in your luggage. They’ll make nappy changers a lot more manageable and are versatile enough that they can also be used as a floor mat, which means you can essentially stop and have a picnic no matter where you are.
Travel Blackout Blind
We don’t have any hard data on this, but if we were to guess, we’d wager that a significant portion of holiday stress/arguments/miserableness can be attributed to one simple cause: inadequate sleep. It can be difficult for babies to sleep in new environments anyway, but the problem is only exacerbated by the low-quality curtains you’ll find in many hotel rooms, which increase light pollution.
A travel blackout blind can make bedtime much more straightforward, and as with the portable changing mat, they’re pretty lightweight. Getting one increases the chances that everyone in your travel posse gets a full night’s sleep, and as everyone knows, that alone can make it all the more likely that there’ll be no tantrums when the going gets a little tough.
First Aid Kit
Families are at greater risk of experiencing small medical issues, such as cuts or pain, when they’re travelling. A decent first aid kit ensures that you can take such incidents in your stride, which is all the more important when you’re visiting quieter places where medical centres/pharmacies may not be readily available.
Entertainment
You’ll be travelling to show your baby a new slice of the world, but there’ll be times when you simply need them to focus on something else for a while. It’s much easier to figure out travel logistics on the move when your baby is engrossed in something else. Packing some familiar toys will provide the distraction you need, while also connecting your baby to back home.
Zip Lock Bags
When it comes to putting together your packing list, it’s unlikely that zip-lock bags will be the top priority, but we’d argue that they should definitely be up there.
They’re versatile enough that you can use them for pretty much everything, from wet swim nappies to leaking food. They really can come in handy, but it’s often only once you need one that you realise it. They’re worthwhile packing because while you probably could find them in the destination you’re visiting — they’re universally beloved — finding them easily isn’t always possible, especially if you’re visiting a relatively small town.