The first vacation with a baby

Even though everyday life with a baby constantly holds new surprises, the radius of your own world on some days is limited to the less exciting route between the changing table, the crib, and the local supermarket. ;) It's completely understandable that parents eventually feel the need for a change of scenery. Time for the first vacation with your baby! If you're feeling the travel bug, this article provides 6 tips on how your vacation can become a relaxing and enjoyable experience, even with a little travel companion.

The perfect time

First of all: Den There is no ideal time. When the moment comes, the adventure begins. Vacation Starting with a baby depends entirely on your personal feeling. After all, you know yourself and your baby best. Some parents are concerned about going on vacation with their baby because they don't want to tear them away from their familiar environment. They also suspect that the baby doesn't notice much anyway. But even for small babies, a trip can be enriching. Your child might finally have both parents nearby for an extended period during the vacation. But even if you travel alone with your little explorer, a holiday is a wonderful way to strengthen the parent-child bond when you have all the time in the world away from everyday (work) routines to devote yourself to your darling. The three-month mark is often cited as a guideline for the first trip. During this time, you and your baby have had enough time to get used to each other. Ideally, your little explorer also already has a recognizable Sleep rhythm trained. This makes it easier for you to consider his needs even in unfamiliar environments. Of course, this does not mean that traveling is not possible beforehand or that you cannot take some more time with the first vacation.

The perfect travel destination

What applies to the timing also applies to the optimal destination: Theoretically, anything is possible. Especially suitable for the first vacation with three people are destinations with a climate similar to that at home, since babies are not yet able to adapt well to changing temperatures. If you want to gradually get used to traveling with your little explorer, a journey of no more than three to four hours is ideal. Well prepared and keeping your baby's needs in mind, a long-distance trip is generally not a problem either. No matter where you go – your baby learns that an unfamiliar environment is nothing to fear and can explore it fearlessly. This will make it more open to new experiences in the future. And your baby will certainly notice more of the unfamiliar surroundings than you might think.

The perfect time to travel

The bodies of babies cannot regulate their own body temperature independently yet, as their sweat glands are only weakly developed. For this reason, heat is difficult for the little ones to tolerate. If you want to travel to a southern country, spring and autumn are therefore a good time: there are beautiful warm days without temperatures being too extreme. In countries with more moderate climate conditions, a summer vacation is also possible. But remember to always protect your little explorer from direct sunlight.

The suitable accommodation

A cozy retreat for your little family can significantly contribute to a successful vacation. A hotel has the advantage that you usually don't have to worry about food, cleaning, and laundry. A holiday apartment, on the other hand, offers more space and you don't have to stick to fixed meal times. This way, you are independent and can adapt the daily schedule flexibly to your baby's sleep rhythm. A camping holiday with a caravan or motorhome also allows full flexibility and is therefore well suited for traveling with a child. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference. When booking, it's best to check whether the hotel or apartment of your choice is geared towards stays with young children.

The best means of transportation

You've decided on a destination and set the travel date? Now it's just a matter of deciding how to get there most conveniently. With Deutsche Bahn, children up to and including 5 years old travel for free. Also, with babies is quite possible, as long as the pediatrician has no objections. Many airlines do not require you to buy a separate ticket for your baby if they sit on your lap during the flight. Traveling by car, on the other hand, has the advantage that you can easily store strollers and the like in the trunk, giving you fewer restrictions on luggage. An important aspect for car travel is sun protection for your baby. There are inexpensive solutions that you can easily attach to the car window with suction cups, for example.

The right travel luggage

One thing is certain: Traveling with a baby and light luggage are basically mutually exclusive. ;) Find out in advance what is already available on site, so you don't carry unnecessary items with you. Some hotels or guesthouses, for example, provide a crib or offer baby monitors for rent. If your baby is still breastfed, you already have the advantage of always having its food with you. Did you know, by the way, that breast milk tastes different abroad due to different diets? If your child is bottle-fed, pack their usual formula. Even if there is certainly an equivalent available locally, you will save yourself a lot of stress, for example, with last-minute shopping right after arrival or with foreign-language labels. The same applies to your favorite diapers: to ensure you don't run out of diapers on vacation, it's best to move the last a little forward before your departure, to make sure it arrives in time before you leave. Would you rather take the handy small pack of wipes instead of the large one? No problem, you can easily adjust this in your flexible diaper subscription. With your favorite comforter, cuddly toy, or music box that helps your baby fall asleep every evening, you create a sense of security even in unfamiliar surroundings. By the way: For international travel, your little explorer needs a children's passport, even within the EU. You can apply for it at your local citizens' office and take it with you immediately (don't forget the passport photo!).

In the video, LILLYDOO pediatrician Ariane gives you the best tips and tricks for a stress-free vacation with your little explorer.

Well prepared, nothing stands in the way of your first vacation with a baby! Even if the thought of a crying baby on the train or plane and a truckload of baby gear in your luggage initially makes you break out in a sweat, try to approach it all with a relaxed attitude. Because when you're relaxed, your baby usually is too.

We wish you a great vacation and a good rest!