Even though everyday life with a baby constantly brings new surprises, some days your world can feel limited to the less exciting route between the changing table, the crib, and the local supermarket. ;) It’s completely understandable that parents eventually crave a change of scenery. Time for your first vacation with your baby! If you’re feeling the travel bug, this article shares 6 tips to help make your trip relaxing and enjoyable—even with a little travel companion.
The perfect time
First of all: Den There is no perfect time. When the moment feels right, the adventure begins. Vacation with a baby depends entirely on your personal comfort level. After all, you know yourself and your baby best. Some parents worry about going on vacation with their baby because they don’t want to pull them out of their familiar environment. They may also assume the baby won’t notice much anyway. But even for very young babies, a trip can be enriching. Your child might finally have both parents close by for an extended period during the vacation. And even if you’re traveling alone with your little explorer, a holiday is a wonderful way to strengthen the parent-child bond—when you’re away from everyday (work) routines and have all the time in the world to devote to your darling. The three-month mark is often mentioned as a guideline for the first trip. By then, you and your baby have usually 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 meet their needs even in unfamiliar environments. Of course, this doesn’t mean traveling isn’t possible before then, or that you can’t wait a little longer for your first vacation.
The perfect travel destination
What applies to timing also applies to the ideal destination: in theory, anything is possible. For a first vacation as a family of three, destinations with a climate similar to home are especially suitable, since babies can’t yet adapt well to changing temperatures. If you’d like to ease into traveling with your little explorer, a journey of no more than three to four hours is ideal. With good preparation and your baby’s needs in mind, a long-distance trip generally isn’t a problem either. No matter where you go, your baby learns that an unfamiliar environment isn’t something to fear—and can explore it with confidence. This can help them feel more open to new experiences in the future. And your baby will certainly notice more of their new surroundings than you might think.
The perfect time to travel
Babies’ bodies can’t regulate their temperature independently yet, as their sweat glands are still only weakly developed. For this reason, heat can be especially hard for little ones to tolerate. If you want to travel to a southern country, spring and autumn are a great choice: you’ll often get beautifully warm days without temperatures becoming too extreme. In countries with more moderate climates, a summer vacation is also possible. Just remember to always protect your little explorer from direct sunlight.
The suitable accommodation
A cozy retreat for your little family can make a big difference 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 makes it easier to stay independent and adjust your daily schedule flexibly to your baby’s sleep rhythm. A camping holiday with a caravan or motorhome also offers full flexibility and can be a great option when traveling with a child. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference. When booking, it’s a good idea to check whether the hotel or apartment you’re considering is set up for stays with young children.
The best means of transportation
You’ve chosen a destination and set your travel dates—now it’s time to decide how to get there most comfortably. With Deutsche Bahn, children up to and including 5 years old travel for free. Flying with a baby is also possible, as long as your pediatrician has no objections. Many airlines don’t 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 other gear in the trunk, which means fewer restrictions on luggage. One important consideration for car travel is sun protection for your baby. There are inexpensive options 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 packing light are basically mutually exclusive. ;) Check in advance what will already be available at your destination so you don’t bring unnecessary items. 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 their food with you. Did you know, by the way, that breast milk can taste different abroad due to changes in diet? If your child is bottle-fed, pack their usual formula. Even if there’s likely an equivalent available locally, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress—for example, from last-minute shopping right after arrival or trying to decipher foreign-language labels. The same goes for your favorite diapers: to make sure you don’t run out on vacation, it’s best to move your last delivery a little earlier before departure so it arrives in time. 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. Bringing a favorite comforter, cuddly toy, or music box that helps your baby fall asleep each evening can also create a sense of security 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 right away (don’t forget the passport photo!).
In the video, LILLYDOO pediatrician Ariane shares her best tips and tricks for a stress-free vacation with your little explorer.
With good preparation, 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—makes you break out in a sweat at first, try to approach it all with a relaxed attitude. Because when you’re relaxed, your baby usually is, too.
We wish you a wonderful vacation and a truly restful break!
