Finally, the time has come for your first (well-deserved) vacation with baby! With the arrival of your little adventurer, the holidays become a whole new kind of adventure. No more lie-ins—hello Tetris games with baby’s belongings. :) And of course, long live the tender moments shared with family. To help you prepare, we’ve listed all the questions new parents are likely to ask themselves: where should you go on vacation with a baby? What should you pack in your suitcase? Which mode of transportation should you choose? Discover all our answers so that this first trip with baby truly feels like a vacation!

First vacation with baby: which destination?

Your little one can start their adventure as early as the first few weeks. While it is possible to go on vacation with a newborn, babies don’t like being jostled too much. They need familiar routines, calm, and a schedule that suits them. Before 18 months, prioritize holiday destinations with a temperate climate. Since babies are sensitive to temperature changes, avoid traveling to countries that are too hot or too cold, or heading to a sunny destination during winter. It’s also best to avoid places with poor sanitary conditions or a risk of malaria. European destinations close to France are perfect for a first holiday with an infant—unless you’d rather (re)discover your own region. Traveling with a baby is also a great opportunity to explore closer to home!

Do you want to fly to a more distant destination with a time difference? Within the first six months, this shouldn’t disturb baby too much.
At that age, they have their own internal rhythm and are only slightly sensitive to day/night cycles.
After six months, they may need a few days to adapt.
To minimize the effects of jet lag, choose overnight flights.

If you want to introduce baby to the joys of the mountains, it’s possible—provided you don’t exceed 1500 meters in altitude if they are under one year old, and 1800 meters if they are under two years old. The higher you go, the less oxygen there is, which can lead to various ailments—not to mention the effects on their still-fragile eardrums.

What should you pack in your suitcase?

During your first holiday with baby, it’s often tempting to pack everything! To keep your trip from feeling like a move, we’ve put together a holiday checklist for baby, so you don’t forget anything—without overloading your bags.

The special baby holiday suitcase

• Comfortable, season-appropriate clothing (bodysuits, pajamas, sleep sacks, shoes…). Pack a little extra in case of small accidents, especially if there is no washing machine at your holiday location.

• Several hats or beanies, so you always have one on hand in case one gets lost.

• Sunglasses

• SPF 50+ sunscreen. It’s best to choose children’s creams, as they are specially formulated for the delicate skin of little ones.

• Diapers for the first 3 or 4 days. For extra peace of mind, feel free to order them online through our diaper subscription 100% flexible and gentle on baby's skin. Remember to adjust your delivery date so your diapers arrive in time before you leave ;)

• Some trash bags for used diapers

• The famous liniment-and-cotton combo

• Soft wipes for baby's skin gentle wipes for baby's skin

• Their favorite comfort object… and a backup one!

• Teats

• What you’ll need for meals: 2 bottles, 1 jar of infant formula, and baby food jars if they have started complementary feeding.

Also bring a bag so you have everything you need during the trip. Stay minimalist—the idea is to find what you need easily, without feeling like you’re rummaging through Mary Poppins’ bag. :)

To travel light, simply equip yourself with a compact stroller. Easy to carry and fold, it will save space in your car trunk and can even accompany you in the airplane cabin. As for the rest of the equipment, don’t hesitate to contact your holiday accommodation (hotels, rentals, holiday residences); some offer the option to rent a crib or a baby monitor.

The baby first aid kit

• A thermometer

• Paracetamol

• Saline solution

• Rehydration powder sachets

• Disinfectant

• A tick remover

• Arnica

• A teething ring to soothe baby if they're teething

• Baby's health record

Your pediatrician or doctor can complete your list if needed, depending on your destination.

What documents to prepare for the first vacation with a baby?

Your little traveler also needs their documents. If you plan to go on vacation in Europe, remember to bring their ID card and family record book. Don’t forget to request the European Health Insurance Card to cover any medical care during baby’s stay. Free of charge, it is valid for two years. To travel with a baby outside Europe, they will need their passport (valid for five years) and possibly a visa, depending on the destination. You can inquire directly at the Embassy of the country concerned in France to find out which documents are required.

A little tip: keep an eye on deadlines. Plan for at least 3 weeks of lead time—or even more than a month as the holidays approach. ;)

Which mode of transportation is best for going on vacation with a baby?

Traveling with a baby by car

Good news: babies rarely suffer from motion sickness before the age of 2, for physiological reasons. Your little marmot will fall asleep peacefully, rocked by the car’s movements. A small tip to make the journey as smooth as possible: offer a feed or a bottle just before you leave. With a full tummy, your little adventurer will drift off more easily!

Install your child comfortably in their car seat, making sure they are properly secured. For safety, it should be placed rear-facing, preferably in the back seat in the middle position. If you’re traveling in summer, don’t forget a sunshade to protect them from UV rays.

If possible, leave the day before or the day after major departure days to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams. In summer, it’s best to hit the road early in the morning to avoid the intense afternoon heat. To make the trip less tiring, take regular breaks to hydrate your little one, change them, and stretch your legs.

Traveling with a baby by train

While the car is convenient for carrying all of baby’s belongings, it’s best to choose the train or the plane for long journeys. On the train, your child can travel for free on your lap or in their baby carrier until the age of 4. You can also reserve a separate seat for your little explorer at a discounted rate. That way, you can place their bassinet there and travel more comfortably. Ideally, seat your child on the aisle side, as the air conditioning comes from the windows.

For comfort, most trains have nursery areas equipped with changing tables, so you can change your baby peacefully. TGVs offer "Family Spaces," perfect for traveling with other parents while avoiding sideways glances if your little one decides to vocalize! Try to book as early as possible to secure these seats.

Traveling with a baby on a plane

With your pediatrician’s approval and depending on the airline, your baby can fly from the age of seven days. At the airport and on board, everything is designed to ensure little ones’ comfort. If your baby is under two years old, they can travel for free on your lap. You can also request a bassinet if they weigh less than ten kilos. Also, plan everything you’ll need for meals throughout the trip. Some airlines, like Air France, offer meals for little ones that can be reserved up to 48 hours before departure. On a plane, the air is very dry, which is why it’s important to offer your baby drinks regularly. The most disruptive moments for your little adventurer will probably be takeoff and landing, especially for their eardrums. Offer a feed, a bottle, or a pacifier; this will help regulate the pressure in their ears.

5 tips for traveling with a baby in good conditions

Make an appointment with the pediatrician

Before going on vacation with your baby, remember to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. They can check that everything is okay and review the necessary vaccines and medications. They can also tell you whether your little one can fly, especially if they are a newborn or have had ear infections in the past.

Plan your stay with a baby

Have you become a pro at packing your suitcase in just one hour on the morning of departure? With a little one, it’s better to plan well in advance, especially for your first vacation with a baby. The ultimate weapon to avoid forgetting anything and prevent last-minute stress? The to-do list! Whether on paper or digital, it allows you to prepare baby’s suitcase several days ahead of time, without rushing.

Take a test trip

A great way to put yourself in real travel conditions with a little one—without the same challenges—is to take a short trip. Head somewhere close to home for a weekend with baby or a few days. It’s an opportunity to assess what you really need to bring and to see how your little explorer experiences this new adventure.

Respect the baby's rhythm

Holidays aren’t restful for young children at all. They still need consistency in their routines. Try to respect their rhythm, without skipping the bedtime ritual. A change of environment can also be a source of worry. Consider packing familiar objects in their suitcase to help them adapt more easily: their teddy bear, a small nightlight, a cloth with their scent, etc. Anything that helps them find their little nest, even far from home. Not to mention the most important thing: the comforting presence of their parents, with as many cuddles as they want.

Protect baby from the sun

At the beach or in the mountains, don’t forget to properly protect your little adventurer from the rays. Before one year old, babies should never be exposed directly to the sun, as their skin is still too fragile. Go out during the coolest hours, before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Remember to keep your little one well hydrated, and don’t hesitate to bring a spray to cool them down. During winter holidays, be cautious too: snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays. This can cause sunburn on the skin, but also on the eyes. So whether it’s summer or winter, protect your baby with sunglasses, a hat, and a children’s sunscreen with SPF 50+.

Now, all that’s left is to enjoy! During these first holidays with baby, keep your schedule as light as possible. With a gentle pace, you’ll stay more relaxed and have time to get to know this new little being who has recently arrived in your life. We wish you a wonderful holiday! :)