eumom.com | Features | May | Holidays with baby
Holidays with baby


Your first holiday with baby can be a bit daunting as you have to bring all the equipment and paraphernalia you need for the day to day care of your child.

Patricia, mother of Lorcan aged 14 months and an eumom regular, has the following advice for new mums on the move.

Holidaying with a young child or baby can be very easy to organise with a little forward planning.

If you are planning a visit to a hot country, think about going off peak when the weather is not so warm. This way your baby will not be exposed to extreme sun and heat and the temperatures are pleasant for all. Accommodation will also be cheaper and the beaches less crowded.

Tips for air travel

Contact the airline in advance and let them know you are travelling with a small child. Most airlines will try and give you a seat by a bulkhead where they can install a baby cot.

Carrying your baby in a car seat onto the plane, if cleared by the airline, will make carrying the baby easier around the airport. Alternatively, leave your baby in the buggy and have it stowed when you get to the gate.

Breast-feeding or bottle-feeding at take off and landing reduces the pressure on your baby's ears.

Bring some sterilised bottles with pre-packed milk cartons or prepared bottles in a cooler bag with ice blocks. Having the cooler bag means that it can be used on the beach or on day trips once you arrive at your destination.

Pack a baby bag to take on board that contains all the following necessities:

baby food, sufficient for the journey in an easily accessible bag and a little extra for emergencies


baby rusks or breadsticks as finger food


baby blanket and socks as the temperature on board may get quite cold


nappies, tissues and baby wipes


bibs


Calpol or other similar product in case of teething or ear ache from flying. One dose before flying will help any discomfort


spare soothers, sterilised if required, in a sealed bag or food container


a change of lighter clothing for arrival and heavier clothes for the return journey.
Useful holiday ideas

Put cot sheets under your baby in the buggy to keep him/her cool and protect the buggy from sweat and sunscreen.


Keep your baby out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm. Light can be reflected from the ground and surrounding buildings.


Put a sunshade or draped sheet on the buggy to keep the sun out of your baby's eyes.


Sun visors for older children.


Dress older childen in a surfer suit with high SPF protection and a Legionnaire hat with a roll down neck shield to protect them from the sun while playing outside.


Bring a sun tent to protect your baby from the sun and keep him/her cool.


Swimmer nappies like those from Huggies or Pampers allow swimming without any accidents. Or you can also get them in Mothercare for 10 each they are reusable.


A travel cot, either hired or your own, can double as a playpen.


A baby monitor will allow you to hear your sleeping child while out on the balcony (don't forget an adaptor for the plug if travelling to the continent).


Plenty of baths will help to regulate your baby's temperature and keep him/her cool and happy.
If you are in a foreign country it can be difficult to find familiar brands of over-the-counter medication so bring a first aid kit with products such as:

rehydrating sachets in case of diarrhoea
calamine lotion
high SPF sun protection cream
digital thermometer
insect repellant spray
antiseptic cream for cuts or bruises
zinc ointment
burn ointment
plasters
water purification tablets
scissors
tweezers
baby pain relief syrup.
Do try and remember it's a holiday and not a military campaign, though by the time you've finished packing you may have your doubts!

The main thing is to enjoy your holiday and have a great time.

This is a good link:

http://www.magicmum.com/phpBB/can-u-get-pampers-c-g-mulipa-in-spain-costa-blanca-t50645.html?highlight=spain%20baby

Hope it helps.