What a joy to go with the family! Watching baby marvel at the sea, playing in the sand, discovering new animals, new plants, new flavors… Seeing all those stars shining in Little Wolf’s eyes is priceless.
But a badly prepared vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare. Going in backpacker mode, bag on your back and improvising over the stages, it was great when we were two, but today it is a question of showing a little more organization. Here are 8 tips before going on vacation with your baby.
And don’t worry, the unexpected is always on the rise!
1. Free transport
Know that going with Bébé chou doesn’t have to cost you much more. Aside from the administrative fees, baby does not pay for his plane ticket as long as he is less than 2 years old and he is traveling on your lap. Ditto for the train: the SNCF even grants free travel until the child is 4 years old.
2. Baby cot on the plane
Don’t worry too much about baby sleeping on the plane. Most airlines offer cribs for toddlers up to a maximum weight. For those who cannot fit there already, there is a little trick: when booking the parents’ seats, select one near the window, and one on the aisle. With a little luck, if the plane is not full, the middle seat will remain free and you can sleep your child there.
3. Do not further upset baby’s habits
Holidays are made to meet again! Now is not the time to experiment with stopping breastfeeding, starting diversification or potty. Baby would be completely confused and you would be very tired. Focus on practice. Baby can still bottle feed for another 15 days.
4. Continue to respect your rhythm
New accommodation, perhaps a new country, a new climate… On vacation, baby loses his bearings a bit. And even if he has great adaptability, it is better to try to keep a small routine by following the same rhythm as at home. We therefore respect the times of the nap, meals, and bedtime, baby will be even more rested (and us too).
5. Put some educational principles aside
“The pacifier and the blanket are in the bed only. At snack time, it’s two small butters max! When he has a fit, I don’t give in! “All that is very good on a daily basis, but on vacation, you sometimes have to (I said well, sometimes) make a few gaps. Depending on the circumstances (on the plane, at the museum, at the restaurant), it may be wise to show a little more flexibility. For your comfort, and that of others!
6. Make an appointment with the pediatrician before leaving
Whatever your destination, a small first aid kit is essential. We can be satisfied with paracetamol and balm for teething, but it may need more, depending on the health system on site. Find out about the compulsory vaccines, the quality of the water, the presence of mosquitoes, etc., in order to be prescribed what you need.
7. Remember to take baby’s identity papers
It might sound silly, but you better remember it. Even if he does not have his seat all by himself on the plane or on the train, his identity papers are necessary. Don’t do it at the last minute, as it can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks.
8. Don’t forget your camera!
These holidays are going to mean many first times for your baby. Even if they will remain etched in your head forever, it would be a shame not to immortalize them on glossy paper.