Tips for a relaxed vacation with a baby

How much Relaxation you on family vacation get, depends on many factors – on the chosen destination, from the accommodation, from the weather and last but not least by your baby. Don't let yourselves get too stressed beforehand and try it with a a few tips:

• Plan ahead: Spontaneous last-minute trips aren't really an option with a baby – the more carefully you plan the vacation, the more likely it is that you'll find relaxation and rest.

• „Practice vacation“: Before the vacation trip you can go to Grandma and Grandpa for a long weekend or visit friends. Such a rehearsal shows you, for example, what you'll need on the road and what you should remember.

• Talk about the vacation: Babies are usually happiest where their parents are. You can prepare toddlers for the vacation by talking to them about the trip in plenty of time and, for example, reading books that feature planes or trains. You can also show pictures of the holiday destination or of the booked hotel – this builds anticipation and keeps the “culture shock” within limits.

• Don't travel during peak season: The advantage of traveling with a baby is that you aren't bound to peak travel times. Early summer or early autumn are ideal. In general, the journey is then more relaxed and the holiday destinations aren't too crowded.

• Family hotel or baby hotel: In a hotel that's specifically tailored to the needs of babies, relaxation is guaranteed. For parents who desperately want a break from everyday baby life, however, the surroundings made up of nothing but young families might not be the right choice.

• Use baby services: Many tour operators, airlines and hotels have adapted to families with babies and offer special services for families. Find out about assistance services, changing facilities, special train or airplane seats for families, infant carriers or seats and strollers for rent etc.

Checklist for a vacation with a baby

1. Planning and preparation

• Book your trip, if possible, outside peak holiday periods

• Travel health insurance for the whole family

• Have biometric baby photos taken and apply for a child passport

• Check vaccinations if necessary

• Inform the tour operator / airline / train about traveling with a baby and request extra services (baby seat, baby meals, changing facilities etc.)

• Baby cot / car seat / changing table / rental-stroller inquire at the destination and book if needed

• Prepare medicines and home remedies for the baby's travel first-aid kit

2. Packing list

• Diaper bag with diapers, a foldable changing mat, spare clothes and a drink for the journey

• Trusted baby care products: washcloth and cleansing lotion, nappy cream, baby shampoo, baby cream, and, if necessary, toothbrush and baby toothpaste

• Baby clothing: It's best to plan for two outfits per day; preferably several thin layers of clothing on top of each other so you can better respond to temperature changes.

• Better to pack a few bodysuits pack a few more and also spare bib, -socks and -hat don't forget

• For the south: sun hat, baby sunscreen and sunshade/sun umbrella

• bib made of cloth or enough disposable bibs

• towel or baby bath towel

• Enough cloth diapers or molton cloths

• Baby sleeping bag, suitable for the temperatures at your destination

• Baby blanket, preferably the blanket that's also used at home

• Bottles for formula or water, plus bottlecleaner and, if necessary, cleaning supplies (for breastfed babies, possibly also pack a breast pump)

• Plastic spoons and, if needed, a few baby food jars or some instant cereal porridge to mix as a supply

• Favorite toy plus a new, exciting toy for the trip

• Baby travel first-aid kit with proven remedies for fever, diarrhea and stomach ache,

• colds, insect bites and sunburn

• Spare pacifier

• baby sling or baby carrier for on the go – takes up little space and is flexible

• If necessary stroller, buggy or bouncer

3. On the way

• Avoid stress: arrive early at the airport or train station; allow plenty of time for the drive

• Take regular breaks, especially if you're traveling by car

• Drinks: Offer your baby drinks regularly

• Always bring the diaper bag

• toys or a picture bookpack

• Only the essential carry-on so you can focus on your baby during boarding, disembarking and transfers

• Take small breaks: show your baby the scenery, the airport, the train compartment – this makes the journey a bit more exciting

Image credits:

Father carries baby in a backpack carrier and sits in the mountains next to mother © EVERST - stock.adobe.com

Baby is being buckled into the car seat by mom © EVERST - stock.adobe.com

Mom and baby hop along a forest path © EVERST - stock.adobe.com