Travelling with a baby
The first holiday with a baby is a topic that divides opinion. While some parents want to spare themselves and their baby any hardships, others want to fulfill their dream of a trip around the world during parental leave. Don't let anyone put you under pressure. There are many different ways to organize your first vacation together, and with good planning and preparation, many things are possible. If you are relaxed and confident, your sweetheart will also feel at ease and your first vacation will be an unforgettable experience.
When can I travel with my baby?
There is no minimum age at which your baby is ready for their first journey. However, the reality of life for new parents usually differs enormously. In the first few weeks, the time you spend with your baby at home is exciting enough. You slowly get to know each other and with each day you understand the signs and needs of your darling better, so that after a while everyday life slowly returns - the best prerequisite for new adventures!
If you already have a certain routine in dealing with your baby on a daily basis, you can react more easily to unfamiliar situations and improvise in an emergency. In addition, it is very helpful for travel planning if your baby already has their (more or less) fixed sleeping habits and meal times, which you can take into account when traveling or waiting.
On average, this is the case from about the 3rd month and is in line with the recommendations of midwives and pediatricians. Regardless, as always, the most important thing is to go with what works best for your family.
Where to go on your first holiday?
When thinking where to go on holiday, its recommend to start small. A first day trip by car, a nice hike with your baby in a baby carrier or a train ride to relatives is ideal to find out how well you all cope on the road. This way, you will gradually learn what your baby needs on the road and in which situations you are most relaxed. You can then take these experiences into account when planning a longer holiday.
The choice of holiday destination also depends on which means of transport you prefer to get there.
Car
If your baby has no problems with longer car journeys, the car is one of the most relaxed means of transport for your first holiday. You can take breaks whenever necessary, you are flexible at the holiday destination and - the biggest plus - there is enough storage space for all the baby bits you want to take with you.
Train
A train ride has some great advantages as you can fully concentrate on your baby's needs and you can move during a long journey. Depending on the duration of the trip, however, transporting your luggage can be difficult, especially if you have to change trains several times.
Caravan
If you like camping, a motorhome or caravan is also perfect for your first holiday with a baby. In addition to the advantages of the car, you have the possibility of self-catering and your sleeping accommodations are always with you. This way, you can easily head for more distant destinations and divide the route into several baby-friendly stages.
Flying
Flying with a baby is also possible and many airlines baby will fly free of charge until they turn 2 years old. However, this only applies if he does not need his own seat and sits on your lap during the flight. You should take this into account when choosing your destination, because the longer the flight takes, the more strenuous it will be for you.
If you travel to further destinations, make sure that the hygienic conditions and health care in the location are good and that there is no increased risk due to dangerous infectious diseases. You should also consider the climate - because large temperature differences or humid tropical air can cause problems for your baby.
An important aspect of holiday preparation is the choice of suitable accommodation. Whether it's a hotel, holiday home or camping is a matter of taste, but make sure that the accommodation is child-friendly - this way you can avoid some stressful situations from the outset and enjoy the first trip with your baby. Hotel is a good option as you can enjoy all-round service and really relax from everyday life. Inquire about a child-friendly hotel complex or a family room - baby-friendly equipment makes everyday holiday life easier.
In a holiday apartment or holiday home you have plenty of space and are undisturbed. Self-sufficiency is a little more work, but offers the advantage that you can maintain your usual rhythm even on vacation.
Especially in southern and central Europe, there are now great campsites where families can find everything they need to spend a relaxing time, from baby-friendly sanitary facilities to playgrounds and paddling pools to childcare.