Holidays with babies - Top 10 tips when travelling with a baby

Travelling with babies under 6 months can be daunting but can also be very rewarding and if planned correctly can offer a much needed break for new parents. Here are my top 10 tips:

1.       Changing time – nappy changing is inevitable and a good quality fun changing bag with mat always makes this time a little more pleasurable. If you are travelling by plane remember the toilets are small and a good tip is to have a nappy sack pre-packed with nappy, wipes and cream at the ready.

2.       Keeping cool and safe from the sun - Sun shade for car, portable hand fan, sun shade for buggy or beach for those all important naps and sun lotion.

3.       Hydration important – keep your little one hydrated, it is a good idea to have a small bottle of boiled water at hand to offer, if your baby is breast fed and won’t take the bottle, offer a tea spoon every so often. A cause of high temperature when in a hot climate is often due to lack of fluids.

4.       Sterilising travel – if you are still at the sterilising stage don’t forget your sterilising tablets, they are perfect and portable and you can use any style of container, alternatively flush out items with boiling water.

5.       My ears hurt! – If travelling by plane offer breast or bottle as soon as you begin take off or on descent. I have always found it relieves my little ones ears or if baby is taking finger foods and doesn’t want to feed offer a baby biscuit/rusk the chewing/sucking motion will help alleviate the pressure

6.       Getting about – A baby sling is really useful for strolling around the shops and at the airport, it keeps both hands free for browsing as well as a buggy for really hot lazy days...

7.       Keeping calm – if your baby has a soother, favourite teddy, blanket or toy don’t forget it! If it is really irreplaceable sow or stick your contact details to it just in case it goes missing – or take more than one if you can.

8.       Amusement – if your baby is at the stage where she needs amusing take a couple of favourite toys for the plane, flash cards and sticky tape are a good time waster.

9.       Food – so if baby is now at the stage where she is enjoying a bit of solid, make life easier (after all you are on holiday!) and purchase lots of pouches, they are perfect for transporting and if you let her try some before you leave you will know what she likes. Don’t forget food for you too especially for the journey and if you are breast feeding.

10.     Bottle feeding- if your baby is not yet taking solids and you are bottle feeding remember to check if your destination offers the same brand as she is used to. It might be an idea to pack the ready-made formula to save you having to make bottles up while away.

Above all have fun and if your baby is old enough why not let her try the delicacies of her new destination, fresh fruit never tasted sooo good!

Feel free to send in your tips and I will be sure to pass them on!