On holiday with your baby, this is how you ensure less stress!

Going on vacation with your baby for the first time can be a challenge, how do you get your baby there safely, and how do you make sure your child also has fun? Questions that keep haunting you, below you can read how to make your vacation a little less stressful.

Traveling with your child

Flight:

Officially, you can fly 7 days after birth (if the birth went without complications). Nevertheless, it is recommended to wait to fly with your baby until after 6 weeks, as the lungs are fully developed at that time. Until the age of 2, your child must sit on your lap or in a bassinet in front of the seats. Having your baby on your lap all the time can be quite annoying, which is why the AirTraveller can help make it a little more comfortable, and your baby can sleep comfortably.

Just in case, pack extra baby essentials in your carry-on. You never know what might happen, and you'll be prepared if you have to be without your suitcase for a few days. So, bring extra clothes, diapers, baby food, creams, baby wipes, and sunscreen.

Car:

Plan your road trip in stages, so don't drive for more than 2 hours without a break. This gives your child some time to stretch and get some fresh air. When choosing a holiday destination, consider how long your baby can tolerate being in the car. If your baby stays awake during the car ride, it's handy to have a bottle, food and some toys ready. This way you avoid a stressful car ride. And of course, double-check that your car seat is properly secured and safe.

Destination City

Check if the accommodation or location is "babyproof". A beautiful, expensive hotel is of course great, but probably not that babyproof , plus you have little space and you share the room with your baby, which can make your little one's naps less comfortable. What suits your baby better, a house or a bungalow? Then you have all the good things from home, and you can sit and enjoy the sun in the garden while your baby sleeps in the bedroom.

Also pay attention to the noise level in your accommodation; it's obviously not ideal to stay next to a nightlife center. You can also check if your accommodation has a children's pool, a cot (you can also bring your own bed tent) and a high chair.

Here are 5 child-friendly holidays:

1. Menorca

Menorca has beautiful nature, good weather with a slowly receding sea, so you can safely play with your little one in the water. There are many child-friendly things to do in Menorca, such as going to a water park, dolphin excursion or a small zoo. Most accommodations are completely geared towards children, think of mini clubs, children's pools and animation programs.

2. Frankrig

It's quite close, and you can drive there, so you can determine your own pace, and you're still completely away from home. France has many baby-friendly accommodation options, especially many campsites. In addition to campsites, there are also many child-friendly hotels! And if that's not enough, there are also holiday parks, including Center Parcs. In addition, you can of course enjoy the sun, nature and the delicious food from France.

3. Holland

Staying in your own country is of course also a good idea. Wherever you go, it's close by, the weather can be fantastic if you pick the right time, and in the Netherlands you can also do a lot with your children, such as going to amusement parks, swimming pools and zoos. It might also be a bit nicer for your baby's first holiday to stay in your own country, so you have everything under control, and you can quickly be back home if necessary.

4. Greece

Greece is a beautiful country that is perfect for you and your child. Most beaches here also have a slowly sloping sea, and Greece is known for having the best hotels for children. Kos, Crete and Corfu are known as the most baby-friendly islands in Greece. If your child can already eat, they are in luck in all, yes all, restaurants serve fries.

5. All inclusive in Turkey

A resort where everything is done for you. Doesn't that sound lovely? So choose an All Inclusive holiday in Turkey. Food and drinks are always ready for you, and the resorts also have everything ready for you and your baby, think of entertainment, high chairs and baby beds. The only thing you have to think about is what you want to do. Enjoy the sun on the beach or let your child get used to the water for the first time. Also outside the resort there are fun things to do, for example visiting a city or taking a walk in nature.

Don't plan too much in one day

Visiting an entire city in one day, going on an adventurous mountain bike ride, and jet skiing with your little one isn't the best idea. Keep in mind that you can't do as much as you did when you were on vacation with friends. So, plan just one thing per day to ensure your baby gets enough rest, and you can also do something for yourself.

See what your little holidaymaker wants and find a balance between the things you want to do and your little one. It might be different, but it doesn't have to be less fun. Especially if you accept the changes and accept that you have a little less time for yourself. For example, go to the beach and relax together, go to the paddling pool, or take a nice walk while your baby sleeps in a pram or stroller.

Plan well in advance when applying for your baby's passport

These days, if you're crossing the border with your baby, they'll need a passport that's valid for five years. You'll also need to get a passport photo of your baby, which can sometimes be tricky – your baby needs to sit still with their hands down. It might take a few attempts, so give yourself plenty of time and plan ahead. The time it takes to apply for a baby passport depends on your local authority, but be aware that it will take more than a week.