On vacation with your baby, here's how to ensure less stress!

Going on vacation with your baby for the first time can still be quite a task, how do you get your baby along safely and how do you make sure your child has a good time? Questions that keep running through your mind, below you can read how you can make your vacation a little less stressful.

Traveling with your baby

Flying:

Officially, you may fly 7 days after delivery (if the delivery went without complications). However, it is recommended not to fly with your baby until 6 weeks of age because the lungs will be fully developed by then. Until age 2, your baby should sit with you on your lap or in a bassinet for seats. Having your baby on your lap all the time can be quite annoying, which is why the AirTraveller can help make it more comfortable and your baby can sleep comfortably.

Pack extra baby gear in your carry-on just to be safe. You never know what will happen and you do want to be prepared for when you have to go without your suitcase for the next few days. So bring extra clothes, diapers, baby food, ointments, baby wipes and sunscreen.

Car:

Plan your car ride in chunks, so don't drive longer than 2 hours without a stop. This gives your baby some time to stretch out and get some fresh air. When choosing a vacation destination, consider how long your baby can withstand driving. If your baby stays awake during the car ride, it is helpful to have a bottle, food and some toys ready. This will prevent a stressful car ride. Of course, also check that your car seat is secure and safe.

Place of destination

Check the accommodation to see if the place is "babyproof". A nice expensive hotel is obviously HOT but is probably not so babyproof, besides you have little space and share the room with your baby which can cause your little one to have less pleasant sleeps. What suits your baby better is a cottage or a bungalow. That way you have all the niceties of home and you can sit in the garden sunbathing while your baby sleeps in the bedroom.

Also pay attention to the soundproofing of your accommodation; being next to an entertainment center is obviously not a good idea. You can also check if your accommodation has a baby pool, a sleeping cot (you can also bring your own bed tent) and a high chair.

Below are 5 kid-friendly vacations:

1. Menorca

Menorca has beautiful nature, nice weather with a slowly sloping sea allowing you to play safely with your little one in the water. There are many child-friendly things to do in Menorca such as going to an aqua park, dolphin excursion or to a small zoo. Most accommodations are totally focused on children, think mini clubs, children's pools and entertainment programs.

2. France

It is quite close still and you can go there by car so you can, set your own pace and still be completely away from home. France has many babyproof accommodations, especially many campsites. Besides campsites, there are also many child-friendly hotels! And if that's not enough, there are also vacation parks including Center Parcs. In addition, you can of course enjoy the sun, nature and the delicious food of France.

3. Netherlands

Being in your own country is also just a good idea. Wherever you go it's close by, the weather can be great if you pick a good time and in the Netherlands you can also do a lot with your kids, like go to amusement parks, swimming pools and zoos. It can also be a little nicer for your baby's first vacation to go in your own country, that way you have all the reins in your hands and, if you need to, you can be back home quickly.

4. Greece

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

5. All inclusive in Turkey

A resort where everything is done for you. Doesn't that sound delicious? That's why choose an All Inclusive vacation 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, baby chairs and baby beds. The only thing you have to think about is what you are going to do. Sunbathe on the beach or introduce your baby to the water for the first time. There are also fun things to do outside the resort, such as visiting a town or taking a walk in nature.

Don't plan too much in one day

Visiting a town for a whole day, taking on an adventurous mountain bike ride in the process and going jet skiing with your little one is not the best idea. You have to keep in mind that you can't do as much as you did when you were on vacation with friends. Therefore, schedule 1 thing per day, that way you keep enough rest for your baby and you can do something too.

See what your mini vacationer is in the mood for and find a balance between the things you want to do and your little one. It may be different but it doesn't have to be any less fun. Especially if you accept the changes and resign yourself to having a little less time for yourself. For example, go to the beach to laze around together, to the paddling pool or take a nice walk while your baby is sleeping in a baby carriage or stroller.

Schedule in time when to apply for your baby's passport

Nowadays when you cross the border with your baby he or she needs a passport, it is valid for five years. You also have to take a passport photo of your baby, this can sometimes be quite a hassle, your baby has to sit still with their hands down. This can sometimes go wrong a few times so take your time with it and plan well in advance. How long it takes to apply for a baby passport depends on your municipality but keep in mind that it will take more than a week.