Checklist
Vacation with a baby: this is how you can easily travel with a toddler
Planning a vacation with a baby takes a lot of time
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The first vacation together with the baby presents new parents with a new challenge. Where should it go, which mode of transport is best and what must be packed? The following checklist will help you plan your trip.
Regardless of whether you prefer to stay in a hotel, on the campsite or in a holiday apartment – every trip must be planned in advance. This not only applies to the type of accommodation, but also to the journey and thus the destination. If your baby is still in infancy, a summer vacation in the Mediterranean Sea may not be the best choice. The enormous heat and intense solar radiation can be very stressful for young children. But parents won’t have fun going on a strenuous city trip by car either. An interface should be found here that is both baby-friendly and offers a relaxing holiday for the rest of the family. To make planning easier for you, the following checklist summarizes the most important points for you in detail.
How old should a baby be for the first vacation?
In theory, you can also plan your next vacation with a newborn, but we do not recommend taking a long-haul flight directly after the birth. However, if you want to go on vacation by car, a trip of several hours is quite possible – but very few parents dare to do this with an infant, which is quite understandable. After all, many families use the initial time to get to know each other better and to get used to them. In any case, it is important that your baby is safe and sound if you want to plan a trip together. So there is no right or wrong time to go on vacation with a baby, but parental leave is definitely a good option.
Vacation with baby: which countries are recommended?
Not only the time, but also the travel destination plays an important role in vacation planning. Because babies and toddlers can react much more sensitively to climatic changes. Particularly hot countries are not the best choice shortly after birth, as an infant’s skin should not be exposed to strong sunlight for the first twelve months. In addition, the more exotic the country, the more exotic the diseases are. If you have not yet had any experience with foreign countries and cultures, your first holiday with a baby in Germany is definitely the better choice. In addition: Especially in times of the Corona crisis, traveling is more difficult than ever. And after all, there is also a multitude of beautiful destinations for families with babies in this country.
Car, train or plane: the pros and cons
automobile
Currently, many families prefer to take their own car to go on vacation. This gives you more flexibility in terms of time, allows you to take more baggage with you and allows you to stay among yourself during the outward and return journey. Depending on whether the vacation with baby is to take place in Germany or in another country, the journey can take a long time and be very exhausting for everyone involved. In any case, plan enough breaks so that all fellow travelers can stretch their legs regularly. Also think of a suitable one Sun protection for the back seat so that your children can sit in the shade on hot days.
train
Probably the biggest advantage for parents when traveling by train is that their children up to the age of 5 (from six to 14 years of age when accompanied) can travel for free. In addition, a trip by train can be relatively cheap – if you book early enough – and also stress-free. If you choose a night train with a sleeper compartment, you can even lie down while the train is in motion and don’t have to do anything other than wait. Otherwise, there are also special compartments for families with small children for day trips. One of the disadvantages is that you have to reckon with overcrowded cars, delays and train cancellations during the holiday season.
plane
No other means of transport is able to cover such long distances in such a short time. Traveling by air allows you to explore far-flung countries that you would otherwise never reach – and of course that comes at a proud price. Depending on the airline, babies can fly for free or for less, but this still does not make the vacation affordable. In addition, there are the narrow spaces and increased pressure on the ears, which toddlers cannot consciously compensate for. This can cause a lot of noise, especially when taking off and landing. And the partly icy air conditioning should not be underestimated in the aircraft.
Checklist for the next vacation with baby
- Pack suitcase: There is no question that you should pack enough clothing, diapers and hygiene items for your baby. But even if you don’t have enough of everything with you, you can wash or buy missing items while on vacation. It is more important that you also take enough toys with you to keep your child occupied or distracted during the trip.
- Stroller or buggy: Depending on the means of transport you are using to go on vacation (or fly), the stroller has to stay at home for reasons of space. However, so that you don’t have to forego the convenience of pushing your baby entirely, you can have a foldable one Children’s buggy take with you on vacation. However, this is only recommended from the age of 6 months, otherwise you can also use one Sling or one Child carrier (from two years of age).
- travel pharmacy: A first-aid kit for your baby is essential so that you are well prepared for all eventualities on vacation. Whether a clinical thermometer or suppositories for pain, nasal drops or sunscreen – take the essentials with you against typical childhood diseases. Of course, there are pharmacies everywhere, even abroad, but they are not open around the clock or cannot be reached quickly. The better prepared you are, the faster you can react in an emergency.
Documents: Even infants now need a passport including a biometric photo if they want to spend their vacation abroad. Plan enough in advance (we’re talking several weeks here) to apply for the passport at the residents’ registration office so that it can be completed on time. In addition, due to the corona crisis, you should always take out travel cancellation insurance if you want to book a package tour.
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