Baby’s First Holiday: What You Need To Pack

Holiday’s are meant to be your chance to escape, to have a break from the stresses of everyday life and, as a new mother, you deserve a relaxing break more than ever. However, there is one small problem to get around first; getting ready to go on holiday with a little one (or little ones) tends to be the polar opposite of relaxing.

There is so much you need to pack, so much you need to remember, so much you need to squeeze into a small suitcase and, just in case that isn’t enough of a challenge, you also have ‘baby-brain’ to contend with. But don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for. Below is a list of some of the more crucial things you’ll need to remember to pack before you shoot off on your first family holiday.

Travel Accessories

These can take up a serious amount of room in the car, but they are so necessary in ensuring your break goes as smooth as you hope it will (and if you’re flying somewhere, don’t worry, most airlines have baggage policies in place to help families with small children). So, the checklist.

• Car seat – this is a must-have, especially if you’re going on a road trip. But even if you’re not, by having it you’re allowing yourself to spontaneously hire a car, not to forget a car seat doubles up as a handy baby seat – you’ll never know when that may come in handy.
• Pushchair – it doesn’t matter if you decide on a pushchair or slim line stroller, as long as you have one that suits your holiday destination.
• Sling – It doesn’t take up much space and may turn out to be invaluable when you’re away.
• Blanket – this is just for warmth, but for comfort. Nothing smells of home like a baby’s blanket.
• Food and Drink – and lots of it.

Clothing

Before you go away, make sure you do your research in the days before with regards to things like weather forecasts. These can change and there is nothing worse than packing for a summer holiday when all it does is rain.

• Clothes – more is better. Pack outfit after outfit after outfit, and if you can fit another one in the suitcase then do; you won’t know whether the laundry services you were told all about are in working condition until it’s too late. As a basic rule, pack two outfits for each day.
• Hats – no matter what season it is, pack an appropriate hat. If it’s summer, pack a hat with a wide brim that offers a lot of shade and, if it’s winter, pack a thick woolly hat that will keep your baby’s head nice and toasty.

Night Time Routine

First things first, pack a plug; this will allow you to turn any sink into a bath if necessary.

• Lotions and Potions – pack everything you would use during your baby’s normal bath time. If you’re not sure if this enough and there should be more, check out Buds and Babes organic baby products for a complete list.
• Sleepsuit – this could just be a pair of pyjamas but, if you’re going somewhere cold, make sure you have a sleepsuit with you, just in case.
• Travel cot – the place you’re staying may have one, but it’s always best to check and double-check.
• Monitor – a baby monitor is a must have, preferably one with a night-light built in. This will help your little one settle into their new surroundings.

*Contributed Post