On vacation with a baby: why not? Especially if you're on parental leave, you might be thinking about your first trip as a family. Whether it's a short vacation to the Baltic Sea or a "big trip" to South Africa. We have summarized the most important tips for your first vacation with a baby.
Vacations with a baby: where should you go?
This is of course the first and most important question you should ask yourself: Where should you go on your first trip as a family? The answer should always be: Wherever you want. No question about it. It is certainly easier to choose a destination that is not too far away when on vacation with a baby. For example, to the Baltic Sea. Because then the preparation is usually more manageable and you have more certainty in many respects. Same language in case you need to visit a doctor's surgery or pharmacy. Same time zone, same currency and the certainty that you can get into your car or onto the train back home at any time if an emergency arises.
However, the fear of such situations should not stop you from planning a longer vacation with a baby if you feel like it. Many new parents use their parental leave for a road trip or a trip to faraway countries lasting several weeks. And it's all possible. Just feel what suits you best. There is no right or wrong. Alternatively, take a short trip to the country for the weekend first and "practise" for the big trip a few weeks or months later. Then you will have more experience and confidence, for example for a plane trip with a baby.
Basically, take your time. For packing and also for traveling itself. A tight schedule is your nemesis. Plan longer breaks and more leeway for everything. Because unforeseen circumstances always arise. And then you can deal with it with more composure.
Air travel with a baby: the most important tips at a glance
- Remember the child's passport
Most air travel takes you abroad. You will need a passport for your baby. No matter how small your little one is. The good news is that the processing time is usually not quite as long as for a passport for adults. You will need to take a (more or less) biometric photo of your child. There are also helpful apps for this, so you don't even have to go to a photo studio.
The authorities are usually accommodating when it comes to passport photos for babies and will even let biometric copies that are not exactly right through. The passport is usually issued to you directly for a fee at the citizen's office appointment, so you don't have to wait several weeks. Nevertheless, you should not forget your child's passport, as it is usually checked during boarding. So include this in your planning,
- Take a baby carriage or buggy with you? Yes, of course!
The vast majority of airlines (including budget airlines) allow you to take a baby carriage or buggy with you free of charge if it can be taken apart and folded. These are stowed in the hold of the plane with the other checked baggage. However, bear in mind that little attention is paid to cleanliness or hygiene here. In other words, if you want to be on the safe side, take protective packaging with you.
Find out in advance from the airline how things work with baby carriages. You can usually find information on the internet. As a rule, you can simply pick up a baggage tag at the airport counter and then go through security with your baby carriage. Take the stroller or buggy to the boarding gate of the aircraft. Only there will it be collected by a member of staff and stowed in the cargo hold. At the point of arrival, the trolley will be available on the baggage carousel or with the bulky baggage, where you can collect it again.
- Choose your flight times wisely
Does your baby already have a certain sleep rhythm? And what about your everyday family life? Think in advance about when the best time to fly is for you all. Many young couples, for example, have found that babies are particularly relaxed when flying in the evening. But perhaps your little one is prone to sensory overload in the evening and accompanying crying fits? Then perhaps it makes more sense to board in the morning.
- On board: Have breastfeeding or a bottle ready!
Babies cannot regulate their own pressure equalization on the plane. That's why it makes sense to have a pacifier and bottle ready or to simply breastfeed during take-off and landing. By swallowing, the little ones are able to equalize the pressure. They are also distracted while they concentrate on drinking and you can prevent crying.
- Have a change of clothes, hat and blanket with you
Especially if you have a longer flight ahead of you, you should have a few more things to hand. Due to the temperature fluctuations on the plane, we recommend a hat and a light blanket. Sometimes it gets very warm on the plane, sometimes bitterly cold. A change of clothes is also recommended in case of a mishap. And of course, don't forget to pack a changing bag. There are toilets on board with a fold-out changing table.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help
The flight crew are trained, including for families with babies, and can help you in many ways. Take advantage of this and ask for help with fastening your seatbelt, unfolding the changing table and stowing your luggage. This will make traveling by plane with your little one a whole lot more relaxed.
Traveling by car with a baby: the most important tips at a glance
- In the first three months, it's better to only plan a shorter trip
Car journeys of less than three hours are generally not a problem for your baby if they are still under three months old. Longer journeys should only be undertaken when your little one is a little older. The reason: The car seats protect the baby. However, the little one is in a semi-sitting position and the chest is slightly compressed. This is not good for the spine during prolonged use.
- Take sufficient breaks
Ideally, your child should only sit in the infant car seat for around two hours at a time. Experts then recommend a break of around 30 minutes. During this time, the little ones should be laid down and encouraged to move around. A sling or baby carrier is also recommended. In short: plan enough time for your vacation with a baby by car. Because breaks are important and useful for all of you.
- Make sure you have enough food
No question: breastfeeding on the road is practical. But sometimes the baby gets hungry in the car and you can't stop immediately. Unbuckling your little one and breastfeeding while driving is not an option. This is not allowed as it is too dangerous. That's why it makes sense to pump a little in advance and have a bottle warmer ready for the journey. If you are exclusively bottle-feeding your little one anyway, prepare enough meals for the car journey, which you can then quickly prepare and warm up on the go.
- Choose the perfect time for you
The good thing is: As you are not dependent on vacation periods with a baby, it certainly makes sense to go on vacation by car at a time when there are no school vacations. This makes traveling more relaxed. As far as the time of day is concerned, you should consider in advance when your little one is most relaxed. Breastfeed or feed them again before you set off so that they are content and comfortable for the first time in the car.
- Change regularly
Babies notice immediately when they have wet their diaper. And they usually draw attention to themselves by crying. It is also uncomfortable for the little ones to sit in the car seat with their full weight on the diaper. Plus: This increases the risk of leakage, which in turn can lead to a little mess. That's why it makes sense to change your little one once every break. This way, they can stretch and stretch out after sitting for a long time.
Train travel with a baby: the most important tips at a glance
- Reserve seats in advance
Even if this means more costs: Reserving seats is essential when traveling by train with a baby. Another option is to choose your own compartment or the family area. There you will also meet other people with children (and therefore more understanding if your little one cries). By the way: Deutsche Bahn offers free childcare on ICE trains at weekends and on selected trains, as well as separate toddler compartments for traveling with babies up to the age of three. Some trains also offer breastfeeding compartments where you can withdraw and breastfeed in peace. It's best to find out in advance.
- Avoid peak times
It is better to choose departure times that are not so popular with other holidaymakers and travelers. Then it is usually quieter on the train and especially at the station, the elevators are not so busy, the queues to board are shorter and you can travel in a more relaxed manner.
- Pay attention to transfer times
It's best to book a train journey where you don't have to change trains. This is of course the easiest way. If this is unavoidable, make sure you allow enough time. Trains are always delayed and you will generally travel slower as a family. So it's better to plan more time and, if in doubt, have another cup of tea at the station before continuing your journey.
- Have a baby sling or baby carrier to hand
Of course, it can be easier to travel with a baby carriage at the station, if only to unload everything in the foot section. On the train itself, however, the buggy is quite cumbersome. It's best to stow the baby carriage or buggy in a safe place on the train and then switch to a baby carrier or sling. This way, your baby can withdraw on the way and process the new impressions. By the way: If your baby carriage is too bulky and cannot be folded, you can have it sent to your vacation destination via a luggage service.
- Go for a large backpack
There are now really smart backpacks that you can stow a lot of luggage in. They are far more practical than wheeled suitcases. Ideally, you should both travel with a large backpack so that you always have your hands free - for carrying the baby, pushing the baby carriage or giving bottles at the station.
The big question: vacation apartment or hotel?
There are great family hotels that are perfectly tailored to your needs. However, a stay here is usually much more expensive. Most young couples with babies therefore opt for vacation apartments or apartments, simply because the price is better suited to families' wallets - and because there is a kitchen available (a not entirely unimportant point, as most parents know). However, you should also find out whether the vacation apartment is suitable for families. Ideally, the rooms are childproof. Also check whether there is a crib on site if you need one.
Very important: The first-aid kit for your vacation with a baby
Often underestimated, but so useful: you should definitely take a well-stocked first-aid kit with you on your family vacation. At best, it will never be touched. In an emergency, however, it is a blessing. The trick is to have everything with you - and yet not have to pack the entire range of medicines. Here is an overview of things that should be in your first-aid kit.
- Plasters and gauze bandages for minor injuries
- Wound disinfectant
- Clinical thermometer
- Fever suppositories or fever juice
- Sun cream
- Insect repellent and cooling gel for insect bites
- Wound and healing ointments
- Caraway suppositories for constipation
- Fennel and caraway oil for stomach ache
- Medication for vomiting
- Electrolytes to compensate for mineral losses
- Tweezers
- Baby nail scissors
- Tick tweezers
Vacation with a baby: these things should definitely be on your packing list
In addition to the first-aid kit, there are a few other things that should definitely end up in your suitcase.
- Spare dummy
- Baby carrier or sling
- Milk bottle, hand pump and warmer with adapter (for a car journey)
- Wet wipes, diapers, changing mat, gauze cloths and garbage bags for on the go
- Swim diaper, if needed
- Toys or play arch, if required
- Nursing lamp, if required
- Baby towel and washcloth
- and of course clothes, sleeping bag & co.
You should also pack the swing2sleep in your luggage. Because each model can be used optimally on the go with door clamp, the hammock or the net can be easily folded up. It can be a real relief to put your little one in the swing2sleep for an hour or two - so that you have some peace and quiet. After all, a vacation with a baby should be relaxing for everyone involved.
