Mum Lianne Macfarlane shares her top tips for a successful holiday with a baby
As a money-saving content creator and a mum of two little ones, I know that heading abroad can work out cheaper for families than holidaying in the UK. But travelling with a baby is daunting, especially in the early days. Don't worry though; I'm here to help! As someone who took a five-month-old baby on antibiotics to Spain, I've learned a lot about travelling with babies. So, let's dive right in!
Get into the right mindset
When it comes to going abroad with a baby, my first tip is to adjust your expectations before booking your flights. You can still have a lovely holiday with a baby, but it will be very different to your holidays pre-kids! As we parents know, ‘me’ time can be a major challenge when you have little ones, and it’s no different when you’re on foreign soil, so reading that novel or having a lie-in might not be on the cards. Getting into that mindset early can help you go with the flow and have the best time.
Sort out the travel essentials
Please get good quality travel insurance as soon as possible. Babies are unpredictable, and if they become unwell before or during a trip, having peace of mind that you’ll likely be covered is priceless.
I’d also recommend applying for your free Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC), which give you access to emergency and ‘necessary’ healthcare in the EU and some other countries. Watch out for websites that charge you a fee to apply; this is a free service. The GHIC cards replace the EHIC cards, which are still valid until their expiry date.
You’ll also need to apply for your baby’s passport ASAP and to check the expiry date on any older children’s passports, as they are only valid for five years. Be sure to leave plenty of time to make the application. You must register your baby’s birth before you apply for a passport, as you’ll need to send in the original copy of their birth certificate.
Decide where to go and how to get there
Choosing your perfect holiday will be very personal to you and your family, but here are some practicalities you may want to consider.
Your destination and flights
Destinations closer to home are cheaper and easier with a baby. Family-friendly Majorca and Menorca are our favourites for short-haul European trips.
Milk and stimulation are my top tips for keeping little ones happy on a flight! Many mums recommend feeding babies during take-off and landing as the sucking motion can help with the pressure in their ears – providing you can do it in compliance with the airline safety requirements, of course! For toddlers and babies eating solids, don’t forget to pack baby food and snacks and keep them accessible in your hand luggage.
Want to know a tip for keeping your baby entertained during a flight? When the seatbelt sign is off and it’s safe to do so, take a stroll down the aisle with your little one to see the sights (making sure you’re not in the way of the flight crew, of course). But if you're stuck in your seat, don't worry! Sensory toys such as rattles are the perfect distraction to keep your baby happy and occupied.
Your transfers
Private transfers may be an extra cost, but in my experience, the reduced stress alone is worth every penny. For instance, on my last trip, my hotel transfer included baby car seats – a huge relief for this worried parent! Of course, checking beforehand is important to ensure your needs are met. The same goes for hiring a car – check whether car seats will be provided to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Your accommodation
There are many types to choose from, but I recommend renting a self-catering holiday home or staying in a hotel complex. You can rent a villa and share the cost, which makes it more budget-friendly, or go for a mobile home or chalet on a campsite. You get to enjoy the privacy of your own space, cook your own meals or make bottles whenever you want, and avoid any loud entertainment that could wake up your little ones.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a hassle-free holiday where all your needs are taken care of, then a hotel complex is the way to go. Go outside school holidays and you should be able to grab a bargain. Last year, we tried this option, and it was a game-changer. We didn't have to leave the resort at all because everything we needed was right there. From relaxing poolside to delicious meals at the hotel restaurant, we had it all. Moreover, you don't have to worry about cleaning up or cooking. However, you’re stuck in your room once the kids are asleep. But if you're fortunate enough to get a balcony with the evening sun, you can still enjoy a peaceful evening with a glass of wine.
If you do choose a package holiday, my number one tip is to look for a hotel that is specifically geared towards families and young children. Filter your search for amenities such as children’s pools or splash parks for babies, and if you have older children, look for playgrounds, kids’ clubs, and mini discos to narrow down the list.
Your packing
Babies have so much stuff and figuring out what to bring and what to leave behind can be stressful. Make sure you pack enough nappies and wipes so you don’t have to pay exorbitant prices for them at a mini-mart abroad! And don't forget about swim nappies and a sun-protective swim set, especially if you're planning to hit the pool or beach. Bear in mind that babies should be kept in the shade wherever possible.
You may be worried about hand luggage restrictions if you're bottle feeding. The good news is that according to government guidelines, you can bring enough baby milk, food and sterilised water for your journey. However, it's important to be aware of the slightly different rules that apply to breastmilk. I hope this helps ease your packing worries a bit.
Before you set off on your adventure, do check the luggage allowance rules for babies with your airline and holiday company. Little ones are often given a small personal luggage allowance, and you can usually take a buggy and sometimes another item, such as a car seat or travel cot.
Make amazing memories
Finally, and most importantly, you will create unforgettable memories during your trip. The sheer joy of seeing your baby explore new experiences, such as the sensation of sand between their toes or swimming in the pool, is something that you will cherish forever. And you don’t need to go abroad to achieve this – some of my best family trips have been within the UK. Wherever you choose to go, I hope you have a happy holiday!
About Lianne
Lianne is known as @mortgagefreeleigh on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube where she shares money-saving advice for parents and her audience of over 56,000 people.
