First vacation with baby: our tips

This summer, the holidays will take on a whole new flavor: you're heading off as a family for the very first time! As new parents, you find yourselves plunged into an experience that is as exciting as it is bewildering. So, for this first vacation with your baby, where should you go and how? The arrival of this new family member turns your habits upside down — for the better. Follow our guide!
Premières vacances avec bébé : nos conseils

Where are we going and with whom? 

With a newborn, it is often recommended not to go too far away. Truth be told, the aim of your holiday will be to try to… rest! Or at least, not to come back even more exhausted than before. Your watchword will therefore be "peace and quiet". We advise you to forget the long-haul flight to Thailand, the desert trek, the friends' tour, or the road trip across South America — you won't necessarily get to enjoy them. In general, avoid large time differences, destinations at very high altitude, and countries with extreme climates (too hot or too cold). Renting a holiday home with a group of 20 friends is also not the idea of the century this year. You risk asking your friends for silence when your baby naps and feeling out of sync with them. 

Charlie's tips: opt for a holiday home with family who can handle the logistics for you, a hotel with a kids' club if you have older children, or a fully equipped rental.

What are the essentials to take on holiday with a baby?

A baby comes with a whole lot of equipment: baby cot, moses basket, play mat, nappies, toys… How do you transport all this gear on holiday? First of all, we recommend making a list of the real essentials, then hiring everything on site. Check with your rental or hotel — they most likely have a cot and a high chair for older children. There are also websites that make life easier for young parents by renting out pushchairs, car seats and other essentials near your holiday destination.

Finally, for all your journeys, don't forget to pack in your changing bag: 

  • Nappies
  • A change of clothes
  • A small toy
  • A muslin cloth that can serve any purpose (bib, changing mat, comforter…)
  • A dummy
  • A bottle with water and powdered milk sachets
  • Cotton wool with liniment
  • A comfort toy
  • A baby carrier

Charlie's tips: learn to travel lighter. We often pack ten times too much equipment. And when it comes to sleeping, a moses basket is perfect for children under 6 months.

@sharneethorpe

Car, train, plane… How to go on holiday? 

Every mode of transport has its advantages and disadvantages. 

The car lets you go wherever you like, with no luggage restrictions. Think about the right equipment (car seat, carrycot…) for everyone's safety. 

Train journeys are free for children under 4, provided they travel on your lap. If you would like your baby to have their own seat — handy for a carrycot, for example — opt for a Bambin Pass at €9 on most trains. It's a great deal that would be a shame to miss! It really is more comfortable for everyone. Moreover, SNCF offers a luggage collection service to have your suitcases delivered wherever and whenever you choose. Essentially, you board the train without your luggage, which is rather magical… Trains generally have a changing area and a dedicated family carriage. You can also have your baby's food warmed up by asking at the bar.

As for flying, the majority of airlines offer free travel for children under 2 when they travel on a parent's lap. For very young babies, make sure to have them suck (dummy, breast, bottle…) during take-off and landing, to release the pressure in their ears. Check with your airline to find out what you are allowed to bring into the cabin with you ("pushchair or not pushchair, that is the question"). We recommend opting for short flights and bringing a baby carrier to walk your baby along the aisle!

Essential documents and health

If you are planning to travel abroad, first of all we advise you to re-read our dedicated paragraph on your holiday destination… Then, don't forget your child's documents: a national identity card for Europe, a passport for travel outside Europe. Are your documents ready? Perfect. Don't have them yet? Check with your local council, as appointment waiting times can be long. In April 2023, the average wait for a first appointment was… 66.5 days. You will also need to factor in the document processing time. 

Also take your baby's health record book, and make sure their vaccinations are up to date for travel abroad. When choosing your destination, also think about medical emergencies. The idea is not to frighten you, but rather to be reassured in case of a hiccup! Make sure your holiday location has medical facilities not too far away. Finally, visit the AMELI website to obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows you to receive healthcare on the spot, in accordance with the legislation and formalities in force in the country you are visiting. Genuinely useful for all members of the family!

What will the holiday schedule look like with a newborn? 

With a newborn, the programme is simple: do nothing. You are still getting to know each other, learning your baby's rhythm. Some new mothers are still recovering from childbirth. Plan simple activities that will not be a source of stress or intense preparation: walks in nature, naps, swimming if you can, picnics and activities suited to your baby's age. Treat yourself — take the opportunity to book a massage, listen to a podcast on your sun lounger... Take lots of photos of your first holiday with baby using our milestone cards. Because even if they won't remember it, these timeless moments are essential to building your family. 

One last piece of advice for the road: stay flexible and don't try to do everything. Have a wonderful holiday!

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