Congratulations! You've booked your first family holiday with your little one. A first holiday with your baby is a special occasion, a chance to create lasting memories, and a time to share new experiences with your precious bundle of joy. Here at Bumbles and Boo, we know all about the joys (and slight anxieties!) of travelling with a baby. After all, many of our team members are parents themselves!
We understand that travelling with your newborn in tow can feel daunting, especially on your first trip. But fear not, with a little planning and the right essentials packed, your first family holiday is much more likely to run smoothly.
What to Consider When Going on Holiday with Your Baby for the First Time?
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable first holiday with your baby, a little planning goes a long way. Our advice is to choose a destination that caters to families with young children - and try not to be too ambitious with your travel plans as you’ll need to factor in taking care of your little one and what they’re able to handle.
Accommodation: When booking your first holiday with your baby, look for destinations and accommodation that have plenty of amenities that can make life a little easier for you - such as baby pools, changing facilities, and kid-friendly restaurants where you won't feel out of place with a little one in tow. You may also wish to consider accommodation that offers baby essentials like cribs and highchairs.
The Journey: If you're embarking on a longer journey, be sure to factor in rest stops or overnight stays to break up the travel time and avoid meltdowns. Pack plenty of entertainment for your baby en route and keep them well-fed to ensure a smoother ride. Remember, your itinerary should be relaxed and allow for plenty of downtime for feeding, naps, and playtime. Don't try to cram in too much – your baby's needs will dictate the pace of your holiday!
Research: A little research about the local area can go a long way. See if there are any baby-friendly activities or attractions nearby that you can explore together as a family. When planning walks consider whether you will need a pushchair or would a baby carrier be a better option for sightseeing? Is your normal changing bag easy to carry without the pram or do you need a rucksack? By taking these factors into account, you can set yourself up for a successful and stress-free first holiday with your precious little one, creating lasting memories you'll all cherish.
From nappy changes and additional outfit changes to feeding time and entertainment - it’s also key to pack all of the right baby essentials for your newborn, you, and your family.
What to Pack for a Baby's First Holiday?
Packing all of the right baby essentials for your little one’s first holiday can help make your trip run smoothly and enable you to focus on spending time with your newborn and being in the moment. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for essentials due to a lack of planning. From our experience, here is a breakdown of things to pack for your baby’s first holiday to ensure a comfortable trip:
Clothing: Pack plenty of outfits in various weights to adapt to different weather conditions. Don't forget sleepsuits for cosy nights, along with sun hats for sunny days. Other important essentials include baby grows, rompers, vests and leggings. Booties and socks are also important, and a couple of cosy blankets will be perfect for keeping your baby warm and snug in the evenings. Check both the daytime and the nighttime temperature of your destination as hot sunny days can still mean cold chilly nights once the sun goes down.
Nappy changes: Ensure you have everything you need for nappy changes and feeding. Pack more nappies and wipes than you think you'll need and consider where you might buy more from once you get to your destination. Consider changing mats and travel-sized packs of nappies for easy access in your hand luggage.
Feeding: For breastfeeding mums, muslin squares can be a lifesaver. Bottle-fed babies will need a sufficient supply of bottles, formula (if applicable), and cleaning tools like a steriliser (if needed) and a bottle brush. While a quick trip to the local supermarket will probably solve the issue if you run out of nappies they may not have the exact same formula you use so factor that in when packing. If your baby is a little older, take plenty of their favourite baby food with you… and don't forget bibs and burp cloths to catch any spills and messes!
Comforting Baby Items: To help your baby feel secure in a new environment, pack a few comforting items. A favourite stuffed animal, a soft blanket from home, or a baby comforter toy can work wonders in creating a familiar and soothing atmosphere for them.
Hand Luggage: For easy access during travel and outings, pack a small changing kit with nappies, wipes, nappy bags, and a changing mat. Don't forget to pack feeding essentials and plenty of age-appropriate snacks and drinks for your family. You may also want to include lightweight toys, bibs, burp cloths, and an extra outfit for your baby (and yourself!) in case of accidents.
Travelling by plane: Keeping them well-fed can help avoid meltdowns and ensure a smoother journey. Feeding a baby during take-off and landing can help as swallowing can relieve ear pain caused by the change in pressure as the plane changes altitude. For toddlers and young children you may want to provide a snack at this point until they are old enough to know when to swallow or yawn to equalize the pressure themselves.
Entertainment: To keep your little one entertained throughout the trip, pack a couple of teddies and toys they love. You may also want to throw in a few new ones for an extra element of surprise and to keep them preoccupied while travelling. Opt for lightweight and easy-to-clean toys that won't take up too much space.
Sun Safety Essentials: Protecting your baby from the sun is crucial, especially if you’re going to a sunny destination. Pack baby-friendly sunscreen with SPF 50+, a wide-brimmed sun hat to shield their face and neck, and sunglasses. If you are travelling by car don't forget to add sun shades for the car windows and consider packing a sun umbrella for your destination.
First Aid: Hopefully you’ll never have to use it. However, it's always wise to pack a basic first-aid kit for your baby. Include baby-safe pain relievers, a thermometer, saline solution for stuffy noses, antiseptic cream and any prescribed medications they might need alongside your own first aid kit.
Checklist for Your Baby's First Holiday
To help you pack for your baby’s first holiday we’ve included a list of essentials for you to consider below.
Clothing:
- Plenty of spare changes of clothing for yourself (accidents happen!)
- Baby clothing (enough for the duration of your trip, with plenty of extras)
- Sleepsuits & pyjamas
- Baby grows / Rompers / Vests
- Leggings / trousers
- Cardigan / Jumper
- Booties / socks
- Dressing gown
- Dummies
- Sunhats
- Socks
- Blankets
- Sunglasses
Changing:
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Nappy bags
- Nappy cream
- Changing mat
- Changing bag
Feeding:
- Bottles (if bottle-fed)
- Formula (if bottle-fed)
- Bottle steriliser (if needed)
- Bottle brush
- Bibs
- Burp cloths / Muslin Squares
- Spoon (for feeding solids)
- Bowls/plates (for feeding solids)
- Beakers
- Teethers
- Dummies
- Snacks & drinks for travel
Entertainment:
- Baby toys (e.g., rattles, soft toys, baby books)
- Favourite stuffed animal/comfort item
- Soft blanket from home
Essentials:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) for babies
- First-aid kit (including baby thermometer, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, any prescribed medications)
- Laundry detergent (travel size)
- Baby wash & lotion
- Cotton balls or baby wipes for cleaning
- Nail clippers
- Thermometer
- Medication (if applicable)
- Camera to capture those precious memories!
Travel:
- Car seat (if travelling by car)
- Hand / baby bag
- Pram
- Baby carrier
- Travel crib (if applicable)
- Pool floats/bath toys (if applicable)
- Toys and entertainment for hand luggage
Beach/Pool:
- Swim nappies
- Beach towel with a hood
- Pool shoes (optional)
Documents:
- Passport, visas, and supporting documents (if travelling abroad)
- Insurance documents
In addition to your own essentials, remember to pack some entertainment to help yourself relax too - such as books, magazines, or download some movies/shows to enjoy on your tablet during downtime. A little self-care goes a long way!
Where Can I Get Baby Essentials?
By packing all the right baby essentials, you can prepare for the best chances of a smooth and enjoyable first holiday with your little one. Here at Bumbles and Boo, we understand the importance of having everything you need to make those precious travel memories.
We offer a wide range of high-quality baby essentials, from comfortable baby clothes and blankets to gentle bathroom products and fun, safe baby toys. Browse our extensive collection online to find everything you need to pack the perfect bag for your baby's first holiday.
Remember, preparation is key – so don't wait until the last minute to start packing for your baby’s first holiday! With a little planning and the right gear, your first family holiday with your little one can be an unforgettable adventure. We wish you happy travels and lots of magical memories!
