Vacationing with Baby: Tips and Tricks for Parents
Choosing the Ideal Destination for Holidays with Baby
Organizing a vacation with a baby requires careful planning to ensure your child's comfort and safety. This informative guide will help you prepare for your summer vacation with peace of mind, highlighting suitable destinations, essential documents, travel essentials and precautions to take to look after baby while enjoying your vacation.
To make things easier for you, we've put together a checklist of essentials to take with baby.
Safety and accessibility
For a successful vacation, choose a destination with easy access to medical services and children's facilities. Mediterranean beaches, Alpine mountains and well-equipped tourist towns are popular choices. Make sure the destination has suitable beaches, shady promenades and attractions for children.
Family-friendly accommodation
Look for accommodations offering children's facilities such as cots, high chairs and play areas. Vacation rentals with kitchens make it easy to prepare baby meals, offering welcome flexibility. Also check for baby monitors or other safety measures.
Prepare Travel Documents
ID Card and Passport
To travel in Europe, an identity card is required, even for children under 12. Belgian children can obtain a Kids-ID card. For other destinations, ask your local authorities about the need for a passport and visa.
Parental authorization
If the baby is traveling without parents or with only one parent, a parental authorization signed by both parents is required. This authorization must be legalized by the commune.
Mutual Insurance and Vaccinations
Make sure you have the necessary documents for health insurance. Some countries require specific vaccinations. Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before departure for medical recommendations.
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Travel Pharmacy
Prepare a complete first-aid kit including :
- Sun cream (minimum SPF 30, water-resistant).
- After-sun cream
- Fever reducer and other medication recommended by your doctor
- Saline solution, lip balm, wound disinfectant
- Ointment for bruises, insect repellent
- Thermometer, scissors, tweezers, sterile compresses, dressings, bandages
For more information on sun creams adapted to babies' skin, please consult Estella, pediatric naturopath, aromatherapist, natural medicine, gemmotherapist
Baby's meals
Be sure to pack everything you need for your child's meals:
- Usual milk, bottles, milk dispenser, breast pump
- Bottle sterilizer or pot for sterilization
- Bottle brushes, small water bottles, jars, cutlery, cups
- Bibs and booster seat
Toilet and Hygiene
- Baby grooming essentials include :
- Diapers, soap, baby shampoo, toothbrush and special toothpaste
- Changing mat or bag, baby scissors, hairbrush, towels, mosquito net, potty.
Walks and sleep
- For outings and sleep, don't forget :
- Stroller, parasol, baby carrier, adapted car seat with sunshade
- Baby sling
- Folding bed, sleeping bag, early-learning games, books, comforter
Céline, physiological babywearing instructor can help you with the rental of breastfeeding and babywearing equipment to ensure your baby's comfort during your travels. For more information and advice on physiological babywearing, don't hesitate to consult her services.
Clothing
Make sure your clothing is adapted to different weather conditions:
- Light, warm clothing, bodysuits, pyjamas, underwear, socks, etc.
- Various pairs of shoes, hat/cap, CE-certified sunglasses
- Special diapers for swimming, bathing suits, inflatable armbands
Monitoring Baby on Vacation
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Beach and Pool Safety
Vigilance is essential when you're near water. Use inflatable armbands or a baby buoy and always stay close by. Apply water-resistant sunscreen regularly, and dress baby in a hat and protective clothing.
Stick to Routines
Even on vacation, try to maintain baby's sleep and mealtime routines. A familiar environment will help your child feel secure and adapt more easily to new situations.
Take breaks
Vacations can be tiring for babies. Plan regular breaks for rest and naps, and create quiet moments for baby to relax.
With the right preparation, your first summer vacation with baby can be an unforgettable experience, rich in memories.
We wish you and your family an excellent summer with baby.
All perinatal alternative medicine professionals at Hapiklan.
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