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 travel too far. To be honest, the goal of your vacation will be to try to… rest! Or at the very least, not to come back even more exhausted than before. Your guiding principle 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 in South America — you won't necessarily enjoy them. In general, avoid major time zone differences, destinations at high altitude, and countries with extreme climates (too hot or too cold). Renting a vacation home with a group of 20 friends is also not the idea of the century this year. You risk asking your friends to keep quiet when your baby is napping and feeling out of sync. 

Charlie's tips: opt for a vacation home with family who could 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 pack on vacation with a baby?

A baby comes with a whole set of equipment: baby cot, bassinet, play mat, diapers, toys… How do you transport all of this on vacation? First of all, we recommend making a list of the true essentials and then renting everything on-site. Check with your rental or hotel — they most likely have a baby cot and a high chair for older children. There are also websites that make life easier for young parents by renting strollers, car seats, and other essentials near your vacation spot.

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

  • Diapers
  • A change of clothes
  • A small toy
  • A muslin cloth that will serve all purposes (bib, changing mat, comforter…)
  • A pacifier
  • A bottle with water and powdered milk sachets
  • Cotton with liniment
  • A comfort toy
  • A baby carrier

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

@sharneethorpe

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

Every mode of transport has its advantages and disadvantages. 

The car lets you go wherever you want, with no luggage restrictions. Think about the right equipment (car seat, carry-cot…) 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 carry-cot, for example — opt for a Forfait Bambin at €9 on most trains. A great deal you wouldn't want to miss! It really does make things more comfortable for everyone. In addition, SNCF offers a luggage delivery service so you can have your suitcases delivered wherever and whenever you choose. Essentially, you take the train without your luggage — and it feels a little like magic… Trains generally have a changing area and a dedicated family carriage. It is also possible to heat up your baby's food jar by asking the Bar service.

As for flying, most 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 (pacifier, breast, bottle…) during takeoff and landing to relieve the pressure in their ears. Check with your airline to find out what you are allowed to bring into the cabin with you ("stroller or not stroller, that is the question"). We recommend choosing short flights and bringing a baby carrier to walk your baby up and down the aisle!

Required documents and health

If you are planning to travel abroad, first of all we recommend re-reading our section on choosing your vacation destination… Then, don't forget your child's documents: an identity card for Europe, a passport for travel outside Europe. Documents ready? Perfect. Don't have them yet? Check with your local town hall, as appointment waiting times can be long. In April 2023, the average wait to get a first appointment was… 66.5 days. On top of that, you'll need to add the processing time for the documents themselves. 

Also bring your baby's health record book, and make sure vaccinations are up to date if traveling abroad. When choosing your destination, also think about medical emergencies. The idea is not to scare you, but to feel at ease in case something goes wrong! Make sure your vacation spot 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 medical care on the spot, in accordance with the legislation and formalities in force in the country of stay. Very handy for all family members, indeed!

What will the vacation program look like with a newborn? 

With a newborn, the program is simple: total relaxation. You are still getting to know each other and learning your baby's rhythm. Some new mothers are still recovering from childbirth. Plan simple activities that will be neither stressful nor require intense preparation: walks in nature, naps, the pool if you can, picnics, and age-appropriate activities for your baby. Treat yourself — take the opportunity to book a massage, listen to a podcast on your lounger... Take lots of photos of your first vacation with your baby. 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 vacation!

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