Jetting Off On A Family Holiday

22 May

One thing I’ve learnt over the years, when going away with young children in tow, is to lower your expectations! Naturally we look forward to a break away but in the build up avoid forming images in your head of how wonderful it’s all going to be. I’m guilty of this. However deep down I know there will be meltdowns and grumps, along with the usual demands of family life. I’d say that a family holiday is the same old sh*t but with a different scene and sprinklings of joy, if you’re lucky! But as they say, a change is as good as a rest!

With our first child we were very fortunate to go on several holidays. The easiest was probably when she was 5 months old. Babies at this age are highly portable, stay put, have just a milk diet and fly for free, well almost free!

We anticipated that flying to New Zealand when she was 20 months would be pure hell but amazingly it wasn’t! She had a bassinet which she loved sitting in spying on the other passengers and watching the flight attendants go about their work. She didn’t sleep much but she remained cheerful so that’s all that mattered! We purposely booked a flight with a stopover of just a few hours in Seoul so she only had one time zone to adjust to. Whilst travelling around New Zealand we let her routine slip - she napped when she needed and went to bed generally when we did. Luckily she was the type of toddler who generally slept 12 hours straight at whatever time she fell asleep at night time. Once back home she quickly returned to her usual routine.

So what are the essential items for a holiday with a baby or toddler?

Firstly write a list, well in advance of your trip, and add to it as you think of things. I have an electronic list which has been amended many times over the years. Here are my recommendations,

Pushchair

Lightweight, umbrella style, fully reclinable. Even if your toddler doesn’t use one much, definitely take one as they will get tired - combination of later nights and covering more ground than you think you will. Most airlines will allow you to hang onto the pushchair until you reach the departure gate so if nothing else it’s useful for transporting your hand luggage!

Car seat

We made the mistake of booking a carseat in New Zealand and it frightened the life out of me! So take your own. A pain I know but you’ll have peace of mind when travelling around.

Baby carrier

Couldn't live without one of these! Very handy when you’ve got bags to carry, passports and boarding passes to show, and so on. Also if you have an older child who’s getting weary a ride in the pushchair could just save your sanity!

Travel black out blind

A must in my opinion. Even if a room does have window coverings, nine times out of ten they seem to be transparent, letting in way too much light, especially in the early morning. And go big, with good sturdy suction pads.

Sunshade for pushchair

Not just to keep your little one cool out of direct sun but also comes in handy if your evening meal coincides with their bedtime. Get an universal one that covers the entire pushchair.

Sleeping bag

Something familiar will always aid sleep. Ones with a pocket for a harness to thread through are perfect for minimum disturbance when transferring from pushchair or car seat to a cot.

Cot sheets

Always pack a spare!

First aid kit

If you have a toddler you’ll go through tons of plasters so pack plenty and of course don’t forget the parents’ saviour, Calpol!

Toiletries

Decant into smaller bottles.

Sun protection

Definitely best to take your usual brand and plenty of it! Don’t be tempted to buy a different one for your holiday. We did this only to discover that it gave our little ones an allergic rash! And of course go for SPF 50.

Feeding

If you’re bottle feeding then of course formula, bottles and steriliser. Take your usual formula just in case you can’t buy it abroad. Pack drink bottles for your toddler, plastic boxes for snacks, bowls and spoons if weaning, and use easy to clean silicone bibs so you don’t end up with cheesy smelling ones!

Nappy changing kit

Stackable plastic cups

These have come on all our holidays - great for playtime, can be used on the beach, perfect in the bath (ours have different shaped holes), and of course are very compact.

Comfortable day rucksack

To carry all the paraphernalia you’ll need on excursions!

Clothes

Pack according to the climate. Also pop in some washing detergent for essential hand washing. Or be like me - nowadays I always look to stay in places with a washing machine. This is a win win. Not only do we not have to pack masses of clothes but I get to wear my smug pants on arriving home with the only dirty laundry being the clothes we’re wearing!

Don’t forget to pack in your hand luggage bag spare clothes, an extra fleece (tends to be nippy on flights!), snacks (double what you think your toddler will eat!), headphones, tablet loaded up with favourite apps and films, travel pillow, lollies for take off and landing.

A top tip is to wear your toddler out before the flight. Quite a few airports these days have a soft play, or failing that have a chase about in an uncrowded area.

And finally don’t forget the favourite cuddly or comforter!

Bon voyage!

Catherine Wasley

Catherine is a certified holistic sleep coach with over 30 years of experience supporting families with children under five. As a mum of four herself, she deeply understands the exhaustion and frustration that can come with sleepless nights.

Combining her extensive knowledge of early childhood development and her empathetic approach, Catherine offers practical, straightforward guidance tailored to each family’s unique values. Her mission is to empower parents to trust their instincts, build confidence, and find solutions that work without pressure or guilt.

Passionate about challenging gender stereotypes in early childhood, Catherine believes every child deserves equal opportunities to thrive.

Outside of her work, Catherine is a keen runner, self-proclaimed coffee addict, and croissant connoisseur. She lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, four children, and their dog, Beau.

https://www.theparentrock.com