Best types of holiday with a baby
By Kathryn Crawford
One of the biggest challenges when holidaying with your baby is transporting all the bits and pieces you need to take.
Hot sunshine might be what many people look for when going away, but babies see things very differently. They are much more susceptible to changes in temperature. Extreme heat or extreme cold will make your baby uncomfortable and therefore unhappy. So that Caribbean beach that you've always dreamed of might perhaps not be the best option.
Hot sunshine might be what many people look for when going away, but babies see things very differently.
Self-catering holidays have much greater flexibility when it comes to timings, activities and diet, so are often better for those travelling with babies. They allow you to follow your own routine and not the hotel or tour company's.
Having your own washing and kitchen facilities is a real bonus and being able to maintain your baby's routine without disturbing others keeps your own anxieties at bay. Camping holidays can be particularly good for very young children. There are many sites in Europe with fully equipped mobile homes and high quality tents, and one huge advantage is that you can take your own car on the ferry and drive there. There's far more room in a car than there is in a flight bag, which is subject to the ever more constraining airline weight restrictions.
Another great advantage with the camping holiday is the fact that you're more often than not in the great outdoors, with plenty for your baby or toddler to see and do. Such holidays cater particularly well for very young children and often include almost everything you can think of to keep them happy and entertained. Don't forget, though, that being in the great outdoors can mean sharing it with others, so remember to make sure your baby is protected from flying insects by using a child-friendly insect repellent.
Another great advantage with the camping holiday is the fact that you're more often than not in the great outdoors, with plenty for your baby or toddler to see and do.
If caravan or canvas don't appeal, there are many cottages and villas both at home in the UK and in mainland Europe that can offer comfort, convenience and independence for those wanting a change of scene but still enjoying all the comforts of home.
If you are heading for the beach, it is essential that you take a high-factor sun tent and plenty of high-factor sunblock for your baby. A baby's skin is extremely sensitive to UV light and they should be kept out of the sun wherever possible. Check with your hotel in advance to make sure they have sheltered areas near pools and beaches so that your baby doesn't suffer unnecessarily in the sun.
Kathryn Crawford is the editor of leading pregnancy, baby and parenting website, www.thebabywebsite.com.
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