Going on holiday with a child under 3 years old... Oh the joy and happiness of discovery, but what an organisational challenge! Because it is unthinkable not to go and because you do not plan to miss your summer holidays, it is up to you to prepare everything and not forget anything for a family holiday that is as zen as possible. To travel with baby without stress and without (too much) encumbering yourself, discover the 5 Élhée essentials.
SUMMARY :
- Essential #1: A diaper bag worthy of Mary Poppins to plan for everything
- Essential #2: all the accessories for a zen baby like at home
- Essential #3: A first aid kit suitable for any destination
- Essential #4: Take something to suck and snack on, everywhere, all the time
- Essential #5: yes, carry your baby, but in comfort and not in Sherpa mode
Essential #1: A diaper bag worthy of Mary Poppins to plan for everything
Mary Poppins said, “ Never judge a thing by its appearance .” And if it works for her wonderful magic bag (which we all envy), it can also work for your baby’s diaper bag. Before you leave, test out several configurations and see how to optimize it, especially if you’re traveling by plane. Between his suitcase and his diaper bag, you can divide:
- clothes : t-shirts, tank tops, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, sweaters or vests, depending on the season.
- For the night : add bodysuits, pajamas, sleeping bag or swaddle and a swaddle if you use it.
- On the beach side : think about the swimsuit diaper which will complete the list of clothes (easy to wash) to take.
- Don't forget the classic diapers in number (check depending on your destination that you can buy some on site) and the wipes , always practical when traveling, as well as the small plastic bags like freezer bags, to enclose everything in case there are no trash cans during the travel hours.
If your mode of travel allows it and depending on your accommodation, an inflatable bathtub and a changing mat or a thick beach towel could be invaluable (zero space taken up in the trunk or hold). This is where we talk again about Mary Poppins' bag!
Please note, if you plan to travel abroad, in or outside the EU zone, reserve a pocket in your bag for family papers: health documents, identity cards and passports in the first place .
Essential #2: all the accessories for a zen baby like at home
Going on holiday is often a change of scenery, that's even the goal. But, for your baby, depending on his age, the experience can be a little stressful or simply tiring. The ideal is therefore to make sure to take everything that makes him comfortable at home:
- his favorite comforter or blanket,
- his essential pacifier (and a few other spare pacifiers ),
- a night light ,
- a white noise machine to help baby fall asleep in an unfamiliar environment that may be a little less quiet than at home.
In advance, do not hesitate to inquire and ask your hosts about the night equipment reserved for babies. This will help you know whether it is necessary to bring a mattress and a travel cot , or to rent one on site.
Essential #3: A suitable first aid kit, whatever your destination
"There's no point thinking about the worst, it's better to leave equipped" could be embroidered on your first aid kit, all the more important during the holiday period, especially if you're going abroad with a baby.
In France, medical coverage is quite good, however, always make sure to bring for your baby:
- Paracetamol dosed according to the baby's weight, to be used in case of fever and mild pain,
- an infrared thermometer ,
- oral rehydration solutions (ORS) for diarrhea,
- a baby nasal aspirator and saline solution (especially for the winter holidays),
- bandages for small wounds,
- antiseptic (which does not sting),
- an anti-burn cream (such as Bépanthène®) and another suitable for diaper rash (such as Mitosyl®),
- also, if your child is already moving around, an anti-bruise gel (Arnigel® type) and tweezers in case of splinters,
- Aspivenin should also be on every trip.
In France and abroad, add a mosquito repellent that can be used on babies' skin, an anti-itch cream , an anti-malarial (mainly in Africa, South America and Asia) and something to combat nausea or motion sickness . Your pediatrician will be able to tell you the molecules, medications and dosages recommended according to your child's age.
Of course, if your infant, baby or child is on regular treatment, take it with you without forgetting the prescription and their health record in which all vaccinations must be up to date.
To help you, a directory of medical centers available in France exists online, as well as the procedure to follow to go to a doctor or a hospital in the EU zone . In case of emergency, anywhere in Europe, dial 112.
Focus on sun protection for children
For a sunny holiday, reserve a place in the suitcase for the various accessories your baby will need to safely enjoy the beach and the good weather.
Hat or cap , sunglasses and anti-UV clothing reinforce the protection provided by an SPF50+ anti-UVA and UVB sun cream, which should be chosen organic if you can, in order to avoid as many chemical and harmful ingredients as possible.
Please note that it is strongly advised not to expose babies under 1 year old to the sun . For older children, avoid the hottest hours (between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and apply sunscreen very regularly, as well as after each swim.
Essential #4: Take something to suck and snack on, everywhere, all the time
A baby means several meals, bottles and jars of food every day, which you should definitely not forget, otherwise you will experience a stress surge that is difficult to control. So remember to add bottles, measuring container, formula or breast pump, jars of food, spoon, spare teats, bib and bottle warmer to your suitcase before leaving.
Do you find this list a bit cumbersome? Élhée has designed for you and your baby the first unbreakable, evolving bottle that can be adapted to most portable bottle warmers.
Our anti-colic bottle, which can be used from birth, can be transformed into a container to collect your milk thanks to its adapter . It can then be used as a small jar thanks to its airtight seal and finally take the form of a learning cup if it is equipped with a soft suction spout .
Moreover, to make your life easier, we have designed a breastfeeding box which includes two BibRONDS 150 and 240 ml, two XS extra-slow flow teats as well as a set of 2 breast pump adapters and/or portable bottle warmers . All you need now is the spoon. 😉
Please note that Élhée baby bottles, made of medical silicone, can be microwaved without the risk of spreading microplastics. However, electric bottle warmers and bain-maries are still two preferable alternatives to avoid burns.
Essential #5: yes, carry your baby, but in comfort and not in Sherpa mode
Finally, the last major point to anticipate before traveling with a baby, carrying. Because he often sleeps, but especially because he does not walk or not very much, you will have to carry or push your child everywhere you go. A real challenge if you do not want to turn into a trekking carrier and travel light.
- The essential umbrella stroller is very practical to slip into the trunk of the car, takes up very little space and adapts to a variety of terrains, to transport children from 9 to 12 months. The little ones sit in a cozy car seat to adapt to a stroller structure for you to walk around.
- Are you traveling by plane or train? Opt for ultra-light, ultra-compact and ultra-comfortable baby strollers that fold and unfold with one hand, for the front baby carrier (be careful in hot weather) or for the baby sling (up to 6-8 months), which is definitely all-terrain and leaves your hands free.
Please note that if you go hiking, sightseeing or on long excursions, a back baby carrier (from 9 months) may be very suitable.
Of course, some toys, books, music, a warm jacket, a pair of boots or sandals, colored pencils… will also be useful depending on the age of your little one. To think of everything ( 🤞 ) ask for advice from parents around you who have already tried the experience of traveling with their child!
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