Packing to go on holiday can be a bit of a chore – especially trying to contemplate what to wear in the sun when stuck in cold, rainy Blighty. Fortunately, I rather enjoyed sorting out Mrs T’s summer wardrobe – probably because her clothes are more interesting and infinitely cuter than my own. you can certainly pack a lot more into one suitcase. If you are getting away to the sun, here’s some suggestions on what to pack when travelling with a baby. At the time, Mrs T was five months old. Make sure you read my articles with tips on flying with young children and travelling with a baby.
Wetsuits x2 with UV50
Swim hats x 2
‘Legionnaire’ style ones with peaked cap and material at the back to protect neck, ears and eyes.
Inflatable baby float seat for pool
This is great for babies and infants who are too young for armbands. I really like the brand Zoggs for children’s swim accessories. They do a baby float in a variety of colours .
Baby sunglasses
We kept her in the shade as much as possible and she wore hats but a pair of wrap-around sunglasses are handy to take.
Long sleeved vests/tops
Although it is hot and she was in the shade most of the time, I wanted to make sure I protected her arms from the sun as much as possible Take LOTS, along with short sleeved ones – at least two a day plus another for night time – there seemed to be a lot of clothing changes.
Trousers/leggings
Again, to protect her from the sun and keep her warm as it is a lot cooler in the shade.
Baby sun tan lotion (30+)
I use Vegan brand Arbonne which does a chemical-free mineral sunscreen. It can be used for the whole family.
Couple of cardigans
For the flight, air conditioned rooms, early mornings and evenings.
Baby grows
We took a mixture of ones with and without feet and at night dressed her the same as we would here (due to air conditioning)
Sun hats
Sun dresses/outfits
Baby Bjorn bouncer
Mrs T loves the Baby Bjorn bouncer and uses it all the time at home. It folds down for travel and kept her amused for long periods of time. It give us the chance to work on our tans as we lay by the beach and pool! To pack the Baby Bjorn bouncer, we folded it down and tucked it into the bassinet section of our Bugaboo chameleon. You can then purchase a bugaboo travel bag which fits it all in – and more. It is very handy travel bag for taking the Baby Bjorn bouncer, bugaboo and other baby accessories.
Thermometer
After our experience in Amsterdam when Mrs T had a febrile convulsion, this is essential. We have an ear thermometer – and use it all the time.
Other essentials to pack for baby and children
Calpol
Kids bonjela
Baby moisturiser
Travel clothes wash – Essential for dealing with accidents and to freshen up dirty clothing
Waterproof plasters – needed when she went swimming to cover where she had her BCG jab (it filled with pus – nice!).
Sleeping bag
We took 2.5 tog as well as a couple of lighter ones BUT only used the thicker one. If your room is air conditioned it will be the same sort of temperature as back home.
Favourite toys – which are easy to pack/transport
Playmat (or a blanket will do)
Pram
Car seat (we were allowed to take it on the plane – depends on how full the flight is. It was good for getting from airport and out and about in taxis as well as using with travel system. If you are hiring a car, you can usually request one with the hire company).
Blanket
Warm clothes for coming home
iPad/books – Mrs T really likes the Peekaboo app – was brilliant for keeping her occupied on the flight.
Nappies – We took all of ours (5/6 a day) as we like to use biodegradable nappies. If you are staying in a resort, you can get overcharged on nappies too.
Baby Wipes- Take at least three packs for a ten day/two week holiday. I use Kinder by Nature which are biodegradable. You can buy them in bulk from Amazon.
Waterproof Nappies
We used disposable ones by Huggies Little Swimmers. They are only really designed for dealing with number twos, wees can leak through so only use when just about to go in the water.
Things we took but didn’t use
Posh dresses/clothes – if you are mainly going for a beach holiday, take a couple but we ended up keeping it casual and she was asleep in babygrows when we went out in the evening.
Baby towel – there are usually loads available at hotels/accommodation
Light sleeping bag – if your accommodation has air conditioning, it is a similar temperature to your home in the UK.