Between birth and two years old, your baby will develop at an extraordinary rate, and each milestone will be a new source of wonder for you. Discover with us the major stages of their development and how to communicate with them to help stimulate their learning.
The holidays are fast approaching. If you were used to taking off on a whim with a backpack, the presence of your baby will change things somewhat…
From choosing the destination to the Packing your suitcase : discover our tips for a successful holiday with a newborn!
The ideal destination
With a baby, it's best to avoid regions of the world where the temperature exceeds 30°C, as well as countries that require specific vaccines or have questionable sanitary conditions: wait a few years before going to Africa, the Amazon, or trekking in the Himalayas…
A stay in the mountains is possible, but only up to an altitude of 1500 meters: above that, your baby's eardrums might struggle to cope with the drop in pressure. You can also go to the seaside, but be careful of UV rays: a baby should not be exposed to them. never be exposed directly to the sun !
Ultimately, the countryside is often the ideal destination with your baby: calm, temperate, with many shaded areas, it offers everything you need for a peaceful family holiday.
By car, by train, by plane!
All means of transport are suitable for a very young child, provided that certain precautions are taken… In the car , your baby must travel in a car seat certified by the French National Standards (NF) and appropriate for their age, which should be placed in a reclined, rear-facing position for the first few months. Never transport them in an unsecured bassinet, even if they are asleep when you leave! During the journey, keep the essentials within easy reach: diapers, wipes, bottles if you are not breastfeeding, a change of clothes, and small snacks if your baby is over 9 months old.
And plan breaks every 2 hours, both to rest the driver and to relax your baby!
Beyond the first month of your child's life, you can also travel by plane Just remember to give your baby a drink (breast or bottle) during takeoff and landing to prevent ear pain. Also, be mindful of the air conditioning, which cools and dries the air: keep your baby well covered and offer them drinks frequently.
As for the train, it's in many ways the ideal mode of transport with a baby: it can be used from the first weeks of your child's life, with them in a car seat or simply held against you. You can move around the carriages as you please, and the gentle rocking of the train often has a soporific effect on children. Definitely the best option when possible!
Essentials to take with you
Going on holiday with a baby is often like moving house…
Plan to do laundry at your destination, several times if necessary, so you don't have to pack your child's entire wardrobe. Leave the unnecessary behind and make smart choices to travel light: opt for a sling or baby carrier rather than a stroller, get an inflatable bathtub for bathing your baby, and have them sleep in a bassinet or travel cot.
As for toiletries, pack the hygiene products and care your child's usual items in smaller formats. Also consider the Wipes are handy when traveling. And in summer, don't forget to pack a very high protection sunscreen , specifically formulated for babies, as well as a hat or bucket hat and sunglasses.
