How to plan your first holiday with a baby

Choosing a location for your baby’s first holiday may seem like the decision that will make or break your trip. But as long as you choose a spot that has all your essentials covered, the sky is really the limit. Whether you’d like to step into island time or get a taste of country living, these hot spots won’t disappoint.

Beachside

Noosa, Caloundra and Hervey Bay are stunning coastal locations with calm beaches, short walks and baby-friendly cafes. For more deserted beach escapes, try the Gold Coast’s Currumbin, Tallebudgera or Coolangatta or the Sunshine Coast’s Cotton Tree or Coolum.

Tropical

Head to our tropical north if easy access to waterfalls, rainforests and reefs is up your alley. Port Douglas is the perfect destination with its friendly village vibe, beach resorts and award-winning dining precincts.

Country escapes

If you want to feel a million miles from the city, stay in Toowoomba and check out the street art and markets on your morning pram walk, or bunk with the cows and ducks on a farm stay.

Island time

Hamilton Island, in the Whitsundays, is the epitome of island living. With glistening blue water, white sand and palm trees around every corner, you’ll be in optimum relaxation mode. Plus, it’s very well catered to babies. There’s car seats in the golf buggies (the main mode of transport on the island), change tables in every restaurant, and babysitting options if you want to go out for a parent-only dinner.

Check out this Hamilton Island family holiday guide to spark your holiday planning.

How long to go for

The number of nights you spend away is very dependent on you and your baby, but we suggest committing to at least three or four nights to really make the most out of your travel.

A one-night stay will leave you exhausted after packing, unpacking and travelling two days in a row. Several days, on the other hand, allows you to preserve your energy for the ever-important exploring and memory making. If time isn’t an issue, stay longer and enjoy soaking up all the special firsts that come with your first holiday with baby in tow.

How to road trip with a baby

Whether you’re driving your own car or a hired vehicle, here are some tips for travelling with a baby passenger:

• Travel when they tend to sleep for a peaceful car trip.
• Turn the car into a concert. Play some of your bub’s favourite tunes to get them clapping and dancing their way to your destination.
• Pack a favourite toy and a new toy. Your baby will love the comfort of their favourite toy, but the new toy will provide something new and exciting to keep them occupied.
• Food and drinks. Depending on where your baby is at with feeding, either pack bottles or a non-spill sippy cup alongside water and snacks. Sultanas, grapes, sandwiches, corn thins or rice cakes are popular options, if you’re bub is at snacking age.
• Schedule in multiple stops along the way to give everyone a break and some fresh air.
• Pitstop at a playground. If your little one is slippery slide-ready, use Google Maps to search for playgrounds nearby.
• If you plan on taking a hire car, find a company that offers baby seats, prams and portacots as well as the vehicle and book these in advance.

How to fly with a baby

If your dream destination is a flight away, then you want to prepare for air travel with your baby. Here are some tips that will help you navigate airports and aeroplanes with your bub.

Airport

Arrive earlier than you would on your own, as everything takes a bit longer with a little person in tow and babies need lots of stuff.

Upon arrival at the airport, head straight to check in and make it clear that you’re travelling with an infant. Check in whatever you can, so you have less to carry, but don’t forget the essentials like, nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, some books and toys and, of course, snacks!

Most airlines welcome families with small children on board first, so be ready to go when you’re called so you can get on early without being rushed. If you have a baby carrier, now’s the time to use it! You’ll need your hands free for your bags and tickets.

Seat selection

Selecting seats with easy access to the exit row is a wise move for longer-haul flights, so you can make the most of the onboard bassinets. If you’ve missed out on this option, don’t worry; book a window seat instead. You’ll have a bit more privacy and the view will provide a welcome distraction for you both when needed.

What to pack for the flight

To avoid settling into your seats and realising you’re missing things that would make the flight more pleasant, make sure you have easy access to:

• Extra dummies in case one falls on the floor or is lost.
• Spare clothes for mum and bub if a mess is made, muslin wraps for clean feeding or reducing the light for a better sleep, and blankets to stay warm.
• Entertainment. Bring a few small books and soft toys to keep your baby engaged (but try to avoid noisy toys that will disturb other passengers). If your baby’s old enough to enjoy tv, pack a spare set of headphones and a headphone splitter so you can watch their favourite show or movie together.
• Pack more nappies than you’d normally need in the flight time so you never have to worry about running out.
• Depending on where your child is at in terms of feeding, consider packing their favourite snacks and extra bottles of milk and water. To avoid potential ear pain during take-off and landing, give your little one a drink - the drinking motion will help prevent air bubbles.

Where to stay

When going on a holiday with a baby, it’s important to pick a destination that’s decked out with everything you need. Whether you venture to the beach or the bush, here’s some things to look out for when researching accommodation options:

• Just like home, you’re bound to deal with your little one during the night. To avoid waking up the rest of the crew, select a space where you can easily separate the portacot or bassinet from the rest of the facilities. Great options include a one or two-bedroom apartment or holiday house with extra space and rooms to spare.
• Try to emulate your baby’s room at home with a night light, white noise or nursery rhyme sounds, and a cuddly toy or blanket.
• Before booking your accommodation, ask whether they have a cot or bassinet and high chair (if your bub is up to sitting and solids). Check whether sheets and blankets are included with the portacot as well, as it will save you a tonne of room in the car if they’re provided.
• Washing clothes while on holidays was never high on the priority list pre-bub, but having access to a washing machine and dryer will reduce the bulk of baby clothes you have to pack as well as the mountain of washing on your first day back at home.
• If your little one is onto solids, look for accommodation options with a kitchen. If you can, bring some pre-cooked meals and snacks with you to make the most of your holiday time. If you’re hoping not to cook at all, find accommodation with a restaurant onsite and ask if they have a baby menu with pureed meals.
• If a warm bath is part of your nightly routine, find accommodation with a bath or bring your own portable option.
• Give your arms a break - bring a play mat or rug and some bright and noisy toys to keep non-crawler bubs busy.
• Keep your cool and make sure you have air conditioning or heating sorted (depending on where you’re staying and the time of your trip). Also, look for places with security screens for peace of mind and mozzie-proofing.
• If your bub is on the move, check whether the accommodation has stairs and other potential hazards. You won’t be able to control everything about your holiday venue, but if there are big things you’re worried about from the photos or description, ask before you book.
• Keep up swimming progress with an onsite pool. Beach-style pools with a gradual slope into the water are perfect for sitting, crawling and splashing around and they provide a great activity for the whole family.

Things to do when holidaying with a baby

Don’t feel obliged to have a long list of things to see and do on your holiday with a baby - take the pressure off and do only the things that suit you and your family.

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some things to do while you’re on holiday with a baby:

• Explore your surroundings on foot with either your pram or baby carrier. If you love the outdoors and your bub is up to it, plan a longer hike in a national park or a coastal walk.
• Find kid-friendly cafes with delicious coffee and playgrounds next door.
• Pick up local delicacies and set-up a picnic in a shady spot outside.
• Head to the beach for some sand time or take a dip in the kid-friendly pool.
• Farms, zoos, sanctuaries and aquariums will have your little one in awe all day long.

What to pack

In the few days leading up to the trip, write a list of all the essentials you’ll need. Unless you’re holidaying somewhere remote, most things can be bought at the local supermarket or chemist so don’t worry if you forget a couple of items.

Sleeping

• Portacot
• Sheets and blanket for the portacot
• Nightlight and music maker
• A plush toy to snuggle with

Clothes

• Pack for three changes of clothes per day
• Hat
• Sun-safe gear and swimming nappies
• Towel

Feeding

• Breast pump and formula
• Bottles and cleaning gear
• Sippy cups that don’t spill
• Bibs and burp clothes
• If your bub is up to solids, try to take a few frozen meals with you. Plus, spoons, bowls and travel-friendly sippy cups.

Note: If you’re flying, the restriction on liquids doesn’t usually apply to your baby’s food and drink. Check with your airline beforehand for all the details.

Toys and play time

• A couple of their fave toys helps in the car and while you’re enjoying your coffee
• Books (small sized ones are best for travel)
• Matts and blankets

Out and about

• Think about downsizing to a smaller and lighter pram or stroller for travel
• Not all restaurants and accommodation have high chairs so you may need a travel high chair or fabric chair to hold your bub in tight while they eat
• Baby carrier
• Baby-friendly sunscreen
• Shade tent

Other essentials

• Nappies, wipes and nappy rash cream (calculate roughly how many nappies you’ll need per day and pack a few extras)
• Nappy change sheets for public change rooms
• Dummies
• Thermometer, Nurofen or Panadol and a First Aid kit
• Child-friendly insect spray
• Bath stuff. Don’t forget a hand towel, baby bath gel, shampoo and conditioner and a bath toy
• Passports (if you’re travelling internationally)
• Baby monitor
• Zip-lock bags for snacks and soiled clothing
• BYO babysitter. Invite the grandparents or family members who’d love to spend more time with your little one. Pay for the extra room and in turn you’ll receive an extra pair of hands, a patient third party when you need it, and a babysitter so you can head out to dinner.