Baby Holiday Essentials

When can you take a baby on holiday?

The thought of taking a small baby on a plane might at first fill you with anxiety, but the good news is, there’s no perfect age to take your baby on holiday. Actually, 6 months or less tends to be (believe it or not) the easiest time to go away. Between all of the burping, changing and feeding, babies love to sleep - after all, travelling is a tiring game. Plus, they can’t crawl, walk, or run off like toddlers can, so they don’t need entertaining as much. Make sure to check with the airline you’re flying with on what their booking policies are. Some airlines will allow newborns over one week old, some two weeks old… but 3 to 7 months is a great age for their first family holiday.  

Can you book a holiday before baby is born?

If you’re itching to get that holiday booked for the family but your little one isn’t born yet, it’s no problem at all! The number of babies allowed on each flight is limited and depends on who you’re flying with. Just double-check with the airline to confirm their booking policies – each airline has its own rules on booking for unborn babies, but usually, you need the baby’s surname and approximate due date when booking the flight.

Can you take a pram on a plane?

Airlines will usually let you check in a pushchair free of charge. But each airline will most likely have its restrictions on the size and weight of each pram. To have a smooth journey and to avoid queues and extra charges, triple-check with your airline’s pushchair policy. Most pushchairs will go into the plane with your suitcases, but if it’s small enough it can be checked in as cabin luggage - ideally it should be a foldable pushchair that weighs less than 10kg. There’s limited space onboard planes, so pushchairs are better in hold luggage than cabin luggage. And what about a car seat we hear you say? Many airlines will allow you to bring a car seat on a plane too, so it’s perfect for if you hire a car for your holiday. 

Can you take baby changing bag on plane?

Where would we be without a spare change of clothes and snacks on hand? Most often, there is no cabin bag allowance for a baby. If you're travelling with a little one (under 2), you'll be able to bring an extra changing bag for them for in-flight essentials, free of charge. If your baby has a booked seat, they will have the same allowance as an adult hand luggage. Check with the airline baggage policies to confirm the weight of what a baby changing bag should be for that flight, (especially if you have connecting flights with different airlines). 

How to sterilise baby bottles on holiday?

When it comes to sterilising your baby’s bottles on holiday, it all comes down to what equipment you have access to. It’s super important to sterilise all your baby's feeding equipment to avoid sickness and infections. Bottles and teats should be fully sterilised until they're at least 12 months old, so how do you do this away from home? Before sterilising, make sure all bottles are properly cleaned. Wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas like the teats.

• Hob: If you have access to a hob, your best bet is to boil the bottles. Wash everything with warm soapy water first, then rinse excess bubbles off. Place the bottles, teats, and lids in a large pot, making sure that they are fully submerged in water. Let them boil for at least five minutes, then remove with tongs - just be careful not to touch the sterilised surfaces with your hands to avoid contamination.
• Microwave: If you have access to a microwave whilst you’re away, using a steam steriliser is a quick and easy way that takes up less space than electric sterilisers. Fill it with bottles, add a little water, then put it in the microwave for around three minutes. 
• Cold water: If you find yourself in a hotel room without access to a kitchen, the most convenient way to sterilise bottles is by using cold water and sterilising solution. Add cold water to a container with sterilising solution (as per the manufacturer’s instructions), let the bottles, teats and lids soak, making sure everything is covered in water. Rinse everything with boiling water afterwards before storing. 

When does a baby need a passport?

It might come as a surprise to know that whatever their age, babies need a passport to go on their first adventure. Until 1998, children under 16 could be included on a family member's passport, but now, even the tiniest family members need their very own travel documents. Their first photobooth picture will always be a memorable one!