First Holiday with a Baby: What You’ll Wish You Knew

Your first holiday with a baby won’t look like your pre-children trips - and that’s not a bad thing. With the right approach, travelling with a baby can feel calm, enjoyable, and surprisingly seamless.

1. Everything takes longer (and that’s the point)

• From leaving the house to getting through the airport, pace naturally slows down

• Building in extra time removes stress and keeps things manageable

• The best first holiday with a baby is one that isn’t rushed

2. Sleep shapes the entire trip

• Baby sleep becomes central to your daily routine

• Accommodation matters more than ever - look for family suites, separate sleeping areas, and blackout curtains

• Choosing the right baby-friendly hotels or villas can make a significant difference to how relaxed the holiday feels

3. The right setup is more important than the destination

• Space, privacy, and layout are key when travelling with an infant

• Easy access to outdoor areas (terraces, gardens) makes downtime far easier

• A well-designed room or villa allows parents to properly relax once the baby is asleep

4. You don’t need everything - but you need the right things

• Packing for a baby can feel overwhelming, but overpacking isn’t necessary

• Focus on essentials: sleep items, feeding basics, and comfort items

• Many destinations offer baby equipment rental (cots, prams, sterilisers), making travelling light with a baby much more realistic

5. Mornings and evenings become the best part of the day

• Early mornings are often calm, quiet, and enjoyable

• Evenings tend to be slower, with relaxed dinners or time spent in your accommodation

• This natural rhythm creates a different kind of family holiday experience

6. Slower travel can feel more luxurious

• Less rushing means more time to enjoy your surroundings

• Simple moments—coffee on a terrace, a walk by the beach, time together—feel more elevated

• The pace shift often makes the trip feel more restorative than expected

7. It’s more enjoyable than most parents expect

• Many parents worry their first trip will feel difficult

• In reality, it often becomes one of the most memorable types of holidays

• Being present, slowing down, and focusing on small moments creates a completely different experience

Your first holiday with a baby isn’t about doing everything—it’s about creating the right environment for a relaxed, easy experience. With thoughtful planning, the right accommodation, and a slower pace, it can feel effortless, memorable, and genuinely enjoyable.