Your first holiday as a family is SO exciting, but also slightly daunting. To the point it can put you off actually booking to go away. But don’t let it. By packing right and packing light (not easy when you have a baby, but not impossible) there’s no reason why your family holiday should be stressful. In fact, it will be incredibly special. It just requires a little more planning and organisation than your holidays pre-baby. We’ve put together a useful guide of baby holiday essentials to help with prepping for your first holiday with a baby. Whether you’re jetting off to the Med, off on a family adventure in the great British countryside or you’ve booked a European City break, our tips on everything from the right pushchair to what to pack has you covered when you are travelling with baby.
Summer in the city
You’ve opted to try a city break and it’s your first one as a family. We’ll be honest, this is going to be a little different from your last carefree (child-free) city escape. But with the right pushchair or travel stroller (nippy and portable for navigating busy areas and tight streets); a capsule wardrobe of lightweight layers (for both you and them); and travel entertainment to keep little hands busy as you soak up the café culture, you can all be happy.
Pack: Pieces you can easily mix and match baby summer clothes, and layer up. Sets take the effort out of deciding what to wear each day – a romper and matching hat set can be worn together or paired with other pieces. Ditto a baby dungaree and bodysuit set. Light linen is cool, comfy and can be easily layered, so if you’re flitting between hot streets, cool air-con, stuffy subways and breezy plazas you can make sure they’re the right temperature, making it the perfect material for your baby summer clothes wardrobe. For ultimate payoff look for baby summer clothes with a smart-casual vibe that work just as well for days out in the pushchair as evenings in a restaurant. (Shop Summer Baby Clothes separates)
Push: The Strada pushchair is a really versatile all-rounder that combines features you’ll appreciate while exploring a new city. An ultra-slim travel pushchair with small wheels it nips effortlessly round busy city streets no problem; it's easy steering makes light work of getting around and although it’s a compact pushchair you can pack it up with everything your family will need for a busy day exploring a new city (space for your bag; parasol to shade your little one, coffee cup holder for your takeout Macchiato...) Plus, its ultra-chic design won’t look out of place.
Don’t forget:
Baby travel toys will keep little minds, fingers and eyes occupied as you soak up the culture. Teething toys can even sooth teething gums whilst on the move. (shop baby travel toys)
Great British staycation
Staying in the UK has plenty of perks over foreign travel: avoiding airport hassle; a huge range of outdoor activities around our gorgeous British countryside and along our coast; plus, if it’s your baby’s first holiday you might be worried about how they’ll handle the heat abroad, or how you’ll handle the flight with a newborn in tow. The golden rule of stay-caying is to pack for all weathers – think waterproofs, swimwear, sunhat and lots of layers. And to fill the car with any home comforts you think will ease the transition for your little one.
Pack: Baby waterproof summer clothes are an essential for staycations. Our hooded colourblock baby raincoat will keep them dry and warm (it’s lined with jersey for warmth and comfort). Available in two equally gorgeous colours.
Push: The Ocarro pushchair confidently tackles any terrain, so if you’re planning any off-roading or on exploring the countryside you can be sure the Occarro All-Terrain pushchair is up to it. Plus, it has all-season protection, so whatever the weather, come rain or shine, your little one will be comfy and happy in an Ocarro pushchair from Mamas & Papas.
Don’t forget:
To pack a Bug 3-in-1 booster feeding seat. If your little one is 3 months or over, pop this in the car boot. Somewhere for your little one to sit and play (it comes with an activity tray) or to sit and eat (either on the floor or safely strapped to a dining chair) it’s a does-it-all piece of equipment you’ll be so glad of.
Staying in an Air BnB that’s not catered to little ones? Not a problem. Eating out at a café and there are no highchairs left? Pull out your Bug booster feeding seat. A life-saver in so many situations.
Mediterranean beach break
The essentials of a foreign family beach break? Plenty of SPF, stylish baby swimwear, cooling beachwear, protective sunhats and a cabin-friendly travel stroller. Plus, plenty of entertainment, toddler-friendly snacks that won’t melt and lightweight everything.
Pack: Sun-safe protective baby swimwear that stands out round the pool; supersoft towelling hooded ponchos in on-trend stripes for getting cosy post-dip; dungaree sets and dresses special enough for an evening at the local Tapas restaurant; and baby sunhats in prints to match their swimwear or day outfit.
Push: Cabin-friendly and ultra-compact, the Airo travel stroller is perfect for jetting away with your newborn, older baby and even toddler. It folds up small (with an easy one-hand fold) and stows away securely, even in the overhead cabin on a plane, so you can rely on it to get you round the airport (let’s face it, there’s a LOT of walking in an airport) rather than checking it in when you first arrive. As it’s a travel stroller it’s ultra-light and can be carried either ruck-back style or over your shoulder, your choice. Plus, it lays flat, so when it’s time for their afternoon Siesta, you don’t need to head back to the hotel room. (shop Airo travel stroller)
Don’t forget:
No stylish jetaway is complete without that all-important airport outfit. Think effortless style, smart-cas vibes and serious comfort. Our shortie rompers are perfect- the handy concealed popper fastening means you can change their nappy easily in a teeny plane toilet, the light jersey fabric is soft light and comfy and the summer prints will get you in the holiday spirit. Pack spare clothes for any spills and nappy leakages (factor in potential airport delays when deciding how many spares to take!) and extra layers to keep them warm on chilly planes.
We hope that with some of our tips in our baby holiday packing guide, you can get ready for a stress-free and enjoyable first family vacation. Pack lightweight, adaptable baby summer clothing, a travel stroller or pushchair appropriate for your destination, and necessary supplies like travel toys and sunscreen whether you're relaxing on a Mediterranean beach, touring a bustling city or taking a Great British staycation. Remember to pack your baby’s favourite comforts too to help them stay calm through delays. Most importantly, as you set out on this holiday milestone this summer with your family, embrace the adventure and make wonderful memories.
Shop Mamas & Papas summer holiday baby essentials today to ensure you and baby are prepared for your adventures this holiday season!
