Is it worth it to fly on vacation with a baby ...

ATWe are all different: we live differently, we are brought up differently and in the future we are brought up, we look at the world differently. But this is what makes life and communication so exciting. In this article, I will tell you how our vacation with a 3-month-old baby went in Cyprus and how I prepared for it. Who cares, you are welcome - there will be a lot of reflections, text and photos.

About the main thing - a baby and a long journey

All parents, focusing solely on their strengths, fears and prejudices, decide for themselves when they and their child are ready for the first trip in their lives. I am deeply convinced that when traveling with children, regardless of their age, two points are important - the degree of individual responsibility parents and attitude.

My son taught me one wonderful thing - if the parents themselves are calm, believe in the correctness of their actions and accept the circumstances, then the baby will behave exactly the same.

You will make a problem out of everything and look for difficulties out of the blue - this is how you will rest, and you will also pull the baby. Know how to separate the wheat from the chaff and are ready for the inevitable difficulties - everything will go fine. And in general, the main thing here is to decide, and the organization is already the tenth thing, albeit a scrupulous one.

The question that worries all mothers: why and is it worth it?

I’ll immediately dot all the “i”, and then I will answer the most common question. Why fly somewhere to rest with a 3-month-old baby? And does a child need such a trip?

First moment. Now I will not be perverted and come up with non-existent rational reasons that push young parents to travel with babies, I will only say one thing - I sincerely believe that childhood, which began with the azure bays of the Mediterranean Sea and the myths of Ancient Greece, is not the worst childhood ...

Second moment. If even before the birth of a child, travel was your passion, then after this event, I personally see no reason to deny myself and the baby travel. Yes, you need to realize that your vacation will never be the same again.

What You Can't Do When Traveling with a Baby

Are there any downsides to this journey? Probably yes, but here everyone decides for himself what, people, like in everything, are completely different. But you can be sure that:

1. You will not be able to wander around the city at night until the morning, lie on the beach all day long in a row, go around 156 sights in 5 hours;
2. You will not be able to leisurely enjoy a cup of coffee in a coastal cafe or a festival with a company of local vs visiting merry fellows;
3. You won’t be able to devote a couple of days to shopping, but what’s there, if the baby is breastfed, you won’t even be able to eat enough either.

Unobvious advantages of joint travel

With all this, you will gain invaluable experience and discover new opportunities and skills. This experience will be different and unique for everyone.

You will remember more than once how you brought the stroller on board the yacht and how, as a result, you spent the entire cruise below near the toilet, because only there the baby does not blow. You will remember how you dipped your son's feet into the Mediterranean Sea, how, standing on the shore of deserted Varosha, they showed the child a ghost town ...

During the rest with the baby, you will get to know your baby even better, change the surrounding picture and begin to respect yourself even more - after all, not everyone can do such trips!

And, most importantly, any age will not be the same for lazy parents. And in a year, children put everything in their mouths, and at 2 years old they have an eye and an eye for them, and at 3 years old they are not very interested in the sea, but give water parks and so on. With such thoughts, you can sit at home for 20 years. However, everyone chooses for himself.

Another little note. As for me, arguing about “it is not necessary, it is possible or not” is a little pointless and inappropriate. Let's take into account the fact that the whole world has long been taking children on vacation from birth and does not see problems and dangers in this.

Of course, all this provided that the baby is healthy, the pediatrician gave the go-ahead for a future vacation, and the parents approached the issue of the upcoming trip as responsibly as possible and tried to think through everything to the smallest detail.

About our trip to Cyprus

Who will benefit from this article? For those who are going to go on vacation with a baby for the first time, especially if this baby is still just a baby, and fear is like hunting to go. On this beautiful note, let's mark our journey with specific details.

Some travel details:

Everything you need on the road and on vacation

I see no reason to divide everything according to the system familiar to many: things for the road and things for rest. For those who are not yet familiar with it, I recommend reading the information in the article. “What to take with you to the sea for a girl: a detailed list”. By the way, at the expense of the first-aid kit on the road and on vacation, everything is painted there in some detail. I realized in practice that in the case of the baby, everything is a little intertwined.

The plane, he is the first public transport ...

Our baby sleeps little - he is interested in this world and he is constantly trying to explore, examine, touch it. Accordingly, at the check-in of luggage - we do not sleep, at the check of documents we shout loudly at all.

As a result, I asked out of line, the rest of the people were not very happy, and the kind border guards even offered me to feed the child in their room, which I took advantage of without a backlash of conscience.

On takeoff, the baby also did not sleep, looking ahead, and on landing, too, he suffered the forced inactivity on the plane so-so and we were saved by walking around the cabin with a child in our arms. The notorious secret - the chest and the plane - was not comprehended by me, since the baby categorically refused to eat on takeoff and landing.

On the plane, you not only need to fasten yourself with a belt, but also the child with a special children's strap. This was an ambush for us. Tyomych was constantly crying, did not want to sit on his hands and wriggled, and then there was the belt.

It would be nice if the airport workers gave us one free seat out of three in a row - we could place the baby there and occupy it with toys without any problems. But this time it's not destiny.

By the way, the plane is the first public transport of our topic...

About mother's milk in flight

Please note that mother's milk is a huge help and convenience on the road. It is always with you, always at the right temperature and hygiene problems will bypass.

Yes, if you're formula-fed, bring sterilized bottles, nipples, and formula water, although flight attendants will kindly provide both on board.

But it is worth remembering that the water in the plane never reaches the boiling point. This is a safety rule and no one deviates from it, so make no mistake.

And yes, they don’t give a cradle in the cabin, and a child under the age of 2 years old takes one place with a parent. They will also take money for this - although it is often when children fly for free.

All about clothes for vacation with a baby: what, how much and why

We did not know what and how much clothes to take for the baby, and taking all that is is not an option at all. With this approach, our young fashionista would need a separate plane for the suitcases.

So we looked at the weather forecast and focused on light items, panama hats, swim shorts (which never came) and diapers. We also grabbed a couple of things for different weather conditions. And frankly, winter things were left at home.

And what do you think, in the end there were not just a lot of them, but an insanely many. The weather was warm, but windy, and most of the time the baby spent in panamas, bodysuits, diapers, socks and diapers. It all looks like this, as in the photo.

In general, all these sets and tons of beautiful clothes are more likely to be needed by parents, but not by a child. And very often I have a question for designers - did they dress up babies in their clothes?

After all, you can give birth to a second one as long as you stick these little arms, legs, head into such plumage. For myself, I concluded that I like little men of all kinds most of all, and I have a special love for things on snakes. And yes, my baby is terribly dislikes to dress up.

High-quality diapers are simply an indispensable thing on the road and on vacation.

I am a thrifty person, so I took diapers with me. Just picked up a few extras. Pieces so 50 could be safely left at home. Exactly.

Such “diapers” cost, of course, much more expensive than usual ones, but the difference in quality is great. They are softer, more pleasant, made of good material, perfectly absorb moisture, practically reduce the possibility of irritation to zero and last longer. So, in the end, you will save a lot of money.

By the way, for babies from diapers there is special swim diapers.

1. Disposable, like Huggies, Libero and others like them - the most common diapers only with additional impregnation or a layer of polyethylene. They behave well in water and will not leak unauthorized in the pool or the sea;
2. Reusable use, for example, firms FINIS. Different sizes, cool colors, with excellent quality, at a price of 10 USD per piece, is a more profitable option.

As for me, for a vacation with a baby at sea, it would be ideal to buy one reusable diaper and take a pack of disposable ones as a safety net, of which there are usually 5-6 pieces in a pack.

Eternal diapers on a journey

My eternal salvation, which is worthy of a separate story, is muslin diapers from Aden + Anais and their more budgetary counterparts SwaddleDesigns. They are expensive. Ordered in America.

They are used everywhere - for us personally, this is a diaper, and a diaper, and a blanket, and a bedspread, and a napkin, and bedding. In love with these "rags", as we affectionately call them at home. The first portion was given to me by a friend, and then we ourselves parted in earnest.

Yes words about the towel

We had a brand towel Carter's. The towel is cute and pleasant, funny for parents thanks to the presence of a hood with a frog. But, unfortunately, that's where the benefits end.

The towel cost $25 and for its price it is thin, small, inconveniently shaped with a corner. When you get a child out of the water, it is difficult to wrap him quickly and the whole body. Also, it's not the softest. In general, I'm disappointed.

We did not use this towel at all, since there were no pools and sea baths, and in the room they wiped the baby with an ordinary issued white towel, since they were changed every day.

Waterproof baby diapers

I personally bought Munchkin. And unlike the children's towel, in this case, I almost did not lose. There are 3 of them in the kit - the baby loves to “holop” on them or I put a baby doll on them when I change the diaper. These diapers are both salvation, and a find, and an unexpectedly hit jackpot.

They are relatively inexpensive. They cost about $7 for 3 pieces on Amazon. Pleasant to the touch, comfortable to use, ultra-reliable and of excellent quality. I advise everyone!

Camping kit: food and drink and breast pump

My baby was breastfeeding, so everything was very comfortable for us. However, we still took a can of formula and a breast pump with us just in case. So they are in a suitcase and traveled along with the bottles. Drinking water was brought from home. Usually, our masik doesn’t drink much, but it was hot on vacation and we often added to it.

We had bottles. Philips Avent and Tommy Teepee – all with anti-colic system. I have nothing to compare, but I can not say that I am delighted with them. The plastic seemed to be of very average quality, and the Tomy Tipi can also leak if it is not tightened correctly.

About baby sunscreen

No matter how mild and gentle the climate is, no matter how velvety the season seems to you, my firm conviction is that a small child should be reliably protected from the sun's rays. His skin is still too delicate for such entertainment or testing.

I chose sunscreen for a very long time and scrupulously and eventually bought from the company Chicco protection +50, waterproof, suitable for children from the first month of life, made in the EU, and was extremely pleased with it. The child left white and arrived white, plus he was not allergic to this cream. I have tested it on my face and it is excellent.

More moms praise creams from Weleda, Mustela, La Roche Posay, Clarins - but they have an even higher price tag, and they did not catch my eye.

Where would a vacation be without toys?

As much as I would not like, but most toys and a 3-month-old baby go different ways. At the age of three months, Artyom was not interested in toys, he didn’t grab them and didn’t even put them in his mouth - all the toys he took served as rattles and only distracted the baby’s attention.

In general, I remained in my opinion. At this age, and most likely at a later age, there is absolutely no need to take any kits and sets of toys with you on vacation. Still won't fit.

Baby stroller, sling and mom's hands - which is more reliable?

Personally, it is most convenient for me to carry a child in a stroller. What a shame that he does not share my opinion. Second option. I also like to carry my baby in a sling. It's doubly insulting that he can't stand him either. But he is most comfortable in his arms. That is how we live…

About the stroller: a separate story with useful information

On this topic I can write a whole collection of essays. We originally bought Chicco transformer 3 in one: carrycot, stroller and car seat. The stroller is just great, it's a pity it weighs more than 19 kg and does not mean rides in the car.

The fact is that it doesn’t even think to fit into most cars, and it’s somehow complicated. Oddly enough, there is not a single bad review on this stroller on the Internet, so I will not scold her either. Although, frankly, “not a horse feed” and I didn’t like it. It is impossible for a fragile girl to walk with her, and I will tactfully keep silent about packing in a car.

Accordingly, we did not want to pull such a colossus on vacation. Our desire was confirmed by the fact that the cradle and wheelbase are two units. The problem is that most airlines accept baby strollers without restrictions on weight and dimensions - the main thing is that it folds into 1 unit. And we already have 2.

On the other hand, going without a stroller is not an option at all, since we have not heard about the rental of strollers, and we did not plan to buy a new one. Moreover, Cyprus is tea, not the Mecca of high-quality prams.

And then a friend came to my aid. She lent us her Britax B Agile with book folding system. Here is the thing! With such a stroller, any road is not terrible - easy: comfortable, maneuverable. And thanks to the rigid back and the lying position (the seat unfolds 180 degrees), you can carry children in it from birth. Actually, I should have bought such a stroller, and not a massive Chicco Trio.

What you need to know about the stroller in relation to the flight?

By the way, if things are taken from you to the luggage compartment immediately at the airport, then everything is more convenient with a stroller. She is picked up right in front of the gangway and given there upon arrival. Carriage of a stroller on an airplane is absolutely free. The only condition is that the stroller must be folded into one unit.

Everything would be fine, but so far our baby is completely non-pram. We carry him mainly in our arms, we shift him to the stroller only when he is fast asleep. And, the rest of the time it serves us to transport bags.

Nothing has changed in Cyprus. The son still refused to travel in a wheelchair. Even if you put him in gold, he doesn’t want to, and that’s it.

Sling, aka baby sling

Sling (baby sling) is one of the most convenient inventions for children. After a diaper, of course. My friend lent me her sling with rings and the baby and I even mastered several positions in it.

But here is another problem - Artyom does not want to lie in a sling either. I still consider this one of the most serious misunderstandings and I can not understand why he is not there. After all, it’s more comfortable than in my arms, and warm from my mother, and my chest is within the same squeak. But no!

Sometimes with a fight I can put it in there, but more often I give up and carry it on my hands again. Therefore, we have no problem with a sling, and we are still small for a backpack. If your child is in a sling, then this is the most convenient way to move around with a baby.

Mom's hands - reliable and verified

It is simply the most versatile means of transportation for our sweetie. So we rested and the baby spent the lion's share of the rest with me or with dad in his arms.

First aid kit for a 3-month-old baby on the road and on vacation

I approached this point thoroughly and pulled with me a huge list of medicines for both us and the baby. In general, this is a purely individual matter, and here it is rather difficult to advise on the list. Read the list of medicines in the article for girls on travelgide.ru (the link was above), think and make your personal list. I just want to give you a couple of general tips.

Council the first. Take all the pills on the list. I must say right away that this pleasure will cost a lot. At the same time, stock up on pills with the longest shelf life. It's just fine if you don't need anything and you bring back home a weight supply of medicines, along the way scolding me for what the world is worth. But it's better to be fully equipped.

Tip two. "Do not change horses at the crossing." Now let me explain why I wrote this. Even Japanese diapers do not always save my baby from irritation, but I try to use as few creams and ointments as possible for no reason.

I do not consider even the most expensive cream useful if it is used for no reason. That is, if the baby is all right with the skin, then I don’t apply diaper cream to him after each change of one. Helps with redness and irritation Bepanthen, but it is expensive, and a friend advised me to buy its analogue - Heppiderm for a long time.

Before the trip, I ran out of Bepanthen and I bought Heppiderm for the trip, which became my strategic mistake. Exactly on the 3rd day of rest, I had to run to the pharmacy and buy Bepanten there. Fortunately, the cream was found immediately, the money was overpaid a little, and the baby's skin went away in a day. So - do not experiment on the road and take proven funds.

Holidays with a baby at sea: expectations and reality

Here I would like to tell about why we decided to go on a trip to another country with a three-month-old baby and what impressions I personally took away from this trip. Let's start from the very beginning. The first question that confronted us was where to fly to the sea with a baby.

Why we chose to travel to Cyprus:

Why we flew at 3 months:

Undoubtedly, the baby must be absolutely healthy. Go to the pediatrician first. The child should not be contraindicated in flights and travel, that is, again and again a pediatrician. You must prepare very responsibly and thoroughly for the journey. We owe a lot, but what can you do - this is the key to a good rest.

How was your vacation with a small child in general?

In short, the vacation went well, just cool and without excesses. To say that traveling with a child in Cyprus is more comfortable for me than at home is to say nothing. Here I feel warm and beautiful, and in the hotel everything is done instead of me.

And there is also the goodwill of the Cypriots, smooth roads, exits and ramps for baby carriages, rooms for mother and child and no dust.

The baby began the period “I love only my mother”, so I spent the whole vacation mainly with the child in my arms. My beauty weighed 6.3 kg, and I weighed 47 kg, and by the end of the evening my hands were a little tired.

The kid was reluctant to go to his father or relatives. With such a small child, I would advise you to relax with a company of relatives - nevertheless, the likelihood that you will be helped increases significantly.

On the other hand, we clearly understood that this is our baby and no one is obliged to help us. Most of the time with the child was spent by his parents, and the help of relatives was just a nice bonus. Just do not expect that you will lie by the pool, and someone will entertain your child day and night, and everyone will be happy.

We also quietly changed routes and programs depending on the needs and mood of the baby. We were also quite calm about the fact that sometimes we had to separate.

After all, the fact that we all came together does not make us tied to each other and everyone is free to relax the way he wants. We are already grateful to our relatives for helping with their son and often replacing us.

Cyprus - perfect place for holidays with children any age. There is a very gentle sun, a very warm, shallow and safe sea. Perhaps, with the same pleasure, I swam only in the Maldives, but it is dangerous in terms of living creatures, and in Tunisia in Port El Kantaouia.

Our son sleeps very little and can't stand the stroller. The sudden abundance of fresh air had almost no effect on his habits - he still slept little, almost did not ride in a stroller and loved to spend his free time on his hands.

Almost forgot. And in Cyprus, amazing roads, wheelchair ramps and rooms for mother and child. I never once felt disadvantaged when traveling with such a baby, and we did not have to pull the stroller in our arms. God bless decaying, bourgeois Europe.

Brief summary and conclusions after the trip

Acquaintances and girlfriends ask if I liked the rest with the baby at sea. I answer unequivocally, yes. Looking back, I can confidently say that I am my own hero.

To whom would I advise such a vacation with a three or six month old baby? Without a doubt, those who are confident in their abilities and do not cycle on the negative. Those who are not afraid to be in an extreme situation and are ready to leave their usual comfort zone. Your attitude is everything.

We personally enjoyed our stay. However, of course, a vacation with a 3-month-old baby is another test and is only suitable for responsible and not particularly lazy parents.

This is not the type of holiday where you can relax as you are used to or as you like. You need to understand that a vacation with a baby is a colossal work and responsibility.

I am sure that Tyoma liked the rest very much too. He was with his parents all day and at the breast. In general, it was applied to the chest more often than usual. It is understandable, stress, heat, new experiences. But he also calmed down well.

We walked a lot, tried to lie on the beach and by the pool. By the way, we were not against bathing the baby in the sea, but he flatly refused. So this time it didn't work out. As a result, the trip was great for the baby and normal for his parents. Acclimatization bypassed us.

This is interesting! From my own experience and that of my traveling friends with young children, I can say that the best travelers are babies aged 3 to 9 months.

As a rule, by this age, children are already holding their heads with might and main and you understand what your child wants. Problems with the tummy are a thing of the past, children are just beginning to learn about the world around them and are interested in everything around them.

They enjoy looking at everything they see. The needs and interests of the child are concentrated in the parents, so there is no need to think over joint entertainment activities - the baby does not yet have its own interests.

We also went on a couple of excursions, one of which went perfectly. Tyomik slept in my arms almost all the time, which was a discovery for us and a reason for surprise.

But on trips, this does not happen, because the child is deprived of the usual greenhouse conditions. Again, this behavior of our baby is an exception, he usually does not sleep in the car.

In general, let's believe experienced traveling mothers who claim that: "... Only when the child grows up, you will understand: the younger, the easier ...".