We have recently had a holiday with our newborn so I thought that I would write a post about travelling abroad with a tiny baby (11-12 weeks in this case) but I’ve also done it with a 7 week old.
Both times we had a villa holiday. For me this meant that we could do exactly as we pleased and I wasn’t self conscious about my post natal bikini bod or feeding the baby when and where I wanted to.
So we travelled with Ryan Air to Mallorca. Pretty easy as it doesn’t get much nearer than a 2hour 10min flight. You will need to get your baby a passport first but this can be pretty quick, we did it at peak time and it was only 3 weeks if that. We ended up getting a professional pic done as our home done one was refused (as there was a shadow on it) but ironically the one that got accepted shows a pineapple muslin behind her head. They are def more flexible than they are for adults and older children though.
We went for a meet and greet with the parking. A bit more expensive but 100% worth it getting to ditch the car as close to the terminal as you can.
Now surprisingly , Ryan Air are quite generous (yes you heard that right) with what they give you for free for baby allowance. We took a baby car seat, a Sleepyhead, a buggy and a baby changing bag…. all for free!!! One of these items was classed as one of the other children’s (as we didn’t take car seats for the big two ) and apparently L would have been entitled to one.
I filled the trusty Tiba & Marl backpack with loads of nappies and quite a few changes of clothes to reduce what went in the case!
Daisy is mix fed (one bottle a day and the rest breast milk). I’d taken a bottle and some formula on the plane (just in case) as she has been a bit fussy lately and I wasn’t taking any chances. Baby milk is allowed through customs even if it’s over 100ml. We did not take a steriliser, just washed the pump and the bottles out in boiling water.
The Elvie breast pump was fantastic. I pumped in the hire car on the way from the airport to the villa, which could not have been possible without a hands free pump. It takes up very little room as well so I did not think twice about bringing it along.
We used the Close Caboo sling to carry her at the airport and chose to check in the buggy. We had borrowed a Maclaren buggy that can be used from birth and lays flat. Previously when I took Lily away on holiday at 7 weeks I had taken the pram and she slept in that at night. This time though, Daisy sleeps in a Sleepyhead, so the buggy was perfect for when we were out and about. Although I use the sling a lot at home, I didn’t want to use it in the heat.
The Sleepyhead was a godsend for naps (in the shade outside) and sleeping at night (laid next to the bed). With that, swaddled in her muslin and with the Ewan the Dream sheep white noise (we separated the inside and just took that part to save on space), she had loads of naps and slept as normal which we fabulous! Also the Snooze Shade for early morning walks to keep the sun from her eyes.
Clothes wise I took way too much as she was just in a nappy 90% of the time. Other than this I was really pleased with what we had taken for her, so thought I would share it in case any one else is considering taking their newborn on holiday. I actually think they are much more portable at this age than when they are a bit bigger. I think I definitely proved my boyf wrong, who initially thought it madness to take her on holiday at that age. I think his biggest concern was the flight but she was far quieter than the surrounding toddlers!
Some of these items were gifted but all reviews are genuine and my own.