As a couple, my husband and I love a holiday or city break... Time away to take in another culture, enjoy the sunshine, new culinary delights, and of course wine and cocktails!
So, while I was pregnant with our youngest, we decided to book our first family holiday abroad. We researched (and researched) baby and toddler friendly resorts, flight times and lengths, and decided on a holiday to Rhodes. We couldn’t wait.
First things first - passports
Once my youngest, Lillie, was born, we got her passport all sorted. If you haven't tried to take a passport photo of your newborn at home before, it’s an experience... Eyes open, mouth shut, white background, the list seemed impossible. However, we did it! Photo done and passport secured.
Getting organised
Next up, organising travelling abroad with a 3-year-old and a 5-month-old.
Lillie is bottle fed so that was first on the list. We had to make sure we had everything we needed for our flight and one week away. Formula, bottles and sterilising equipment took up a lot of our suitcase space before we even thought about clothes or shoes.
I wrote a list of everything else the girls needed and started getting things ready about three weeks before our departure.
Travel day
We had an early flight so decided to stay at a hotel the night before to take away any of the stress of the M25. That was totally worth it.
Our departing flight was delayed by three hours but thankfully Gatwick airport (North Terminal) has a children’s area with a climbing frame and interactive games. Our eldest - Eloise - was sorted for a few hours and we’d brought extra formula for Lillie, just in case.
One of the best things we were recommended was new plane toys. Nothing expensive but something that Eloise had never seen before. Plus an iPad for her to watch her favourite shows was very handy. All screen time rules go out the window when trying to entertain children 35,000ft in the air!
Another tip for babies - feed them on take-off as the sucking prevents their ears from popping and hurting them (or have them asleep using a dummy).
We landed safe and sound in Rhodes and had the best first holiday as a family of four.
