Holiday with a 17 month old 😐

[badfurday]

So wise women of mumsnet, I need advice, experience anything you can offer!

I'm going to Cape Verde with my 17 month old daughter in September.

What do I need to get? I have already got a little beach shade tent thing, some swimming nappies, but that's it. I need to buy a cheap light buggy. Any recommendations for a buggy? I'm thinking second hand on eBay? Did anyone take/buy stuff they thought was a waste of time?

I'm finding myself waking up in the middle of the night panicking about how She'll cope with the flight, heat etc.

Also, what's the deal with water/bottled water? We'll be drinking bottled water, am I right in thinking she can't have bottled water?

Also, tips on surviving the flight ( 5 ish hours )

[roofio87]

We went to Egypt when ds was 18 months so similar age. we actually found the flight fine, he was awake the whole way there but distracted by ipad, books and a few small toys we took. also gave him lots of slow snacks like raisins and crisps etc to pass the time. You'll want a few full length uv swim suits to keep her covered up in the sun. really light weight sleeping bag if she uses them. we just gave ds bottled water when we were away. the worry is the sodium level can be a little high, but I figured it was only 10 days and tap water wasnt an option so I'm sure it didn't do any damage. Evian is supposed to be the best brand for low sodium levels if you can find that!!

[badfurday]

Thanks for the reply, really useful advice.
I was going to ask about what to put her in in the evening, was thinking a vest and thin grow bag.
I'll stock up on snacks and books for the plane.
I have got her one swim suit at the moment, the type with the arms and leg covers, like a little wet suit. Is it not worth bothering with a regular swim suit? Would rather she was covered as much as possible. I also managed to find a pool float with a little roof which will help with the sun!
Glad I'm not the only one who goes on holiday with littluns, some people think I'm mad! I'm hoping she'll love it.

[roofio87]

We had an excellent time, our ds loved every bit of it. for the morning time when it was a bit cooler we just put him in his swim nappy (a disposable and a reusable to make sure of no leaks!!) but otherwise he was totally covered, and was plastered in factor 50 and still caught the sun a bit. we had air con in the room so could control the temp at night, we set it to 23 degrees and he was in a vest and 1tog grobag. I think the best thing is to just be relaxed and not worry about things as much as of maybe would at home (like routines and eating etc) and have fun!!

[BotBotticelli]

If your hotel is well air conditioned (American style) it may well be cold in your bedroom at night so I would take a couple of different grobag togs and you can choose the best one.

Fine for baby to drink bottled water - we made DS's formula up with boiled Evian on Crete when he was 6 months old. It's one of the low sodium waters and can be found in most countries. Although you will pay for it!!

A swimsuit/wet suit that covers the whole body from ankle to wrist to neck would be best in that heat - and a swimming pool hat with a floppy bit down the back of the neck will stop neck getting burned too. And factor 50 on face hands and feet.
Have fun! We went to Majorca last July when DS was 18mo and he loved it!!

[badfurday]

Thanks for the replies. I think I need to chill out a bit. She'll pick up on my stress otherwise!