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Original poster

Would you go to Butlins with a newborn?

28 replies

BFPDec21 · 28/06/2022 20:56

I wanted to book an exciting holiday for DD(5) whilst on maternity leave. I don't think we can afford or get passports for us all in time (mainly who would countersign, getting one for a newborn and passport delays).

Would you take a baby just under 3 months old to Butlins?

OP posts:
NewYorkLassie · 28/06/2022 20:57

Not been to butlins but why wouldn’t you? I took an 8 week old to Spain and it was fine, wouldn’t have crossed my mind not to.

hamstersarse · 28/06/2022 20:58

No

AmbushedByCake · 28/06/2022 20:58

The last time I went to Butlins (granted this was 10 years ago) the swimming pool was too cold for adults never mind a baby.

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TeddyTonks · 28/06/2022 20:59

Yes, planning to take dc3 there at a similar age when on mat leave. Your elder dd will love it. If you can, go to Bognor- the pool is amazing for that age group.

mindutopia · 28/06/2022 20:59

Butlins is not really my cup of tea but no reason not to go on a holiday. If you want something quieter, just do a self-catering cottage and some day trips. I took my 8 month old alone to Barcelona and was fine.

stormelf · 28/06/2022 21:00

Not a new born, but we've just got back from Butlins Bognor Regis with 6 month old DC. The pool was lovely and warm for her and she really enjoyed it. I would definitely take a younger baby there as well

Kpo58 · 28/06/2022 21:02

I would. Lots of entertainment on one site. Easy to walk everywhere and don't need to worry about cars. You can get food included so you don't need to worry about cooking or washing up. There is often a launderette on site so if small people go through clothes faster than expected, they can be washed.

DockOTheBay · 28/06/2022 21:02

Yes, they're easy at that age as they have no idea where they are. As long as they've got milk available and mum close by they're the same anywhere. I would take a sling/baby carrier as well as a pushchair. Assume you have a partner so they could always take DD5 to some activities while you stay at home with baby for a few hours if they need to nap or whatever, and then swap the next day.

AnyFucker · 28/06/2022 21:03

Why ever not ?

girlmom21 · 28/06/2022 21:05

It'd be much easier than going abroad!

LucieLemon · 28/06/2022 21:05

I took a 4 month old (along with my older children) to a Haven site, it was absolutely fine, no issues at all.

I wouldn't hesitate to take my little ones to Butlin's, very family friendly set up.

Original poster
BFPDec21 · 28/06/2022 21:13

It's more that the last person I spoke to about it said they hated every minute of Butlins with a baby!

As a child I went every couple of years from age 5 until about 11 and thought it was fantastic. It alternated years when we had holidays abroad but still I loved it.

The 3 of us have been for a short weekend away recently whilst I'm pregnant. We had a lovely time away by the beach but there was no kids entertainment, just the beach every day, a park and walks.

OP posts:
WonderWoop · 28/06/2022 21:15

100% would. Our 2 year old loved it. Your 5 year old will and the baby will be easy enough to manage there as the 5 year old will be entertained a bit for you!!

NerrSnerr · 28/06/2022 21:16

My youngest was about 5 months old when we went to Butlins at it was fine. I think we used the sling most of the time and he did what he would have done at home (had milk, looked around a bit and slept) so same shit different place. My eldest was 3 and had a great holiday.

user1474315215 · 28/06/2022 21:19

I definitely would. Newborns are so portable, and your 5 year old will have an amazing range of activities right on the doorstep.

Sunnyshores · 28/06/2022 21:27

havent been for years, but when I did the room was filthy and there was a lot of noise at night.

SkiingIsHeaven · 28/06/2022 21:39

I wouldn't send my worst enemy there, so no.

TheTonEffect · 28/06/2022 21:44

I think it will depend on your babies personality more than the location. I had a terrible colicy fusspot of a newborn and absolutely nothing was enjoyable and being away from home with a screaming infant was even less so. But if you have a nice chilled baby you could go anywhere and it will be fine!

Needmorelego · 28/06/2022 21:47

I went to the Skegness one when I was 4 months old.
It was 1975 mind you. Butlins is obviously very different now 🙂
My sister was 3. Neither of us remember it (especially me - obviously) but my sister got to play in an exciting playground, go on some fairground rides and paddle around in a swimming pool.
(I probably lay in my pram staring at clouds)

Hallowbat · 28/06/2022 21:48

Yes I took my children when my youngest was around that age and we managed fine in pool and everywhere else

TheSeldomSeenKid · 28/06/2022 21:54

I would, we found butlins to be very easy with young children. The meal plan is great as there’s a lot less cooking and washing up too 😀

Milliesmmy92 · 28/06/2022 21:56

Never been to Butlins but we took our 3 month old to a Haven site and it was a great little get away, also being in the UK put my mind at rest that anything I forgot/ran out of I knew I could get. She also loved the swimming pool. Sounds like a great idea and your DD will love it. X

2anddone · 28/06/2022 21:59

Dd is now 13 but she went to Butlins at 6 weeks old. It was lovely to get away from
the constant visitors and overbearing parents/in laws.

Ellesbelle · 28/06/2022 21:59

We did this earlier in the year with a 4 year old and a 6 week old and it was absolutely fine. Our 4 year old loved all the activities and there was plenty to keep her entertained on-site.

We took as much as we could to make things easier for ourselves (Next to me/prep machine etc.), and the baby spent a lot of the time sleeping in her pram while we were out and about. Would definitely do it again.

Covidwoes · 28/06/2022 22:06

A relative of mine went to one recently and a number of people were high on laughing gas, and her kids kept finding the canisters. The accommodation was also really dirty. This was Skegness.

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