Is it worth going abroad with an 8 month old?

[doingitalllagain]

We first took our eldest abroad when he was 2 and had a brilliant time, and said at the time that it was the right age for it and we wouldn't do it younger, except now we have our second who will only be 8 months so it's a choice between does our eldest miss out on a holiday until his brother is 2 or will it not be as bad as I'm thinking?

I just can't imagine getting a second to relax with an 8 month old and just heat and stress and wishing I was at home with easy comforts!

I wouldn't bother myself, for the reasons you've given.

U.K. break is much less stressful with babies.

I don't think children really care if they are in the UK or abroad. I took my 8 month old (my 2nd) away on holiday just the two of us - because I wanted to go on holiday. It was absolutely fine. I'd say actually much easier than a 2 year old as they are portable and can just come along with everything you want to do.

But at the same time, a holiday can be a mix of both fun and an absolute nightmare wherever you are. If you want to go on holiday, go. But you don't have to go abroad.

That said, I waited until my 2nd was 15 months and no longer bf and then I left him home with dh, and took my older one away. We got the one on one time we had missed out on while I was attached to a baby for the past year and a half. Dh got nice one on one time with dc2 that he missed out on while I was on mat leave. And I got a break too. It was great. It was 5 years ago and my eldest still talks about that holiday.

Depends where you go abroad really. If 'a holiday' to you means the Mediterranean in summer, then you might find worrying about the heat and mozzies, etc is more stress than it's worth, but there are lots of great places to holiday that are cooler and closer to home. There are also lots of great child-friendly destinations in the UK that would work. We did a mixture when our DC were little - British seaside and countryside destinations, plus northern France, Belgium, Holland, etc.

We just did a week all Inclusive with our 3.5 year old and 8 month old. 8 month old was an absolute dream the whole time, had an extra nap after tea time so we could stay up till 10ish so toddler could enjoy entertainment. Happily sat in the pram watching the world go by in the shade. Was great on the plane. Couldn't ask for anything more. My husband was dreading it but she turned out to be brilliant.

Sorry meant to say we went to portugal so no time difference which helped.

8 month olds aren’t bad- 2 decent naps a day, not walking yet but eating fairly normal solids. I’d go! It’ll probably be the most relaxing holiday for a while- my youngest is now 2 and it’s definitely harder now with him plus a 6 year old than it was back when it was a 4 year old and a barely mobile baby. And I’d do a beach/pool holiday if that’s what you would usually do, just make sure you have a/c so can cool down over nap time.

We stayed at Domaine des Ormes with Eurocamp when my youngest was 9 months (and the oldest was 2). They provide all the baby bits like cots, high chairs etc. It was nice to get away and the caravan felt safe.

Depends on a lot of things!

Stop thinking your eldest will 'miss out on a holiday' for one thing, you don't need to go overseas for it to count as a holiday.

I had some miserable holidays with babies - you love the change of scene but it makes them feel disoriented, out of routine, zero control over anything, so they can clingy and grumpy. Flight delays with small children are also a special kind of hell. And heat, unfamiliar food etc can all be a pain. Depends on the baby though, some would take it in their stride and some would be upset by it.

We love Eurocamp type holidays, the ferry is much less stressful than flying and they're often cheaper than staying in the UK would be.

But you can also stay in a cottage, mobile home, rented apartment or cottage etc in the UK - your son will probably be happy with a change of scene and an ice cream or two. Even a short distance in the UK can feel like a change of scene.

No

Stop thinking your eldest will 'miss out on a holiday' for one thing, you don't need to go overseas for it to count as a holiday.
This is very true. An 8MO wouldn’t put me off a holiday if I wanted one and personally I think it’s quite an easy age but it’s nonsense to think that your other child will be missing out if you don’t go unless your age gap is really big and you haven’t mentioned that they’re a sulky teen! If they’re still little then they’ll be just as happy with lots of fun day trips or a UK break instead. Do what suits you.

I’ve always gone on holiday every year with my 3 kids. When they are as young as 6 months, it’s probably the easiest they’ve ever be on holiday! We went to to canaries with our 3 when they were 15 months, 2 and 5. Yes it wasn’t the most relaxing of holidays but we enjoyed a bit of sunshine and escape from normal life. Going in the pool, trips to the beach and walks around the town were lovely. My dh and I had to work as a team- taking youngest 2 back to apartment for afternoon nap etc whilst other took 5 yr old out, but all in all it was worth it. We are very much an independent family, who do everything ourselves and don’t rely on grandparents for “time off” so that helps I guess. Just be prepared for early bedtimes and no night time activities, but that didn’t bother us.