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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take baby abroad?

36 replies

Funnyface1 · 10/04/2017 15:44

I know lots of people take babies on holiday and that's fine. I'm just wondering if it's really worth it. I think being away would be ok but the travelling puts me off.

She'll be 8 months, 2.5 hour flight, Majorca but may so not to hot i think. Would ideally like to go for sake of DS who is 6 and loves a foreign holiday. Dh and I obviously fancy it too.

I've tried the travel section but not had much luck. Worth it or nightmare? Also any experiences and advice?

Thanks

OP posts:
Ellypoo · 10/04/2017 15:45

Definitely worth it! Took DD to Gozo when she was 6 months and Croatia at 12 months, had a fab time both times.

FittonTower · 10/04/2017 15:47

Travelling with babies is easy. Get a good sling and enjoy the holiday

Ecureuil · 10/04/2017 15:47

We've done 4 trips abroad since having DD1 (now have 2 DD's age 3.5 and nearly 2). All fine. Not particularly relaxing, but life isn't with babies/toddlers!

PinkHeart59156816 · 10/04/2017 15:51

Yes it's worth it.

My dc are now 8 months & 19 months and have been all over from San Francisco, Spain, France, Croatia, Belgium , Switzerland. Both my dc were about 2 months old when they first went abroad. I've enjoyed it every time

Just this weekend we went to Switzerland and dd slept most of the flight and ds is happy as long as he has food, a book and can be near dh.

AnyFarrahFowler · 10/04/2017 16:28

I'm currently in Mallorca with 14 month old DS and it is glorious - do it!

Trumpssyrup · 10/04/2017 16:28

We took twins to Majorca at 7 months last June and we loved it. Get it booked and go

FerdinandsRevenge · 10/04/2017 16:30

It's not really easy is it? Walking yes, a sling will make it easier. But if for example you and dh wanted to actually go for a swim, at the same time.. can't do that. Or have a few drinks if you're slinging.

SometimesMaybe · 10/04/2017 16:30

Just do it! Next year they will be into everything and it won't be nearly as relaxing. Lovely time of year for Majorca.

FerdinandsRevenge · 10/04/2017 16:30

And bed times and naps.

Limitededition7inch · 10/04/2017 16:33

I wish we had done more when DS was really portable. Go for it.

NisekoWhistler · 10/04/2017 16:40

At 6 weeks we went to Phuket, at 10 weeks to the us, and at 4.5 months we went to Australia
You genuinely have nothing to worry about. Feed on take off and landing and that's about all you have to be absolutely certain of!
Good luck

Zimmerzammerbangbang · 10/04/2017 16:41

Do it at 8 months before she is walking as flying with kids from the time they start walking until the point at which they can actually be amused by an ipad/IFE (and understand why they can't wander around the plane during take off) is hell on earth. As is travelling during early potty training unless you're happy to just stick a nappy on for the flight.

Ferdinand I would believe 'relatively easy' is in comparison to any holiday (or in fact life) with a baby. And actually the OP can conceivably go for a (short) swim with her DP during nap time (assuming baby non-mobile and visible at all times from the pool) - but she can't do that anyway really because of the six-year old! Bedtimes aren't really relevant to an 8 month old surely? You just put them to sleep and take them with you. Six-year old likely to be more limiting than the 8 month old in holiday terms.

Zimmerzammerbangbang · 10/04/2017 16:42

Oh and balconies are your friend when travelling with young kids - kids in bed, drinks on the balcony and relax.

Batghee · 10/04/2017 16:47

Id say the hardest children to travel with are toddlers not babies!!

We travelled alot with our son when he was a baby and he mostly slept to be honest. Hes alot more difficult now hes two!! Try keeping a 2yo quiet on a 5hr flight!

We still fly though!

BendydickCuminsnatch · 10/04/2017 17:01

God yeah, 8 months is a doddle! Plus she'll probably sleep wonderfully with all the warmth and stimulation. And 6 is a great age too as can technically understand airplane etiquette. Fabulous!

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 10/04/2017 18:37

Thanks everyone. I'm feeling a lot more inclined to go for it. Didn't take DS until he was 3 so don't have experience with a baby.

Wanting to go in may but she doesn't have a passport yet so have made a fast track appointment for next week. If all goes well with that I will book it! Daren's risk it until then, I'm a worrier!

OP posts:
welshweasel · 10/04/2017 18:42

We did Gozo (slightly longer flight) with DS at 8 months. Was great. He slept most of the flight and people watched the rest. DH and I took it in turns to go diving during the day and entertain DS/take him swimming etc. Chilled in the apartment/read for lunchtime nap. Early evening drinks then to bed in the buggy and off we went out for the evening for dinner and plenty of wine. Transfer into cot when we got back. Kept him on uk time so slight lie in every morning which was bliss. We've taken him away regularly since he was 3 months old and have never had an issue.

emmyhNL · 10/04/2017 18:50

Babies are a lot easier! We did Gran Canaria at 6 months and the US at 11 months. She was absolutely fine on both trips. I'd recommend feeding or giving her a dummy on take off /landing for her ears

LickingTheButterKnife · 10/04/2017 18:50

DD is 10 months and we've been to Spain 4 times with her. Flights have been around 2/2.5 hrs.
We took snacks, water (bought at duty free) and small toys. I BF so no formula was needed though.

Flight attendants are usually very helful and will hold your baby if you need to use the toilet etc. I've flown on my own with DD a couple of times and it's been fine.

We took the sling and a cheap stroller. Check if the airline will let you carry the stroller to the plane and if it'll be waiting outside the plane on arrival or if you'll have to pick it up from the baggage reclaim area (total pain).

Check that the hotel is child friendly and can provide a cot etc. May is great for Mallorca as not too hot. Enjoy!! Smile

NisekoWhistler · 12/04/2017 09:35

We are overseas and our baby passport came back in 10 days!

NisekoWhistler · 12/04/2017 09:36

That was on normal service.
Very quick as no or v little security checks for a LO

Crunchymum · 12/04/2017 09:40

It will be easier this year than it will be next year. Although depends on baby.... took DC1 away at 19m and he was a dream. DC2 won't be taken away until she is at least 5 Grin

MermaidsTears · 12/04/2017 09:42

I'd say under one and over five is the easiest for me.
Although first DD was 3 when first went abroad and was OK, but at just turned five we went long haul and it really was like travelling with a little friend and she dealt with flight and late nights and restaurants etc easily.
Between one and 3-4 I find really hard work especially flying as they don't often understand they can't get up and run around and therefore often scream and tantrum to get off your lap. Not fun.

EJREsMum · 12/04/2017 09:48

Took 1yo to Menorca for 10 nights in August. Flight was easy he just slept there and back. Sat in the shade by the baby pool.

Only downside was he started teething like the 3rd day in so had a few sleepless nights.

Passport also came back very quickly but if your going in May I'd fast track to make sure.

Have a fab time

Ecureuil · 12/04/2017 10:31

I'd say under one and over five is the easiest for me

That's why our recent trip with a 3.5 year old and a 21 month old was stressful Grin.

I agree that under 1 is really easy. My 3.5 year old has always been fine travelling at any age but my DD2 is a different beast! She was great at 11 months but not so easy at 21 months...
We won't be going again until she's past 2 and has her own seat on the plane!

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