Aibu to ask opinions on holidays with a newborn...

[Sassypants82]

I'm due our 3rd in mid July. I'd like to go on a week's holiday within our own country during the summer. My eldest starts school in Sept so it would have to be before then. We're going to be away this month for a ten day holiday.

Would we be better off having a week away in June, before the baby comes or would it be easier / more comfortable etc to do it when the newborn is 4wks old? I feel like I'd like to take the kids away considering they'll be full time in crèche all summer.

Planning to take a holiday rental so we'd have our own space.
Has anyone got experience of something similar & what did you do?

I would bear in mind - what if you are 2 weeks late? My late July baby was born Mid August. We went away in Sept when she was about 6 weeks old. That was ok - in holiday cottage in the UK.

I wouldn't go too far miles wise - otherwise have to keep stopping to feed and change baby!

Kit wise - if you are breast feeding then actually don't need that much. I would make sure the accommodation has washing machine.

It might be cheaper to go in June before the schools break up. Also a chance for you to spend time with your older two before baby arrives. You'd be able to go in the pool/sea with them - might not be able to do that after baby arrives if still recovering?

I think go for maximum ease and relaxation for you - so self catering but with option of meals out (some hotels offer this - self catering in their grounds with use of their facilities) with easy access to the beach/a swimming pool/ both for entertaining rhe kids.

Maybe in a holiday resort where there are lots of easy family friendly half day trips - model villages, wildlife parks (if that's your sort of thing).

Yes, I thought it might be nice to have a last holiday with just the two but then offset it against the fact that we're going away next week for 10days & also how heavy /uncomfortable etc I will probably feel by June. Although probably no worse than after the birth.

For both previous births, I've gone eon time & with no complications. Particularly the last one - felt absolutely amazing withia couple of days. Baby will be breastfed so would hopefully be well established if we go for weeks post birth.

I think a week away early might be for the best, if not the most relaxing or easiest for you. You could be late, end up with EMCS, who knows ? Plan/prepare for the worst, and then usually you don't need to implement that plan!

**on time

I’d go for a week late August. Baby will slot in and I agree you feel better post birth than heavily pregnant. Also the holidays are long and it breaks it up.

I would go somewhere less than three hours or so drive if possible.

My DD was a week late and then I was in hospital for 2 weeks afterwards as I was very ill. No way I would have been away. It’s worth remembering that your DS is not of complusory School age until the term after he is 5 so you can’t be fined until then.

I'd also go before the baby was born - last chance to go off-peak before the school holidays as much as anything else! But also more of a break for you too. Won't be much of a holiday with a newborn.

Thanks all - I think before the baby is probably easiest, on balance. Thanks for your help.