Spain with a 1 and 3 year old...good idea?

[Itsallaboutme3]

We are considering spain in sept with our 1 and 3 year old. Dh thinks it will be hard work. Does any one have any advice? Also youngest still has formula milk, what would we do about this?
Tia

it will be fun! stick to a villa /apartment on ground floor (if you can) with pool outside the door. that way you're master of your meal times etc. i can't say either of you will feel rested (there's a good few years before that will happen) but a change of scene, warm weather and no guilt about having to do diy/housey stuff will give you some respite. any chance you can take a hands on grandparent as that shares the load and the 2 of you might get an evening out? mornings are a breeze cos there's no need to rush. it's all about getting in the pool and spending time with each other. formula feeding is fine (take your own as it's very expensive in spain). i used boiled water to ckean bittles etc so kettle is essential (take a travel onw if you go to hotel).the only challenging part is flying but your eldest can be occupied and I strongly recommend choosing daytime flights. your youngest might want to walk up and down the plane aisle for the journey but so what...it's only a couple of hours. go otherwise it will be donkeys years before you do.

I am now very jealous of your holiday plans

It'll be great Spain is really child friendly, they love kids!

We took DD1 and DD2 to Spain at 2.1 and 8 weeks. It was lovely.

We had a beachfront apartment in Porto Pollenca, and so we could just pop back whenever we wanted.

Nappies etc tend to be different brands, so you might prefer to take a supply. I would also definitely take your own brand of powdered formula, as that will be the one your 1yo is used to. Remember, there is no need to sterilise bottles etc, at that age, but you can usually hire things like that through a rental agency, so no need to take one out with you. (Of course, you could use Milton, or simply boil in a big pan, if needed.)

A washing machine is good to have, so make sure there is one in the apartment.

Holidays with children are different to couple holiday (as is everything, really). If you and DH go with that expectation, then you will be fine.

Thank you for all your advice - it is really helpful. We are going to go ahead and book..can't wait

I'd be worrying about them being in the sun at that age? As in, stuck down on the beach, no shelter, kids kicking off etc etc.

I don't know. We're not planning any holidays until they're old enough to actually walk around and voice their own opinions! As hearing from friends who have gone abroad with kids that age, it's not a holiday. It's just being somewhere else, more inconvenient than home because your normal stuff isn't to hand!

although as sanity says, if you go with that expectation, it will probably be fine!

We have chose september as it is not too hot then and we are not planning on sitting at the beach all day! Our oldest is 1 and is able to walk so hopefully will be a bit easier - just the plane and transfer i am dreading

blazing88 I guess it depends how resourceful you are how you feel about having particular items to hand. you're right about sun so avoid hot midday sun and go out in the morning and after 3. I did it and never had any occurrences of too much sun until ds was 5 and was able to voice his own opinion!

like any holiday, it is what you make it. as for travelling an ipad and a giant packet of chocolate buttons ought to help. if not the children, then you.

have a great time!

It will be fine. I have been travelling to spain with the kids since they were 10 weeks. My Mum lives there so we have made regular trips.

Nappies are easily available (pampers are called Didot in Spain). If you are using formula I would take it with you as the Spanish brands are not the same (aptimil is called Milupa though). you can pick up jars of baby food in any supermarket. The main brand there is hero but be aware, even food for 1 year old is almost completely smooth in spain.

If you move on to cows milk you want to look out for Leche entera which is full fat. Fresh milk is becoming much easier to buy in shops now. (8 years ago it was much harder as they only sold UHT).

hmmm yes it maybe isn't the holiday that you once had just you and your other half sunbathing/reading/drinking/aftenoon naps :) etc but we have had loads of lovely holidays when our children were that age.
As long as you are prepared and have essentials that you need like your brand of formula you will be fine -can't think of anything much nicer than sitting with my toddlers playing on the beach or splashing in the pool or going for a nice walk and exploring new places. Many of our fondest family memories are from holidays abroad with the children.
I am not sure why your children would be 'stuck down on the beach' ? You will have a great time. Do it now before they are older and you have to stick to school holiday times and pay triple the price!

Yes the plane journey can be a bit of a thought but again if you are prepared with a flight back with snacks, change of clothes, little books and games you will be absolutely fine. Enjoy!