first holiday with a baby - any tips?

[rabster]

So, I have finally booked our holiday - 1 week in southern ireland, self catering, with car, travelling by night on the ferry.
DS will be 4 months.

Do you have any advice - maybe things you learnt from your first trip abroad - that will save us hassle, or make our trip easier?

We are not fussed what we do, I just needed to get away (after exotic, backpacking holidays for the past few childless years, I realise this wont be as exciting as those!), just general touring, people watching and lolling around.

Ireland went smoke free years ago so you can safely (and guilt free) take your baby into restaurants or pubs. Pub culture is big in Ireland When DD was tiny and we went to France we bought a samsonite pop up travel cot which was fab, it literally fitted into the changing bag. I'm assuming you have booked a cabin on the ferry? (Top tip - if you haven't, do!). 4 months is much easier than 14 months in terms of travelling with a baby. Ireland in general is much more child friendly than the UK - not in terms of making a big fuss of children like in Asia, but it's just assumed that everyone has them and they'll be around which makes day to day life less stressful - have a fantastic time!

Hi,
Im Irish but live in england so im back and foward with my kids all the time. In fact just back from 2 weeks over Easter with my three kids.
Yes Ireland is smoke free in pubs and public places, but you will find that most pubs will not be keen on you having kids in there after I think its 8 pm...but we havent had real problems with this at all, especially in many tourist areas where they joke the pubs close in October!
I dont know where abouts you are hoping to go because im sure I could give you tips...
I also have photos of places in Ireland etc on my web site
fionasplace.net
If I can help you write to me and ask me anything1 Delighted to help in any way! I know a lot of the country both north and south!
[email protected]

fiona

Oh yes should have mentioned that you can buy napppies food etc easily there...dont bring all the bay stuff with you as its just a bother! Also people are so friendly and helpful you will be amazed at how people help if you ask...

Fiona