Nervous of taking DS 2yrs 2months abroad!

[EmbracingTheEyeBags]

We have waited until DS is over 2 before booking his first holiday abroad. Only a short flight, just over 2 hours. We will be in a child friendly resort with plenty to do with him.
Thing is..
I'm starting to get more anxious by the day. He BOLTS when he gets the chance, there's pools at this complex so that's 1 worry I have. I already know this will by no means be a relaxing holiday as I'll not be able to take my eyes off him for a second, I feel.
Also, he's suddenly a very fussy eater. And I mean he really only eats coco pops/weetabix, pasta, nuggets, fish fingers, chips at the minute. I have to hide fruit purées in his cereal and yoghurts and I have to do him mashed brocolli in cheesy pasta just so I can make sure he's getting fruit and veg. I'm worried he won't eat anything there!
Am I worrying over nothing or have other people had toddlers like this and had a lovely holiday!?

It won't be relaxing no, but you'll make some amazing memories.

We took DD away last year when she was 2.5yo and it was hard work and tiring and nothing like holidays before kids but you just have to embrace it.

In terms of food are you going to be catered in the hotel? Any buffet will have some fussy eater choices like chips and pasta and if your area is touristy they'll have options like this in restaurants too. He won't starve and although his diet might not be great on holiday, you can get back to healthier eating once you're home.

Being a bolter is hazardous anywhere and I'm sure you're used to keeping him contained and safe around roads and open water when you're out and about so you'll manage it on holiday too. Keep flotation devices on him at all times around the pool and take reins for walking around the resort.

You'll be fine! Enjoy it :)

I'd take a packet of cocopops and weetabix with you and then at least there is something for him to eat if he refuses other foods.

It won’t be relaxing and bits of it will be stressful, but it will be so much fun as well!
How long are you going for? It won’t do him any harm to just eat bread/chips/ice cream for a week. Sure that’s what some kids live on always!

Get a wrist strap, amazon have got some where the wrist bit is padded and the strap is like a phone wire, it stretches. Put them on before you leave the room each time.

And if he only eats cereal all week it really isn't the end of the world!

Good idea I will pack some of those small boxes of coco pops actually!
We are going for a week, I know it'll have it's stressful moments but hopefully we do make some amazing memories.
I feel like strapping a rubber ring to him constantly 😂 but I do have one of those swimming vests from our local swimming baths it's got floating pads inside it.
I will have a look at the wrist straps now
Thanks! 😁

I would use proper chest reins, not a wrist strap. Ensure that you teach him always to hold hands, the reins are a back up.

I wouldn't worry about food. DD always went of milk as it tastes different but for the sake of a week her health wasn't permanently damaged.

Buffets are child friendly, even if he just eats bread, chips and ice cream. Don't overload, just go often and take one thing at a time.

We took out bolting, sleep dodging two year old away and it was pretty miserable. Got dirty looks from locals for putting her in reins. We were all knackered as her sleep was thrown out completely. Didn’t go abroad again for about 4 years. Wasn’t worth spending the money to all be miserable. Our DD1 was particularly difficult and was later diagnosed with ASD. She’s fab to travel with now as a teen and we have had wonderful holidays with her once she got past the toddler/small child stage.

Any toddler who can’t swim shouldn’t be round the pool without arm bands/swim best on. It literally takes you looking to get something out of your bag and they can be gone. Mine played happily in theres from a very young age.

start being firm, are there consequences for running off?

Kids adapt! Our child was a similar age, also fussy with eating, not always the most obedient 😂 but she actually ate very well on holiday and ate things she wouldn't normally. She once ate a whole punnet of tomatoes!!!! I was gobsmacked. Being in a new environment really helped her developmentally and it was a revelation. It was also very relaxing - we read 5 books between us 🤣