Seasoned holiday makers - advice needed please!

[heavenlylily]

I'm going on holiday in June to Spain for first time with 15 month old dd and while I'm really looking forward to our first holiday abroad since she was born I'm also nervous - about everything! I've always been a worrier so have lots of questions and would appreciate any tips anyone has! Here goes:
If the tap water is not drinkable can she have bottled or is the mineral content too high? Would people generally recommend not drinking tap water even if it says its ok?

Can you get Pampers or equivalent in Spain?

How do I entertain 15 month old (who I doubt will be walking by then) on the plane (even though only 2 hr flight am still worrying
about this!) Any tips on helping her deal with the pressure change on take off and landing?

Does anyone know if air conditioning in apartment will cause any problems (like being too dry etc)?

Where is the best place to get SPF clothing from?

Think thats it for now! Sorry its long, thanks in advance if you have read this far and reply!!

dd was older so didnt need botteld water but i wuld go for this against tap water.

we went to majorca and took crayons, colouring pads, sugar free lollys(to suck during take off and landing)

Air con will be fine and a god send for a tired and warm little tot

SPF clothing, try GLTC, Boots mothercare etc

the pampers were v.expensive when we went and couldnt get pull ups(but that was were we went!) so bought their own brand nappies(much to dd's disproval!) which were Huuuugggee (wish we'd spend the extra, but im talking £16 for huggies!!! and wasnt a big pack!)

they generally deal with it all better than we do and take it in their dtride!, just make sure their coverd in suncream, in shade were you can at hottest times, have plenty of drinks and snacks and enjoy youselves

oh and we took a portable dvd player for when you want to stay in apartment, helps the LO's realx a bit instead of being out and about, take some fave cartoons on dvd, even c.d's
dd's lazy town cd always reminds me of our hol in majorca now

It will be fine . They have babies abroad too ! Pampers are Dodot(sp). Evian is generally recommended for low sodium although the tap water is usually fine from a kitchen unit (not necessarily a bathroom tap). Have her drinking on take off/landing, take a few small simple puzzles, favourite cuddly or books with flaps and pull out bits for the flight, snacks as well . Air conditioning is fine . donlt take laods of clothes as you can ahdnwash and dry on balcony. Little Trekkers, mothercare, M and S etc all do UV stuff.

Whereabouts in Spain are you going?

You can buy disposable nappies (but not readily available)

Drinking water should be fine (I would def avoid mineral water)

Take off - bottle of something, dummy etc. Landing is worse imo!

SPF clothing, I'm racking my brains re that one!

We're going to Marbella so know will be near plenty of big supermarkets where we can get what we need, doesn't stop me being nervous! Thanks for tips about dvd player and in flight entertainment!

marbella should be fine for shopping then, we went to palma nova out of season so maybe thats why not much available?

hope you have a lovely time..also take a cuddly/teddy/fave comforter for night times when she may miss her own bed

Marbella will be absoluetly fine DH swears there is more cockney spoken there than in UK, There is a big Hipercor (big spainish supermarket)in the centre of town easily accesilable with underground parking.

The spainish love children, be prepared for older men ( grandad types coming up and telling you how lovely your child is) Tis really nice ( and not at all seedy!!)

If you can try to get you child to have a longer afternoon nap in the week before you go to use the siesta time effectively and go out later in the afternoon evening to enjoy the (slightly) cooler temps.

Relax and you'll have a great time.

Ps the spainish sell bottled water in massive quantities and it's not expensive.

spanish !!!!!

Thanks! Have been told this about the Spanish loving children - we are expecting lots of attention as she is very blond, beautiful and blue eyed

pampers are Dodot but they are only sold in huge packs so don't take too many with you. the recommended water for babies here is Solan de Cabras or font vella.

I definitely recommend following the Spanish way and trying to have a siesta at the hottest part of the day. It is quite acceptable here to stay out late here in the summer and have your child asleep in the pram.

I use teething powders on take off and landing because it makes them swallow and contains chamilla [sp] which is soothing or if you are still breastfeeding , do that or give a bottle.

I live quite close to Marbella, let me know if you need anything else.

Thanks for that Amapoleon. We are staying at the Marriot apartments in marbella, do you know anything about them? It would be great if you have any tips on how close we are to the centre of town and if there are any good activities like water parks nearby. The holiday is a freebie (taking on someone elses timeshare) so we have not really researched the area!!

I don't know the Marriot but have a look on www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocalMaps-g187439-d229493-Marriott_s_Marbella_Beach_Resort-Area.html It looks very close to the centre ,Ricardo soriano is the main shopping street, you can also find the old town here. If you cross it, there is a short walk to the beach

The nearest water park would be Mijas costa, about 20 mins drive from Marbella. Fuengirola zoo is also worth a visit and in the summer, not sure about June, you can visit at night when it is much cooler.

Thanks again Amapoleon, will check out that link!