What are the practicalities of travelling with a baby??

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Hi. I have a 2 week old and 4 year old. I am trying to decide whether to go abroad in June this year before my 4 year old starts school in September and avoiding the school holidays this year. I have never travelled abroad with my child as have always worried about it being too difficult and stressful (he is autistic and certain things are more difficult generally). However, I just really feel like I want to give it a go this year and I think my 4 year old is ready. My question, and what I’m hoping you can help advise on, is how it actually works going on holiday with a baby - will be 6 months at the time.
Im thinking of an all inclusive short haul to Spain for a week as this seems pretty straightforward. The advice/ answers I’m after are things like -

• transfers to hotel either in a taxi or coach. I won’t have a child seat so how do I make sure baby is safe? What happens when you go out and about (driving) when abroad with a baby?
• bottle hygiene. Do you take a steamer and bottle warmer? Do hotels have facilities you can use? I don’t want to take all equipment I use at home on holiday- what is really necessary?
• nappies and formula. Do you take more than enough from home to be on the safe side or just enough to get through a few days and assume you’ll be able to top up when out there?

I might sound a bit thick asking this as it might be obvious for those of you who travel with your children, but it’s just a lot of work having a baby at home so I imagine it would be hassle taking one abroad. But then I know that lots of people do it so also think there must be a knack to it and it can’t be that bad? Any advice would be appreciated 🙂

Spanish supermarkets sell nappies and formula so you can buy out there.

If you hire a car out there you can hire a child seat.

A lot of family friendly hotels have baby equipment you care hire, but I used to take a Milton cold water steriliser and tablets.

Hi, I took my DD when she was a bit older but we used the Milton cold water sterilising tablets. Also took some nappies and formula and brought the rest there. Some airlines will let you take baby equipment for free like car seats and pushchairs. We went with TUI and the coach did not have baby seats.

Hi 👋

My kids are now 12 and 9 so similar age gap to yours and we've travelled LOADS. Definitely do it - it'll be great. Do you have a partner or will you travel with family? I think I'd be more reticent to travel alone at those ages but it's still possible! Short haul to an all inclusive in Spain is a great first holiday, it'll be so awesome.

To answer your questions:

• transfers to hotel either in a taxi or coach. I won’t have a child seat so how do I make sure baby is safe? What happens when you go out and about (driving) when abroad with a baby? def take babies car seat with you, all airlines even the most budget ones transport these free of charge. Personally I would take the four year olds seat two but that's upto you. You can also hire for the four year old if you hire a car (you can hire for the baby but I wouldn't recommend)

• bottle hygiene. Do you take a steamer and bottle warmer? Do hotels have facilities you can use? I don’t want to take all equipment I use at home on holiday- what is really necessary? I used a steam steriliser at home but made do with a cold water (Milton tablet) travel system for hols - bought from boots. I didn't bring a bottle warmer and would just use the kettle in the hotel, I didn't bring a thermos and used that to keep water hot as needed. Lots of hotels do have baby equipment to use in the main restaurant - that's hotel specific though.
• nappies and formula. Do you take more than enough from home to be on the safe side or just enough to get through a few days and assume you’ll be able to top up when out there? formula I would take what you expect to need plus about 50% more - kids often drink extra in hot weather. You can ofcourse buy out there but worry about the change of brands upsetting little tummies. I would always bring enough nappies for the first day and a half, then plan to buy from a supermarket. That gives you plenty of time to find one. Personally I used to bring enough nappies to cover nighttime as well, incase the supermarket brand didn't work as well as the one at home.

Good luck with your planning and do keep asking questions!

*Did, did bring a thermos 😅 sorry for other typos too - typing whilst cooking!

Thank you everyone for your replies. I will be travelling with my partner so we will tackle it together. I’ve been reading some similar threads and most people say travelling with younger babies is easier than with toddlers, so it looks like I’ve chosen the right sort of time to go, with a 6 month old and 4 year old. I’ve travelled a lot before kids but never felt this daunted before. I’m sure I’ll be alright once I get this first trip out of the way 😁

We traveled with my first when he was 9 month.

Take your own formula from home, don't want to cause any upset tummy's. Take more than you'll need.

Nappies, pack what will be needed for a day or two but fine to buy there.

I used the Milton tablets for cold water.

When buying water to make formula it has the be the lowest sodium level. Some even have a baby on the label.

Take some snacks that you know baby likes.

We bought an inflatable little boat once there and filled with pool water for by sunbed, bath toys.

If they have a dummy, take extra!

Snooze shade. Life saver for day time naps, and even evening tbh to block out.

The lead up is alot more stressful than it is!
Enjoy it!