First holiday abroad. Help!!

[Writerwannabe83]

In 6 weeks time I'm taking DS abroad for the first time (he will have just turned one) and I'm feeling really stressed about it. We are going to Turkey.

What will he be able to drink over there? I'm still breast feeding so that's really handy but what about water? I'm assuming he can't have tap water but isn't bottled water dangerous for babies because of the mineral content?

I'm also worried about his sleep ado cannot see how he will sleep in a room with me and DH and not be constantly disturbed by us? I have visions of the hotel entertainment keeping him awake for hours and hours, night after night and it just being hell.

Do 1 year old babies need sunglasses?

I'm worried there are some really obvious things I will need to pack but they won't even occur to me. Will he need jelly shoes for the beach?

I'm panicking about sunburn too and keep picturing his legs dangling out the pushchair and getting burnt. What sun creams are best for babies?

Any help or advice about young babies and holidays would be much appreciated.

I really, really want to be able to enjoy our first holiday but I can't switch off or relax.

Here are my first thoughts, having been to Turkey:
Don't drink the tap water. From what I remember, it's unlikely to have parasites, but is too different to ours and for that reason will probably upset delicate tummies.
Of course one-year olds need sunglasses! Either that or keep them in the shade.
The sand will be very hot. Sandals would be good. Even better to stay in the shade.
Smother baby in suncream all the time and have him wearing an all in one UV suit with hat. Don't take ant chances.
We went to the Canaries with 4.5 month baby and had a wonderful time. Just keep baby safe and cool, stay out of midday sun, and try to relax! He'll probably do better than you expect.

Ok, firstly don't panic. It'll be fine and you'll have a great holiday.

Assuming that you're going in April it shouldn't be mega hot but you'll need sunscreen. Head to Boots and find a factor 50 'baby' suncreen. Before you go out in the morning smother DC in it and top up as needed through the day.

Sunhats are a must, get some with a floppy/wide brim and you may not need sunglasses. Crocs or jelly shoes might be useful - I bought DS some Clarkes sandals and he hated them - a pair of €3 foam shoes from the supermarket were great.

Lots of light layers - t-shirts, shorts, some long sleeved tops etc. Take what you think you'll need and a tube of travel wash.

Depending on where you're staying boiled water will be fine (assuming that you have a kettle in the room). Bottled water will be ok too. Fresh milk might be difficult to get hold of but you can try diluted fruit juices. Be prepared for a change in 'toilet habits'.

Take swim nappies and a neoprene nappy if you have one. Again, in a April, polls may be cold so a baby wetsuit might be an option if you DS likes swimming.