Sun holidays with small kids

[Nianne]

I wanted to ask for opinions regarding taking small kids on sun holidays abroad. I have two small kids - 2.5 yrs and 8 months. My husband wants to do a short holiday abroad this year (we haven’t been away since 2019) but I’m hesitant.

The hassle of managing a baby and toddler in hot weather - never mind on the plane - seems like more work than it’s worth. I’m already stressing about their safety near a pool and the potential of a balcony.

Can anyone relate? Any advice/thoughts?

P.S I appreciate I am so lucky to even have this as an option. I hope this doesn’t appear insensitive.

It’s fine, millions of people do it every year. Look at Majorca or, even better, Menorca. Short flight, nice sand, warm shallow sea, plenty of family friendly hotels and restaurants, the Balearics are perfect for young families and first holidays. Loads of hotels have splash pools and play rooms. And email the hotel directly after you’ve booked to request a ground floor room. Happy booking!

If you pick somewhere like clubmed they have a baby and kids club so you can book a babysitting session (inclusive in some packages) if you are finding it a lot and need some time to yourself to unwind so you can actually enjoy your holiday too.

We did this with a 2.5 year old and 5 month old. We went to a tui blue for family resort. It was great, can hire all sorts of stuff (sterilisers, high chairs, cots) and they had brilliant baby change facilities.
They also have a club that we sent the older one to for 2 hours a day which they loved. The all inclusive buffet was carnage but didn't have to worry about them being noisy as everyone in the same boat.

It won't be stress free but definitely worth it. The older one got a lot from it.

We tried a villa once with a toddler and a crawling baby, it was hell. Having a pool on your own property is a challenge. Much as I hated to realise, bigger hotels are so much easier with kiddies.