There’s something incredibly exciting about going away as a family for the first time. Whether your child is four months or four years old, it’s a chance for you all to enjoy some quality time away, minus any other distractions.  However, some parents panic about their first family holiday. With that in mind, here are some useful tips.

Before you book – 8 Things to Consider

Where is suitable?

You might yearn to bake on a hot beach somewhere; but if you’re going to spend the whole time worrying about your baby’s skin burning, this might not be the best option. Think about something that’s age-appropriate for your child. For example, if they’re an active toddler, staying somewhere crowded might not be so good, as you’ll panic that they’ll get lost! ·

How long can they cope getting there?

Long-haul flights can be stressful experiences for families with kids. They’re not impossible, but you’ll need to provide your child with plenty of distractions. Likewise, think about how long the car or train journey is. How long can they realistically manage to travel for?

Don’t over-plan

Remember, it’s a holiday, not a military operation. A bit of planning is useful, but you don’t need to create a detailed, minute-by-minute itinerary. Spontaneity can be fun! However, it’s a good idea to have a rough idea of what you’ll be doing, as this might make life less stressful when you arrive.

Self-catering or not?

Choosing a self-catering option offers a lot more freedom, and you’ll be able to cater for your child’s ‘discerning’ tastes. However, you may want a break from cooking – in which case, it’s a good idea to check the hotel or restaurant offers child-friendly meals or portion sizes.

Are there kid’s activities nearby?

You may want to escape to the middle of nowhere, but this isn’t ideal with children. Sometimes it can be useful to have some attractions nearby, particularly if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Search for a local playground

Never under-estimate the value of a local kid’s playground near where you’re staying. They can be a godsend if your child has chosen to wake up at 5:30am, and you need to entertain them for an hour or so while your partner catches up on some sleep!

Don’t forget yourself

Remember, this is meant to be your holiday too. You need to factor in time to relax, and if your child is young, this may involve ‘tag-teaming’ with your partner. Don’t forget to bring along some items to pamper yourself with too. For example, spraying on some designer perfume like Bleu De Chanel before you go out for an evening meal on the seafront will immediately make it feel more like a special event.

Make sure it’s safe

Do some basic safety checks before you book. What’s the pool area like? Is there a shallow end for your child to splash safely in? Is the balcony secure, with a high barrier to prevent anyone falling over the top? Is the floor inside the accommodation likely to be slippery? Try to avoid getting over-paranoid, but make sure everything looks basically safe.