Babymoons, the last ‘a dieu’ to life as you know it...

Babymoons. Love or hate the title, we’re basically talking about that one last holiday when it’s just the two of you.  That one last holiday when you might have a bit of money to spend on yourselves, because as any parent will tell you, once the children arrive, there never seems to be any spare cash to spoil yourself with.

Cornwall is a great place to spend a few days, there are some lovely hotels overlooking the sea that offer packages especially for ‘babymooners’.  The Award winning Scarlet Hotel is an eco luxury hotel in Mawgan Porth, which offers bespoke treatments for pregnant women, as well as sumptuous rooms and a restaurant offering delicious food including a vegetarian menu as well as seasonal dishes.

If you’re going for all out style, the luxury prenatal travel website, baby-moon.eu has a wide range of options, with most hotels offering ‘babymoon packages’ throughout Europe, the Middle East, the US and Asia.  The Reef Babymoon package in Sri Lanka, for example, has designed specific treatments for both the father and mother to be, in addition to a private yoga session for two.

If you don’t fancy the flight, closer to home, the Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy also offers a pre maman massage, a special present for the baby and a bottle of Italian Spumante, fruit and flowers on your arrival.

Those are some big budget holidays, but what about cheaper alternatives?  Bath is great for a long weekend, there are some lovely shops and restaurants and if you’re into spa treatments, or just want to float about, the Thermae Baths are a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.

Bruge and Paris are always popular and can be reached by train, particularly important if you suffer with DVT. A decent hotel in Paris is expensive, so why not consider an apartment for the weekend? The website www.all-paris-apartments.com has a great selection.

Setting aside budget, there are some things to consider when deciding where to go.  Check the jabs situation with your GP, there are anti malaria pills which aren’t suitable for pregnant women, for example.

Bear in mind that you can’t fly after 34-36 weeks (32 weeks with twins), and even then, some airlines require a note from your doctor if you’re over 28 weeks.  Always check with your airline.  Travel insurance is another must; check the policy wording to make sure it covers travel in pregnancy.

Most women suffer with some constipation during pregnancy, which can be made worse by flying.  Try to keep drinking water during the flight, eat plenty of greens and swop tea for peppermint tea if possible.  

Also remember that your blood gets more ‘sticky’ when you’re pregnant, so your chance of having (DVT) or a blood clot increases. Compression stockings can be a good idea but they’re probably not enough to fully prevent DVT.  To reduce the risk further, stay hydrated, keep moving your legs, and take regular walks around the plane. This is easier if you can book an aisle seat. 

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy, life will never be the same again, but who wants it to stay the same?

Tips for holidaying with tots!

If you’re a first time mum, the thought of taking a new born baby on holiday can be terrifying.  For a start there’s the amount of gear you need to transport, the fear of upsetting an established routine or the anticipation of a long journey.

However, travelling with a young baby, especially if you’re breastfeeding, can often be one of the most relaxing holidays you’ll have as a parent.  You don’t need to worry about bottles or boxes of formula, and their lunchtime nap means you’ll get a quiet couple of hours by the pool!

Over the last few years, the travel industry has woken up to the needs of parents travelling with young children.  There are now specialist travel firms who cater for families holidaying with pre-school children.  They provide properties all over the world with all the baby equipment you could ever need including cots, highchairs, sterilisers, toys, change mats and secure pools.

There are even concierge companies who will send nappies, formula, sun cream, Calpol and whatever you request to your holiday destination, saving hassle, leaking products and excess baggage charges.

Once you’ve booked your perfect holiday, there are a few things to think about.  If you’re formula feeding your baby, and you need a specific brand, do some research to see if you can get it where you’re going?  If your child is on medication, make sure it’s legal for you to bring it into the country you’re travelling to. 

Being stuck on an aeroplane can be testing for most children and whilst you can expect in flight entertainment on a long haul flight, you need to go prepared.  In our experience, revealing a new toy, packing paper and pens, colouring books, snap cards and a fun camera and all great for slightly older children.  With babies, keep a little bit of milk in a bottle for take-off and landing or a lolly pop for toddlers.

On arrival, split the team so one person goes ahead through passport control to get the hire car whilst the other gets the bags – it can save long queues in humid conditions.  If you’re arriving late, pack essentials at the top of your suitcase, and if self catering abroad see if you can pre order a few essentials such as bread and milk (and wine!).

Make sure you familiarise yourself with how to reach the local doctor, you wouldn’t be the first mum to find yourself in the middle of rural France with a sick baby at 3am not knowing how to get medical help.

Something to bear in mind is that in Europe, swimming pools are only really warm enough for children to swim in late June through to early September, unless they’re heated.  Buying a little boat in resort is a great idea and will keep children amused for hours on land or on the water.

So enjoy yourselves, go with the flow; travelling with children changes holidays, but you’ll find yourself enjoying a wide range of activities you’d never have experienced pre children.  And the best thing about holidaying with children, the smile on their faces as you enjoy quality time together as a family.