We get it, the thought of travelling with a baby is scary. Especially if it’s your first. They need so much stuff, they might not settle, you’ve not attempted any long car journeys yet… But like most things, it gets easier the more you do it.

The first weekend we had away with my son he was 3 months old and we went to the wet, cold Brecon Beacons. In February. The three hour journey there was awful – we had to stop umpteen times because he hated the car and screamed the entire journey. Then we got lost down a pitch black Welsh lane. Then when we arrived there was no water, or heat.  But long story short, we survived! And then a few months later we attempted it again. We drove to Cornwall. And each time we travelled it got better. It got easier. I stressed less and therefore the baby was happier. We learned to travel ever so slightly lighter. So if I can do it, you can too.

Read on to discover what I learned along the way. Here are 10 reasons why you should escape home for a weekend break with baby.

1. A Change is as Good as a Rest

Or so the old adage goes. Ok maybe don’t say that to a sleep deprived new parent! We can’t guarantee you’ll get more sleep, but we bet you will feel refreshed for just having a change of scenery.

family by the seashore
Source: Pexels

2. Adaptable Parents = Adaptable Baby

By travelling with your baby when they’re young, you will create a happy, adaptable child who is happy to ensure long car journeys, fights and new beds. Remember your mood rubs off on them, even at a very young age, so try to remain calm, happy and excited about the adventure ahead.

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Source: Pexels

3. Instill a Love of Travel

One of the greatest things we can do for our children is to show them the world. Introduce them to new cultures, new foods, new landscapes… they will thank you for it one day.

Take a look at our 10 influential travelling families on Instagram for more inspo.

Weekend break with baby
Source: Pexels

4. Enjoy Low Season Prices

You have four short years before you are tied to school holidays , with their crowds and extortionate flight prices. That’s reason enough for us to take a weekend break with baby! So make the most of this time to travel in shoulder seasons where weather is still warm. You don’t want really hot weather with a baby anyway. Not sure where to go? Skyscanner has a great feature which lets you search for the cheapest flights worldwide each month. Just enter “Everywhere” in the search bar and let the inspiration flood in…

5. Make the Most of Parental Leave

Maybe you’re on maternity leave or you’re doing shared parental leave with your partner. Either way, you are free to travel whenever you like, without being bound by limited annual leave. And there’s no need to even wait for the weekend – travel midweek for the best deals. This quality time bonding as a family is so precious, so embrace it, before it disappears all too quickly.

Parents with baby
Source: Pexels

6. Everybody Will Help

Airport staff, hotel managers, restaurant waiters – if you have a young baby they are all likely to be extra accommodating. Locals will probably approach you more too – babies are great conversation starters. This can be especially touching if you’ve been feeling a bit stuck in a rut or isolated.

And if you can, don’t forget to call on the help of family or friends to watch baby while you pack.

grandparents holding children
Source: Pexels

7. See the World through their Eyes

A child’s joy in seeing the simplest things for the first time – an aeroplane or the sea, will awaken joy in you too. As cliche as it sounds, a weekend break with baby forces you to slow down, stop, and appreciate the little things.

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Source: Pexels

8. You will Feel like You Again

Having a baby can feel like losing part of yourself. But if you loved to travel before, don’t let parenthood stop you! Travel is a great time to reconnect with your ‘old’ self, with your partner and also with your new role as a family.

This underpins our whole ethos at BabyBreaks – we want families to know it doesn’t need to be stressful or time consuming travelling with kids.  Especially if you have the right recommendations for hotels, restaurants and activities in each destination.

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Source: Pexels

9. Baby Friendly Hotels were Made for You

There are a growing number of fantastic family friendly hotels, both in the UK and abroad, which offer all sorts of extras for parents. These might include a baby listening service so you and your partner can have a romantic dinner alone. A welcome pack full of baby paraphernalia so you don’t have to pack so much. Plus babysitters, baby food, children’s entertainment and more.  So you may even get the chance to treat yourself to a spa treatment, or just a nap! Check out our Sleep pages for child friendly hotels and apartments in over 60 locations.

Woolley Grange hotel
Source: Woolley Grange Hotel / Facebook

10.  You will Gain Perspective

In the humdrum of modern life, household chores and ever increasing screen time, it can be hard to switch off. But nothing gives you time to think like travel. Perhaps that is why it’s so relaxing and refreshing. Whether you’re on a countryside walk, swimming in the sea or climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you will have time to stop and think. And we bet you will feel lucky for all that you have.

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Source: Pexels

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