First holiday with a baby - advice please

Gosia

My husband and I are planning to take our baby son on his first European holiday to somewhere like Greece in mid July or September (whenever it works out the cheapest). He'll be around 14 weeks old then.

Please can you advise on any tips and things that we need to be aware of when

a) booking flights
b) booking accommodation
c) basically travelling with a baby
d) can anyone recommend a good resort in Crete

Does it cost lots extra to take babies on holidays and are there any hidden charges? Do we need to request a special cot for him or is there anything that we should be taking with us for his sleeping?

Are there any hotels that would be regarded as unsuitable and is there any type of accommodation or resorts that would be highly recommended. We're thinking of going to Crete as haven't been there before and would like a 5* good quality resort close to a beach and within a walking distance of a nice town centre.

Thanks in advance

meer53

Just my opinion, but Crete in July would be far too hot for such a young baby. We went in July one year and it was well over 30 degrees most days. Apart from the effect on the baby, it's exhausting enough without having to factor in such high temperatures.

I would look for self catering rather than a hotel but make sure that you have a cot in the accommodation. I can't recommend anywhere but i would advise you to book the best you can afford. Accommodation in Greece is quite often very basic. I don't know if it's changed but when we went, you weren't allowed to put toilet paper in the toilet, it had to be put in a bin to be disposed of ! Check Trip Advisor before you book anything.

Bob_the_Saver

Mrs Bob the Saver just told me not to write anything.

alwaysskint96

meer53 wrote: »

Just my opinion, but Crete in July would be far too hot for such a young baby. We went in July one year and it was well over 30 degrees most days. Apart from the effect on the baby, it's exhausting enough without having to factor in such high temperatures.

I would look for self catering rather than a hotel but make sure that you have a cot in the accommodation. I can't recommend anywhere but i would advise you to book the best you can afford. Accommodation in Greece is quite often very basic. I don't know if it's changed but when we went, you weren't allowed to put toilet paper in the toilet, it had to be put in a bin to be disposed of ! Check Trip Advisor before you book anything.

Dont they have babies in Greece lol.

The toilet paper issue Im sure is more because of the sewers than basic acccomodation- in fact its quite common in many other countries

Tips- breastfeeding is ideal, no need to mess around sterilising bottles etc.

If you have pram with carrycot a small baby could sleep in that- make sure you have sunshades with you

The baby would be on lap on plane- usually pay an infant charge but no luggage allowance

meer53

alwaysskint96 wrote: »

Dont they have babies in Greece lol.

The toilet paper issue Im sure is more because of the sewers than basic acccomodation- in fact its quite common in many other countries

Tips- breastfeeding is ideal, no need to mess around sterilising bottles etc.

If you have pram with carrycot a small baby could sleep in that- make sure you have sunshades with you

The baby would be on lap on plane- usually pay an infant charge but no luggage allowance

I'm sure there are lots of babies in Greece

But they're Greek babies who see a lot more sunshine than UK babies ! I think September would be better than July.

Moomum

We took our 8 week old to Turkey, it was 30 degrees but plenty if shade and hotel was air conditioned. Was much easier than taking her now she is three tbh! We took a pop up Moses basket, was great. We stayed in a Hilton and I was unable to breast feed so used sterilisising bags and no sodium bottled water. They sold nappies and wipes so just took a few days worth. Took sun suits for the pool and then little rompers for the rest of the time. Sunshade and mosquito might come in handy. No costs for baby on plane as they will be on your lap but that also means no luggage allowance. You will be able to take a fold down pushchair, get one that lies flat and then baby can sleep in it by pool, at dinner etc.

mum2one

it may be worth asking as some airlines give a 10kg allowance for babies. x

alwaysskint96

meer53 wrote: »

I'm sure there are lots of babies in Greece

But they're Greek babies who see a lot more sunshine than UK babies ! I think September would be better than July.

LOL in 14 weeks of life??

peachyprice

alwaysskint96 wrote: »

LOL in 14 weeks of life??

You won't see many 14 week old Greek babies sitting on a beach or around a pool in the middle of July when it can reach 40c. Their mothers have more sense.

Bob_the_Saver

mum2one wrote: »

it may be worth asking as some airlines give a 10kg allowance for babies. x

Isn't that quite heavy for a baby? If it's too heavy do they charge you extra and bung it in the hold?

eezer

If the flight is a Ryanair type free for all scrum to get on, sit the baby and one of the adults in the middle of the row of three and unless it's full, no-one will want to sit next to you - so you get more room!!