Travelling with a baby can be quite a daunting thought when you consider the day-to-day essentials this tiny human needs. Add to this the sun, an unfamiliar environment and time spent on a plane with a fussy baby, you have enough reasons to avoid booking a holiday altogether. However, we're here to take any anxieties you may have about travelling abroad and replace them with excitement about creating lasting memories with your little one.

Plan Ahead

Just like you would plan for a trip to grandma's or a stroll around the park. Going on holiday is no different, it just requires a little more thought. The more careful planning you do before your departure date will make for a more relaxing holiday for the whole family. Our list of baby holiday essentials will help you begin to develop a checklist of everything your baby will need during your trip away.

Doona Car Seat

The Doona Car Seat is a holiday must-have. It is the world's first complete and fully integrated travel system, allowing you to move from car seat to stroller in seconds. Not only is it practical, but it has been designed alongside medical and engineering experts to ensure that the baby's body is properly supported in the correct ergonomic position. Furthermore, it is TUV and FAA Aircraft Approved for travel. So, whether you are wandering along the promenade or exploring in a rental car, the Doona has everything you need to keep your baby safe and supported.

📷 @jessimalay

Sun Protection

It is important to keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible while on holiday. The NHS states that babies under the age of 6 months should not be in the sun at all, and babies over the age of 6 months should be kept out of the midday sun between 11am and 3pm. However, sun protection doesn't just include using an appropriate sunscreen. You should also consider buying a suitable sun cover for the stroller. The Doona 350° Car Seat Sun and Insect Protection Net has been created to protect against direct sunlight and insects.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a baby holiday essential that should be a priority on your checklist. Hopefully, you will not need it, but it is better to have it on hand should it be required. As recommended by the NHS, your first aid kit should contain paracetamol suspension, ibuprofen suspension, barrier cream, a thermometer and rehydration sachets.

Changing Mat

Make sure your holiday is as stress-free as possible with a quality changing mat. This baby holiday essential will ensure that each nappy change is on a hygienic surface and involves as little mess as possible. Any accidents can easily be wiped clean on a waterproof changing mat. During your time away, you may want to explore outside of the hotel. Therefore, a changing mat is a must-have for when you are unsure what facilities the local restaurants and shops have. 

A Bag for Essentials

Whether you are spending the day around the pool or heading out to explore, you will need a bag to store your baby's essentials. We recommend making an alternative checklist dedicated to this bag, so you always have everything you need nearby. There is nothing more annoying than having to return to your hotel room to grab something that has slipped your mind. Some items you may want to consider for the bag are sunscreen, muslins and swim nappies.

Travel Cot

Although some holiday accommodations provide a travel cot, you will need to check beforehand. Remember to pack a cot sheet to make sure that your little one has a comfortable night's sleep. Don't worry if your hotel doesn't provide a travel cot as they are lightweight and easy to pack away. They are also an investment as they will come in handy for any future holidays or trips away.

Time to Make Some Memories

Now that you have put together your checklist of baby holiday essentials, it is time to make the most of your time away from home together. Remember to take lots of pictures and enjoy every moment!

Check out our 7 sleep safety tips to reduce the risk of SIDS. Share our blog or use the downloads to promote Safer Sleep Week to raise awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 

You won’t be surprised to learn that having a baby comes with a lot of new “stuff”. It can be hard to work out which items are essential. Read on to discover the essentials. 

Find out which nursery furniture you'll need for a newborn baby. Plus a list of useful additional accessories you might not have considered yet.

Postnatal depression affects 1 in 10 women. Learn how to identify symptoms and what you should do.

Anxiety & depression are more common after the birth of a baby. The worry can be overwhelming. Learn how postnatal anxiety can be treated. 

Nursing pillows can sometimes get forgotten about in the never-ending list of things you need to purchase before the arrival of your baby. Although they are not deemed an essential for mums-to-be, they are definitely a useful product to help you and baby feel more comfortable during feeding.

What is a Nursing Pillow?

A nursing pillow, also known as a breastfeeding pillow, is a C shaped or U shaped pillow that supports you and your baby during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. They wrap comfortably around your body, adapting to your shape and providing a safe place for your baby to rest as they feed. You will find them in a range of prints and styles. But essentially, they are all designed to help make nursing easier and to reduce neck, arm and back strain for you.

Our Mother&Baby Feeding & Infant Support Pillow

Can I use a Feeding Pillow After a C-Section?

A caesarean birth might make breastfeeding more difficult due to several reasons, such as loss of mobility or a long and stressful labour. However, with extra support from your midwife, you should be able to find a breastfeeding position that is comfortable for you. One position that the NCT recommends is the ruby-ball or underarm position, as it might help keep your baby away from your scar. They further suggested that you may want to place a pillow under your arm to help support your baby's weight after they have latched on. Other C-section friendly positions they advise are lying down on your side and laid-back breastfeeding.

📷 @rochellehumes

Why Should I Buy a Nursing Pillow?

Nursing pillows are especially handy if you plan on breastfeeding your baby. Lactation consultant Wendy Wisner advises keeping baby close with skin-to-skin contact during the first few days of breastfeeding. She explained, “This way, anytime your baby looks for the breast, it will be right there. Rooting, head bobbing, fist sucking, mouth fluttering—these are all signs your baby is hungry.”

Trying to maintain skin-to-skin contact for long periods of time can become tiring for your arms. You may find it even more uncomfortable if you have had a caesarean. Therefore, having a breastfeeding pillow to help support the weight of your baby can make the experience more enjoyable for the both of you.

What if I’m Expecting Twins?

If you are expecting twins and want to breastfeed them, you may want to consider tandem feeding. For this, a twin feeding pillow will help you and your babies find the perfect latch position.

📷 @bftwinsuk

Things to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Pillow

• Is it washable? – It is worth considering whether the pillow itself is washable or if it comes with a removable cover that can be washed.
• Does it have a certified organic cotton cover? – To avoid your baby’s sensitive skin encountering any nasty chemicals or dyes, you will need to ensure that the cover is GOTS certified (Global Organic Textiles Standard).
• The shape – As we mentioned earlier, most nursing pillows are either C shaped or U shaped. Before your baby arrives, we recommend shopping around and trying each shape to find the most comfortable pillow. 
• Is it adjustable? – Many feeding pillows are adjustable and feature a strap or belt to secure the pillow around your waist. 

Support Pillows and Your Growing Baby

You can continue to use most feeding pillows as your baby grows to help them with their key development stages. The pillows can be used to support baby with tummy time and sitting up. The NHS advises to only do tummy time when your baby is awake and alert. You should never leave your baby on their own propped up by a nursing pillow.

With your baby on the way, you'll need to know how to get everything ready for your new arrival. See our tips for setting up your baby changing table.

If space is limited, but you refuse to compromise on quality, here is our guide on how to arrange furniture in a small nursery. Read on to discover our tips now.

Life can be chaotic with a newborn. Staying organised can truly preserve your sanity. Check out our nursery organisation tips and storage hacks.

Our new Luna nursery furniture collection has a bold and striking cube design. Discover the white and oak cot bed, dresser and wardrobe. Try AR to see it now.

CuddleCo have been shortlisted for Best Brand Licensed Children’s Product or Range for their Mother&Baby All Gold Mattress.  

CuddleCo wins best nursery furniture for its Lukas range at the BANTA's. Read on to discover why.