Your First Holiday with a Baby: What to Expect

A first escape, for all three of you

Date

01 / 09/ 2026

Category

Family experiences

Your first holiday with a baby is one of those lovely little milestones that can feel exciting and slightly daunting at the same time.

There are more bags. Nap times suddenly matter. Leaving the house takes longer than it used to, but there’s also something rather special about waking up somewhere new together for the first time.

Start small

Your first family holiday doesn’t need to involve an airport or a packed itinerary. A few days somewhere beautiful can feel like a proper escape, especially when everything you need is close by. Breakfast made for you, somewhere lovely to walk, a pool for a first splash and plenty of time together.

An easy journey from home can help too.

You don’t need to pack quite as much as you think

Babies are tiny. Their packing lists are not.

Before filling the car, check what your hotel already provides. Our hotels have everything from travel cots, highchairs, sterilisers, bottle warmers and baby baths can make a big difference. You’ll also find thoughtful extras including Bugaboo pushchairs to borrow and baby toys from Scandibørn. Which leaves a little more space for the things you really need. And several emergency muslins, obviously.

Let the day unfold

Your baby probably won’t abandon their usual rhythm just because you’re on holiday.

There will still be feeds, naps and early bedtimes. So rather than planning too much, choose somewhere where a slower day still feels like a good one.

A morning swim. A buggy walk. Lunch while the baby sleeps beside you. A little playtime before heading upstairs.

You may do less than you once did on holiday. You may enjoy it more than you expect.

Choose somewhere that thinks about you too

A baby-friendly hotel shouldn’t just be about what’s provided for the baby. Being able to eat well together matters, so does having the option of childcare, a spa treatment or simply half an hour with a coffee while someone else takes over.

Complimentary childcare in our Four Bears Dens ( from 3 months  - 8yrs) gives parents a little time together, while relaxed family dining means everyone is welcome when you come back together.

Don’t worry about getting everything right

There may be a nap that doesn’t happen, dinner might be earlier than planned and something important will almost certainly have been left at home. That’s part of it.

Your first holiday with a baby isn’t about recreating the trips you took before they arrived. It’s the start of a completely new kind of travelling together. And the first time you take them to the sea, wander through the woods with the pram or watch them kick their feet in the pool, you may wonder why you worried quite so much.

Planning your first family break?

Our hotels are designed around stays with little ones, with baby equipment, family dining, swimming pools, childcare and plenty of thoughtful touches waiting when you arrive.

All that’s left is deciding where their first adventure should be.

Find your Baby's First Break

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a baby-friendly hotel?
Look for practical baby equipment, flexible family dining, swimming pools, childcare and plenty to do without needing to travel far once you arrive.

What should I pack for my first holiday with a baby?
Start by checking what your hotel provides. Travel cots, highchairs, sterilisers, bottle warmers and baby baths can save a surprising amount of space in the car.

Is a UK break a good first holiday with a baby?
For many families, yes. A shorter journey and a few nights away can make that first trip feel more manageable while still giving you the excitement of going somewhere new.