Staycations with a baby: the simple guide to sleeping, feeding and getting out and about

UK breaks can work with a baby without being stressful. Plan ahead to keep your schedule as close to normal as possible, pack everything you need and use our handy checklists to make your staycation one to remember. And be sure to take a look at our guide to car journeys with babies for more useful ideas.

Where possible try to stay in one place rather than moving accommodation too often to help maintain your routine and keep the environment consistent for your baby

• Self-catering or hotel: a hotel offers plenty of options to unwind including entertainment facilities and bars and restaurants. Self-catering accommodations like holiday homes offer more privacy and kitchen facilities that will be a huge help when preparing baby feeds and sterilising bottles
• Consider the location: ground floor access will make coming and going easier with your baby. Outside, distance to carparking might be a consideration – the nearer you can park to your accommodation, the easier things will be. Inside, you’ll want to be sure there’s plenty of room to store your pram, travel cot and all the equipment to keep your baby safe and comfortable
• Look for places with local baby-friendly activities and amenities. Think activities like parks and zoos where you can enjoy a day out with your baby
• Check for nearby supermarkets, convenience stores and chemists to stock up on anything easily, and familiarise yourself with local medical services such as doctor surgeries, walk-in centres or hospitals should the need arise

Things to check before you unpack

• Think about where you’ll set up your baby’s sleep area. Consider whether it can be kept dark or if you’ll need blackout blinds, how easy it will be to control the temperature and location of plugs for baby monitors, white noise machines and night lights. If multiple rooms are available, consider which will be the quietest for your baby
• Take a look at the space where you’ll prepare your baby’s food and sterilise equipment so you can set everything up for easy use
• Think about where you’ll store your changing bag, nappies, wipes and changing mat – ideally somewhere practical and close to where you’ll be using them

Creating the perfect atmosphere to help your baby sleep will be important to ensure your staycation is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

Travel cot set up

• Check if your travel cot comes with a mattress. If it doesn’t, you’ll want one that gives a firm, flat sleeping surface. Some cots feature an in-built bassinet ideal for small babies, through to toddlers
• Set up night lights, blackout blinds and white noise machines to create a comforting atmosphere for your baby
• Add fitted sheets to the mattress for added comfort, and use a sleepsuit if needed to aid with sleeping temperature

Stick to the same routine

• Try to put your baby to bed as close to the same time as you would at home. Use the same bedtime routines such as lullabies, reading a story, baths and setting the room ambient to help your baby adjust
• If your baby takes a nap during the day and you’re likely to be out, bring a pram that lets them lay flat. Options with deeper sides and a canopy or hood will help cocoon them for a peaceful nap on the go

Bring a baby monitor on your holiday

Baby monitors will add peace of mind while allowing you to enjoy your holiday. Consider weather video monitors or audio are best for your break – you’ll want to consider Wi-Fi strength if your monitor needs it to work. They’re particularly handy in multi-room accommodations or cottages where you can enjoy the evening sun out in the garden, while keeping an eye on your little one.

Try to keep your baby’s feeds on the same schedule you would normally use at home. You’ll want to make sure you pack spare bottles, sterilisers and baby food or formula to last the duration of your break, with some spares. If your baby is a little older, be sure to pack your highchair or feeding booster seat.

Set up a feeding station

If your accommodation allows for it, set up a spot for all your food prep and sterilisation. Store your food properly according to the instructions and set up your sterilising equipment.

Sterilisation away from home

Check your steriliser before you go to make sure you have sockets or a microwave as needed to keep your bottles clean. The NHS has plenty of advice on sterilising and cleaning your bottles that might help with planning your staycation sterilising process from cold water solutions to steam and boiling methods.

Warming bottles when out

Guaranteeing access to boiling water while out and about can be tricky. NHS advice recommends filling a vacuum sealed flask with just-boiled water. This way you can make a fresh bottle on the go as long as the water remains hot. They have additional tips on what you should and shouldn’t do when feeding on the go.

Pushchair vs carriers

When the footing is a bit more challenging – think coastal walks, woodland trails or anywhere with lots of steps – a baby carrier will help you and your baby make the most of your break. If you’re going to be in and around towns, a collapsible pushchair will make getting around easier, while offering compact storage in small shops or narrow cafes.

Keep your baby comfortable

It wouldn’t be a Great British staycation without the unpredictable weather. You’ll want to keep your baby comfortable in their pram while out and about. We’ve got a range of pushchair accessories. From footmuffs and rain covers to parasols and fans; we’ve got you and your baby covered come rain or shine. And keep them relaxed with the gentle rocking motion of the Rockit attachment.

Make the most of your day trips with our essentials check list

• Changing bag with nappies, wipes, nappy sacks and extra clothing
• Emergency kit with plasters, antiseptic, hand sanitiser, baby-friendly medicine and spare dummies
• Bottles and food
• Toys that can be attached to your carrier or pram to keep your baby entertained