With the return of international travel, following the pandemic, and the discounted fights more and more people are opting to go abroad this year. Of course, baby’s first flight is a memorable experience for any parent, even if the risk of baby getting upset is present. 

I hope these tips will make travelling with baby a little easier, especially in the heat. 

Check with your airline & be realistic

Let’s be honest travelling with baby is never easy, my first tip is to be completely realistic and don’t expect an overly easy flight. The fact is your baby will probably struggle on the plane, especially if the flight is long. You should also check with the airline regarding if prams are available at the airport, and whether you can bring a collapsable buggy on the flight with you. 

It’s also super important to decide whether you will be flying with a baby on your lap (often for a discounted prince) or if you will buy a seat for your little one and have the baby in a car seat. Always be sure to check which car seats are best for the baby to fly in. I recommend this post on car seats to make sure you purchase the best one possible for flights. Be sure to double check that your airline allows car seats on the flight!

Be sure to have documents on hand 

It’s so important to have all your documents with you when getting ready to fly. This includes everyone’s passport, travel visas if necessary and of course tickets for the flight. If you are travelling with medication on you, be sure to have prescriptions on hand in case security asks to see them. 

Of course following the last few years PCR tests and proof of vaccinations may be needed depending on where you are flying to or from. 

Luggage 

When travelling with baby it is important, of course, be sure that you do not overpack as it’s vital that your bag is not overweight. All parents know that there is nothing worse than needing to tear into an overweight bag at check-in when you’re with your little one. 

I would be certain to purchase some small luggage scales such as these ones to ensure that you do not go over the weight limit of the luggage. Some airlines allow little ones to have their own luggage and I would recommend checking with the airline before flying. 

If you are bringing a buggy with you on the flight I would recommend investing in a protective bag for it. There is nothing worse than getting off of a plane and fi

Carry on luggage 

On top of your normal carry-ons I recommend also combining a nappy-bag along. Having your bag organised is also a huge plus, that way you know where everything is. 

I suggest using mini-packing cubes to separate everything such as nappies, clothes and bottles. If you’re not breastfeeding bring extra formula, but do check with the airline around if you can carry the water for bottles.

A small travel first aid kit would be a great idea as well. 

Keeping baby happy on the plane

When travelling with baby on a flight where she/he is likely to sleep I would recommend bringing baby in their pyjamas, I would also suggest bringing baby’s favourite toy with you as this will make the area seem comforting and familiar. If your little one uses a dummy it would be wise to bring multiple along with you, as they are easy to lose. I would also suggest purchasing a few dummy clips that will help to stop baby losing their dummy on the ground. 

Some baby’s like aeroplane rides, the rocking motion and the white noise can be incredibly soothing for some little ones. If your lucky baby will sleep the whole ride, however for some babies the plane ride will be tough. Adapting to the new environment will not be easy for some little ones so I recommend trying to keep the same routine. 

Read the same books, sing the same songs and maybe even try to be sure to travel at night as the dimmed lights will help to calm baby. 

If baby is awake the main aim will be to stop little one from crying. I would suggest bringing toys and books to keep baby occupied. The best thing to do is buy some new toys that baby has never seen before as these will keep them entertained for longer. 

I’ve included a few suggestions of toys that you could get for baby that will keep them recommended such as these finger puppets,  fidget cubes and these sensory toys which will keep baby entertained for hours.

Final Tips & Tricks 

I would recommend arriving at the airport a few hours early when travelling with baby, but not too early that you spend hours trying to entertain your little one on the floor of the airport. Check-in queues can often be long and dull – sometimes staff will allow you to check-in at business class if the queue isn’t too long. 

Most airlines will permit checking in baby in a travel buggy or car-seat. 

You may prefer to bring your pram to the door of the plane – if the airline allows this of course. They often attach a label to the buggy as they will place the buggy to the stowaway after you board.

That’s all for my advice on travelling with baby. I hope this tips and tricks help you when it comes to your next trip abroad! 

Have you got any other tips and tricks that readers might find useful?  Pop them in the comments below.

As the summer approaches and the temperature increases it’s getting tougher to keep little ones cool, especially at night. 

I’ve compiled my top 5 tips on how to keep baby cool at night as a way to hopefully help you and your little one to get a better nights sleep during a dreaded heat wave: 

1. Monitoring the temperature 

My first suggestion on how to keep babies cool is to install a thermometer into your baby’s room as a way to monitor how hot it is there. I recommend the Gro-egg thermometer as it helps to measure the room temperature accurately and efficiently.  I use a group-egg in my spalding photography studio to monitor the temperature for newborn photoshoots.   I think this is especially useful when it comes to the UK as the temperature varies so much during the night so be sure to regularly check the reading. 

2. Keeping the room cool 

Additionally, I would recommend keeping the windows open whilst partially closing the blinds or curtains (black out curtains/blinds are a bonus) as this stops the room heating up with sunlight whilst still allowing air flow throughout the room. A perfect mix to help keep baby cool in my opinion. 

I would also suggest a fan to keep cool air circulating around the room, especially if you place bottles of frozen water in fron the fan. This will help to cool the room down quicker. 

3. Dressing baby 

What your baby should wear at bedtime depends on the temperature of the room. 

It is suggested that when the temperature exceeds 27 degrees all your little one should wear (day and night) is a nappy. However, if the temperature of the room is between 24 and 27 degrees baby should wear a short sleeved vest along with a 0.5 tog sleeping bag – such as this one. 

As temperature fluctuates you may need to add or remove more layers – even if this disturbs baby’s sleep. Keeping your baby safe is this priority and so do not hesitate to disturb their rest. 

4. Before bedtime 

Before you put your baby down for the night I would recommend giving them a bath that is cooler than normal as this will help to regulate their body temperature naturally and this will be a great way to keep baby cool. 

It is also suggested that babies may also need to uptake their fluid intake during heatwaves. If your baby is over six months then it is suggested that they can have a few sips of water whilst if your little one is under six months they should not have any water. However they may need increased milk feeds.

5. Extra tips & tricks to help keep baby cool

• Keep baby’s cot away from direct sunlight;

• Try to keep baby calm as frustrated babies get hotter easier;

• keep a cool flannel to hand to dab gently onto baby’s skin as it helps to keep them cool; 

• set up for the whole night, especially if the temperature is going to drop or rise. 

I hope you found my tips for how to keep babies cool at night useful. I know keeping them cold – especially during a heat wave is no easy task so hopefully these tips and tricks gave you some guidance on how to do just that.

Have you got any other tips and tricks that readers might find useful?  Pop them in the comments below.

One of my favourite places to eat with my girls is Afternoon tea. We regularly enjoy spending time with them eating sandwiches and scones whilst sharing jokes and making beautiful memories with them. My oldest daughter is especially keen on spending intimate birthday celebrations alongside her family. 

I know finding spots to create these memories and eating wonderful cakes and scones is difficult so I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular afternoon tea places within the local area and am sharing my all time favourite, go to place to enjoy afternoon tea. 

Afternoon Tea at The Chalkboard

The first place I recommend especially as a mother of a daughter who has a gluten intolerance and a milk allergy is ‘The Chalkboard’ tea room in Peterborough. Everything on the menu is completely customisable with both vegan and gluten free options available it is the perfect place if dietary restrictions or preferences are present in your family. One of the most optimal features of this tea room is the menus available on the website so you know what options you have before you go, leaving no room for disappointment or frustration. I’ve included the link to the website here, I hope you enjoy. 

Afternoon Tea at Something Special

The second tea room I recommend is Something Special in Pinchbeck, as many reviews have said the staff there are so lovely and the place itself has a homely feel. The tea room offers cakes and breakfast boxes as well as sandwiches and tea and coffee which is absolutely delicious and it is all at a great price as well. This particular tea room is incredibly popular so ensure you book in advance to secure seating. There is such a wonderful variety of treats and meals available at Something Special, I definitely recommend. 

Afternoon Tea at Lilli’s Tearoom

My third and final recommendation for you today is Lilli’s Tearoom and Cakery in Deeping, this place is my absolute favourite for afternoon tea. My daughters and I have always loved attending there, ever since it first opened. My eldest has had multiple birthday celebrations there with her closest family and staff are always helpful with accommodating allergies and dietary preferences. 

I cannot recommend Lilli’s enough, it is truly the best for afternoon tea, cakes, tea, coffee and even milkshakes. The kids menu is also highly inclusive as is the variety of milk alternatives and gluten free options available. 

Be sure to pay the wonderful owner Sarah a visit at Lilli’s and indulge in the wonderful cakes and sandwiches she has to offer. 

Do you know of any other fabulous local businesses that are a must visit for Afternoon tea?  If so drop me a message or a comment and let me know. 

As unbelievable as it is some days Spring is once again here and the weather’s beginning to get warmer. This time of year has always been my very favourite as the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming – Spring is such a stunning season.

Every year I take my daughters Bluebells woods near me and take photos of them surrounded by those stunning purple flowers. It’s been such an honour to watch them grow over the years. The girls always enjoy the walk to find that spot; it’s surrounded by bluebells.

Bluebells are a protected flower so if you choose to venture into the woods it is really important that you stick to the pathways and do not trample on the flowers themselves.

I understand it can sometimes be difficult to find these beautiful walks so I’ve compiled a list of beautiful bluebell woods near me in and around the Lincolnshire area:

Dole Wood

Dole wood in Bourne is a stunning woodland that is completely free to visit and has beautiful pathways which (between the months of April and July) are sprinkled with stunning bluebells.

I would definitely recommend taking a trip over to Dole wood and seeing the beauty of springtime bluebells.

The address for Dole Wood is as follows:

Obthorpe Lane

Thurlby

Bourne

Nearest postcode: PE10 0ES

Tattershall Carrs

This beautiful woodland is actually made up of two woods, both housing a variety of stunning animals. One of my favourite memories is looking out for birds and wildlife with my daughters during woodland walks.

Undoubtedly, the bluebells are absolutely stunning and the walk makes a perfect day trip. An added bonus? Dogs are allowed to join you on the walk too!

Elsea Woods

My absolute favourite place to walk through the bluebells is Elsea Woods. The walk is filled with beautiful tracks and pathways leading to meadows filled with the most beautiful wildflowers – in the past me and my girls have had picnics, sat in the sun. Not only is it a great family day out, but the walk is likely to wear out little people.

Barnsdale Woods (LE15 8AB)

Barnsdale woods is well known for its woodland walks, which are most beautiful during bluebell season.  Well worth the drive across to Rutland.  The woods can be best accessed by parking at Whitwell car park & following the footpath west towards the woods. Open every day now and is a great walk for your dogs as they can come off their leads here. It is a stunning walk and makes for lots of photo opportunities

Ferry Meadows, Nene Park in Peterborough

Ferry Meadows has its very own Bluebell wood Broadwalk. This 750 metre long stretch of decking is located near the picturesque Bluebell Wood at the northeast side of Ferry Meadows. The route provides great access to the bluebells by the river, as well as taking you closer to the wildlife on, in and around the water itself.   The open ended path, which is marked as the Riverside Walk on the Ferry Meadows Visitor Map, can be accessed from either Milton Ferry or Ham Bridge. Access from Milton Ferry Bridge takes you on a pleasant path along the river and past the willow tunnel. The route from Ham Bridge meanwhile, will take you directly towards Bluebell Wood.

I have yet to find a good Bluebell wood closer to Spalding than those listed above so if you do know of one then please do let me know.

If you, like I did, wish to capture memories of you and your children in the bluebells with a relaxed, family friendly bluebell photoshoot. You can book one of my bluebell mini sessions scheduled for the 8th of May.  These will take place in one of the bluebell woods near me, the exact location is confirmed a week before once I have been able to identify the best spot for the year.   Booking goes live on April 1st and if you join my mailing list via the form below you’ll get priority booking on the 31st March.

I hope to see you there!