Travelling with under-2’s 👶
There were a few people I promised I would do a bit of a blog for about travelling with children under 2, so I thought I’d do it now while the kids are sleeping in case anyone is coming out this week with their little ones.
So many people said I was crazy for bringing my 9-month-old, and tour operators don’t recommend children under 2. But I have always said it depends on the child and how you feel about it. Babies obviously live over here anyway! And as I’m lucky enough to know Finland well, I felt comfortable giving it a go. And I thought I’d make it even harder for myself and travel with my kids alone, leaving my partner at home!
This blog mostly talks about my experience travelling to Finland, but hopefully you can take some inspiration and tailor it to your own destination
Top tips:
Bring a pushchair; most paths are flat and work fine. I would have been lost without mine. It helps carry things, too! And it’s a good way to keep them warm, as can get them snuggled up in blankets
Bring a baby carrier or harness. This is more useful for the airport, but it will also come in handy for any trips you take.
Book an apartment or lodge. I am staying at Holiday Club Kuusamo in an apartment in the main building, and it’s perfect. Has absolutely everything you could need. Even a washer and dryer! Microwave to sterilise bottles; you can hire a highchair too. Although I have my own travel ones, which are a godsend! I have put one in the photos. They are a must for anyone travelling anywhere with a baby.
Get a hat that has strings to keep it on; otherwise, you spend most of the time putting it back on.
Buy a collar bib. As they are too small for a scarf, I had to find an alternative to keep his neck warm, and I came across a collar bib. They are brilliant! I got mine from H&M for £3.
The key to keeping them warm is lots of layers. I have put a step-by-step description of what I dressed him in below. He’s been toasty the whole time and has not cried about the cold once.
Buy any formula or food at the airport so it doesn’t take up room in your case.
Bring a baby sleep or grow bag for nighttime. Although rooms are lovely and warm, it stops them from kicking off quilts.
Water is safe to drink here; there is no need to buy bottled. Just obviously boil it first as normal
When buying thermals, go up a size or two. Louie is 9–12, but I have 12–18 thermals, and they fit perfect.
Also, for any top layers, ensure they are looser or bigger so they can go over lots of layers.
Try booking somewhere that has a pool or pool close by, as it’s something to do inside, not always outside - I can help book and recommend the right property for you; just ask
What to Wear:
As I mentioned, there are lots of layers. It’s been -25 here, and not one of us has felt the cold or moaned. (Actually, the eldest moaned that her feet were cold once, but put on an extra sock layer the next day and was fine.)
Top half, in order:
Thermal set (not cotton)
long-sleeved baby vest
Sleep suit with feet in
Another Thermal top
Long-sleeve top
A comfy jumper
The collar bib
All-in-one snow suits (I got mine from Primark, Asda, and M&M Direct) are waterproof and fleece-lined. The best one is actually the Primark one.
Mittens ( I put a pair under the ones that are attached to snow suit)
Bottom half:
Thermal set (trousers)
The sleep suit acts as a trouser layer
A pair of thermal leggings (fleece-lined)
A thin pair of trousers with feet in (photo attached)
Some comfy jogger-style trousers (Primark has some lovely Christmas-themed ones in at the moment)
The sleep suit and trousers with feet then also act as the sock layer (with the snow suit over the top, that’s three warm sock layers).
I have brought some fluffy socks too, but I have not yet needed them.
I have also brought a large blanket that can be folded into as many layers as needed when he’s in his pushchair. I’ve folded it three times. This has also been good for the excursions we have done.
I have kept checking his hands, feet, and face at all times to see if they are warm enough. I think one day he was maybe a tad too warm as his hair was sweating, so I had to take his hood down on his sleep suit, but he has been able to do everything we have done.
Excursions we have done:
Reindeer ride ( we booked the shortest, but to be honest, he would have been fine with bit longer);
Husky ride
We are doing a Northern Lights heated sleigh ride tomorrow
Santa’s secret cottage today (4-hour trip), but there are huts to go in, so I will just keep popping in and out.
Sledding ( he loves being pulled around in it; his sister sits in with him and holds him)
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask, and I’ll get back to you when I can