When Malope was 10 months old, we took an 8 hour road trip to the coastal town of Watamu. Just the three of us❤.

The idea of taking a holiday was so refreshing until I had to face the reality of taking baby on the road…outside Nairobi for the first time…to a Malaria zone… that’s blazing hot… with Daddy intending to get Malope into the pool for the first time… Mummy was on full panic mode!!?

In the end, it turned out to be such a lovely time with my family. Looking back, here are key things that made our trip such a success and are worth considering when you decide to take baby on the road.

Enjoying the sun and sand in Watamu?

1. Draw up your lists
Do this way in advance. List everything thing you will need on the road and at your destination. I had a separate list for each one of us.

2. Pack the right clothes and shoes
Obviously, carrying lots of light clothing in this case was the way to go. How much you carry depends on how long you will be gone and whether or not you can or want to wash baby’s clothes while away on holiday. And I discovered just how expensive baby swim wear can be. Cheaper options exist if you are willing to look around.

3. Setting off before sunrise
It was good that we hit the road so early in the day while Malope slept. She stayed asleep for quite a while.

4. Comfy car seat
Making sure baby has a good car seat helps. However, those rest stops are important and allows you to get baby out of the seat to stretch just like you do. It also helped that we carried a baby stroller.

5. Accommodation while on holiday
I can’t express enough how much easier it was to have self-contained accommodation while on holiday with a baby. I would recommend renting a villa or apartment. Many believe they are an expensive option… while in many respects they are a lot cheaper than hotel accommodation and allow you the flexibility to prepare and store your own baby food, wash baby clothes if you must, wash baby bottles and utensils easily. You have the option of hiring someone to cook meals etc. Should one opt for hotel accommodation,  there are many hotels that will go out of their way to ensure that your stay with kids is comfortable and really pleasant.

6. To have or not to have a nanny
We didn’t take Malope’s nanny with us. We thought she needed to be with her own family at that time of the year. However, if possible to have extra hands to help with baby then, go right ahead. You and your significant other may want to go to places and enjoy activities that aren’t exactly baby-friendly 

7. Baby’s health on the road
I stayed worried about Malaria throughout our holiday. We visited Malope’s paedetrician prior to travel and followed his advice. We made sure we had mosquito repellant on her all the time and made sure she slept under a mosquito net. Sometimes, babies will still fall sick despite these preventive measures. Therefore, remain vigilant once you return from your holiday for any signs of ill-health. Also, make sure baby stays well hydrated. Also, let’s not forget that during this Covid-19 season, our babies health depends on the precautions that adults take. Lets keep safe while on the go.

Above all else, enjoy your trip!!??