After becoming a mum in November 2021, journalist Nicola Agius was excited for her baby Louis to experience his first holiday abroad. We asked her to share her experience and advice for new parents, from travelling on a plane to what to consider from your hotel...
I couldn’t wait to take my baby on his first holiday. But while the thought of sun-drenched days playing in the pool filled me with excitement, I had so many questions. Where is best to go on holiday with a baby, what time of year should we jet off and how do you travel on a plane with a little one? Let’s start at the beginning.
Choosing the best family holiday destinations
After running every question imaginable past Google, we decided to take our nine-month-old son Louis to Malta. My father is Maltese and I know the island very well, so it felt like a good choice to make the whole experience a little less overwhelming. The Mediterranean island is just a 2 hour and 45 minute flight away from London, the sun shines there all year round, the country is rich in history, culture and family-friendly activities, and, on a more practical note, if you’re planning to hire a car like us, it’s handy to know that the Maltese also drive on the left.
Traveling on a plane with a baby
Now flying with a baby can seem daunting, my main tip would be to research your airline, particularly when it comes to their family baggage allowance. We flew with Air Malta, which allows you to check in a car seat and collapsible buggy completely free of charge! As our buggy is travel system-compatible, we put Louis in his car seat, which was attached to the pram, until we got to the departure gate. Just before we boarded, a member of staff took both items to store in the hold and they were returned when we arrived in Malta at baggage reclaim.
Once we were on board our flight, we were given a special seat belt for Louis, which was strapped around him while he sat on my lap. On the advice of some friends, I decided to start breastfeeding Louis just before takeoff to help prevent any potential discomfort from his ears popping. This trick worked like a charm – so much so, Louis fell asleep before takeoff and remained in the land of nod for pretty much the entire journey.
If you’re worried about a potential poonami mid-flight disaster, as someone who has been there and bought the T-shirt, I can assure you that there are baby changing facilities on board flights and not to panic! It not only happens, it’s more common than you realise.
Things to consider from your accommodation
We stayed at a five-star boutique hotel in Senglea called the Cugó Gran Macina. Overlooking Malta’s historic Grand Harbour, where the rich and famous like to park their superyachts, it’s just a short water taxi or car ride away from the island’s capital, Valletta. I personally loved this location as while we were minutes away from some of the island’s best attractions, Senglea is peaceful and quiet – essential tools for getting baby to sleep at night.
Staying at a smaller boutique hotel meant that it was less busy and more relaxing around the rooftop pool. There was no competition for sun beds, and apart from one other family, we had the water completely to ourselves.
Although the walls of the Cugó Gran Macina were built almost half a millennium ago (I told you this island is steeped in history), the decor inside is so beautifully contemporary. Our stay was perfect. The only issue a new parent might have staying here is that the rooms do not come with a bathtub, instead, there is a large wet room. So we had to replace bathtime with shower time as part of Louis’ bedtime routine.
Find baby friendly activities
So, what is there to do with a baby in Malta? Well, if you love learning about history and culture but are worried about little ones getting bored, check out Rolling Geeks. This unique tour of Malta’s iconic three cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, takes place in a safe, self-driving, electric car with a pre-recorded narration, turning a history lesson into a fairground ride. It was ideal for us as the sunroof ensured Louis was kept cool in the shade and he seemed very stimulated by all the sights as we zoomed by in the open vehicle.
One of Louis’ favourite hobbies back home is looking at fish and animals, so we made sure to visit the Malta National Aquarium during our trip. Home to 175 different species, our little boy was completely in his element as he explored some of the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea. We also took him to Esplora, Malta’s science museum, where there are daily special shows staged in the planetarium aimed specifically at young children, which he loved.
A top highlight of our holiday was our boat trip to the Blue Grotto. Getting down the steep hill to the boat wasn’t the easiest with a buggy, but we managed and the friendly locals, who all seem to love babies, were incredibly helpful. Louis’ face was just priceless when we sailed through the crystal-clear waters and toured the rocky caves.
If you have small children, it’s definitely worth checking out Popeye's Village too – even if your little one hasn’t seen the film, the attraction’s private beach is a gorgeous way to spend the day. There is also the Playmobil Fun Park in Birżebbuġa, which is a castle-themed indoor and outdoor play centre for young children. It’s air conditioned inside so a win for mums and dads too!
Visiting restaurants with baby abroad
Malta boasts some incredible restaurants such as Ta’ Karolina in Gozo, where we tucked into some freshly caught lampuki, and Aaron’s Kitchen in Valletta, where we indulged in the most perfectly roasted lamb. However, when travelling with a baby, I’d recommend making sure the restaurants you visit have changing facilities and are air conditioned rather than making decisions based purely on a menu.
Surfside, which sits on the coast of Sliema, offers incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea and has spacious changing facilities. We also loved Coogi’s Pizzeria in Mdina – the food was fantastic, the restaurant was air conditioned, changing facilities were great and our bill came to less than £30!
Cost of family holiday
As we're all trying to watch the pennies, it's of course worth bearing in mind the price of your holiday with your new addition. Fortunately if you travel with your baby when they're young enough, they won't cost you an extra plane seat! Children under two travel for free with most airlines - although you may prefer them to have their own seat for longer flights as they, and you, will be more comfortable. You can also normally get family rooms, or decent sized double rooms that will fit a travel cot without an additional charge.
For our trip, you can get return flights to Malta from as little as £53 depending on what time of year you go. A night at the Cugó Gran Macina starts from around £190 per family – this also includes a welcome drink and breakfast at the hotel’s Michelin-listed Hammett’s restaurant.
Tips for travelling abroad with a baby
Consider the location carefully
As a new mum, safety is now my top priority when booking a holiday – and I loved how safe I felt in Malta. One evening, we visited the beautiful city of Mdina for dinner and I couldn’t help but notice how many elderly men and women filled park benches while treating themselves to ice cream as they caught up with friends. The atmosphere was so relaxing – just what new parents need!
Research the climate and humidity when you visit
Malta is a great holiday destination for babies – it’s so family-friendly, offers great food, beautiful weather and is packed with activities for children. However, for our next holiday, I would not only research the temperature of holiday destinations but also the humidity. Although September is cooler in Malta than peak summer, the humidity was high, so I’d prefer to come back in spring.
Get in touch with your hotel
Inform your hotel if you need a travel cot BEFORE you travel. If they have a restaurant or you're going all inclusive you could also check about high chairs and what baby friendly facilities they have on site.
If you’re travelling to a hot country, make air conditioning a top priority when deciding where to stay and what attractions or restaurants to visit.
Embrace a new normal
Expect your bedtime routine to go out the window while you’re away – everything will go back to normal when you get home.
Pack a nursing pillow
Take a nursing pillow on the plane so you have your hands free to watch your iPad while baby is sleeping.
Time your feeds
Feed baby just before takeoff as it will ease any discomfort if their ears pop.
Check bottled water
If giving baby bottled water abroad, check the label to ensure sodium (Na) is less than 200mg per litre and sulphate is less than 250mg per litre.
Travel-friendly liquids
Baby food and Sudocrem count as liquids so make sure each container meets airport security requirements.
Check what you can take through security
You can take sterilised water through security at the airport, so fill your baby’s bottle before you go. You'll also be able to bring stored breast milk in liquid form, not frozen, and must be presented in individual containers no larger than 2l. Double check the recommendations for the airport you're travelling from and to.
Milton tablets are a lifesaver
To clean and sterilise baby’s bottles and food equipment on holiday, ask your hotel for a bowl, new sponge and washing up liquid for cleaning and then sterilise everything using Milton tablets.
Add buffer time
Give yourself extra time at the airport than you normally would.
For more information on holidays to Malta, please visit www.visitmalta.com.