Taking a baby on holiday for the first time feels a bit like moving house—with none of the furniture but all the logistics. In September, we flew to Valencia, Spain, with our 5-month-old baby for our first family adventure abroad.

Spoiler: it was the perfect place to start.

This post covers everything we learned from flying with a young baby, to baby-friendly things to do in Valencia, what we packed, and what we’d do differently next time. If you’re searching for advice on your first holiday with a baby or want to know what it’s like travelling with a 5-month-old, keep reading.

✈️ Flying with a 5-Month-Old: How We Managed the Journey

We were anxious about the flight—but it turned out to be more manageable than we feared. At this age, babies are often still small enough to sleep in your arms and aren’t yet mobile. That helped. Here’s how we prepared:

  • Booked flights around nap time (mid-morning worked well for us)

  • Fed during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure (bottle or breast)

  • Used a baby carrier in the airport and for boarding—it was much easier than faffing with the pram

  • Packed a small changing pouch with nappies, wipes, and a mat that was easy to whip out without rummaging through a giant bag

  • Brought a full change of clothes for baby AND us (because you only forget to do that once…)

💡 TIP: At 5 months, babies are usually still lap infants, so you don’t need to buy them a seat—but definitely ask the airline for a front-row or bulkhead seat if available.

🏨 Where We Stayed: Apartment Living Made Life Easier

We chose a self-catering apartment near the Turia Gardens in central Valencia. For us, this was the best setup with a baby:

✅ A separate bedroom so we could stay up once baby was asleep
 ✅ Kitchen to warm bottles or make baby-friendly meals
 ✅ Washing machine (a luxury when travelling with a spit-up-prone baby)
 ✅ Close to shops, pharmacies, and cafés for emergency supplies or snack runs

We brought our own travel cot but noticed many places offered one on request. If you’re doing this, just ask ahead and check if sheets are included.

🌿 Why Valencia Was So Baby-Friendly (Especially in September)

We didn’t realise just how baby-friendly Valencia would be—but it’s easily one of the best cities in Europe for families with young children.

  • Flat and walkable – great for pushing a pram without breaking a sweat

  • Green spaces everywhere – especially the Turia Gardens, which runs through the city like a big leafy ribbon

  • Relaxed atmosphere – no one blinked when we breastfed in public or needed to stop and change a nappy

  • Warm but not scorching – September offered perfect weather (mid-20s), ideal for little ones

🍼 What We Packed for a 5-Month-Old Baby in Valencia

Here’s what we brought and used every single day:

  • Lightweight pram with a good sunshade

  • Baby carrier for quick walks or when baby needed contact naps

  • Travel steriliser (microwave or cold water tablets)

  • Baby monitor – great for evenings spent in the lounge or on the balcony

  • Blackout blind – helped baby nap longer in the morning

  • Pre-measured formula in powder dispensers

  • Bottle cooler bag

  • Muslins x 100 (or at least 8…)

  • Plenty of baby clothes (layers for the cooler evenings)

We overpacked baby toys—they were more interested in empty water bottles and sun hats.

💡 TIP: Valencia has big supermarkets like Mercadona and Carrefour that stock nappies, wipes, formula, and baby food pouches—so don’t panic if you forget something.

👶 Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Valencia

Our days revolved around naps, feeds, and gentle exploration. And honestly? It was lovely. Here’s what we recommend:

🌳 1. Turia Gardens

This former riverbed-turned-park was just steps from our apartment and became our go-to for morning walks and afternoon strolls. It’s shaded, pram-friendly, and full of fountains, bridges, and play areas.

🐠 2. L’Oceanogràfic (Aquarium)

We were unsure whether it would be too much stimulation, but it ended up being a hit. The dim lighting and moving fish were like baby meditation. There are lifts and good changing facilities too.

🏖 3. Valencia Beach

In September, the beach was warm and quiet. We took a pop-up sun tent, let baby kick on a towel in the shade, and dipped toes in the sea. We only stayed an hour or so before heading back for naps.

☕ 4. Exploring the Old Town

We wore the baby in a carrier and wandered slowly through cobbled streets, stopping for tinto de verano and tapas in shaded plazas. Many restaurants had outdoor seating, so baby could nap in the pram beside us.

💡 TIP: Valencia’s public transport (buses and metro) is pram-friendly, but we walked almost everywhere—it’s that easy.

💤 Naps, Feeds & Sleep Abroad: What Helped

We were nervous about how naps would work on holiday, but this was our rough routine:

  • One nap in the cot/apartment each day

  • One nap in the pram or carrier while we explored

  • Nighttime routine stayed the same – bath (or a wipe-down), bottle, sleep

We used a white noise app, kept bedtime consistent, and accepted that naps would be a bit flexible. Some days baby slept loads, others not so much—but we rolled with it.

🍽 Eating Out with a Baby in Valencia

The Spanish are famously family-oriented, and we felt so welcomed everywhere we went.

  • Most cafés and restaurants were happy to accommodate a pram

  • Baby changing facilities were hit or miss, so we often changed baby in the pram or found a quiet corner

  • No one batted an eye at feeding in public, and we had a few waiters cooing over baby mid-meal

💡 TIP: Eat early for more space and quiet (and to avoid overtired baby meltdowns).

💬 Final Thoughts: Our First Holiday as a Family of Three

Were we nervous? Definitely. Did we overpack? Of course. But would we do it again?

100% yes.

Valencia in September was a dream: warm, laid-back, easy to get around, and welcoming. Travelling with a 5-month-old was way more doable than we expected—and more than that, it was magical. Watching baby experience new sights, sounds, and fresh air… it’s something we’ll never forget.

If you’re planning your first holiday with a baby, we can’t recommend Valencia enough. It strikes the perfect balance of culture, calm, and comfort.

✅ Quick Checklist: Travelling to Valencia with a 5-Month-Old

  • Passport (check expiry!)

  • Pram + carrier

  • Travel sterilising method

  • Bottles and formula (pre-measured is best)

  • Sunshade, hats, muslins

  • Lightweight clothes + warm layers

  • Travel blackout + white noise

  • Baby monitor for evenings

  • Medical kit: baby paracetamol, thermometer, teething gel

  • Spare clothes (for everyone)

  • Snacks and water for you—you’re still the parent after all

Our First Big Trip with a 7-Month-Old: Dubai in November (Tips + What We Learned)

We were nervous. A 7-month-old, a 6-hour flight, a completely different time zone, and a desert climate? But after a week in Dubai in November, we can confidently say: it was one of the best decisions we’ve made as a new family.

Whether you’re planning your first family holiday with a baby, or already booked and wondering what on earth to pack, this post covers everything we wish we knew before going—from flight tips, to baby-friendly activities, and how we managed heat, naps, and routines abroad.

🛫 Flying with a 7-Month-Old: Tips for Surviving (and Thriving)

Let’s be real: flying with a baby isn’t fun—but it’s 100% doable with the right prep.

Here’s what worked for us on a 6.5-hour flight from London to Dubai:

  • We booked a night flight to coincide with baby’s longest stretch of sleep. Surprisingly, it worked.

  • We requested a bassinet seat in advance (call your airline—it’s not always automatic).

  • Carried baby in a sling through the airport. So much easier than collapsing a pram at security.

  • Packed a full change of clothes for baby and ourselves. Because we did not want to smell like sour milk at 30,000 feet.

  • Took pre-filled bottles + sterilised water, as well as ready-made formula in case of delays.

  • Used dummy or bottle during take-off and landing to ease ear pressure.

💡 TIP: Most Middle Eastern airlines are incredibly baby-friendly. Emirates, for example, gave us a baby kit with wipes, bibs, and toys!

🏨 Where We Stayed (and Why It Mattered)

We booked a suite-style hotel on Jumeirah Beach with a separate lounge area. Game changer.

✅ Gave us space to hang out once baby was asleep
 ✅ On-site restaurants = easy dinners without leaving the hotel
 ✅ Requested cot, baby bath, and even a steriliser from the hotel
 ✅ Access to beach and shaded pool within 2 mins of the lift

💡 TIP: If budget allows, get a room with a balcony. We had wine and takeaway dinner out there every night once the baby was down—it felt like a date.

☀️ Dubai Weather in November (and How We Handled It with a Baby)

  • Average daytime temps: 28–32°C, but much cooler mornings and evenings.

  • We went out early mornings (7–11am) and late afternoons (4–7pm).

  • Stayed indoors or poolside in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

  • Used a SnoozeShade over the pram, wide-brim baby hat, SPF 50+ baby suncream, and breathable muslins for cover.

Baby coped really well in the heat—but hydration (bottle every 1–1.5 hours) and keeping cool were priorities.

🍼 Our Baby Travel Essentials (What We Actually Used Daily)

We way overpacked, but here’s what was truly useful:

  • Lightweight, folding pram with a big sun canopy

  • Baby carrier for airport and crowded places

  • Swim nappies + baby wetsuit for the pool

  • Pop-up sun tent for beach time

  • Sterilising tablets (we used the hotel sink)

  • Baby monitor for evenings in the hotel

  • Portable blackout blind for naps in bright hotel rooms

  • Cooler bag for milk

  • Teething toys (7 months = everything in the mouth)

We found local supermarkets stocked everything, including Aptamil formula, Pampers nappies, and baby food pouches.

👶 Baby-Friendly Activities in Dubai

We kept things simple—but Dubai’s accessibility and modern infrastructure made it easy:

1. Jumeirah Public Beach

We went early, laid a big towel in the shade, and let baby play with beach toys. We stayed under 90 minutes and always left before the heat built up.

2. Dubai Mall & Aquarium

Sounds random—but Dubai Mall is air-conditioned, has lifts everywhere, baby change rooms, and plenty of cafés to stop for feeds. The aquarium tunnel was magical—baby was mesmerised.

3. Souk Madinat Jumeirah

A quieter, shaded shopping area with traditional architecture and canals. Lovely for a gentle stroll and coffee break.

4. Hotel Pool Time

Every afternoon, we set up under a parasol by the pool. Baby napped in the pram while we dipped in and out of the water.

💡 TIP: Keep a muslin soaked in cold water to cool baby’s legs and arms in the heat.

💤 Nap Schedule & Routines While Travelling

We didn’t try to replicate our home routine exactly—but we did:

  • Keep nap timings similar (give or take 30 minutes)

  • Stick to our normal bath-feed-sleep routine at night

  • Use white noise + blackout to help with unfamiliar sleep spaces

  • Make sure baby had one proper nap in the cot/room daily (the rest in the pram)

Was it perfect? No. But keeping a few familiar touchpoints helped.

💬 Final Thoughts: Would We Recommend Dubai with a Baby?

Absolutely.

Yes, it takes more planning. Yes, you’ll carry twice as much luggage. And no, it’s not a “relaxing” holiday in the traditional sense. But seeing your baby light up with new experiences, adapting as a family, and making it work together? Totally worth it.

If you’re considering travelling with a 7-month-old or looking for a baby-friendly holiday destination in November, Dubai is surprisingly perfect. Sunshine, comfort, and enough modern convenience to make things feel doable.

Travelling with a Baby – Quick Checklist: Dubai Edition

✅ Passport + printed birth certificate (some airlines require both)
 ✅ Travel insurance that covers babies
 ✅ Pram, carrier, blackout, bottles, sun protection
 ✅ Hotel with cot + separate sleeping space
 ✅ Pack more baby clothes than you think you need
 ✅ Plan nothing for day one (just settle in)
 ✅ Keep outings short and flexible
 ✅ Bring your sense of humour (you’ll need it)

Travelling to Singapore with a 10-Month-Old: Our Baby-Friendly City Break

Let’s just say, Singapore understood the assignment. We weren’t sure how a bustling, humid city would work for our first long-haul trip with a 10-month-old—but it turned out to be one of the most baby-friendly places we’ve ever visited.

This blog covers everything you need to know about travelling to Singapore with a baby, from the flight, to the baby-friendly attractions, to surviving naps, humidity, and jet lag with a nearly-toddling little one.

✈️ The Flight: 13 Hours with a Baby… Gulp

Singapore is far. Like, really far. But here’s what helped make the flight bearable:

  • We booked a night flight, and our 10-month-old thankfully slept for about half of it.

  • Requested a bassinet from the airline (note: at 10 months, baby might be too long/heavy for some, but we still got the front row which gave us more legroom).

  • Packed new toys, teething biscuits, and snacks to keep baby entertained.

  • Used a baby carrier for boarding and walking the aisles during wake windows.

  • Had spare outfits for everyone, multiple bibs, and wipes within easy reach.

💡 TIP: If baby’s crawling or pulling up, pack a clean playmat or blanket for airport layovers and hotel floors.

🏨 Where We Stayed: Baby-Friendly Accommodation in Singapore

We chose a serviced apartment in the Orchard Road area, and we’re so glad we did. Here’s why:

✅ Kitchenette to prep bottles/snacks
 ✅ Washer/dryer (because babies generate laundry like it’s their job)
 ✅ Separate sleeping space for baby
 ✅ Access to pool + play area

Singapore hotels are generally high standard, but check ahead for:

  • Cot/crib availability

  • Highchair options

  • Proximity to MRT stations (pavements can be uneven in parts, so walking far with a stroller isn’t always ideal)

☀️ How We Handled the Heat and Humidity

Singapore is humid year-round, so keeping baby cool and hydrated was a top priority.

  • Early outings + midday breaks in the hotel

  • Battery-operated pram fan (a must!)

  • Wide-brim sunhat + UV swimwear

  • Muslins dampened with cool water for wiping down arms and neck

  • Hydrating snacks like watermelon and cucumber (great for teething too)

We were out and about from 8am to 11:30am, then returned to the hotel for lunch, a long nap, and a quiet afternoon swim.

👶 What We Packed for Our 10-Month-Old in Singapore

Here’s our essential list (and what we’re glad we brought):

  • Travel pram with good ventilation + sunshade

  • Carrier for busy markets and public transport

  • Portable high chair (we used the fabric type that attaches to chairs)

  • Foldable travel mat for playtime in the hotel

  • Teething toys and calming essentials (baby was cutting two top teeth on the trip!)

  • Snacks, formula, and travel steriliser

  • Blackout blind + white noise machine

💡 TIP: Singapore has excellent supermarkets and pharmacies (FairPrice, Cold Storage, Guardian, Watsons). You’ll find nappies, wipes, baby food, and formula easily—so don’t stress if you forget something.

🌆 Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Singapore

We were blown away by how accessible and baby-friendly most attractions were. Here’s what we loved:

🌿 1. Gardens by the Bay

  • Air-conditioned domes = baby heaven

  • Wide paths for prams, shady spots for snacks

  • The lights at night are magical (but bring the carrier—it gets busy)

🐒 2. Singapore Zoo + River Wonders

  • One of the world’s best zoos—seriously

  • Lots of shaded areas, water play zones, and clean baby change facilities

  • Rent a wagon or bring your own pram

🌳 3. Singapore Botanic Gardens

  • Free entry, beautiful lake, and loads of picnic space

  • Easy to navigate with a stroller

  • Great for a low-key morning with a takeaway kopi in hand

🛍 4. Marina Bay Sands + Mall

  • Escalators, lifts, air-con, and plenty of pram access

  • We took baby to the SkyPark observation deck (very windy, but fun!)

  • Ended up having lunch at Din Tai Fung—baby ate steamed egg while we devoured dumplings

🚂 5. MRT Adventures

  • Singapore’s MRT is clean, efficient, and has lift access everywhere

  • We did a little route each day and got off wherever looked fun—Haji Lane, Chinatown, Little India

💤 Managing Naps, Jet Lag and Baby Sleep

The time difference between the UK and Singapore is 7–8 hours, so we took a flexible approach.

  • We kept bedtime and wake-up times close to our usual routine, slowly adjusting over a few days

  • Baby napped in the pram during outings and had at least one proper nap in the cot

  • Used familiar sleep cues—white noise, sleeping bag, comforter—to ease the transition

  • Accepted that first couple of nights might be rough, but babies adjust faster than we think!

💡 TIP: We landed in the evening and kept baby awake until local bedtime, then all went to bed early. It helped reset everyone.

🍜 Eating Out in Singapore with a Baby

We ate well—and surprisingly easily—with a baby in tow:

  • Hawker centres are casual, fast, and full of high chairs. No one minds if baby makes noise.

  • Mall restaurants often provide highchairs and baby-friendly menus (or soft foods you can share)

  • Feeding in public is totally accepted, and most malls have private baby rooms if you prefer

Our baby tried steamed rice, soft tofu, mango, and even a bit of Hainanese chicken rice!

💬 Final Thoughts: Is Singapore Baby-Friendly?

YES, yes, and yes.

Singapore has the cleanliness of Japan, the ease of Europe, and the tropical adventure of Southeast Asia—all in one. Travelling with a 10-month-old there was actually easier than some UK city breaks we’ve done.

If you’re considering a first big trip with a baby, Singapore in your baby’s first year is a brilliant choice. Safe, clean, warm, and full of places to explore at your own pace.

✅ Singapore with a Baby: Quick Checklist

  • Passport + birth certificate copy

  • Travel pram + sling

  • Travel high chair

  • Nappies, wipes, formula (but also easy to buy locally)

  • Sun hats, fans, light clothes

  • Swim nappies + pool gear

  • Teething toys + snacks

  • Familiar sleep items

  • Travel insurance that covers infants

  • Emergency meds (baby paracetamol, teething gel, etc.)

Travelling Through Malaysia with a 10-Month-Old: Singapore ✈️ Kuala Lumpur ✈️ Langkawi

After our first few days soaking up the sights (and air-con) in Singapore, we continued our Southeast Asian adventure with our 10-month-old by hopping over to Kuala Lumpur and then flying up to Langkawi for some beach time.

Travelling with a baby in Asia was something we were nervous about—but between short flights, baby-friendly hotels, and the warm, welcoming culture, we honestly had the time of our lives.

Here’s everything we learned, packed, and loved—plus practical tips if you’re planning to explore Malaysia with a baby.

✈️ Flight 1: Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (45 mins)

We flew Singapore Airlines and the flight was short enough that we barely had time to finish a snack before landing.

What helped:

  • Fed baby during take-off and landing to ease ear pressure

  • Carried baby in a sling through the airport—it made security and boarding much smoother

  • Pre-packed bottles and snacks just in case of delays

  • Had a light activity or teether on hand (though baby mostly enjoyed staring at the safety card)

💡 TIP: Don’t forget your liquids rule still applies! In Changi Airport, baby formula and sterilised water were allowed, but always pack them separately for easy inspection.

🏙 Kuala Lumpur with a Baby: What We Did & Loved

Kuala Lumpur was bustling, colourful, and packed with sensory stimulation—perfect for a curious 10-month-old. We stayed 3 nights, and that felt just right before heading to the coast.

🏨 Where We Stayed

We booked a city hotel with a pool near KLCC, with a cot provided. Bonus points for in-room dining and a view of the Petronas Towers.

👶 Baby-Friendly Activities in KL:

  • KLCC Park + Playground – Great wide paths for the pram, shady benches, and a soft-surface playground.

  • Aquaria KLCC – Small but fun, and a welcome break from the heat.

  • Petronas Towers (outside) – We did an early morning walk around the fountains while baby napped in the stroller.

  • Suria KLCC Mall – Clean baby rooms, air conditioning, lifts everywhere, and plenty of feeding-friendly cafés.

💡 TIP: KL pavements can be uneven—some days we used the baby carrier more than the pram when exploring central streets or Bukit Bintang.

🍽 Eating Out in KL with a Baby

Malaysia is so family-friendly. We found high chairs at most restaurants and plenty of baby-friendly dishes to share—soft rice, dhal, steamed veggies, and roti.

Hawker stalls were doable, but we stuck to early dinners to avoid crowds and heat.

✈️ Flight 2: Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi (1 hour)

Another short hop—this time to paradise. We flew AirAsia and kept it simple:

  • Used carrier at both airports (KLIA2 is a bit of a maze)

  • Brought light toys and pre-mixed formula

  • Flight was smooth, and baby slept for half of it in our arms

💡 TIP: We booked front row seats to board early and get more space.

🌴 Langkawi with a Baby: Beach Days & Bliss

Langkawi was the relaxing exhale we needed after the cities. White sand, warm water, and just enough to do without feeling rushed.

We stayed 5 nights, split across two resorts for variety.

🏨 Where We Stayed

  1. Pelangi Beach Resort – Right on the beach, walkable to shops, and had baby facilities like a cot and high chair.

  2. Berjaya Langkawi Resort – Jungle-meets-beach vibes, with spacious chalets and a beautiful baby-friendly pool.

👶 Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Langkawi

  • Beach mornings – We set up a sun tent by 8am and left by 10:30 before the heat peaked

  • Cable Car + Sky Bridge – We wore baby in a carrier and went early to beat queues

  • Island hopping boat tour – We skipped this due to nap schedules but many resorts offer private boat hires if you’re up for it

  • Swimming – The warm, shallow beach was perfect for splashing

  • Walks around the resort – Lots of wildlife to spot (monkeys, butterflies, geckos!)

💡 TIP: Sand and humidity = more outfit changes than expected. Bring extras and rinse baby’s skin in cool water after beach time.

🍼 What We Packed for Malaysia (and Used Daily)

  • Travel pram with sunshade

  • Baby carrier (used daily)

  • Formula + travel steriliser

  • Baby-safe mosquito repellent + patches

  • SPF 50 baby suncream

  • Wide-brim hat + UV rash vest

  • Snacks, bibs, and portable high chair

  • Blackout blind for hotels

  • Lightweight muslins and extra sleepsuits

  • Familiar sleep items: sleeping bag, white noise, comforter

  • Baby paracetamol, thermometer, teething gel

💡 TIP: You can find most baby items in malls in KL and Langkawi—Watsons and Guardian stock nappies, wipes, and baby toiletries.

😴 Managing Sleep and Routines on the Go

By 10 months, baby had a routine—and we tried to keep naps somewhat consistent.

  • Morning nap often happened in the pram or carrier while exploring

  • One proper nap back at the hotel helped with longer stretches at night

  • Jet lag was easier since we adjusted in Singapore first, but expect early wake-ups at first

  • Evenings were spent on the balcony with baby asleep inside and the monitor nearby

💬 Final Thoughts: A Multi-City Southeast Asia Trip with a Baby?

Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.

Yes, it was sweaty. Yes, we packed like we were moving house. But it was also exciting, easy in all the right ways, and such a joy to travel as a three.

If you’re thinking about travelling through Singapore and Malaysia with a baby, this route is ideal:

  • Short flights

  • Baby-friendly cities

  • Resorts where parents can finally relax

  • Amazing food, warm people, and tons of nature

✅ Malaysia with a Baby: Quick Travel Checklist

  • Passport + copies of birth certificate

  • Pram + carrier

  • Travel cot (if not provided)

  • Portable blackout + monitor

  • Travel steriliser

  • Baby SPF, hat, rash vest

  • Rehydration sachets + baby meds

  • Light clothing + layers for A/C

  • White noise + familiar sleep aids

  • Snacks, formula, bottles