When I was asked if I would like to host a guest post containing tips about taking your toddler to Spain I jumped at the chance. After our scary holiday to Menorca last year I was keen to pick up some ideas.
Guest Post
Taking your toddler to Spain is much easier than you think. A little preparation before your trip will make things go smoother for you as you travel. From secrets to keeping your kids quiet on the flight to Spain to finding kid-friendly cuisine in Spain, this guide will make a trip abroad with your little one seem like child’s play.
Where to Stay with Your Baby
Many accommodations are fit for you to stay at with small children. For example, Barcelona offers a number of hotels fit for families. The Holiday Inn Express Barcelona, Mur Mar Apart Hotel, and Triunfo Hotel offer larger rooms and extra beds for small children. Some accommodations also offer amenities for parents. This can be anything from playpens and cribs to activity bags and toy chests for toddler.
Where to Find Baby Food
Baby food can be found in supermarkets as well as pharmacies throughout Spain. The main brands you’ll find are Hero, HIPP Organic, and Nestle. If you prefer making your own homemade baby food, you can pick up fruits and vegetables at the market, cook them and blend them on your own. This is only ideal if your lodging has a kitchen you can use or if you’re staying with relatives or friends in Spain.
Locating Nappies and Other Essentials
You’ll find familiar brands like Pampers and Huggies in the way of disposable nappies but very little in regards to cloth nappies in Spain. If you don’t have access to a washing machine, it may be very difficult for you to wash and dry your toddler’s nappies. Consider having a package or two of disposables on hand just in case you can’t get things washed right away.
Eating Out with Your Baby with You
The restaurants in Spain are usually kid-friendly. In fact, most have a child’s menu for you to choose from. If your little one is a finicky eater or gets fussy late at night, avoid the busiest dining establishments because the noise can overwhelm them. Opt for smaller restaurants where things are a bit more low-key and quieter. You’ll find a variety of traditional Spanish dishes for your little one to sample.
Healthcare for Little Ones
If your child gets sick while in Spain, take him or her to the nearest emergency facility. This can be a healthcare centre or emergency room. The point is to receive care as quickly as possible. Pharmacies are often a good resource for basic medical knowledge. Many staff members speak English which makes it easy for you to communicate with them if you’re a non-Spanish speaker.
Getting around Cities with Small Children in Tow
Toddlers travel free and safely in Spain via bus. This mode of transportation is air conditioned with safety belts to keep your little one in place as you move down the street. You can also ride in taxi cabs, rental vehicles, and trains. You may consider purchasing or renting a child seat once in the country for extra protection.
Taking your toddler to Spain with you doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are plenty of ways to prepare for your trip. By arming yourself with knowledge, you will be prepared to deal with any obstacle that comes your way. You’ll know which accommodations to stay at, where to buy supplies for your child, which restaurants are child-friendly, what types of medical care are available abroad, how to get around major cities with your toddler in tow and how to find cheap tickets to Spain. This will help you plan your days accordingly and you won’t miss a minute of sightseeing in Spain because you were forced to spend hours looking for a familiar brand of formula.
