Vacation With 10 Month Old

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go on a family vacation with a 10 month baby? Now, before you answer, pause and think about the fact that in 10 months your child will be 1 year old. As parents, we must always accept the fact that our kids will grow up and become independent individuals.

The title of this post should surprise no one who knows me. I picked “vacation” as a topic because it is literally what I am doing this month and I felt like sharing my experience. We went to Orlando for 4 days, with the possibility of going back for another three. Orlando may be known for Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom, but did you know it is also the home of Legoland? There are three Legoland parks in the world. Americas and Malaysia have them as well, but we decided to go to Florida’s because that’s where we live.

The time has come. You’ve been working hard all year and have put in your forty (or more) hour work weeks, you’ve respected company time and business hours, and still everyone on your team thinks you should take the vacation days you’ve saved up from all those years ago. You’re finally free to travel to that nearby beach town or ski resort but the question is: Do you leave your baby at home with a caregiver? Or do you bring them along?

Having a baby is life changing and exhausting. Emotionally I was a wreck the whole time, even on my “easy” days (which meant he never cried). It’s pretty overwhelming to have a newborn and it requires you to embrace patience like never before.

Vacation With 10 Month Old

If you’ve always loved travel, there’s no need to check your wanderlust at the nursery room door. Believe it or not, now — while your baby is still, well, a baby — is a great time to get up and go on a getaway. After all, babies and toddlers are lightweight and portable — and it is possible to plan a family vacation with them. Best of all, most airlines and hotels give them a free ride! Not all family vacation spots are created equally, though, if you’ve got young kids in tow.

5 vacation destinations your kids (and you) will love

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Here, our tips and picks for the best in baby-friendly and kid-friendly destinations.

Beach vacations

Beaches are one of the most popular destinations for all travelers. When tot-friendliness — not ocean views — is your prime concern, look for beach spots with plenty of family attractions and services.

family vacations with baby or toddler: beach vacations
Shutterstock / Aleksandar Todoro

Where to go: 

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Why parents will love it: “Prompt Response Line,” allows parents to order anything they need to care for their baby; custom meals for severe food allergies; Johnson & Johnson Gentle Travel Kits; Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) and Sea Squirts interactive marine animal program and feedings for kids ages 3 and up; CPR certified babysitters; luxurious Mandara Spa.

Why kids will love it: 141 acres of water attractions including Splashers, a waterplay area just for tots; 50,000 fish and sea creatures; make-your-own stuffed animals at Atlantis Pals; free nightly family movies.

Cost: $$$$

When to go: Year-round with great rates during fall months

Best for: Families who love water activities, particularly those with at least one school-aged child.

More great options:

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Explore a national park

A national park is the perfect place to cultivate a lifelong love of nature. Toddlers will be wide-eyed and wondrous at the towering trees, blue sky and curious critters they encounter in these great green spaces — best seen from the stroller, child carrier or bike trailer.

family vacations with baby or toddler: national park vacations
Shutterstock / bjul

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Why parents will love it: With mountain vistas, tropical rainforests, and coastal tidepools, it’s got three eco-systems to discover; there are several bike paths and stroller-friendly hiking trails (get suggestions from the visitor’s center); East Beach has a shallow swimming area with sandy shore for digging and castle making;  has a toasty mineral water wading pool (and day use rates), so you can soak with your little one safely beside you; picnic areas are scattered throughout the park for alfresco meals; and there’s lodging in and outside the park.

Why kids will love it: In the forest they’ll discover bright yellow banana slugs and skittering salamanders, and glow worms after sunset; the tidepools are filled with sea stars, crabs, snails and tiny fish; the Discovery Room in the park’s main visitor center has interactive touch tables and a pint-sized Ranger Station playhouse, with puppets, dress-up clothes and more.

Cost: $ – $$

When to go: Summer and Fall

Best for: Outdoorsy families

More great options:

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Visit a farm

Little kids love feeding baby animals and helping to bake homemade cookies, two of the many activities that are often part of farm stays. In addition, visiting a family-friendly farm can be a fun, economical getaway for your whole gang.

family vacations with baby or toddler: farm trips
Shutterstock / WDG Photo

Where to go: 

Cool option: 

Why parents will love it: Escaping the hustle-bustle of the city for a relaxing change of pace; enjoying warm hospitality and delicious food; teaching kids about farm life.

Why kids will love it: Feeding baby animals; milking cows and goats; playing with kittens; hay rides; fall corn mazes; bonfires and s’mores; fishing; kite flying.

Cost: $ – $$

When to go: May through October

Best for: Families who enjoy animals, nature and home cooked meals — particularly those who need an escape from the big city.

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