Cruise with 7 month old, any tips

[LainyDoc]

Hi

 

we have booked our first cruise, IOS 11 day med/canary islands in April. We will be going with our 3 yo daughter and 7 month old son. We've been on lots of hols with our daughter but as this is our first cruise with an infant I'm looking for any useful hints and tips to make the holiday enjoyable for everyone.

 

thanks in advance :)

[cb at sea]

Plan on bringing everything you'll need for the baby...the ships have very limited (and expensive) 'baby things'....IF they have anything at all. You don't want to spend precious shore time, trying to locate the right size/brand of diapers or baby tylenol......bring EVERYTHING you use at home!

[CruisinIsMyThang]

A nice sturdy metal framed backpack carrier is good to have when you are in port as you will not have to push a bulky stroller and can carry the baby on your back and they can see all the new sights too. Some cruisers have suggested bringing a small blow up pool to use on your balcony, if you have one, since most babies are not allowed in the pools unless they are fully potty trained. As well, any food that you need for the baby make sure to bring it, as you won't be able to get it on board or if you can it is very limited and usually very expensive. Check with your particular ship, and see if they have a baby nursery that the baby can go to and play with other small children and give you a break if you need one (usually have to pay by the hour) or if they have a playroom that both you and the child can go to (usually free but you have to stay). Also remember that you can always wash clothes on board if you need to, but they might not have the type of detergent your baby needs for their skin, so bring some extra detergent if you need to. I have found that packing lighter (especially when flying) and washing clothes is a heck of a lot cheaper than paying baggage fees to airlines for extra bags or bags that weigh more than 50 lbs. Also remember that cruising is different with an infant, it will definitely be more of a family vacation than a couple's vacation. Hope that info helps! :) Have a great time!

[rin1]

Great suggestions above! Also, I'd go with http://www.target.com/s?keywords=duck+bathtub&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&ref=sr_bx_1_1&x=19&y=6 as a pool because it's a great bathtub that fits in the shower. Have a great time!