Next month we’re off on a tropical holiday! For my mum’s upcoming 60th birthday she only wanted one thing: all of her children, with all of their partners, and all of her grandchildren, in the one place celebrating. Easy. Fiji here we come!
When we first floated the idea of this Griswalds-esque holiday I was barely pregnant, now of course we have our blossom baby, and armed with her cute as a button passport photo and a bassinet booking with Qantas for our overnight flight, we’re dreaming of cocktails under a palm tree and baby girl’s first exposure to swimming, sun and extreme doting of big cousins for eight days straight.
But what to wear?! The dressing of baby girl totally makes up for the fun (ahem) of teething right now. Mama’s been dreaming of dressing Blossom in something other than seventeen layers, woolen hats and multiple blankets. Tropics ahoy!
I have already secured Eleanor’s swimming attire – the oh so cute swan rashie and bikini bottoms from Target. Sunsmart and adorable. Oobi’s sunhats have been on my wishlist since before I even had a baby to dress, this design looks nice and wide brimmed too. A denim romper, pink bubble shorts and light white jumpsuit will be great summer staples in her wardrobe once we return home also. From previous experience I know Country Road beach towels to be the business – great quality and last the distance (and pretty easy on the eye also). Eleanor has loads of pretty summer frilly bits and bobs like nappy covers from her Queensland-raised cousins, I haven’t had a chance to use much of my sister’s girls hand-me-downs due to our differing seasons of birthing our babes – Fiji will see the end of that! Baby sunglasses are another thing I was looking into, being absolutely as blind as a bat I’m fairly into looking after your eyes, they are kind of important! Bets currently being taken on how long Eleanor would keep sunglasses on…my money is on about 3.4 seconds. My sister-in-law sent me a link to a crochet pattern for ‘baby barefoot sandals’ – are they ridiculous looking? Of course. Am I going to attempt to make some for Eleanor? Heck yes! Lastly, the kaftan – can we please talk about the kaftan?! So many delicious pieces from Daisy and Moose are on the Eleanor wardrobe wishlist, but these kaftans (which come in other soft colours as well) are top of the list. Love!
Have you taken a four month old on a tropical holiday?
Had your own babes in a tropical climate?
Paranoid about sun exposure to convict skin southern babes?
Melania says
We have a tropical baby and are permanently in the tropics (Broome!). Lately I have found that a ring sling and hat keeps her mostly covered during walks to/from beach umbrella. Often she is in singlets and cotton bloomers but rompers and super light cotton dresses are also excellent. Although the supposed recommendation for suncream is 6+ months, I would use it for a trip like this anyway. We’re using Little Innoscents and it is great. I’ve also heard good things about MooGoo suncream although it’s 15+ as opposed to 30+. Sarongs and turkish towels are great too for shade/cover/towels as light weight and transportable. Have a fab time!!
Lanne says
Try Baby Banz. They have a soft strap and are perfect for babies. Very helpful when adjusting to sunglasses
sharon says
from experience – buy huggies swim nappies. Bikini pants are cute? but swim nappies a MUCH better idea for a wee baby. (trust me!)
I don’t know if they have mossies in Fiji but take lots of sensitive skin aerogard, and the best thing for bites after the fact is Anamine. . My oldest has very fine skin and the mossie bites from a holiday at Maggie Island when she was about 7 months old were woeful.
and if its stinky hot? plain white bonds singlet tops (or tarted up with a flower embellishment) teamed with cloth nappy or disposable and plain ruffle bum nappy pants are the coolest outfits. Oh and baby powder – if you don’t use it already make sure to add it to your bag for the tropics. great for all of those little fat rolls and crevices and avoiding prickly heat rashes.
Emma says
Yes, swim nappies – on the list! Trying to get my head around just how much stuff to pack/how much is ridiculous. How many nappies for 8 days? Hmmm. Anamine – on the list. Baby powder – on the list. Fat rolls aplenty here and never encountered heat so I’m sure heat rash could be a problem! We’ve got several ruffle bum nappy pants from my sisters babies and on the to-do list is some applique/flower embellishments for some plain singlets sitting in my sewing room. Thanks!
Kym P says
We are doing a similar trip in 6o days. My dad is turning 60 so the majority of my family are heading to LA to celebrate dads birthday in Disneyland. We can’t wait. There will be 6 adults and 7 kids. Making memories is the best part of life xx this will be our 3 girls first time overseas. Soo excited.
Jane says
Just wanted to share that in January 2013 my parents, my siblings, our partners and all our children (22 of us in all) embarked on our own Fiji adventure to celebrate my Mum’s 70th birthday and my parents 50th wedding anniversary. This was my mother’s dream too and we had the most magical time. I can proudly say I love my siblings dearly, they are my best friends and we produce the most special children aged from 22 down to 5. Enjoy making memories!
Emma says
Oh wow! 22 of you! And I thought we were the mad family holidaying together, there’s 9 adults and 6 kids with us – ranging from 12 down to Eleanor. My siblings and I are the same (thank goodness, imagine being stuck on an island if not!) Really looking forward to a relaxing holiday with all our loved ones.