Stephen Jones, Associate Editor at The Mirror, and his wife Charlotte have shared five key lessons from their first holiday with their twin babies. The family stayed at the TUI Blue Orquidea in Gran Canaria for a week, with their four-month-old daughters.
Preparation is key
Before the trip, the couple did extensive research and bought quality equipment. They packed half a suitcase for themselves and half for each baby. They booked a night at a London Gatwick hotel to ease the stress of a 5am check-in. They also booked a private transfer with baby car seats, which they found worth every penny.
On the flight, they used Alpine Muffy ear defenders to protect the babies' ears and Jellycat cloth books for entertainment. Bottles were prepped for take-off and landing. Changing nappies in the cramped toilet was challenging but doable.
Don't worry about noise
Stephen feared embarrassment from crying babies, but found that most people were too busy with their own children to care. The hotel's buffet-style setup allowed them to take turns getting food while one stayed with the babies. Even when a baby had a meltdown on a day trip, people were sympathetic, not judgmental.
Plan and slow down
With babies, they slowed their itinerary to one or two significant activities a day. They always made up bottles for the next feed immediately after the current one. The resort was well set up for under-threes, with a baby spa and a baby lounge with air conditioning. They enjoyed swimming daily in the toddler pool, which became a precious memory.
Staff and strangers are kind
People were generous, allowing them to skip queues. The TUI staff recommended the sister hotel, Playa Feliz, which became their favorite spot. The baby lounge was a godsend for nappy changes and quiet time. Staff also offered to take the babies for a couple of hours while parents enjoyed the pool or spa.
You'll want to do it again
After surviving the trip, Stephen almost forgot what he was worried about. A highlight was a boat trip to Mogan, a fishing village known as 'Little Venice'. They used Ergobaby Omni carriers and dipped the babies' toes in the sea for the first time, a memory Stephen says he will never forget.
The holiday cost from £900pp for seven nights at the TUI Blue Orquidea, based on two adults and one child sharing a twin room, flying from London Luton in August, with luggage and transfers included. TUI Musement offers a boat trip to Puerto de Mogan from £45 per adult, £28 per child (3-12), and children 0-2 go free.
