I was thinking that, also, babies and the sun and beach are not a great idea. Besides, if you did a beach vacation in Spain (lots of beaches there), that would be a beach resort vacation, not a vacation to experience Spanish culture. A beach resort is nothing like normal life and the places aren't normal, either, nor the clientele. I just can't see that as a way to spend your time when you are concerned about seeing some of Europe.

If you want beaches, I'd choose Belgium over Spain, maybe somewhere around Oostend. But I agree that babies and beaches aren't a great idea.

A baby that young on a beach is a recipe for disaster - esp in someplace that is very hot. They need to be well hydrated at all times and protected not only from the sun above - but also from the sun reflecting off the water and the sand. And I'm not sure what type of sunscreen you can use on a child that young (and taking it out without sunscreen is tantamount to neglect.)

I think you may well find traveling with one so little (who needs all sorts of "stuff") will be much easier renting apartments for a week at a time.

I wouldn't have a problem taking a baby to the beach. I'm from Australia, where we have heaps of beaches and a hole in the ozone layer, so we are routinely drilled in sun safety, and people's lives here are structured around the beach. You can take a small child to the beach using toddler sunscreen (SPF 50+). If you are worried about the sun you might consider dressing your child in a rashie (a long sleeved top made out of swimsuit fabric). This link (to the Cancer Council) is an example of some of the clothing we routinely dress small children in, to protect them from the sun:

http://shop.cancercouncil.com.au/c-116-boys.aspx

Size 00 would be to fit a child about 3-5 months old. (0000 to fit very tiny babies, 000 to fit the typical newborn).

Additionally we would also stress the use of a proper hat, and wouldn't go to the beach in the hottest part of the day, i.e. between 11-3. Early mornings and afternoons are much more pleasant than the middle of the day - you can go for a quick dip early on and be home by 9:30 am. You do still see people on the beaches in the middle of the day here but they are either mad, or unaccustomed to Australian conditions. Some people use a beach shade like an umbrella or small tent if they have kids. And obviously outings are short with such little people so you wouldn't allow them to get dehydrated. I am guessing that conditions at De Haan (where a lot of Belgian families go) are probably not as intense as Bondi, or for that matter anywhere in Spain. So that's one approach.

Lavandula

A baby that young on a beach is a recipe for disaster - esp in someplace that is very hot. >>

NYT - that's why I suggested the beach in BELGIUM.

i also credit the OP with having enough sense that if there is a heat-wave, they don't take their precious bundle to the beach in the heat of the day/without sunscreen etc.

I have travelled a lot with my child and will have a new baby in March, so this summer it then there will be a four year old ad a 4 month old.

Firstly, you don't know how the baby will be. My first was a great traveller and slept in the plane/car/train immediately. My friend had a baby the same age and the poor thing would get car sick going to the supermarket.

I would not go to the beach in Spain with a newborn. I was in Spain last summer for a month with the four year old. It is very hot, they get cranky. The airco is often not wonderful. There are often not great facilities along the beach.

I live in Belgium. The beaches here are not particularly nice and I cannot recommend them - on a hot day they are really over crowded, generally they are flat with 60s high rise apartments behind them. There are a couple of exceptions to this. - or you could go over the border to the netherlands.

On the upside, the Belgians like children and are tolerant of crying babies in restaurants etc.

I agree that hotel v apartment doesn't make a huge difference with a breastfed baby. However, if you cannot breastfeed for some reason, an apartment is handy for heating water/milk etc and just having a bit more room. But I would say its not a priority.

I would rent a car. Babies generally sleep better in a car as there is less noise/ distraction etc.

To be honest, I would stick to France and Belgium and save Spain for your next visit. You can drive it - no extra flights etc.

You could go via Geneva and stay at the lakes for a few days - or up the mountains.

There are plenty of places between lyon and belgium, not too far off route, for you to experience - Dijon, Reims, Paris even.