If you’re lucky enough to have booked a holiday, you might already be going through your to-do list. Don't forget, the preparation before you head off becomes vastly different after kids came along.
Here are a few differences to bear in mind before your getaway:
Bikini
Before kids – you’ve purchased one for sunbathing by the pool, one for swimming in the sea, and one that works with a sarong for Happy Hour.
After kids – check last year’s two-piece in lots of different lights and mirrors to make absolutely sure it hasn’t gone see through.
Nails
Before kids – after much deliberation you decided on the perfect shade for your manicure which co-ordinated with all outfits and bikinis.
After kids – you had an appointment booked but you never made it to the nail bar due to World War 3 at home. You’re sure the other passengers on the plane won’t mind if you paint them during the journey…
Tan
Before kids – book your appointment for a full spray tan the minute your holiday is confirmed and spend a fortnight prepping your skin, so it’s perfectly smooth and hydrated.
After kids – sure you’ve managed to get a bit of a glow while sitting at the playground.
Outfits
Before kids – make sure you read all the magazines for the current trends, allow a month of Saturdays for perusing the shops and only make your final purchases after dragging your BFF around the changing rooms with you.
After kids – fortunately, given you only wear your ‘holiday clothes’ while you’re abroad you’ve been able to wear the same outfits for the last 3 years without them even looking worn.
Shoes
Before kids – your partner has to fit all his belongings into his hand luggage so you can use his check-in bag for your twenty pairs of shoes.
After kids – a pair of flip flops and some smart sandals should cover every eventuality, right?
Make-up
Before kids – make sure you visit a beauty counter to purchase products to create both day and night-time looks; justify to your partner that it’s important to change ALL of your cosmetics due to the change in humidity.
After kids – unfortunately, you’ve never been able to find a waterproof mascara that stays on once you’ve been splashed and dunked, better to go bare than risk panda eyes…
Hair Removal
Before kids – the lovely lady in your local salon has promised to introduce you to a new beautifully scented wax that's virtually painless and leaves your skin seductively smooth.
After kids – you have warned your partner the beach will not be an option on the first day, due to you being locked in the bathroom with a razor and multiple hair removal creams.
Fitness regime
Before kids – all socialising is on hold for weeks before you leave to ensure you fit in as many classes and gym sessions as humanly possible.
After kids – your children are horrified to discover you've been walking them absolutely everywhere to ensure you hit your daily pedometer target.
Hair colour
Before kids – your hairdresser has used balayage to give you the most beautiful honey coloured tones, they were a bit on the pricey side, but it was worth it to know all eyes are on you.
After kids – why get your colour done before a holiday when you know the chlorine and sun will make it fade? Besides, last time you got your highlights done the children were in hysterics over mummy’s stripy hair…
Jennie lives in Co Kildare with her husband Matt and son Ethan, who is two-years-old. In her blog mummyvstheworld.com she takes a lighthearted look at the world of motherhood. You can also find her musings on twitter @DennehyJennie. 
