going on holiday

with your baby

Family holidays require a bit more planning when you have a little one to consider, but don't let that get in the way of your travel adventures. Here are a few pointers to get you up, off and away together. Having a baby need not cramp your travelling style. However, a little preparation goes a long way. Wise packing, taking the right stuff and, above all, making sure your baby is fed, warm and comfortable will mean she probably won't be troubled by trips – whether they're close to home, or abroad. You may wonder why your tiny baby needs more luggage than you and there's a tendency to pack too much. Of course, you need the essentials – nappies, wipes, formula milk and bottles if you're not breastfeeding, plus clothes. But a few simple steps can help lighten your load.
  • Check ahead to see if your accommodation has a washing machine, to cut down on the clothes you'll need.
  • Many hotels and resorts now offer bottle-warmers and sterilisers. If not, sterilising fluid or tablets are easier to pack than your giant steam steriliser.
  • Check that your hotel or holiday home has a cot, and if in doubt, take a lightweight travel cot that meets modern safety standards (it's a worthwhile investment as it doubles up as a spare bed when baby visitors come to stay, or need a snooze during daytime visits).
  • For baby's over three months old, an umbrella-folding stroller (with lie-back facility for naps) is better than a bulky pushchair. Even older toddlers need a stroller, as they won't like endless sightseeing or late dinners without somewhere to nap.
  • Take just a couple of favourite toys, such as the bear they always sleep with, a few fabric books and stacking beakers.
  • Appropriate child seats are essential. If you are hiring a car abroad, most rental firms now offer them, but often say they can't guarantee one so you may prefer to take your own. The car-rental seat may also be of dubious quality.
  • Make car journeys more fun by taking along nursery rhyme and story tapes. Or just sing yourself!
  • Check out special activity toys specifically made for use in cars to keep babies entertained.

Let her drink whenever she wants to during

the flight as babies can become dehydrated in

the dry cabin air more quickly than adults.

Many hotels and resorts now offer


bottle-warmers and sterilisers. If not,


sterilising fluid or tablets are easier to


pack than your giant steam steriliser

All children under 16 now need their own passport, so your new baby will need her own passport if you intend to travel abroad. For more information call the Passport Advice Line on 0300 222 0000 or log on to www.passport.gov.uk. You can apply online or get the necessary forms from main post offices.

Always follow the rules about the photograph to the absolute letter. You'll get through quite a few pound coins in the photo booth before you get a photo that ticks all the boxes, but if it's not absolutely perfect, it will be rejected by the authorities. A better alternative to a photo booth is having your baby's picture taken at a high-street photo development store. They'll use a digital camera and will keep going until they get a suitable shot.
Even tiny babies can fly, though most airlines won't accept babies less than a week old. If you're going somewhere exotic - especially if you're going somewhere where vaccinations are needed - ask your GP about cover for your baby well before you go. There are things you can do to ease the stress of flying with young babies. Before and during your flight:
  • Take a dummy or a bottle, or encourage your baby to breastfeed during take-off and landing to avoid the pressure build-up that leads to painful little ears.
  • Let her drink whenever she wants to during the flight as babies can become dehydrated in the dry cabin air more quickly than adults.
  • Most airlines allow you to keep your pushchair until you board the plane, so you can keep it with you for those inevitable delays (and mile long walks to the gate).
  • If you have booked a seat for your baby you will usually be allowed to take on your car seat too. Check just before you fly to avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Take a few new small toys to help stave off boredom. Bring them out one at a time.
  • Long-haul flights can be draining with babies and small children, but don't worry too much about jet lag. Small babies' rhythms are much more adaptable than adults'. Adjust immediately to the new time zone, and try to put your baby to bed at your destination at roughly the same time as you do at home, keeping to the same bedtime routine as much as possible.
 Check the latest travel luggage restrictions before you fly. See the Department for Transport website www.dft.gov.uk or call your local airport.
For further information and top tips for travelling with a baby, see the Travel section at www.gurgle.com.

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