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· What should I bring with me on holiday?
Please see our packing checklists below.
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Nappies
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One for each hour of travel plus enough to see you through to your delivery
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Changing bag
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Choose one with a waterproof lining, shoulder strap & travel changing mat
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Baby blanket(s)
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Bring at least one for comfort, shade and warmth
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Re-sealable plastic bags
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Pack some medium-sized ones for stashing dirty nappies, clothes and bibs
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Nappy cream
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Baby wipes
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Antibacterial gel
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To clean your hands where water is unavailable or facilities are unhygienic
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Baby bath, shampoo and lotion
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For cleaning delicate skin after being coated in sun cream all day!
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Tissues
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Extra dummies
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Clothes
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One to two outfits per day. Pack cotton layers for travelling (and so that you always have a spare outfit)
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Washable or wipeable bibs
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Bottles, cups, bowls & cutlery
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Sun hat, sunglasses and sun screen (at least sun protection factor 20)
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Hats should have a brim and glasses with an elasticated band to keep them on are best. Mini sun tents are also very useful for a sleeping/feeding baby if you are unable or don't wish to return to your accommodation each time
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Food, formula, water and/or juice
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Bring more than you think you'll need for the trip, in case of travel delays. If you are travelling by plane, try and time feeds to coincide with take-off/landing. It will help relieve the pain associated with ears "popping".
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Portable food/bottle warmer
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First aid kit
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See our checklist for what to pack
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Breast pump
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Nightlight
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For night-time feeds and nappy changes
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Baby sling
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One study showed that babies who were carried in a sling or in their parents' arms cried less than other babies
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Travel cot/bedding
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Not all accommodation supplies cots. Even where a cot is available, you often need to take your own cot sheets
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Baby monitor
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Check to see if your accommodation can provide one first
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Plug-in nightlight
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Baby car seat for safe travel by car, plane, train, or bus
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Can double up as a baby seat
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Toys
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Pick a few of baby's favourites that are small, robust and relatively quiet
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Collapsible pushchair with sunshade
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Usually suitable from six months. Lightweight, convenient and can be easily stowed
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Inflatable baby bath or baby support sponge
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Baby backpack
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If you plan to do some 'off-road' walking or for any city with lots of steps/hills
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For you:
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Extra top in case of accidents, emergency snack, something to do while baby is asleep in your arms (e.g. MP3 player) and a camera to capture the whole experience!
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Prescription medicines
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If your child is on regular prescription medication, remember to stock up before you go on holiday. Carry them in your in-flight bag in case you get separated from your luggage
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Thermometer
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Heat-sensitive plastic strips which you hold against your child's forehead are cheap and easy to pack, but digital thermometers are more accurate
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Baby paracetamol/Ibuprofen
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For lowering fever and easing pain. Try the packs of single-dose sachets, and bring a medicine syringe (free from your pharmacist)
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Antiseptic ointment or liquid
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Plasters
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Tweezers
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For removing splinters
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Insect repellent
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Ask your pharmacist which one is most suitable for your child. Consider purchasing a mosquito net if the country you are travelling to is higher risk.
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Calamine lotion
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To soothe insect bites, rashes and sunburn. For easier packing, try aqueous calamine cream
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Dioralyte sachets
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Vital for rehydrating after diarrhoea and/or vomiting
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Anti-histamine for children (over the age of one)
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Coming into contact with new things could prompt an allergic reaction
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Cold pack
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To reduce swelling from bumps, bites and minor burns
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First aid guide
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Try the "Pocket Fast Guide to First Aid for Babies and Toddlers" published by St John Ambulance, £3. The charity also runs first aid courses for parents, grandparents and carers. For more details call 08700 104950.
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Nappies
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One for each hour of travel plus enough to see you through to your delivery
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|
Changing bag
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Choose one with a waterproof lining, shoulder strap & travel changing mat
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Baby blanket(s)
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Bring at least one for comfort, shade and warmth
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Re-sealable plastic bags
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Pack some medium-sized ones for stashing dirty nappies, clothes and bibs
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Nappy cream
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Baby wipes
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Antibacterial gel
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To clean your hands where water is unavailable or facilities are unhygienic
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Tissues
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Baby monitor
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Check to see if your accommodation can provide one first
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Toddler bath wash, shampoo and lotion
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Toys and books
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Your child's favourites, plus several (small) new toys for distraction and surprises along the way. Bring sturdy toys that don't have easy-to-lose parts
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Clothes
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One to two outfits per day. Denim and dark colours are good for hiding dirt and stains. Prepare for all weathers by dressing your child in layers
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Swimming costume
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If it doesn’t have an integral swim nappy, don’t forget your disposables!
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Bibs, bowls, forks and spoons
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Sun hat and sun screen (with sun protection factor of 20 or more)
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Hats should have a brim and glasses with an elasticated band to keep them on are best. Sun tents are also very useful for sleeping/taking a break from the sun without having to return to your accommodation
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Bottles and cups
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Encourage your toddler to drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration in hot weather. If you are flying, give your toddler
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Snacks
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Try breadsticks, rice cakes, dried fruit (some countries have restrictions on fresh produce being carried in), cereal bars, fruit pouches etc. Bring more than you think you'll need in case of travel delays
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Aqua Shoes
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Little neoprene shoes that help prevent your toddler from slipping when moving around the pool area
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Nightlight
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For night time nappy changes
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Socket protectors and other safety equipment
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For toddler-proofing your room or apartment – don’t forget a portable stairgate if your accommodation is over two floors
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Travel cot/bedding
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Not all accommodation supplies cots. Even where a cot is available, you often need to take your own cot sheets
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Car seat for travel by car or bus
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Can double-up as a toddler seat
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Collapsible pushchair with sunshade
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Lightweight, convenient and can be easily stowed
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Toddler backpack
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If you plan to do some ‘off-road’ walking or for any city with lots of steps/hills
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Portable high chair
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You will not find a highchair in every restaurant while you are away. Fabric tie-on devices that strap them to a chair are small and light and can easily be carried in a changing bag. Inflatable booster seats - that inflate in seconds with the pull of a valve - are slightly bulkier, but also great for travelling.
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Toddler reins
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Those attached to a backpack are particularly appealing to a toddler, who then feels more involved and in control of his or her own ‘essentials’
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· Do children and babies need their own passports?
Babies and children must have their own passports to travel abroad. They are valid for 5 years and application forms are available at local post offices. They can take up to 3 weeks to be processed by the passport office once the application has been received.
The application requires:
The application requires:
· Two identical photos, one of which is signed by a professional (e.g. lawyer, accountant, teacher etc.).
· Documents to prove your baby is British, such as a birth certificate.
· Payment of £49.00.
· The photos of your baby should be against a light grey or white plain background. This is so that facial features are distinguishable.
· If you decide to use a photo taken at home instead of a photo booth, the website Paspic can check if it’s valid for you before you send it off to the passport office. Alternatively high street photographers will be happy to help you.
· How old does my baby need to be able to fly?
· Newborns can fly from 1 week old but 6 to 8 weeks is preferable as you will be more aware of health problems if they exist.
· Germs are rife on a plane due to the recycled air so you may want to consider the susceptibility of a newborn in their first months.
· Babies with chicken pox may not travel on a plane until all pox have scabbed and are no longer contagious. Check with your GP regarding ear infections, colds and coughs.
· Most doctors will advise that air travel is safe for babies.
· Which seats should I book on the plane?
· Airlines will ensure that extra oxygen bags are available for children without an assigned seat. Some make air cots available.
· If you don’t want to pay for a seat for your child, try booking an aisle seat and a window seat and hope that the middle seat stays unfilled so you can spread out.
· Airlines will provide you with a special seat strap for babies who don’t have their own seats. These should be used during take off and landing.
· Seats at the back of a plane often don’t recline fully.
· When you have children, emergency exit seats are often not an option for safety reasons.
· Can I take baby milk on to a plane?
Liquid baby food and sterilised water that cover your journey time will be accepted providing the accompanying parent tastes them prior to boarding.
· What are the current flight regulations?
Check with your carrier to find out what their travel regulations and baggage restrictions are. A fully up to date list of current flight security information is available at:
· What are the current baggage charges?
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Baggage charges by airline.
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Airline
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British Airways
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Ryanair
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Easyjet
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Flybe
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BMI Baby
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Virgin Atlantic
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Air France
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Free bags/ passenger
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1
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0
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1
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0
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0
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Transatlantic flights: 2, others: 1
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2
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Total bags allowed
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No Limit
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5
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No Limit, max 50kg
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No Limit
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5
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No Limit
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No Limit
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Cost per extra bag
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£120 longhaul, £60 shorthaul, £30 domestic
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£7, or £3.50 if prepaid online
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£10 at airport or £5 online
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£6, or £3 if prepaid online
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£5, or £2.50 if prepaid online
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Varies*
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£100
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Weight Limit
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23kg/bag
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15kg
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20kg
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25kg
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20kg
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Transatlantic + Nigeria: 2 x 23kg, others: 30kg total
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Economy: 23kg, Premium: 32kg
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Cost per excess kg
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N/A
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£5.50
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£5
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£5.50
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£5
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Varies by route
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Euros 3-30, route dependent
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Infant baggage allowance?
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Yes
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No
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No
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No
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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Notes
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Buggy and carseat free
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Pram/buggy free
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Buggies free
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Buggies and carrycots free. Carseat free if used onboard
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Prams carried free. Outsized items charged at £15 (each way)
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Buggy, bassinet and car seats free
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Foldable buggy free
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* Bringing back an extra bag from New York will cost around £50.
· How can I make sure my baby doesn’t disturb other passengers?
· Feeding a baby at take off and landing will soothe a baby and help reduce crying by helping to avoid ear popping.
· Walking up and down the aisle with a restless baby may help to calm him. Looking out of the window can have the same effect.
· For older children and toddlers, pack a bag of toys and books to keep them busy and prevent boredom.
· Ignore comments from irritable or rude passengers. Most passengers will be understanding and some passengers will also be kind enough to engage with your child for a couple of minutes. Most people have had the experience of travelling with children themselves at one time or another.
· Travelling with babies under 9 months
· Feed baby with a bottle or breast feed at take off and landing times.
· Bring a travel size pot of nappy cream in your hand luggage.
· Don’t forget sunhats, sun cream and sunglasses, sun tents and window screens for buggies and cars.
· Don’t forget to pack all the things your baby would normally need at home (see our packing checklists for a baby or a toddler).
· Make sure you have a first aid kit with essentials such as baby paracetamol, thermometer, antiseptic creams etc. See the packing lists for a full breakdown.
· Babies should travel in a rear-facing car seat in the back of the car. Never put your baby's car seat in a front seat with a passenger air bag. Make sure the car seat is installed properly. Make sure the harness fits your baby snugly and securely.
· Bring formula and cooled boiled water or travel sized formula cartons. You may want to bring tins, jars and packets of baby food.
· Bring a plastic or disposable bib for your baby. They're invaluable for preventing changes of clothing.
· Reserve a cot at your holiday destination or take a travel cot with you.
· A bag of your baby’s toys and a couple of new ones will prevent boredom and pass the time. Musical toys, rattles and teethers are great for journeys.
· Travel systems are great for holidays as they accommodate a car seat and a pushchair. Lightweight buggies are also a good idea as they can be easily transported on planes.
· Travelling with a 9 to 18 month old
Babies of this age are familiar with their surroundings and may be irritable if they don’t get their usual routines for sleep, playing and feeding.
· For accommodation that is not baby proofed, be sure to bring your own baby proofing equipment. Ask your Holiday Company or hotel to source stair gates where necessary.
· Be aware of any balconies in your accommodation and ensure that it’s safe for your toddler to play on.
· Don’t forget to pack all the things your baby would normally need at home (see our packing checklists for a baby or a toddler).
· Don’t forget sunhats, sun cream and sunglasses, sun tents and window screens for buggies and cars.
· Make sure you have a first aid kit with essentials such as baby paracetamol, thermometer, antiseptic creams etc. See the packing lists for a full breakdown.
· Make sure your child has the appropriate car seat for road travel and that it is fitted correctly.
· If you are travelling by air, the safest way for your baby to travel is secured in a car seat strapped into the airline seat. Bear in mind you may have to pay for a seat to do this. Alternatively, your baby can sit on your lap with an extra seatbelt around her up to 2 years of age.
· Bring formula (if required) and cooled boiled water or cartons of diluted juice. You may want to bring some food that you know your child likes. Try to pick something that doesn’t need heating and creates the minimum of mess.
· Pack spoons, bowls and bibs as well as small plastic bags which are handy for holding messy items, such as dirty nappies, bibs and soiled clothes. As always, baby wipes are a must.
· A few of your child's favourite toys will help keep her entertained, as will a couple of new ones. Pack toys that will hold her attention but aren’t too noisy.
· Backpack baby carriers for holidays can be good for older babies as they love travelling this way. Don’t forget your travel cot or book one in advance at your holiday accommodation.
· What can I do about travel sickness?
· A baby is less likely to be travel sick if they are asleep so try to help your baby sleep before you set off on the road if you think they are likely to suffer.
· A full stomach may lead to travel sickness so don’t give your baby a full feed before you hit the road if it could impact them.
· If your baby is sick, cooled boiled water will help.
· A cool, well aired car will help to reduce sickness.
· Toys and books could make sickness or symptoms worse.
· A sun shade on the window will reduce heat in the car.
· Strong smells in the car (e.g. air fresheners, perfume) may turn a child’s stomach.
· Ensure your child’s head is secure in his seat to prevent too much motion from side to side.
· Music is a good distraction for all children.
· Cover your child’s clothes with a towel, as it’s much easier to throw a towel away than have to change your child at a service station. It’ll also keep your car cleaner.
· Plastic bags and baby wipes are a must as well.
· Don’t stop travelling. Children will get used to travelling the more they do it and this will help alleviate travel sickness and its symptoms.
· What tips are there for feeding my baby whilst travelling?
· A breastfed baby will require less feeding implements and breastfeeding can help to calm a baby during takeoff and landing.
· For bottle fed babies, ready made formula cartons are the easiest solution.
· Take more feeds than you think you will need for the journey, in case of delays.
· For weaned babies, jars are probably the most convenient option although they can be heavy. Airlines will sometimes have children’s meals but it’s best to have something with you that you know your child will eat.
· Home made meals are also an option but may require a cool bag to keep them at the right temperature.
· For babies over six months, you could also consider drinks such as cooled boiled water and well-diluted fruit juices.
· Pack easy snacks such as bread sticks, rice cakes, rusks, and pieces of fruit. Small sandwiches are convenient to carry, and fromage frais pots are a portable size.
· Keep baby wipes and disposable bibs handy and avoid messy foods like chocolate.
· How do we deal with changing time zones?
· You can start to move your baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns a few days before you travel. If it is possible to plan your journey to fit in with your child’s routine that will also help them to adjust.
· Overnight flights are a good idea if they are long enough for your baby to sleep through them.
· When you arrive in your new time zone, try and help your baby by keeping her awake in day time hours by playing games etc. and then encourage her to sleep at night times. Sunlight will help to adjust her internal clock as well.
· Some parents just prefer to ‘go with the flow’ and let their child adjust in their own time. For new babies that sleep a lot during the day the change won’t have a big impact. Older children will find it easier to adjust than younger children.
· If you’re lucky then the change in times may mean your child sleeps later which is no bad thing on holiday.
· What tips are there for bottle feeding on holiday?
· Boiled tap water in most of Europe and the USA are considered to be safe although they can occasionally cause upset stomachs due to the changes in mineral content.
· It’s safer to use bottled water in other places. The water should be still, not sparkling. Good examples would include Evian and Volvic which are available globally and are easy to digest.
· Bottled water should be boiled and cooled as usual. Check the bottle is sealed before using. Once the bottle is open, store the water in the fridge.
· Cold water sterilising tablets, sterilising bags or microwave sterilisers are easier to travel with than full sized ones.
· Pre-sterilised disposable bottles and teats can also be bought if sterilising is not possible once on holiday.
· Ready to feed milks are also available and although they are more expensive, they are convenient, hygienic and avoid any uncertainty about the water supply.
· Do breastfed babies need water in hot weather?
· Breastfed babies do not need extra water, even in hot weather. Breast milk is mostly water and in hot weather, babies tend to go to the breast more often, for short feeds. The extra foremilk is thinner and more refreshing than the fat rich hind-milk. Let breastfed babies have as many extra feeds as they want and they will get plenty of water.
· If you are breastfeeding, don’t forget to ensure that you are taking in extra water to account for the hot weather!
· It may be wise to offer bottle-fed babies some boiled cooled water in hot weather.
· How can I keep my sleeping baby cool in hot weather?
· Where a room is more than 24 degrees C, your baby can sleep in just a nappy and babygro.
· If your baby is still hot, just a vest and nappy, or even just a nappy will be okay too.
· Remove padding / borders around the cot to allow the air to circulate better.
· If you have windows that can be locked when partially open, leave them open in a few rooms to allow air to circulate and create a through breeze. Make sure your child cannot climb out and that no-one can climb in.
· If using a fan, don’t direct it on to your baby. Do set it before bedtime to help the room to cool.
· Wet towels hanging over chairs or windows will help to cool a room as the cold water evaporates.
· Remove waterproof sheets while the weather is hot or cover the cot/bed with tightly wrapped cotton sheets to absorb perspiration.
· Keeping the curtains drawn during the day will help to prevent the sun from heating up the room.
· Keep an eye on babies sleeping in prams which can be hot and airless.
· Never leave your baby sleeping in his car seat in the car. Even with the windows open temperatures inside a parked car can rise very quickly.
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· How do I find good childcare on holiday?
What is the adult to child ratio?
· Baby crèches need one carer to two or three babies. Toddlers can be cared for with a ratio to one carer to three or four toddlers. If the number of adults to children is mentioned in the holiday brochure, check that this refers to childcare adults and not to the total number of adults on site.
· If the childcare company you are using on holiday is UK registered then they are bound by the regulations in the UK about adult to child ratios.
· You will need qualified, experienced nannies, who know how to settle a baby, make up and give feeds safely and tell if a child is unwell.
Do the carers speak good English?
· Check with the carers that there are native English speakers or nannies with really good English. A tired or upset child can talk in a garbled language that’s hard enough to understand when English is your first language.
Find out where the kids club is located.
· Purpose built facilities or rooms are best as they provide the safest options for babies and small children.
What do the crèches or kids’ clubs do with the children?
· Most brochures and websites will give a list of activities. Even babies will need a change of scene and a regular outdoor trip will break up the day for them.
· The best crèches will fill in a form each day showing when your baby slept, what they ate or drank, and when they had a nappy change (like a UK nursery).
· If older children are taking part in outdoor activities, make sure instructors have the correct qualifications for teaching children.
What facility is available for my child to rest out of the sun?
· This is vital for tired or unwell children as they will need somewhere out of the sun to rest until you arrive to collect them.
What are the opening hours and how much is it?
· Check both of these in advance so you can plan your day and activities accordingly.
· You can also work your child’s routine around these times.
· Check if you need to pay in advance and what methods of payment are accepted as well as which currencies. The cost of childcare may be included in a package holiday but be sure to check.
· The cost of minding a baby may be higher than a child due to adult staff to child ratios.
· Book as far in advance as possible to avoid baby places being booked up as this often happens very quickly.
· Check if lunch time hours are included as well as any evening child minding you may require.
What is available for first aid? What are their policies with regards to administering medication?
· This is especially important if your child has a medical condition, but it's also important just for ordinary cuts and bruises.
· If kids are out on activities, first aid kits should be carried with them. And if your child needs regular medication will they store and administer it? Or will you need to come back and do that at the right times?
Holiday companies offering good childcare facilities
· Sun Protection
Why do you need to protect your child from the sun?
Children and babies have skin that is sensitive to the sun and its harmful rays. It is therefore crucial that you protect your child from severe sunburn which research has shown can increase the risk of skin cancer.
From April to September children are at risk of sun damage after as little as 5 minutes of sunshine and will need protection even on cloudy days.
Hats
· "Legionnaire" hats are best for your baby. They have brims at the front and flaps to shield the back of the neck.
· Otherwise go for a hat with a wide brim all the way round.
Protective Clothing
· Make sure your child wears a cotton, loose fitting t-shirt between 11am and 3pm on sunny days. They should keep the t-shirts on whilst playing in water. Change the t-shirt once they have finished to a dry one.
· Alternatively, sun protection lycra suits block out more than 80% of harmful UVA rays. They also dry quickly and can be worn in or out of the water.
Sunglasses
· Although sunglasses for babies may seem like a luxury they can in fact offer very good protection for babies' eyes providing they meet standard BSEN 1836/1997 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
· If they have an elasticated headband they will stay on your child better.
Suncreams and sunblocks
· Choose a cream/spray designed for babies and children to prevent skin irritations. Pick an SPF of at least 20.
· Choose a waterproof cream.
· Apply the cream about 30 minutes before you go in the sun and then again once you are out in it.
· Apply the cream to clean dry skin.
· Reapply the cream at least every 2 hours or more frequently if the child has been in water.
Sun tents
Sun tents are shelters that pop up and can be folded down. They can also be purchased in a family size as well as child size. They screen out approximately 97% of UV rays and are useful for sitting your children under for sleeping time or feeding time.
Canopies and parasols for pushchairs
· Canopies are better than parasols which don't always cover your child or need adjusting regularly.
· Canopies or elasticated UV sun covers will cover the whole area of the pushchair.
· How should sunburn be treated?
· Mild sunburn - soak a cloth nappy, flannel or muslin square with cool water, wring it out and gently place it on the sunburned area for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day (make sure your child doesn't get chilly). Or bathe your baby in tepid water with a teaspoon of baking soda added to help cool the skin and reduce redness. Follow either treatment with a gently applied coating of water-based moisturiser and make sure she/he has plenty of fluids.
· Severe sunburn - if skin is blistering (this is a type of second-degree burn), call a GP immediately.
· Safety in the snow
Babies should be indoors
· If you’re on a skiing holiday then chances are your tour operator will have a nursery facility for your baby which is staffed by nannies.
· Babies will be able to go outside in good weather and should be kept indoors when it’s cold wherever possible.
· If your child is outside in the cold, make sure they wear a snowsuit, gloves and a hat with earmuffs if possible.
Safety on the slopes
It’s not advisable to ski with your baby in a sling or backpack because of the dangers to babies from other skiers on the slopes.
It’s not advisable to ski with your baby in a sling or backpack because of the dangers to babies from other skiers on the slopes.
Sun cream and sunglasses are essential
Light reflected off the snow is very bright so a factor of at least 20 SPF in sun cream and lip salve is vital.
Light reflected off the snow is very bright so a factor of at least 20 SPF in sun cream and lip salve is vital.
Keep toddlers warm in suitable clothing
· Dress your children in layers if they are going outside. All-in-one snowsuits are best to protect them from snow getting into their clothes.
· Moon boots or wellies help to keep feet warm and dry along with extra pairs of socks.
· A spare pair of mittens is also a good idea.