At what age is it easy to take your baby on holiday

A. Although more daunting, the earlier you travel with your baby the easier it is. In the first three months your baby sleeps approximately 16 hours a day, so it is easier to go then, before he or she can become bored with sitting still for too long. You can also carry the baby in a sling, which is much easier to manage when you have to carry luggage too.

If you are breast-feeding it is very practical, as you do not have to prepare any food, the only hurdle is getting used to doing it in public, which can be difficult in the early days. Bottle feeding is also relatively straight forward as you can take pre-boiled water in a flask to heat it up, and if this is not possible any restaurant, coffee shop, etc will give you hot water. Your baby will also get used to eating 'on the hoof' and enjoy the experience, and it paths the way for an easier time on future trips.

Q. What is the best mode of transport for a holidaying baby
A. It really depends on how far you are going, what you can afford and how practical it is for you.

A car is ideal as you do not have to worry so much about space and you can pack more in, you will also have your baby in its baby seat so you will feel safer travelling. It is easy to stop to check your baby if it is in distress, or just to take a break. Your baby will be more confined in a car so a few stops will help it settle. You can also change and feed your baby in the car.

Planes and flight attendants: are equipped for travelling babies and will always help with feeding (heating food up) and changing (helping you squeeze into the toilets) on request. Flight attendants will also hold your baby if you need to use the toilet. Cots and/or seat belts that are attached to your own are also available. The best tip for flying with a baby is to board the plane with a hungry and tired child as you can feed it (milk feed) at take off to ensure it does not get ear ache as it will be swallowing at the time - this will prevent him or her crying and you becoming stressed out at the start of your journey, it may also encourage your child to sleep. Give your baby lots of fluid during any flight to avoid dehydration.

You will be able to board earlier if you have children, which gives you more time to settle down before take-off and it's best to deplane last to avoid the crush. Also request bulk-head seats.

Buses: As these can be quite squashed and busy it is best to plan your journey off peak so that you have more space. Take along toys to keep your baby entertained and try to have your child strapped against you or in a car seat if the baby is young enough. It is not the most practical mode of transport for a long journey.

Trains: Travel off-peak if possible and reserve your seat (a table is good for feeding and spreading out with toys etc). Take up offers of help with your luggage whenever it is offered, but obviously never ask anyone to hold your child especially near a train stop. Take a baby sling if you are travelling alone otherwise you wont be able to use the toilet. Take along extra food and snacks in case of delay and plenty of toys. Buffet car staff may also be able to warm food in a microwave oven on request or heat up bottles.

Q. Do I need a passport for my baby
A. All British babies now need their own passport to travel abroad; it is valid for five years. Ensure any photographs have a white background otherwise the passport office will not use them. The best way to do this is to take your child into a photo centre where it will be photographed with a white background, or wear a white t-shirt when you take your baby into a
photo-booth and hold him/her on still on your lap for the photo.

Q. Do you have a checklist of tips for travelling with a baby
A. You will create your own list once you've been on a couple of trips, but it is good to remember:
Timing is the key to stress free travel, arrive early for departure and always leave more time than it would take you on your own to do things eg. eating, walking.
Pack a small bag of all the things you'll need, this should include nappies, changing mat, wipes, food, water, toys, change of clothes. This should be kept separate from the bulk of your other luggage and on hand at all times. If you're a woman try to do without a handbag - it's one bag too many.
If you are travelling with twins (or more than one child) try to have the same amount of adults as children along as it is a lot easier to manage.
Waterproof bibs, sterilising tablets, cartons of formula milk all make travelling light as they avoid having to lug heavy equipment on holiday with you. If your baby is small enough, try to take a sling as it makes the whole travelling experience easier and safer.

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By Karen Anderson