Top tips for travelling with a baby

Travelling with a baby can be a little daunting but do not forget that your baby is extremely adaptable. You might even learn to love travelling with one so small, as your baby is very portable at this young age. Some people really enjoy travelling with their babies and plan all sorts of expeditions. It is toddlers who may present more challenges, as they can walk (read: escape) and therefore keep their parents on their toes in a less than relaxing fashion. So, here are some top tips for travelling with your baby:

•   Try to plan your flights for the times that your baby normally sleeps. If she has a good stretch in the afternoon (or night) make this a requisite part of booking your flight. Bear in mind that aeroplanes get delayed all the time so even your well-planned travelling times can go to pot. Make sure you pack extra food/milk/toys for all eventualities.

•   Take a baby sleeping bag on board the plane so that your baby feels comforted and has a sleep association with her, the same goes for a favourite toy.

•   Breast or bottle feed as you take off, this will reduce the unpleasant sensation in her ears as the pressure increases.

•   Check whether your normal formula milk is available at your given destination, so that you can make arrangements to take enough with you, if not.

•   If the country is hot, ensure you offer enough water and be careful about the source. Cooled, boiled water is essential for young babies.

•   Don’t buy food that has been cooked on the streets for your baby. You do not know what standards of hygiene have been put in place. Generally speaking foods like bananas that have a skin on them so are kept clean are fine - just make sure they are ripe (not green).

•   Make sure you know whether you can hire buggies or car seats, this will make your journey much less stressful. There is nothing worse than lugging around huge piles of baby paraphernalia, when you don’t need to. Check that the car seat or buggy that you hire conforms with that countries safety regulations (which may not be a stringent as the UKs). Before you take the car seat or buggy away check that all the straps work and that the car seat is fitted correctly in your car.

•   Bring toys and books for the journey and little bite-sized snacks (if your baby is weaned) to stave off any hunger pangs.

•   Find out whether the place you are staying in has a washing machine and if so, pack lightly. Carting around a huge wardrobe is less than pleasant with a baby in tow.

•    Instead of lugging baby sterilising equipment with you, but a liquid sterilizer which can be added to water once you arrive. Most chemists can advise you on which one is suitable.

•    Don't forget to pack adequate protection from the sun if you are going somewhere hot. Babies have very delicate skin and sun damage can be very harmful so read our feature on keeping your baby cool in hot weather.