Ten Tips for Travelling with Children

1. For any holiday or journey, don't forget to take along your child's favourite teddy or comforter. If you forget this, forget peace and quiet! Having something familiar will help your child feel more secure and content.

2. Try and find toys which don’t take up a lot of space. Alternatively, a couple of weeks or so before your journey select a few toys that your child likes and hide them. You can then wrap them up and give them as little surprises on the day - your child will be delighted to see them again!

3. When travelling by car try and coincide your journey with your baby’s usual sleep time. Most babies will be lulled to sleep by the soothing motion of the car and may sleep for an hour or two if they’re not hungry or uncomfortable.

4. Always ensure that your baby or toddler is in an appropriate seat or safety restraint, however short the journey. Never carry your baby in your arms, or put a toddler on your lap. If you are hiring a car book a child seat with it, or take your own with you.

5. Check the sunlight isn’t shining in your baby’s eyes, or making him/her hot. A sunshade on the car window can help.

6. Most under-twos can’t follow story tapes, but they’ll enjoy song tapes, especially if you sing along too.

7. When you have a long way to drive, it's tempting to insist on driving as much as possible to get it over and done with. Take breaks every couple of hours, not just for the kids but for you. It will boost your energy and concentration levels and will also allow your children a chance to burn off some energy.

8. When travelling by plane ask your tour operator or airline what facilities the airline offers for babies. Some airlines, for example, will allocate aisle-side seats and supply play activities for toddlers. Many airlines will provide a skycot if available. The sooner you book one the better, but do check the size: they are often only suitable for very young babies.

9. Ask whether you can keep your pushchair with you until you board the plane. It could save you having to carry your baby along miles of corridor between check-in and boarding. Some airlines will allow you to take the pushchair to the boarding gate, then take it from you to put in the hold on the plane.

10. Changing pressure, especially when the plane is taking off and landing can cause pain in the ears. Feed your baby on take-off and landing to ease ear pain. It may also help to bring a dummy.

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