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Special requirements: Travelling with a baby

Check how baby-friendly a country is before you get there - positive attitudes could radically improve you holiday. And try to look after your own travel needs as well as your baby's, by encouraging a flexible attitude to food and eating times, for example, if your child is on solids. In transit, everyone will be far happier for it.

BEFORE YOU GO

Babies need a passport, tickets, suitable clothes, jabs and insurance to go on holiday, just as adults do. It's hard enough packing for one, so start the pre-holiday chores early to reduce stress.

Passports

All children born in the UK need a passport. If yours hasn't got one, apply for one at least a month before your departure, to ensure it comes through in time. Applications must include two untrimmed standard-size photos, taken against a white background. The Passport Agency and main Post Offices supply forms

Applications must include an original birth certificate, which will be returned.

Five-year child passports, for newborns to 15-year-olds, cost £34.

Be warned - new fees will come into effect on Oct 5 for new biometric ePassports. See our Before You Go - Passports page for more details.

There are three ways to pay - in person at a Post Office, a regional PA office or by post.

For more information, call the Passport Agency's enquiry line on 0870 521 0410.

Tickets

Generally, baby airline tickets cost about 10% of the price of an adult ticket. Make sure you or your travel agent asks the airline to supply a baby seat or basket for flights.

Jabs

Always check with your GP or travel health clinic about whether you and baby need vaccines for a destination. Get your baby medically checked too before any overseas trip.

Insurance

Most standard travel insurance policies don't include cover for a baby, so you may need to shop around for one that does. The British Insurance Broker's Association (BIBA) offers advice on this. Call them on 020 7623 9043.

Luggage

Stick to the 'travel light' rule. A front baby carrier is great if you want to be mobile. A hat, socks and warm top are must-haves for cold airplane cabins, cold water sterilisation tablets are handy and a travel kettle is useful for preparing feeds.

ON HOLIDAY

Be careful about breastfeeding in public places, it could be offensive to some cultures. Carry sterilising wipes for general hygiene purposes.

ACCOMMODATION

Before you get there, ask your hotel to install a baby cot in your room and make clear any baby food requirements you have if you're not breastfeeding. Check too whether your resort or hotel has babysitting services. Don't forget to:

Make sure hotel rooms are clean
Wipe all surfaces before changing nappies
Cover grubby floors
Block any gaps on your balcony

Passport Agency: http://www.ukpa.gov.uk

British Insurance Brokers' Association:http://www.biba.org.uk

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