By the time you have got used to being a family you will probably need a holiday! For those families that need a good dose of R&R for mum and dad but plenty to do for

Below is a selection from around the world, some have been visited by travel journalist Suzanne Baum and her family (two boys under 5) and she gives her verdict, others we have chosen because they look inviting and cater really well for families.

Many destinations are suitable for young babies (except those where you can catch infectious diseases). Also a baby under 3 months is unlikely to cope well with a really hot climate. If you go overseas your baby will generally get a warm welcome as many cultures are more relaxed than the UK about babies and children.

Your baby may be vulnerable to bugs in the recycled air on a plane in the first month but after this it's fine for him to travel by air. Some airlines allow the under twos to travel free although your baby will not get a seat on the plane. You will be given an extra seat belt that attaches to yours so that he can be safely strapped in on your lap.

You can book a sky cot for long haul trips but he will need to be on your lap for take-off and landing. Going by boat or train gives you more space to move around easily during the journey.

Remember, all children born after 5th October 1998 need their own passport and can no longer be added to their parents' passport as before. (Click here to find out more about applying for a child passport)

Happy hols! Now check out this selection of great places that offer something for all the family:

• Center Parcs
• Vila Vita Parc, Algarve
• Siblu Domaine du Digny, France
• Club Med Ixtapapaci,Mexico
• Xanadu, in Turkey
• Kinder Hotels in Austria
• Almyra Hotel in Cyprus

Baby products Items such as nappies are on sale everywhere so you don't need to take an extra suitcase full of them! Just take what you need for the journey and the first couple of days.

Baby equipment:
If you are staying at a hotel or resort especially designed for families cots and highchairs will automatically be provided, however, there's no harm in checking that the cots conform to current European standards.

The cot bars should be no more than 6.5cm apart (2.5 in) and the sides deep enough to stop your baby climbing out. The highchair should have a five-point harness or rings so you can attach one. See babyworld's range of Travel cots here

Out and about:
For babies over 6 months who can sit up reliably, this is when a lightweight buggy is a boon (see our Lightweight buggies Product test ) Alternatively, why not ditch the buggy and take a backpack or sling instead. (see Slings on Test )

Take off and landing:
Your baby's ears may pop and feel uncomfortable when the plane takes off or lands. She may cry, which will helpfully equalize the pressure or you could offer her a breast or bottle feed that will have the same effect!