 Hotels
and Resorts with childrens' Clubs
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 the children then a resort
or hotel with a kids' club could be a good choice for you.
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:
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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. |
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Also take a look at our Holiday
essentials section to discover what baby products are available all
over the world.
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!
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