Tips for stress-free travel

• In the car
• In the plane
• On the train
• On the boat
• On foot

In the 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
• 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
• Babies will be happiest in a rear-facing baby seat next to you. They will stay contented for longer if they can see your face and you can chat to them without taking your eyes off the road. However, a baby seat shouldn’t be used in the front if there’s a passenger airbag
• Check the sunlight isn’t shining in your baby’s eyes, or making him hot. A sunshade on the car window can help
• Most under-twos can’t follow story tapes, but they’ll enjoy song tapes, especially if you sing along too
• You’ll find a clip-on playtray (which attaches to the car seat) useful for toddlers. They can use it for feeding and playing

In the plane

• Ask your tour operator or airline what facilities the airline offers for babies. Some airlines, for example, will allocate aisle-side seats, for example, 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
• 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
• Changing pressure, especially when the plane is taking off and landing, can cause pain in the ears. It may help to bring relief if your baby breastfeeds or sucks on a bottle or a dummy
• Airline staff will normally warm up bottles and baby foods on request

On the train

• Some train operators provide special facilities for children. For example in the UK, Great Western Trains have family carriages available during school holiday weekends on selected services. Activity packs are given out, and there is a range of children’s snack favourites on offer. All toilets have good nappy changing facilities.

On the boat

• Most cross-channel ferries have changing areas and a soft play area for under-fives
• Some ferries offer families with young children preferential boarding

On foot