Travelling with babies, toddlers and young children.

First it's good to think about what type of holiday you enjoy as adults.  There is no point in going to a large complex of properties with lots of families so that your tots are happy if you don't want hoards of children making noise, equally it's not worth considering a private villa if you don't want to have to entertain the kids the whole time.

Accommodation type

Self catering is a good choice for families as it gives you flexibility on meals and gives your tots a 'home' to play in. You can choose from private accommodation to small shared complexes. Many offer meals in your property and babysitting services. Hotels can be great for families looking for kids clubs, baby sitting and crèches. Holiday parks offer fun-filled holidays with lots of family entertainment on site.

When to go

This depends on many factors but if your children are still all pre-schoolers why not take advantage of out-of-season prices. The weather in April, May, June, September and October can be glorious, especially for the little ones and it's a fraction of the cost! 

On the road and in the plane

Whether you are looking for a beach holiday or rural break with lots of days out you are going to have to spend some of your time in the car and/or plane.

It is so hard to generalise on the best way to travel with young children as we know each child is different. Where one will tolerate a car journey of 4 hours without much more than a loo break another will barely last 2 hours before he really needs to let off steam. My children have taught me to have a plan but know that it is just a guide and to be flexible.

Here are a few tips that might help the journey a little...

•  Write a list of items you will need for your journey (some ideas of time wasters below) 

•  If your tot has a comforter, favourite teddy or toy, don't forget it (and a spare if you have one). 

•  If your tot is old enough let him have his own bag of goodies (but remember to hold some back for needy moments)

•  It's not always possible but, if you can, travel when tummies are full (including the adults!) and plan your stops (as far as you can) around nap times - a contented, tired tot means a good stretch of driving...

•  If hiring a car don't forget a sun shade for the rear windows (I forgot ours once and ended up with an over-heated, and quite understandably so, inconsolable tot after being stuck on a long stretch of motorway with no air con)

•  Get your tot as involved as possible (age permitting), explain what you are doing, where you are going and start the holiday before you leave the house, try and make the whole experience as fun filled as possible

•  Wrap some favourite toys and give them, one at a time, when your tot needs stimulation

•  Stickers are a great time waster and so is a reel of sticky tape!

 On the plane

•  Not all airlines offer the same allowances for luggage, seating etc so check with yours before you go but in general tots under two only pay the tax to travel but do have to sit on your lap. Visit our blog for some general guidelines on various airlines and check with your airline before travel

•  Take a harness for toddlers at the airport so that they do not feel too restricted and you don't have the stress of keeping your eyes glued to them the whole time they are out of their pushchair

•  Dress your little one in more than one easy removable layer as temperatures will fluctuate from airport to plane

•  The toilets on the planes are small and when the changing table is down even smaller! Have everything you need in a nappy sack to save space and a little time...

•  If you want bottles or food heated ask your steward with plenty of time to spare as they do not have microwaves and it can take longer than usual

•  If you are flying on a plane with tv screens/games don't feel guilty if your tot spends more time than you would usually like on them, just be thankful that things are calm and make it a special treat

•  If your tot is being breast or bottle fed offer it on takeoff and landing. I have always found it a great calming influence for the start and end of a flight for adult and baby

•  Have plenty of snacks and drinks to offer without too much sugar as to avoid a hyperactive tot at 30000 feet

•  Give your toddler something to chew or drink on takeoff and landing to help ease pain in the ears

•  My biggest worry when flying is upsetting everyone else on the plane but a friend said to me, "most people will sympathise if he (little chap) throws a paddy but accept that not everyone is going to be happy you are there and just concentrate on the matter at hand) it will come to an end..." Easier said than done!