Travelling with children

The least favourite part of most parents’ holidays is the travelling but you can take the strain out of the journey with by planning in advance.

Sleep easy

Help your baby fall asleep by starting a car or train journey at a time when she’s normally sleeping. Remember to pack her favourite comforter - her dummy, blanket or favourite teddy, that she’ll need to sleep with during the journey.

Sun shade

If you’re travelling when it’s sunny, put sun screens onto the car, train or coach windows to reduce the glare.

Sing-a-longs

Nursery rhymes and sing-a-longs will draw your baby’s attention, even if she can’t understand what’s being sung. She will also enjoy the tones of taped stories.

Pit stops

On the motorway, stop regularly at service stations for refreshments and trips to the loo. You could also try travelling on A-roads, where it’s easier to stop when you want.

Prepare feeds

If you’re bottlefeeding, make up enough feeds for the trip and store them in a cool bag. Or buy some ready-prepared cartons of formula milk and empty one into a sterile bottle before a feed. Warm the bottle using a flask of hot water.

Drink up

Take spill-proof beaker, or if she’s old enough to use a straw, take small cartons of juice.

Changing times

Take a bag with baby wipes, nappies and nappy sacks for changing, as well as a supply of tissues or kitchen roll and a dampened flannel. A spare carrier bag is a useful rubbish bin. Pack a change of clothes for your child as well in case of accidents.

Prevent sickness

Baby under 12 months old don’t tend to get car sick. If she does, check there is no other cause for the sickness, rather than assuming it’s motion sickness.

Visual fun

Stick pictures on the back of your car seat to interest your baby. Or securely tie a small toy or mobile above the car seat for her to watch.

Goodie bag

If your baby is old enough to hold onto toys, take a small selection of easy-to-hold ones to keep her amused during the journey.

Bedtime basics

Bring a couple of favourite bedtime books to read to your baby while you’re on the move (as long as reading won’t make you feel car sick). Pack a blanket to cover her when she’s asleep.

Emergency essentials

If you’re flying, pack a bag to keep with you, containing baby milk (if you’re bottlefeeding), nappies and wipes. It’s a good idea to also pack a set of spare clothes for your children in case your luggage goes astray or the plane is delayed.

Sitting comfortably

If you’re flying, request the more roomy bulkhead seats, or see if the airline provides skycots (bassinets). These need to be booked in advance and are only available with bulkhead seats.