I’m taking my child on holiday for the first time, what do I need to know?

Many tour operators offer family-specific packages with great facilities to make your holiday more relaxing, including services such as babysitting and childcare. It’s worth finding out what services are available in your resort, helping you to plan ahead.

Before you go

Pre-book a cot for your hotel or apartment, make sure you let your travel company know at the time of booking.

Check that your accommodation has a fridge in the room; minibars can come into their own here for storing prepared bottles and baby food. Self-catering is often a very good bet, with en-suite fridges and cooking facilities.

If you're planning on going to a very hot country, make sure that your hotel has air-conditioning; babies can find it very difficult to fall asleep in the heat.

While you're away

Keep little ones out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you’re in a hot climate, follow the locals’ example and head off for a long, leisurely lunch in the shade between one and three in the afternoon.

Use the highest factor sunscreen and remember that sun can penetrate through clouds, particularly in tropical countries.

Put your child in swimming nappies when they are using the pool; “accidents” can happen and this can be disruptive for holidaymakers and hoteliers.

Keep your baby properly hydrated. Both you and they will need to take on considerably more fluid in hotter countries.