What to pack

You've booked the destination, you've expanded the credit card limit and you've blocked off two blissful weeks in your diary so what do need to do next? Packing, the suitcase, a task often left to the last minute, is guaranteed to cause "tears before bedtime". To avoid misery and stress all around, pack your infant's items first in your suitcase, adding your own afterwards. Here's our checklist on what to pack.

Essentials for Babies

• Baby bottles, baby wipes, nappies, nappy sacks.
• Powdered baby milk.
• Travel steriliser & adapter
• Bottle brush and small quantity of washing up liquid.
• Bottle warmer and adapter (useful for warming food as well milk)
• One set of feeding implements (plastic spoon and bowl)
• Baby bibs
• Several sets of clothing
• Favourite teddy bear, night blanket or toy.
• Baby BUGGY.

Essentials for Babies & Children

• Small rucksack with your child's name on it.
• Sun hat & sun glasses.
• Beach sandals.
• Sports shoes and socks (particularly if on a sporting holiday like Club Med or Mark Warner).
• High protection sun cream & after sun cream suitable for children
• Swimming costume and beach towels
• Swimming floats, goggles etc. Bucket & spade!
• Mosquito repellent spray or lotion.
• Any specific medication, such as inhalers for asthma, or creams/medication for any allergies. First Aid kit containing paracetamol, a baby thermometer as well as plasters etc. A needle & some thread too.
• Washing powder and a length of rope - you'll have to wash and dry your own "cossies" at the very least.
• Several sets of clothing

For the journey

• A few toys or books (lightweight) to keep the children busy.
• Small snacks (crisps/biscuits)
• One large bottle of water in your hand luggage
• If travelling by plane, don't forget to take some boiled sweets or a baby bottle (age dependant) to try and avoid earache when flying.
• Vacuum Flask containing fresh cold milk for toddlers.
• Tinned baby food (dependent on the age of the child).
• Baby changing kit with a couple of extra nappies in case of flight delays.

Clothing for the holiday

• While the trend these days is for casual wear, please remember that some restaurants do require long trousers and shoes when dining out in the evening. The same applies with some self-catering complexes.
• Some Deluxe hotels and more formal restaurants may even require a tie and jacket.
• When visiting holy places, arms must be covered and the wearing of shorts for both sexes is forbidden.
• A pair of walking shoes and a light-weight jacket (or jumper) will always come in handy.

Baggage allowance

• For charter services the permitted baggage allowance is 20kg (44lbs) per person. On scheduled airlines the permitted allowance is 23kg (50lbs) per person rising to 30kg (66lbs) for Business Class Travellers.
• Child tickets are entitled to normal baggage allowance but Infant tickets are not.
• In addition you are allowed one piece of hand luggage, provided it is suitable for storage under the aircraft seat or in the overhead locker.
• Infants have no free baggage allowance.
• DO NOT pack the following in your suitcase. Keep them in a handbag, rucksack or pouch -
  • Your passport
  • Flight tickets
  • Visa documentation
  • Holiday invoice
  • Driving licence
  • Travellers cheques
  • Vaccination and insurance certificates
  • Personal medication
  • Money (UK notes and small change as well as a few currency notes)
  • Any valuables like a camera
• Airline regulations specify electrical items to be packed in your suitcase.

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