Travelling with your baby

Milk on the move
If you are travelling with a bottle, whether it is expressed or formula milk, carry it in an insulated bottle bag. Adding an ice pack to the bag can help keep milk at optimum freshness, especially on hot days. Don't put warm, prepared feeds in an insulated carrier as they could upset your baby's tummy and cause infection.

If you are giving your baby formula milk, another option is to pack empty, sterilised bottles and ready-to-use cartons.

Your changing bag packing list

• Finger foods or jars of baby food.
• Bottles or a cup and formula milk if you are bottle feeding.
• Weaning spoons, bibs and baby wipes.
• Nappies, nappy bags, a change of clothes, changing mat and wipes.
• Anti-bacterial wipes for cleaning surfaces and anti-bacterial hand gel for you.

Travelling in the car
The only safe and legal way for your baby to travel is in a properly secured, child car seat. So never be tempted to get them out of their seat to feed when you are on the move.

Travelling by plane
The tips below can help to make flying with your baby as stress-free as possible.

• Expect delays. Have extra food, a change of clothes and nappies in your hand luggage.
• Feeding your baby on take-off and landing can help ease any ear discomfort.
• Prepare individual nappy bags, with a nappy and wipes for fuss-free changes on the flight.

You are allowed to take enough food and milk in your hand baggage for the flight. This includes:

• Sterilised water in a baby bottle
• Formula or expressed breast milk
• Baby food of various consistencies.

You are usually restricted to taking no more than 100ml of a liquid, however exceptions may be made in the case of your baby's milk. Directgov has detailed information on hand baggage rules.

Travelling in hot weather
Children's skin is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the sun and babies under six months should be kept out of the sun altogether. Older babies and children should be covered up with a T-shirt and sun hat, kept in the shade between 11am and 3pm and protected with sun cream of at least SPF 15.

It is important to offer your baby regular extra drinks to avoid them becoming dehydrated. Breast milk provides both food and drink, so offer more feeds. If you are bottle feeding offer cooled, boiled water in between your baby's usual feeds.

Restaurants and cafés
Phone ahead to check there are high chairs, or else take a booster seat with you. Pack easy-to-eat foods or take a jar your baby likes. Most places will agree to heat food, but check the temperature before eating.