Today, there is a wonderful boom in baby travel accessories to ensure that no parent need ever suffer for long, providing they prepare well ahead and follow a reliable check list.

Firstly it's very important to clearly think through whether the place you intend to visit is really suitable for a young baby. High altitudes when ski-ing, for example, can cause pain to young children's ears, and so parents should choose a resort that's down to at reasonable level.

Anywhere that poses risk of serious disease without necessarily having good access to medical care, may also be inappropriate. High humidity without air conditioning is to be avoided to as baby's have great difficulty regulating their temperature, and overheating can bring serious risks.

Overall although a baby of as young as one week old can travel by plane, it's best to wait until six weeks if possible. Many GPs do not make this a ‘must' but it is advisable, as there have been some reports in the media that lowered oxygen levels on long haul flights may cause difficulty breathing.

Before you set off, remember to get properly covered by your Holiday medical insurance. It may feel expensive but can save you a fortune and enable you to be flown home, should anything serious happen to you or your family while away. You will then receive the medical attention you need in an emergency. You need to take proof of your cover to show especially in the US where you may be refused treatment unless you pay upfront otherwise. If you are traveling within the European Economic Area, you will need to apply for a free European Health Insurance card (EHIC) for each member of the family which will entitle you to free emergency medical treatment, but this isn't a substitute for full insurance.

Check out all the necessary vaccination requirements at least 3 months before you leave if you are traveling away from Western Europe, and especially in Asian and African countries. Your Health Visitor will be able to give advice. If your child is due a vaccination in the UK, ensure you give it to him before you leave rather than wait until after you return.

Pack a box of good first aid equipment with you that includes infant pain relief suspension, plasters, antiseptic cream, baby mosquito repellent , antihistamine lotion and suspension ( in case of stings or allergies), sunscreen (factor SPF 30+), and tweezers for splinters.

The sun can inflict terrible dangers on young children. It's important to take sun hat with neck cover, sun block cream, long-sleeved T-shirts, a sunshade and even a baby fan with you. Keep babies under 18 months out of the sun altogether if possible and never expose them to the hottest part of the day out of the shade. A protective beach tent is a good idea, but even these can get hot inside so use sparingly.