I used to travel nationally and internationally a lot with my children when they were babies. My record is travelling solo on 3 international flights in 42 hours (including 2 long transit stops) with a new born and 2 year old that developed a 40 degree fever in flight, that refused to walk.

So if this feat can be achieved, anything is possible. All it takes to travel with babies is a lot of preparation.

Nowadays, there are so many baby products on the market to help when travelling. When packing the obligatory baby bag, there are some products that can be included to make the trip a bit easier:

- Extra disposable nappies (I have heard horror stories of families being stuck in planes due to snow/wing de-icing and running out of nappies)

- Extra wipes - a pack of pre-moistened 80 wipes is a good idea, not a travel pack, as you will invariably need more and there will probably little opportunity to wash baby's bottom in the event of a number 3. Try to pack all over body wipes as they have more uses, like those sold by Reynard.

- Pack stick packs not a whole tin of formula if bottle feeding (an open tin will get confiscated at customs at your destination)

- Pre-sterilised water for bottles and general hydration

- Microwave steam steriliser bags or sterilising tablets to clean bottles -most international flights should have a microwave.

- Disposable baby bottles will eliminate the need to carry bottles or sterilising equipment

- Portable bottle warmer (in case you cannot locate a microwave to heat a bottle)

- Backup baby food (I personally don't eat plane food myself after a bad food poisoning experience)

- Baby Carrier - this is an essential when walking along long pathways such as those in Heathrow, or getting in and out of transit buses or trains

- Disposable bibs and burp cloths

- Disposable baby change mats

- Pyjamas for baby - even this little routine can trick a baby into nap/sleep time

When a Baby Can Travel

Check carefully with the airline that you intend to travel with. Some airlines like Qantas allow healthy newborn babies to travel when just 7 days old, other ones stipulate 21 days. Many airlines require a travel clearance form to be filled in and signed off by a GP.

Baggage Allowance

The few advantages of traveling with babies is that you will enjoy extra baggage allowance. Once again, it is important to check with

A few pieces of baggage advice

1. Buy the lightest port a cot possible, as some of these cots are so heavy that they are not very portable at all! - Baby Bjorn is fantastic.

2. A pram is a must, but be careful how you pack it. Try and wrap it in plastic so there is nothing sticking out, as I has a beautiful one that got destroyed in transit when it got stuck on the carousel in Singapore and was bent completely out of shape. Although I have to give the airport credit - I think it is one of the most child-friendly airports in the world.

3. Use a backpack for your baby bag, carry baby in a baby carrier if possible, and use some sort of bumbag for documents/money - that way when you go through customs and immigration you will have your hands free to readily access everything you need or to pick up a tired child.

Passports and Visas

Australian babies need their own passport to travel internationally, so this has to be organised beforehand. Also check that the passports are valid within the time of travel -a friend of mine didn't realise that her passport wasn't valid for re-entry to Australia while away and this caused a lot of headaches during her vacation. Also organise necessary visas for the countries you are traveling to and transiting in, well in advance. Some countries allow children up to 18 years of age to be included in a parents passport provided they are accompanied by that parent. To avoid any issues check with the consulates of the countries you will be visiting to verify passport and visa requirements.

Medicines

Packing a mild sedative on the plane (to relax baby) is a personal choice. I always administered a dose after seated on the plane, as there is nothing worse than a baby crying in a packed plane for 16+ hours (no fun for parents or passengers). Also, have some back-ups for emergencies, like Nurofen for a possible high fever, paracetamol, teething gel, etc. Make sure you have a copy of the prescription with the drug, as some countries require a declaration for customs. Note that some countries even require prescription evidence for simple things like paracetamol, so it is advisable to check with the relevant consulate before traveling as to their regulations. Finally, remember it is a good idea to anticipate requirements and pack enough for the duration of your trip (as you may not be able to obtain exactly what you want at your destination).

Health Requirements

Put your health and wellbeing first and ensure that you and your child receive all the necessary immunisations well in advance of your departure date

Meals

A baby, toddler or children's meal can be booked, and you can take this opportunity to tell the airline of any

allergies or special dietary requirements your child may have. Many international flights do provide a limited range of top brand baby food, milk, baby bottles, cereals and rusks.Having said this however, traveling stimulates a baby as there are so many different sights, sounds and smells. Add international date lines onto this and your baby can quickly become out of sorts. This is compounded somewhat by making them eat food that is out of their norm. My personal advice is try to take food onto the flight that your baby knows and prefers, and many airlines encourage this.

Liquids, aerosols and gels allowances

Passengers traveling with an infant or toddler are permitted to carry a reasonable quantity of liquid, aerosol or gel products for the infant or toddler on board for the duration of the flight and any delays that might occur, however a 'reasonable quantity' will be at the discretion of the security screening officer at customs.

Baby products may include, but are not limited to:

1. Baby milk, including breast milk;

2. Sterilised water;

3. Juice;

4. Baby food in liquid, gel or paste form

5. Disposable moistened wipes.

Handy Travel Tips

• Do pack a small pillow and blanket for travel - these keep a baby warm and comfortable during travel and while waiting in transit lounges (I still remember waiting for 8 hours in Spain for a substitute flight).
• Feed a baby a bottle during take-off and descent to help their ears adjust to cabin pressure
• Check that you can carry your babies and luggage before you go - don't expect help from strangers or travel staff
• Don't wash a baby's bottom in an aeroplane or train toilet sink I think of the person that has to use the facility after you