While on Land

For an international trip, the process begins with the rather amusing event of having your baby press a squidgy, ink-stained thumb on the application form for a passport.

Quite obviously, this has to be scheduled as the first item on the "To Do" list, before you plan your holiday to foreign shores.

In about 8-10 weeks', its time to book the all-important tickets and arrange for visas. Reputed travel agents usually take care of the latter. Most international carriers charge 10 percent of the usual airfare for a child less than two years of age.

At this stage, it helps to specifically request the travel agent to book a bassinet seat for the child. This mini-cot is accompanied by a baby pillow and two blankets and ensures that your spouse and you can enjoy your trip without having to juggle food trays, headphones and in-flight magazines along with a squirming infant or toddler.

Packing for Departure Day

Veteran family travellers speak of the golden rule for young children: Carry a comprehensive baby-kit as part of the cabin baggage. This would usually mean a "baby-bag" dedicated to junior.

Essential items for this kit comprise:

• A set of clothes, including a pair of socks or booties (and a set of woollies, if so required)
• A packet of 4 diapers (we wouldn't want to be stranded without this one!) and diaper pins
• A bib, a couple of small towels, a packet of tissues for mopping up spills
• A blanket or quilt with a detachable, waterproof lining
• Any essential medication, along with recent and relevant medical records
• A pack of mini soap, powder and baby lotion

A pacifier or teething ring, if needed A separate bag could include small but adequate quantities of some of these:

• Infant formula (dry)
• Dry cereals, biscuits and fruits that your baby is accustomed to
• A sipping mug, a couple of spoons, baby's bowl or plate and a feeding bottle.

These help during unexpected delays. Moreover, airlines do supply baby food on request but it may be wiser to play safe. Moreover, finicky young children often refuse new tastes and textures in alien surroundings. So forewarned is forearmed.

Optional carry-along items include a few small, unbreakable toys (strictly of the non-squeaky variety!), a couple of colourful cardboard picture books and a favourite stuffed toy for baby to cuddle with.