Travelling With TotsThe baggage details for the major airlines flying to France are shown below. Beware the extra charges! Airline: | British Airways | Ryanair | Flybe | BMIBaby | Easyjet | Free bags allowed per passenger | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Total number of bags allowed | No limit stated | 5 | No limit stated | 5 | No limit on number but can’t exceed weight limit | Cost per bag or additional bag | £120 - longhaul £60 - shorthaul £30 - domestic | £7 | £6 | £2.50 (internet rate) £5 through call centre | £10 | Weight limit | 23kgs | 15kgs | 25kgs | 20kgs | 20kgs | Cost per kilo for baggage exceeding weight allowance | Charge by additional bag only, not weight | £5.50 | £5.50 | £5 | £5 | Bag allowed for infant | Yes | No | No | No | No | Hand luggage allowance | 1 item no bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm | 1 item no more than 10kgs in weight and no bigger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm | 1 item no more than 10kgs in weights and no bigger than 50cm x 35cm x 23cm | 1 item no more than 10kgs in weight and no bigger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm | 1 item no bigger than 55x40x20cm | Notes | Buggy and carseat are allowed free. Cot is counted as baggage | Buggy is allowed free, carseat and cots are counted as part of adult’s baggage allowance | Buggy and cots are allowed free, carseat is counted as part of adult’s baggage allowance unless it’s used onboard | Infants fly free but are given no baggage allowance. Outsized items are charged at £15 (each way) e.g. car seats payable at check in. Prams are free. | Can take one item of baby related kit e.g. buggy or carseat free |
Notes: This table relates to economy class only and to one-way travel; you will need to double the figures for a return journey. Discounts may apply for on-line bookings, these are the prices you will pay at the airport or via a call-centre.Packing to go away on holiday can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you are taking a baby or toddler away with you for the first time. Below are some lists and tips that may be of use – feel free to print them out and use them as a tick list. Let us know your top tips! Wendy's Top Travel Tips! Don’t leave home without a bottle of bubble mixture…!
The thought of taking one small child away on holiday, let alone two or perhaps even three, can cast fear into the minds of even the most organised parents! So what can we do to make the process less stressful and more like the holiday that we all so badly need? Here are some tips to smooth the way. Don’t leave home without a bottle of bubble mixture…! The thought of taking one small child away on holiday, let alone two or perhaps even three, can cast fear into the minds of even the most organised parents! So what can we do to make the process less stressful and more like the holiday that we all so badly need? Here are some tips to smooth the way. ? Choose a family friendly setting Many places now are staking their fortunes on being ‘family friendly’ so it is worth running a search in Google or keeping an eye out for places that specifically cater for your family’s needs. ? Plan Ahead It is worth making a list of things to take. My (very organised) sister-in-law has put a list for each child on the computer and simply prints it off each time they go away. Now her children are older she gives each one a copy and they do their own packing. I can only aspire to be that organised! Gradually put together a pile of things to take well in advance of your departure date. ? For summer sun, don’t forget to buy fresh sunscreen and consider buying special sun-suits and large brimmed hats for the children. ? Pack some surprises Bubble mixture is always a great hit especially when faced with a delay or whilst waiting for food. A cheap toy camera - or a disposable camera is also a fun way to pass the time. Going on holiday is such an adventure so it is interesting to see it from your children’s perspective! Encourage them to take photos as you go along. ? Plan for meals en-route (plus delays) Children love picnics, so take sandwiches or baby food and plenty of drinks. It is also worth packing a variety of snacks – raisins, breadsticks, fruit sticks, chopped up fruit etc which are all popular and will help stave off the tantrums. ? Lastly Don’t forget your camera and spare memory card! Holidays with young children are full of magical moments so make sure that you don’t miss them.
Travel ListsThe items marked with a are available in all Tots to France properties! Packing for a baby: Hand luggage
| Item | Comment |
|---|
| | Nappies |
|
| Nappy bags |
|
| Wet wipes |
|
| Nappy rash cream |
|
| Nappy changing mat |
|
| Tissues |
|
| Baby blanket | Ideal for warmth, shade or comfort. |
| Dummies |
|
| Drinks / bottle | Cartons of formula are a useful option. Try to plan for possible delays. |
| Snacks | Raisins, bread sticks etc depending on the age of your child. |
| Meals | Pre-prepared foods are a useful option when you are travelling. Try to plan for delays or an emergency meal on your arrival. |
| Bibs |
|
| Toys / books | It is a good idea to pack a small surprise! Bubble mixture is a great distraction for children of all ages (keep it in a plastic bag - just in case!) |
| Spare clothes for your baby | You never know! |
| Spare clothes for you | Alternatively wear a short sleeved t-shirts over a long sleeved one in case of accidents. |
Your Baby’s Bag
| Item | Comment |
|---|
| Day time clothes | Check whether you have access to a washing machine otherwise pack one or two outfits per day. |
| Sleep suits /pyjamas |
|
| Swimming nappies | Swim nappies are a must and are available in French supermarkets. |
| Sun protection suits | These are easily available and worth it for peace of mind. |
| Sun hat(s) |
|  | Bibs |
|
| Bottles |
|  | Sterilizing tablets | Check what sterilizing arrangements will be available. |
| Formula milk |
|
| Beaker | Some may be provided but your child may have a favourite. |
| Breast pump |
|
| Night light |
|  | Plastic spoons |
|
Equipment
| Item | Comment |
|---|
 | Travel cot | Check what sleeping arrangements are available for your baby and ask about cot linen. Ask what facilities are available if you have more than one child who sleeps in a cot. |
| Baby papoose or backpack | Great for exploring! Some airlines will pack a back pack in the hold but you must ensure all the straps are tucked in. Phone the airline to check in advance. |
| Car seat | It is possible to rent car seats from car hire firms but from experience it is worth taking your own. This way you know how to secure them safely and that they provide a level of safety and comfort that you are happy with. |
| Pram | Essential. Prams are useful in the airport and you can usually push your pram up to the aeroplane where a member of staff will put it directly into the hold. What type of pram you take is dependent on the type of holiday you are going on. Three wheeler buggies are worth the effort if you are visiting the beach or plan to do a lot of walking. Remember that they do take up a lot of space in a car, particularly if you have to fit in all your luggage as well. |
| Window shades | These are essential for car journeys. |
Your baby’s washbag
| Item | Comment |
|---|
 | Nappies | Ask whether the correct size nappies can be made available for you on your arrival. |
| Baby bath products |
|
| Baby lotion |
|
| Teething gel or crystals |
|
| Sun cream |
|
Packing for a toddler: Hand Luggage
| Item | Comment |
|---|
| Nappies |
|
| Nappy bags |
|
| Wet wipes |
|
| Nappy changing mat |
|
| Nappy rash cream |
|
| Tissues |
|
| Baby blanket | Ideal for warmth, shade or comfort. |
| Dummies |
|
| Pram |
|
| Drinks / bottle / beaker | Cartons of formula are a useful option. Try to plan for possible delays. |
| Snacks | Raisins, bread sticks etc depending on the age of your child. |
| Meals | Pre-prepared foods are a useful option when you are travelling. Try to plan for delays or an emergency meal on your arrival. |
| Bibs, bowls, forks |
|
| Toys/books | It is a good idea to pack a small surprise! Bubble mixture is a great distraction for children of all ages (keep it in a plastic bag - just in case!). |
| Spare clothes for your baby | You never know! |
Your Toddler's Bag
| Item | Comment |
|---|
| Day time clothes | Check whether you have access to a washing machine otherwise pack one or two outfits per day. |
| Night time clothes |
|
| Swimming nappies | Swim nappies are a must for toddlers who are not yet potty trained and are available in French supermarkets. |
| Sun protection suits | These are easily available and worth it for peace of mind. |
| Sun hat(s) |
|
| Bibs |
|
| Bottles |
|
| Beaker | Some may be provided but your child may have a favourite. |
| Night light |
|  | Plastic spoons |
|  | Travel cot | Check what sleeping arrangements are available for your baby and ask about cot linen. Ask what facilities are available if you have more than one child who sleeps in a cot. |
| Window shades | These are essential for car journeys. |
| Baby papoose or backpack | Great for exploring! Some airlines will pack a back pack in the hold but you must ensure all the straps are tucked in. Phone the airline to check in advance. |
| Car seat | It is possible to rent car seats from car hire firms but from experience it is worth taking your own. This way you know how to secure them safely and that they provide a level of safety and comfort that you are happy with. |
| Pram | Essential. Prams are useful in the airport and you can usually push your pram up to the airplane where a member of staff will put it directly into the hold. What type of pram you take is dependent on the type of holiday you are going on. Three wheeler buggies are worth the effort if you are visiting the beach or plan to do a lot of walking. Remember that they do take up a lot of space in a car, particularly if you have to fit in all your luggage as well. |
Your Toddler's washbag
| Item | Comment |
|---|
 | Nappies | Ask whether the correct size nappies can be made available for you on your arrival. |
| Wet wipes |
|
| Baby bath products |
|
| Baby lotion |
|
| Teething gel or crystals |
|
| Sun cream | Factor 20 or more. |
First Aid Checklist Essential Items | Item |
|
|---|
Prescription Medicines | Stock up before you leave and remember to pack these items in your hand luggage in case you get separated from your bags. | Thermometer |
| Baby paracetamol | e.g. Calpol comes in small sachets which are easy to use and pack. | Antiseptic ointment or liquid | To help stop open grazes or cuts becoming infected. | Plasters |
| Tweezers | For removing splinters. | Insect repellent or nets that fit over a cot or pram |
| Calamine Lotion | To soothe insect bites, rashes and sunburn. | Rehydration Powder | Eg: Dioralyte Sachets - essential for preventing dehydration caused by diarrhoea and/or vomiting. | Arnica Cream | For bruises. |
Top Tot Tips
- Try to be organised by gradually putting together a pile of things to take well in advance of your departure date.
- Pack some surprises for along the way - a cheap toy camera for younger children or a real disposable camera for older children.
- Don't forget your camera!
- Consider which meals are going to be needed whilst en-route and plan for them eg pack sandwiches or jars. Carry more than you need in case of delays.
- Use drawstring bags within your packing to keep small items together eg. tiny socks, underwear etc.
Plan for your trip well in advance. - Ensure all your family have up to date passport - including babies and toddlers.
- Apply for a new EHIC card - forms are available from the Post Office
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