HELP - never had to book a child friendly holiday before what do I really need to think about/look out for?

[LoveBeingAMummyKissingSanta]

So Dh and I ahve decicded that we will be going abroad this year. DD is two in march and this will be the first time abroad for her.

So what the heck do i need to think about and how do I make sure i don't end up somewhere totally unsuitable?

Have only ever booked cheap allocated on arrival hols for me and dh ebfore so really need some help.

Until we had our DD we had never had to consider someone so smalls needs. We travel a lot with her now but here are some of my point to watch out for:

Stairs, Balconies, Supervised pools with covered filters, places where vaccines are not needed, safe sheltered beaches with umbrellas and places that are not at the top/bottom of a steep hill.

If your DD sleeps ok then ask for somewhere with a roll away bed/cot. If not then you might need to get an apartment with a separate room or ask to be away from noise etc.

Food wise our DD was BLW'ned so will eat most things but it is worth considering diet before you go.

Try out any baby sunscreen on their skin before you go, You can be sure if it is an allergy rather than worrying if they are allergic or if it is just the heat.

Flights that fit into sleep patterns are nice. It is not nice having to carry a sleeping child onto a plane at 3am and then ensure they are strapped in, comfortable and then able to continue sleeping over all the announcements etc.

Happy holidaying. You are going to have so much fun.

Sorry about grammar/spelling, typing with DD on lap!

I steer clear of balconies, unsupervised/ungated pools and cliffs and anywhere too hot as my eldest is not great in extreme heat.

Eurocamp have some lovely sites that are perfect for little ones, specifically toddlers.

I've not been but a friend went here with a toddler and said the play provision was great:

www.princesayaiza.com/kikoland/default-en.html

Thanks guys, do you think its better to go inot the travel agent than try and do it online?

do you want childcare?
self-catering or half-board or AI?
Do you prefer smaller quieter resorts or a large hotel?
Do you mind being with a load of other Brits?

I would look at babygoes2.com at their very good advice and suggestions for more independant places

Look at a Thomson Superfamily/First Choice Holiday Village if you don't mind giant AI hotels with lots of Brits and Kids facilities

Or Simply Travel for a self-catering villa with creche facilities somewhere more off the beaten track and quieter

Or siblu or canvas or eurocamp if thats the sort of thing you like

If doing a package, I would check out transfer times as you don't want to have to sit on a bus for more than 30-60mins between the airport and your resort.

When ours were younger we preferred to rent a car and transfer ourselves, this meant we had the freedom to get out and about on a daily basis too.

Ensure access to a washing machine - boring but necessary!

Find somewhere with as much (safe) space as possible.

I'd recommend an apartment or villa over a hotel as you've got the option to put your DD to bed and then have a meal or get in a takeaway and eat it in comfort. There's nothing worse than trying to eat from room service in the dark in case children wake up.

There's a company called Tots to France (I think they also cover Italy) who personally check out holiday properties to ensure that they're safe for babies and toddlers.