Going on a holiday with the family? Getting on board a plane with a toddler in need of your full time attention in tow can be a harrowing experience for parents who may not have experience keeping the little tyke entertained. Margarita Y. Locsin-Chan, from the Philippine Daily Inquirer has a few useful tips to keep everyone’s nerves from fraying. Her 14-month-old son is a frequent flyer with more than 100 hours in flight across three continents.

We also highlight for you some precautions you can take before taking that flight – with the types of vaccinations that are recommended for your little ones.

Do your research

While all airports follow certain international regulations for safety and security reasons, it is good to be aware that some have customized theirs. For example, at Heathrow Airport in London, you are allowed to bring liquid and powdered baby formula on board, but you may be asked to taste the former. You may want to bring one packet of ready-to-drink liquid formula for your child’s pre-departure wait, and a stack of powdered formula if you don’t want the Customs officer making you open every single pack of liquid formula to taste before flight!

Bring an extra or two more portions of feeds than necessary, as your baby may not be able to tolerate in-flight food.

Find out what baby facilities are available before boarding

All airlines claim to be baby-friendly, but only some truly consider babies’ needs. Most airlines do provide baby formula on board and on all classes, but you may not be able to get your hands on other necessities such as bibs, spoons, wet wipes, baby lotion etc if you need to feed or change your baby. Remember to bring along your own supplies if you can.

You may have booked a baby bassinet ahead of time, but re-check with the airline again just before you fly. Some airlines may not provide it on certain classes of flight.

Try to get seats with a bit more leg-room, such as the ones right next to the main screen, or the exit doors in cattle class, if you can’t afford business or first class. This obviously provides you more space to manouevre while you are handling a fussing baby, or one that is wakeful and active.

Pack smart

If you’re travelling alone with your baby, consider getting a diaper bag with a lot a pockets, so you can store the extra things you will need to keep a baby happy, such as extra clothes, teethers and toys.

A cheaper, light stroller, compared to your regular McLaren, may be a good idea. For one, you won’t feel the ache if the airline should lose it for you, and the other, such a stroller is easier to transport and pack.

Instead of your usual travelling tote, get a messenger bag. It’s easier to organize travel documents and makes it easier for you to find them when you need them as you handle a demanding toddler.

Should you need to stay connected, consider investing in a Blackberry or a netbook, which is a smaller and more portable version of your laptop.

Schedule flights around baby’s hours

It’s going to be easier to fly during your baby’s sleeping hours, as he will probably be dozing off then. It will much more difficult to keep him quiet and in the seat if you fly during his ‘awake’ time.

Consider essential vaccinations before leaving

Travelling without vaccinating your family is taking unnecessary risks. It is important to be up to date on your child’s vaccinations, as some are only effective for a limited time, such as a few months to a few years. Consult your paediatrician before taking off. Aside from diseases, a travel medical kit is also essential for a host of ailments which may be minor but will almost certainly ruin a holiday.

Dr Roy Chio of Famicare Bedok Clinic has a comprehensive list of must-bring items. It includes:

•  Travel sickness pills, which prevent attacks of nausea when you are on a plane, on a winding road or in a boat. These stabilise the body's balance mechanism.
•  Cough and cold medication, preferably in pill form to avoid spillage or security complications at the airport.
•  Anti-diarrhoea medication, such as oral rehydration salts, charcoal pills and, most importantly, anti-vomiting pills. Dr Chio explains: 'If you can't control your vomiting, then you won't be able to keep your medication down long enough for it to take effect.'
•  Jet lag pills, with the most natural being melatonin in capsule form. These are best taken closer to normal sleeping time at the destination to help induce sleep.
•  Fever- and pain-control tablets. Dr Chio discourages against taking antibiotics on a holiday as misuse of it may result in kidney dysfunction.
• Plasters, antiseptic wipes and bandages. Exposed wounds may get infected, especially if in a dirty area or when surfing in the sea.
• Disposable sterile needles. These are especially important when travelling to countries where healthcare standards may be poor. Dr Chio says in the event of an emergency which requires a jab, 'you don't want to share needles with someone else because there is a very high risk of getting infected by blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B or Aids'. Once abroad, it is best to be wary of the local water supply as drinking dirty water is one of the easiest ways to fall sick or contract hepatitis A.

'In developing countries, drink only bottled mineral water and make sure the cap is sealed properly,' says Dr. Chio.

Vaccinate yourself before travelling:

• Meningococcal meningitis ($70): Symptoms include severe headaches and fever and, if unchecked, may lead to death within two days. It is spread by close contact with a carrier.
• Tetanus ($10-$15): Caused by bacteria entering dirty wounds and producing tetanus toxins in the body. Those affected may experience rigid convulsions leading to death
• Hepatitis A ($90): Viral infection of the liver but unlikely to be fatal. It can be caused by food that is not well cooked, especially seafood.
• Hepatitis B ($30-40): Viral infection of the liver, which is potentially lethal. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person but not through casual contact.
• Typhoid or typhoid fever ($28): Causes high fever and diarrhoea with a rash of flat, rose-coloured spots sometimes appearing on the body. Spread through contaminated food and water.

Oral medications to pack for the following:

• Hay fever ($3-$5): Its proper name is allergic rhinitis and it is caused by pollen and occurs mostly during summer. It especially affects people who are allergic to dust and flower pollen. Antihistamines should be an effective treatment.
• Malaria ($88 for 12 tablets): Causes high fever and is potentially fatal. It is spread by mosquitos carrying a specific type of bacteria. There is no vaccination for it but oral drugs can be taken to reduce the likelihood of contracting it.

Destinations where you may contract these diseases:

• North America: No vaccinations are required by the US communicable disease centre but hay fever may be a problem in June.
• South America, Africa: Meningococcal meningitis, malaria, hepatitis A India and China: Hepatitis A and typhoid
• Middle East: Meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis A
• South-east Asia: Hepatitis A
• Elsewhere: Doctors advise that vaccinations for hepatitis B and tetanus be taken as they may be contracted anywhere in the world.

For more travel health information, call:

1. Medical Centre for International Travellers (Changi General Hospital) on 6850-3685/6850-3333

2. Travellers' Health & Vaccination Clinic (Tan Tock Seng Hospital) on 6357-2222