First trip to the sea with a child: what to bring and expect

The entry into the water matters most: sandy and gently sloping, so your child can play at the edge without you holding their hand every second. Pebble beaches and pontoon entries are hard for small children.

Second, a children’s pool. On days when the sea is rough, that is where the day happens.

Third, distance. A hotel further from the airport may be cheaper, but a three-hour transfer after a flight is a trial for a tired child.

Tell your operator about your family — ages and number of children. They will filter for kids’ clubs, sandy entries and short transfers.

A child needs their OWN passport — adding them to a parent’s document no longer works.

If the child flies with only one parent, or without them (with a grandmother, say), notarised consent is required. Arrange it in advance — it cannot be fixed at the airport.

Bring a copy of the birth certificate; proof of relationship is sometimes requested.

Ears hurt on take-off and landing. For a baby, feeding or water helps; for an older child, a sweet or chewing gum — swallowing equalises the pressure.

In your cabin bag: a change of clothes (something will be spilled), a power bank, headphones, a toy or a tablet with downloaded cartoons.

Night flights are often easier with children — they sleep. But plan for arriving at night: there may be no meal service that first evening.

The first day is for settling in. Skip long excursions: pool, shade, early bedtime.

Sun. Children burn faster: stay in the shade from 11 to 16, and a hat plus high-factor cream are non-negotiable.

Water and food. Bottled water only. Introduce new dishes gradually — trying everything on day one is too much for a small stomach.

Medicines. Fever reducer, something for an upset stomach, an antihistamine and plasters — in children’s doses. Pharmacies exist abroad, but names differ and night-time searching is hard.