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Childhood sunburn can double the chance of developing skin cancer later in life. The sun is at its most intense between 11am and 3pm. Keep babies out of the sun altogether.

What to pack
Use waterproof sunscreen with a factor of 30+ for children over six months. Apply it 30 minutes before they go outdoors, and reapply it every two hours and directly after swimming. They should wear light, cool clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Make sure they drink regularly.

Top tips
Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, so don’t use it beyond the expiry date. Avoid perfumed and alcohol-based products, which can cause an allergic reaction.

The facts
From 2001 to 2007, 30 British children under 10 drowned in holiday swimming pools abroad. They need to be watched constantly. Don’t depend on a lifeguard who may not be trained to UK standards.

What to pack
Inflatables such as water wings are great for playing in the water but are not a substitute for watching for a child’s safety, as they can easily slip off.

Top tips
Teach children not to jump or dive into shallow water, run by the pool or push others in. The water can be unclean, so try not to let children swallow it. Avoid swimming after eating, especially following a big meal.

The facts
Children and babies can quickly become very ill from food poisoning so it’s especially important to keep them safe.

What to pack
For drinking, cooking and oral hygiene use bottled water, water purification tablets, or boil the water to sterilise it. Avoid ice unless the water is drinkable. Pack some oral rehydration salts. 

Top tips
Don’t give children food from street stalls or any food which has been exposed to flies or unwashed hands. Avoid unpasteurised milk and ice cream made from it.

The facts
Trying to explain your child’s headache or fever in a foreign language is rarely straightforward, so bring some basic medicines and a first aid kit with you.

What to pack
Children may need to be vaccinated against diseases in certain countries. Make an appointment with your GP at least eight weeks before travelling so that you have time to fit in all the vaccines as they can’t be given together.

Buy children's painkillers, such as Calpol, which contains paracetamol. Children should not be given aspirin. Other items to consider are sticky plasters, gauze, an antiseptic spray, an insect repellent for children, calamine lotion and aftersun ointment.

Top tips
Take out travel health insurance – it’s vital when travelling with children. If your child is taking prescription medicine, remember to stock up in advance of your trip.