For the first few weeks after the birth of your baby, you will probably want to stay pretty close to home given the non-stop attention your baby needs. However, babies are pretty good at travelling and tend not to be as disruptive as parents may fear.

Usually, if they have a full tummy, a clean nappy and somewhere comfortable to sleep they are happy.

New EU child safety protection laws have come into force making it compulsory for all children to travel in the correct child seat. Car seats must be in accordance with EU or United Nations standards (ECE Regulation 44-03). When travelling with your baby in the car:

• Ensure your car seat is correctly fitted – follow the manufacturer’s instructions and practise fitting it a few times before you need it
• Make sure the seat is the right size for your child’s age and weight and suitable for your car
• Never place a rear facing infant seat in the front of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag.
• Never leave a baby unattended in a car
• Do not smoke in your car when a baby will be travelling in it
• Beware of second hand car seats especially if you do not know the history of the seat. The seat may not meet current standards or may have been involved in a crash.

When you are travelling on public transport such as buses and taxis the best way to keep your baby safe is to carry them in their car seat. The car seat will provide some protection even when there are no seat belts to strap it into.