Are you looking forward to your family vacation? To ensure that families with small children can get to (and from) their destination stress-free and enjoy their days off, they should plan thoroughly beforehand. Good preparation includes everything that needs to be considered from arrival to return. Our tips summarize what young families need to know for a relaxed vacation.

Do you travel by car, train or plane to your destination? For young children, the journey to and from your destination can be extremely boring, exhausting, exciting or (especially when flying) even frightening. Here's what you can do to ensure relaxed travel:

• Pack suitable snacks depending on your child's age - nothing sweet or greasy, as these are heavy on the stomach and can cause nausea.
• Take small toys with you to keep them occupied and distracted (books, finger puppets, audio games, etc.).
Dress your child in an onion look and remember a change of clothes.
• Keep wet wipes, plastic bags, tissues and kitchen towels and, if necessary, changing utensils to hand.

A new environment is very exciting for young children. This can cause them to be restless and unable to get to sleep. It is best to get your child used to their travel crib at home. Ideally, take this with you on vacation. A small blanket that smells familiar and a favorite cuddly toy will also create a feel-good atmosphere. Maintain rituals from your everyday life on vacation - for example, reading aloud or singing in the evening. If you are using a rental car at your vacation destination, you should take your own child seat with you if possible - you never know exactly what you will get on site!

Are you traveling to another country? If your child is no longer breastfed but is not yet eating with the grown-ups, you should plan their diet well. Take enough powdered milk with you (and possibly a small kettle for the hotel room or vacation apartment), as well as jars of your baby's familiar formula. Please note: Even if you can buy jars from the same manufacturer abroad, the taste may vary and your baby may reject the food. If you cook yourself, pack a blender

The further away your destination is, the more important it is to plan early. Special vaccinations are recommended for some countries. Talk to your pediatrician about this as early as possible. Also ask which medicines for your child belong in your first-aid kit. A checklist for the children's first-aid kit can be downloaded here. Have documents such as an ID card or passport prepared for your child in good time and remember to include their vaccination card, medical check-up booklet and health insurance card with their travel documents.

Everything sorted? Then look forward to a relaxing vacation!