IT DOESN'T take long for a new parent to realise that their delightful bundle of joy is going to change their life forever. Out are the boozy nights on the town, the shopping sprees on a whim and the trips to the cinema. Instead, life becomes one big military operation where it is impossible to leave the house without a car boot full of toys, bottles, sterilisers and Tupperware boxes of finger foods.

Simply functioning from day to day seems so tricky that, to many new parents, the idea of jetting off on a much-needed break seems like an impossible dream.

But wearied mothers and fathers should take heart because, although dangerous sports and wild adventures are probably off the agenda, travelling doesn't have to stop just because you have a new baby.

Rosie Whitehouse, who contributed to Lonely Planet's Travel With Children, says that far from being a hindrance, a new addition to the family will enrich your holiday experience in a way you never imagined.

''Children force you to mix with locals and speak to people. You get far more of the atmosphere of the country than you would if you were travelling with other adults.''

And Annie Jones, author of the website www.travellingwithchildren.co.uk, says new parents should jump on the plane as soon as possible because babies are much better travellers than toddlers. ''Babies don't care where they go, as long as it's with you. As long as you stick to their routine they are quite happy.''

The key to a successful trip with a new baby is watertight planning. This doesn't mean having to map out your entire route and book every hotel in advance, but you do need to think ahead.

First, it's important to pick a suitable destination. Jones says: ''It might be a good idea to go to a country you already know. In any case, it is advisable to stick to places in Europe where enough people speak English.

''I recommend the southern Mediterranean Spain, Corsica and France and Italy - because they love children. You will get welcomed there because the locals holiday at home and take their kids with them.''

Whitehouse says: ''If you are looking for a summer holiday, it is a really good idea to go to Scandinavia. Recently they have had good weather and there are no mosquitoes up in the Arctic Circle at the moment. Norway is a bit expensive, but Sweden, Finland and Denmark are extremely good options. They are so geared up to children every hotel has toy rooms, every restaurant a toy corner.''

However, she adds: ''I would not recommend large tracts of the UK because many restaurants and hotels can be really snotty. Germany is also not so good. You get stalked all around museums by elderly women who tell you not to feed your baby in there.''

If you don't have other children, the best time of year to go is outside school holidays. Whitehouse says: ''September and October are marvellous times to go to the Mediterranean because prices are low, and it is warm without being stifling hot.''

Next, it is essential to consider every eventuality. Whitehouse says: ''Start planning a couple of weeks before you go. Think through all the worst possible things that could go wrong, and take steps to prevent them.''

Choosing the right equipment can make or break a holiday, because there is nothing worse than finding out you have too much stuff to transport or are missing something vital.

Jones recommends splashing out on some specially designed equipment because it will fold down to next to nothing. ''You can get travel cots that weigh just 2.4kg, and for six month old babies, there are pop-up travel beds the size of a dinner plate.''

Bedding is essential if you want to guarantee peace of mind. Jones says: ''If the linen is dirty or your baby could get their fingers caught in the holes, you are not going to get a good night's sleep.''

When it comes to pushchairs, Jones recommends taking a jogger if you already have one because it will go over all terrains. Failing that, it is essential for a young baby that the seat reclines to allow him or her to sleep.

But Jones adds: ''If you can afford it, forget about the pushchair and invest in a back carrier. You can go anywhere and it keeps your hands free.''

Protection against the sun is vital, because all cancer organisations recommend that young babies be kept out of the sun. Jones recommends investing in a full UV cover for the buggy, which will keep out up to 90 per cent of the sun's rays and protects against insects as well.

When it comes to feeding, it is important that sterilising equipment is easy and convenient, otherwise the whole process can be such a headache it will spoil the trip.

Jones says: ''There are so many easy to use products like microwave bags, and disposable steriliser bags, which have tablets ready in them.

''For making the milk, ready made formula is also a good idea because you cannot guarantee that hotel kitchens will boil water properly when you ask them to.''

Over-enthusiastic parents should note that there is no need to take suitcases of toys because, in an emergency, you can always buy toys wherever you are. But Jones warns: ''Don't forget your child's favourite toy, and if at all possible, buy an extra one. If they lose it, it will be a disaster.''

With babies, the most potentially stressful part of a holiday is the flight, and on a first trip it is advisable to avoid destinations more than two and a half hours away.

Jones says: ''Breast feed or give them a bottle on take-off or landing to equalise the pressure in their ears. Aromatherapy works really well to calm babies over three months.''

When it comes to car trips, Whitehouse says: ''Try to coincide car journeys with their normal sleep time. But if they wake up, go in the back and try to keep them amused.''

After you have arrived at your destination, make sure you have plenty of time for excursions and do not try to pack too much into each day.

Jones says: ''It's all about spending quality time with the family. If you try to do too much, everyone will just get ratty. Plan to arrive at your hotel mid-afternoon to give them time to settle in.''

Whitehouse says: ''Don't just bung children into pushchairs and tell them to be quiet. Pick them up and carry them around and show them things. You can go on any excursion within reason and they will enjoy it as long as you are relaxed and involve them.''