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Pampers and powder do mix - especially in Avoriaz

A GP in Avoriaz, has the following tips for keeping your baby happy and healthy in the resort:· Keep babies well hydrated at altitude. They will breathe faster because there is less oxygen in the air, so they will need more fluid intake.

· Don’t overheat your flat. Parents tend to do so in the mountains, but a baby’s bedroom should be 14-18C. Alpine air is dry even without heating. The dry air will irritate the sinuses and could lead to a blocked nose and cough. A bowl of water on the heater acts as a humidifier.

· Go outside with your baby every day. As long as they are dressed properly, they are better off outdoors than indoors.

· Keep the baby’s head and hands well covered when out. Sunglasses and suncream are essential.

· Until babies are six months old, the Eustachian tube is very large, so they are unlikely to experience pressure in the ear from the change in altitude.

· It’s inadvisable to take babies to the mountains if they have an untreated heart or pulmonary problem.

Essentials

· For more details, see avoriaz.com. For help organising a ski holiday with an infant, contact Esprit Ski (01252 618300; esprit-holidays.co.uk) or Ski Famille (0845 644 3764; skifamille.co.uk).