Tickets... sunscreen... Euros... what else? Parenting expert and child psychologist Dr Pat Spungin, CEO of Raisingkids.co.uk, reminds parents about baby passports - something that's easily overlooked.

Raisingkids member's problem
Our baby is 6 months old, and we're planning in going to Spain at the beginning of September. Will we need to get a passport for the little one or can I add him to mine?

Dr Spungin's advice
Yes, your baby will definitely need a passport - all children, from newborns upwards, must now have their own individual passport. Not only is a passport necessary, your baby will also need to have his or her photo taken - although quite how much use this will be in establishing their identity when they've grown into a boisterous 4 yr-old is questionable. However, children under 12 do not need to provide a signature!

When you apply for your baby's passport, you will need to include original document/s proving your child's claim to British citizenship, for example, a birth certificate for babies born in the UK. Some parents will also need to include their own birth certificates and/or marriage certificate.

If you have any queries, your local Passport Office will be able to offer more advice, or you can call Passport Adviceline on 0870 521 0410, where a team of advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit the UK Passport Service website at www.ukpa.gov.uk. Your baby's passport will initially be valid for 5 years, but can be renewed for a further 5 years at the end of this period. At the age of 16, children become eligible for a standard 10 year passport.

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