The importance of parents bringing plenty of sun protection for toddlers when going on holiday has been underlined as part of a health campaign.

Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential items for children's travel suitcases, according to Fiona Joyce from the Panadol Panel of Dr Mums.

The initiative is being run by the drug company to remind mums and dads of the dangers their children can face on holiday if simple precautions are not taken.

Ms Joyce said parents need to pack a "capsule medicine cabinet" for their trip, which should include paracetamol and drugs to cure mild ailments such as stomach upsets.

Dr Sarah Brewer, who is also on the panel, remarked: "[Families] might worry about the stress of the travel but they perhaps might not plan ahead and think about common illnesses which they could easily take some remedies with them to help treat."

In-house research found that 61 per cent of Britons have suffered from common health issues while on holiday, including sunburn, colds and flu.

Almost one in ten admit to putting no medication in their suitcases.

Posted by Samantha KellyADNFCR-3005-ID-19879596-ADNFCR