Pros: You don’t usually have to book ahead, and can be very flexible regarding hours, so you don’t have to waste money if they don't enjoy it. Great that it’s on site, easy to get to and your child knows you are nearby if needed.

Cons: Standards and ratios do vary, and although we have had good reports of all our recommended hotels, expectations do vary, so if you have a particular requirement, check it precisely first.

TIP: If a certain number of hours in the crèche is essential to the enjoyment of your holiday, ask to pre book it.

Pros: The childcare isn’t right on top of you, so when you are in your accommodation you don’t feel as if you’re in the ‘family compound’. The full day/half package leaves room for flexibility. Standard of equipment and staff tend to be very high because it’s treated as a separate concern.

Cons: You do have to travel to it in some cases, so involves a bit of packing up and preparing etc

TIP: Very popular, so book well in advance.

Pros: Excellent way of having a helping hand during the day or for a few hours on the beach. You can be nearby while someone else builds the castles, reads the books, watches the antics etc.

Can be booked on the spot, so a lot of flexibility.

Cons: Could be expensive for full day care (as provided above).

You’d need to try and get the same nanny each time to build up a bit of trust

They won’t have lots of equipment, so best to take your own small supply of toys etc.

Babygoes2 has some great recommendations of useful toys to pack in this instance.

TIP: Although they can be booked on the spot, if you think you’ll need a few hours regularly, it’s best to advise the tour operator in advance to be sure.

Pros: You get full time childcare for a very reasonable cost

Gives you a lot of flexibility

Cons: You or your children may not get on with the nanny.

She’s with you all the time, so you lose a certain amount of privacy

TIP: Again, the nanny won’t have a lot of toys or amusements, so take what you can, and be prepared to buy paper, paints, crayon etc when out there.

Babygoes2 has some great recommendations of useful toys to pack in this instance.

The nannies (in uniform for ease of recognition), can come to your hotel or villa, day or night and look after your child/ren (from around £5 per hour), while you have a night out (or two!).

To make your break even more relaxing, the agency can supply equipment for your break - including strollers (basic model from £2.40 per day), travel cots (about £17 per week), car seats (birth to 4 years from £4.80 per day), and high chairs. They can even arrange nappy delivery, to arrive at the resort on day of your arrival (infant size 4-8kg around £13 per 100). How's that for taking the strain?

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Most hotels wordwide can offer this option, too.