We have just come back from the perfect ski break. Perfect in my dreams that is. For while the snow was good, and the scenery stunning, Digby, our 13-month-old son was struck by a bug. Meaning he could not go into the hotel crèche. Meaning I could not ski.

It got me thinking – well, with no skiing and sleepless nights looking after a crying child I had plenty of time for that. Bitter? Me? I'd planned this holiday as well as anyone could - but nobody can plan for illness. Digby was well enough to cope without me for a few hours but children’s clubs will not accept sick children. Most rule that, in order to prevent the illness spreading, children must be clear of any symptoms for at least 24 hours before going back to the club.

Fair enough. But that's a large chunk out of a week’s holiday. And a long time, as I know to my cost, to spend cooped up in a hotel room a long way from home with ailing Digby. We’ve had other childcare disasters (and some successes). Until quite recently, Peggy, our six-year-old, loathed virtually every children’s club she tried. Best was a chalet-based crèche staffed by British-qualified nannies on an Esprit skiing holiday. Worst was a locally run ski nursery in Switzerland. When we heard her screams from the slopes it became clear we could not leave her in the club. The rest of the week was spent splitting the childcare or skiing alone.

We could hardly blame Peggy. There were only two other children in the nursery. And one particularly dour care worker who spoke hardly any English (despite the reassuring advertising) and wore scary dark glasses indoors. It was months before poor Peggy stopped saying, “Please don’t leave me with Christina, Mummy”.

It is not that we do not want to spend time with our children. Believe me. Mostly we do. But there are times, such as that expensive skiing holiday or maybe a much deserved summer break, when, if like us you do not have relatives with whom you can leave your offspring, good childcare is important.

So what are parents to do? Here is a guide to the type of childcare on offer with a word of advice about the advantages and pitfalls of each.

DUMP THEM IN A CLUB

Resort or chalet-based crèches and children’s clubs are usually offered as part of an inclusive package by many of the more family-orientated tour operators such as Mark Warner Sunsail, Neilson, Powder Byrne, Club Med, Scott Dunn, Esprit, Ski Famille, Family Ski Company.

Most are staffed by British-qualified, insured and police-checked nannies (French in the case of Club Med) and offer wall-to-wall childcare including activities, entertainment and meals.

In ski resorts, the club usually takes care of children’s ski school drop offs and pick-ups so parents can get a full day on the slopes.

Pros: Usually very jolly. Banish boredom and provide children with ready-made friends. Parents have confidence in qualified staff.

Cons: No guarantee your child will like it, which means, as you usually pay in advance, you may end up paying for nothing. Ill children not accepted.

Locally run crèches Only for the very brave. Sometimes available in ski resorts where you can usually book by the half day. My daughter found it hard to adapt because English was not the main language and the routine seemed very strange to her.

An exception is Snowkidz in Les Gets, which is staffed by fully qualified, insured and police checked British nannies.

Pros: Handy if you do not need full-time childcare. Often conveniently located on the slopes.

Cons: Hard for British children to adapt.

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE NANNIES

Offered by some posh hotels, particularly in the Indian Ocean or Caribbean, such as Coral Reef Club, Barbados where nannies can be hired by the hour or day. Also offered by a few tour operators such as Scott Dunn and Just Sardinia and agencies (particularly in ski resorts), such as Jack Frosts (Portes du Soleil), Cheeky Monkeys (Les Gets, Morzine), Cosy Toes (Tenerife, Costa del Sol, Majorca and Gran Canaria from September)

Pros: Childcare won’t be thrown out by a mere sniffle. Good for children who might be overwhelmed by the rumbustious atmosphere of a children’s club. Good for tiny babies not used to a crèche.

Cons: Can be expensive. Difficult to judge foreign qualifications. Difficult to know in advance whether your child will get on with the nanny.

Babysitting Available in some hotels by the hour.

Pros: Handy for short periods and evenings out.

Cons: Usually very expensive. Hard for child to build up relationship with babysitter, who may not have any childcare qualifications.

Sharing the burden Travelling with another, or extended, family can be a great way to share childcare. It has worked very well for us. Look for big villas, or properties with annexes so you can escape each other if it all gets too much.

Pros: Economical. Children don’t have to get used to strange adults.

Cons: Having to look after “other people’s children” (one of my pet hates). Potential breakdown of lifelong friendships! It’s amazing how easy it is to get tetchy about your friends’ attitudes to their children’s bedtime, sweets and television habits.

We’d also like to hear from you. What are your experiences of holiday childcare? And what do you recommend? Post your comments below or send an e-mail to yoursay@timesonline.co.uk. Please say where you live and let us know the age and gender of your children.

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