Research framework
How BabyTravel UK sources, checks and updates research
This framework applies to BabyTravel UK data references, policy comparisons, interactive tools and original studies. It explains what a published figure represents, how sources are selected and what happens when information changes.
Research principles
BabyTravel UK aims to make travel information easier to use without removing the context needed to understand it. A neat comparison is only useful when readers can see where the information came from, when it applied and where two sources are not directly comparable.
Traceable
Important claims should lead to an identifiable source or clearly described first-party collection method.
Dated
A policy, price, figure or specification is tied to a reporting period or verification date.
Comparable
Tables use consistent definitions, units and rules, with exceptions described beside the result.
Correctable
Material errors are recorded and corrected. Routine refreshes are dated so readers can identify the version used.
Source hierarchy
The most appropriate source depends on the question. The following order guides research, although a lower-level source may sometimes contain the only available detail.
| Priority | Source type | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Official government or regulator | National statistics, passenger rules, passports and aviation data |
| 2 | Airline, airport or manufacturer | Current policies, facilities, dimensions and product specifications |
| 3 | Named research organisation | Survey findings where sample and fieldwork information are available |
| 4 | Retailer or specialist reference | Availability or specifications when the primary source is incomplete |
When a secondary article merely repeats a figure, the aim is to locate and cite the originating dataset or report. If that cannot be found, the limitation should be clear rather than presenting the figure as independently verified.
How different resources are compiled
Statistics and data references
Statistics are recorded with the named publisher, title or dataset, reporting period and access link. We distinguish data about all UK travellers from data specifically about parents, families, infants or children. A general passenger figure is not presented as a baby-travel figure simply because it appears on this website.
Airline and airport policies
Policy comparisons use public pages from the relevant airline or airport wherever possible. Wording is condensed for clarity, but exceptions such as route, fare, airport, aircraft or advance-booking requirements remain part of the comparison. Readers should always check the linked operator page before travelling because operational decisions can change at short notice.
Pushchair and product specifications
Dimensions, weights, age ranges and included components are taken from named manufacturer or retailer listings. Units may be converted to make comparisons readable. Converted figures are rounded consistently and the original published unit remains the reference if a small rounding difference appears.
Interactive tools
A tool result applies published rules to the selections or measurements entered by the user. It is decision support, not a guarantee that an airline employee, airport or accommodation provider will make the same operational decision. The rules behind a tool should be described on its page and updated with the underlying data.
Calculations, rankings and comparison scores
Any original index or ranking will publish its criteria before presenting a final score. The framework requires:
- a definition for every criterion;
- the source used for each recorded value;
- the weighting applied to each criterion;
- rules for missing, unclear or conflicting information;
- the date on which the comparison was completed; and
- a sensitivity note where a small scoring change could alter the order.
Commercial relationships do not determine the value assigned to a data point or an organisation's position in a research ranking.
Original surveys and reader research
When BabyTravel UK publishes first-party survey results, the accompanying page will state:
- the exact question wording;
- fieldwork dates and collection method;
- the number of valid responses;
- who was eligible to respond;
- how incomplete and duplicate responses were handled;
- whether percentages were rounded; and
- important sampling limitations.
Responses collected from BabyTravel UK readers represent that participating group. They are not described as nationally representative unless an appropriate sampling method supports that claim.
Review dates and updates
Pages may display several different dates because they answer different questions:
When the resource first became publicly available.
When the page received a meaningful editorial or data change.
When the principal source or policy was reviewed, even if no change was required.
The month, quarter or year represented by the underlying data.
Highly changeable airline policies and product specifications need more frequent checks than annual public datasets. A page may therefore combine several source dates rather than implying that every figure was produced on the page's update date.
Corrections and source revisions
A material correction changes the meaning of a finding, comparison or recommendation. Examples include an incorrect figure, wrongly attributed source, calculation error or policy recorded against the wrong airline.
Minor spelling, formatting and broken-link repairs do not normally enter the public correction log. When an official source revises its own historical data, BabyTravel UK may update the affected resource and note that the change originated with the source.
Material changes made after this framework launched are recorded on the research corrections page.
Reuse and attribution
Short quotations may be used with a link to the exact BabyTravel UK page. Keep the original attribution when the underlying figure belongs to an external source. Contact research@babytraveluk.co.uk before reproducing a complete chart, table, dataset or substantial extract.