Cunard QM2: catering to the youngest travelers

In an article about how various cruise lines look after babies and toddlers on dallasnews.com, here is what they say about the Queen Mary 2:

"www.cunard.com; 1-800-728-6273
MINIMUM AGE TO SAIL

Varies by itinerary, 6 months old for some sailings, 1 year old for trans-Atlantic and many exotic itineraries.

WHY THEY'RE GREAT
On the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2, nannies take care of children ages 1 and up in onboard nurseries stocked with Fisher-Price Little People, toys by Lamaze and more. Diaper changing and naps in the nursery's full-size cribs are included (children's program complimentary for all ages). Preschoolers can attend pajama parties, go on treasure hunts and have their faces painted. Queen Mary 2 has a 3- to 4-foot-deep pool for families, plus a 6- to 12-inch-deep splash pool for smaller sailors. Be sure to escort your little one to the Children's Tea, served in King's Court every evening with balloons, artwork place mats, crayons and treats. Queen Mary 2 has the largest library at sea. Its more than 8,000 books include a well-stocked children's section.

BUNKING WITH BABY
Queen Mary 2's Britannia staterooms range in size from 155 to 248 square feet and include small refrigerators. Princess Grill Suites include daily bottled water and fruit baskets, both gratis. Bed configurations vary for third and fourth passengers within a stateroom. Some have double sofa beds, others include single sofa beds with a pull-down bed above.

TINY TOT ESSENTIALS
King's Court restaurant will blend food for babies on request. Playpen-like cribs are complimentary for in-cabin use. Bring plenty of diapers, wipes and other baby necessities because the ship's store does not sell these items.

CAVEAT EMPTOR
While Cunard has an excellent program for young children, this is not a line where you'll find a ship's deck worth of activities and facilities for kids. Private, in-cabin baby-sitting is not available