- The Many Uses of Baby Wipes
You can never have too many wipes, even if your child is no longer in diapers. You clean a face, sticky hands, dodgy public toilets (don’t flush!), and dirty eating surfaces with the wipes. They also work wonders for loosening clothes. Don’t just take a small travel pack, either, but a good supply that will last the whole trip and more. You’ll never regret bringing too many wipes, but you’ll regret not having enough. - Be prepared to satisfy hunger
It may seem obvious, but you’ve undoubtedly heard one of those horror stories of passengers being trapped in an aeroplane for hours, either before takeoff or after landing. If you don’t fly often, you might not know that finding nutritious snacks for kids can be a tall order. The GPS will not always tell you where the nearest restaurant is if you are driving. Try to pack at least twice the amount of food you think you need. There are delays. Being ready with enough food means you won’t suffer during these delays. If you also bring a few favourite treats, your kids will likely be cooperative when needed.
Read more: Making sure your child eats well
- Toys to take away
You need to keep the kids busy on the plane or in the car, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on brand new toys that can break or get lost. Hide some of your children’s favourite toys a few weeks before departure, and they will be happy to find them. Dollar stores are full of trinkets that will keep your kids busy at low prices. Don’t forget to bring a few books, too. On planes, screens on the back of the seatbacks can be great, but tablets or portable DVD players can help keep the kids entertained if there aren’t any. - Treat sores with a first aid kit
Since you never know when a fever will strike, or your child will hurt themselves, you should always have a small first aid kit handy. Carry children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen, a bottle of children’s antihistamines, a thermometer, plastic bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, and diaper rash cream if needed, in a kit make-up or pencils. If you take these items with you, you won’t have to search for a pharmacy when you get to your destination. - Be patient
Travel can sometimes be stressful. Children detect your mood; if you are sullen because the gate agent was in a bad mood or you forgot to take certain clothes, your child will sense it and act capriciously accordingly. Being cautiously optimistic is a good way to approach a day of travel. If you expect everything to go smoothly at all times, you will be disappointed. If things go well, that’s a bonus!
If you do like the scouts and are “always ready”, you will be able to face any situation that may arise from the start of your vacation and can return home with peace of mind.
Corinne McDermott blogs about the joys and challenges of travelling with children in Have Baby Will Travel.
