Travelling With Kids? Here's what You NEED to Pack | EWmums.com
 

Travelling With Kids? Here's what You NEED to Pack

With summer in full bloom, travel is on the minds of many...

Posted on

20 July 2017

Travelling with kids

Travelling is exciting to most but once you have children in the mix, it becomes a whole other process. However, there's no need to panic as this handy checklist will make your trip a whole lot easier! So go about your planning as usual, and let the below take care of your actual journey...

1. Snack attack

There's nothing more distracting and entertaining than a bag of nibbles and these can come in use at the long wait by the boarding gate. Easy to carry items include string cheese, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter sandwiches, grapes or bits of cut fruit that won't turn black and juice boxes.

String cheese makes a great on-the-go snack

String cheese makes a great on-the-go snack

2. Leave the water-works behind

If you're travelling with a baby, try not to carry pre-made milk formulas or anything that might be confiscated at security. Although some countries allow mothers to carry a certain quantity breast milk, formula and baby food, it might not be the case everywhere so it's best to carry powders that you can stir up once you're on the plane.

3. Keep them in the loop

Children love to be included and to avoid any last minute tantrums at the airport or flight, it is best to tell them the general plan. Make them a little map or tour-book with pictures that can keep them busy for hours. Older children may also benefit from knowing this information first hand as it can be an educational exercise for them to read up about it or watch videos online in anticipation of the vacation!

Let them in on the plan

4. An extra pair so you don't bare (it all)

Although this is the norm for parents travelling with babies, make sure that your toddler is also covered. Long flights and waits can make kids nervous and they often get sick on flights due to a number of reasons. So it's best to carry a change of clothes so they're not uncomfortable for the duration of the trip.

5. Let me entertain you

Flight delays, transfers and long journeys are imminent when travelling so it's always best to carry a book, tablet or some toys (check that they don't have any metal or sharp features on them) with you in your carry-on to avoid any inconvenience

Carry entertaining tools with you while travelling

Colour pencils and a book can keep kids entertained for hours

6. Baby, it's cold outside

Flights and airports can get cold erratically and fluctuation in temperature often makes children cranky. Save yourself the hassle and pack in a hoodie.

7. The night is dark and full of terrors

Extra points if you got the Game of Thrones pun, but it is a good idea to carry a plug-in night light when travelling with kids. Although most hotels have night lights, they are often still too bright for children and can disturb their sleep.

Night lights

8. In sickness and in health

It can't be stressed enough how important it is to carry a mini first-aid kit with you when travelling with kids. Make sure to include band-aids, nasal spray and antiseptic/burn cream for quick relief.

9. Oh baby, it's a wild world

To combat the inevitable - motion sickness is real and sometimes affects adults too. Best to carry disposable bags and wet wipes to ensure your journey (and holiday thereafter) is free of pesky germs.

10. Feeling lovey?

A new place can be scary at first, and kids need a familiar comfort that reminds them of home. Make sure to carry their favourite blanket, stuffed toy or even their good ol' spoon from home so they don't feel disorientated.

Child sleeping with their lovey

Don't leave behind your child's favourite 'lovey'

The above-mentioned items are a general checklist for things you should carry that can help make your trip hassle-free. You should, however, keep in mind that every kid has their own set of needs, and although you may enjoy a vacation for the sights and sounds, kids function slightly differently and rely heavily on material things for comfort and happiness till they're much older.