Ensure you have these Basic Essentials Travelling With Kids
There is no denying that travelling with kids can be a challenge. For one, you need to find ways on how you can entertain your children during a long flight, for example.
Other than that, parents tend to stress over what to pack when traveling with kids.
But before you think of what to pack, it is important that you own the best luggage that will suit your kids’ travel needs. Having a separate carry-on bag for your kids can also be a double-edged sword. That’s because you will end up carrying it when they got tired.
Once you find the type of luggage that your kids would love to carry, and at the same time will not be a burden for you when you take charge, it is time to pack your kids’ travel essentials.
1. Medications
While it can be challenging to travel with kids, it is extra difficult if the child suffers from chronic medical issues like asthma or diabetes.
So, regardless of your kids’ health condition before the trip, it is always a good idea to bring their medications. You do not want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere while your child is having an asthma attack, do you?
You do not have to bring the entire medicine cabinet with you, though. You just need to pack a couple of medications that your kids take regularly. This also includes their medical equipment such as nebulizer. You can also opt to bring some painkillers, nose spray, and a first-aid kit just in case.
Lastly, it is important that you have a medical emergency plan before the trip. Make sure that there is an accessible medical center like a hospital or clinic wherever you are going. Even better if you know a pediatrician at your destination.
2. Snacks
Some flights, usually the lengthy ones, do not offer in-flight food service. And depending on the season, you may encounter some travel delays.
Meaning, you are less likely to have access to restaurants. Even if you do, there is a big chance that those are expensive.
When you have a baby with you, it is advisable to bring as much baby food, breast milk, and formula as your baby will need during your travel. You can even pack this in your kid’s carry on. As for your toddlers, some great snack ideas are homemade granola bars, dried fruits, trail mix, and whole-grain crackers or pretzels.
If you are going to take a plane ride, any food that falls under the “baby food” category is allowed on plane. So, bringing liquid fruit pouches are okay. But if you are unsure, you can always call your airline’s customer support.
3. Electronics
If you and your family will be traveling by plane, there is a slight chance that you will need your tablets or smartphones to entertain your kids. That’s because some international planes come with an entertainment console.
However, your gadgets could come in handy if you have a long layover in-between flights. Just make sure, though, that you also have a power bank or a universal external battery. That way, you can recharge your tablets or smartphone in case it ran out of battery.
It is also a good idea to bring an earphone. This is a surefire way of entertaining your kids without disturbing other people in the plane.
Another electronic device that you can bring is a handheld gaming console. This could come in handy in case the video playing on board does not pique their interest. Just remember to bring one for each kid so that they will not fight over it.
4. Toys and Books
Some parents would argue whether it is practical to bring toys for your kids during the trip. For one, your kids will hardly play with it because they will get bored easily. Not to mention that it can take so much space in their luggage.
Thus, Jurga of Full Suitcase would rather have a “one toy per kid” policy. She also said that not having toys can stimulate your kids’ creativity. That’s because they can play with stones, shells, and even paper cups to keep themselves busy.
As an alternative, you can bring workbooks, colouring books, and twist-able crayons. This is one way to entertain your kids and use the time to educate them.
5. Extra Clothes
When you arrive at a destination and your kid realized that you forgot his favorite shirt, he is definitely going to have a tantrum. That said, it is a good idea for parents to pack light to give space for their kids’ favorite outfits.
Bringing extra clothes for your children is also ideal since they tend to play and get dirty.
When you are out of the house, there is a small chance that you can wash, dry, iron, and fold your child’s spoilt shirt. This is where having extra clothes could come in handy.
6. Sanitising Wipes
Whether you are in an upscale hotel, an AirBnb unit, or a hostel, germs can lurk everywhere. Add to that the fact that your inquisitive kids tend to touch and taste everything their hands lay on.
That said, it is important that you know where you can wash your kids’ hands with soap and water. Otherwise, you can use a hand sanitise or sanitising wipes as an alternative.
Wipes are not only handy in cleaning your hands. You can also use it to sanitise items like your cellphone, the TV remote, the airplane tray tables, and more. Doing so can reduce the risk of your kids catching diseases such as a common cold.
It could be a nightmare or a dream to travel with kids. And as a parent, you would want to savour the moment instead of stressing over it. That’s why you should keep in mind that less is more when travelling with kids. Meaning, you should only bring what your kids will need to keep them entertained during the trip.
Do you have any essentials travelling with kids that we haven’t mentioned ?