Time for another holidays special post. I have written one of these last year about traveling with a baby. This is an updated version and angled more towards holidays with a little toddler. We are going on holidays YUPPIE ! In a few hours time I will be on a beach in glorious Cypriot sun TRYING to get some rest😁.
It can be quite overwhelming to pack for holidays with the little one; it can be quite tempting to just pack everything which might result in you needing much more than the allocated 20 kg. These are some tips on what you have to take and what is good to have based on all my traveling experience.
ESSENTIALS :
1. 50 UVA & UVB sun cream – ideally waterproof.
2. SunHat – just make sure that the shade from the hat covers your baby’s neck. More than one is advisable as they get covered in sand and ice cream surprisingly quickly.
3. Swimsuits – UVB protected ones are the best as you know that they are protecting your precious toddler on top of the sun cream.
4. Swimming nappies – lots of them 😊
5. Antihistamine – If you are going to a hot country your baby/child can get a heat rash. Aloe vera cream will help with a mild rash, cooling affected area, and wearing loose cotton clothing. If those things don’t work it is good to have Antihistamine Syrup.
6. Hydrocortisone Cream – another thing which is handy to have just in case. If the heat rash isn’t going anywhere after using antihistamine syrup then this mixed with lotion will.
7. Nurofen / Calpol – or any other pain / fever relief that you are using. You never know when you might need it. I never leave the house without a bottle in the changing bag.
8. Thermometer – a must-have when traveling with a child. We travel quite frequently and I must say I always end up using it. Last thing you want is your baby feeing hot and you not being able to check if they have a temperature or what the temperature is.
9. Nappy bags – at home we use a nappy bin so I never remember to take nappy bags or to refill them in my changing bag. Last thing you want when you are relaxing in your lovely hotel room is the smell of a stinky nappy !!!
10. Beach shoes – let’s remember that our precious babies feet skin is very delicate (not like ours, which requires lots of work to be smooth for a week or so) ; and that they are much more sensitive to temperature.
11. Sunglasses – yes they do look really cute in them but it is more about protecting their eyes than a fashion statement 😊.
12. Bag full of surprises – are you flying ? Is the fight quite long? Be prepared with lots of little things ready to distract your toddler. I have been very lucky as Chloe is quite good at flying; but I am still always prepared. New book which she hasn’t seen before, crayons, stickers, favourite toy, snacks etc. This will make sure that you can keep your baby entertained … You know how quickly they can get bored!
13. Dummy – or bottle/food if you don’t approve of dummies. This is to make sure that your child’s sucks on something at the take off of the plane and when plane starts to descend. Make sure to have something ready to prevent pain in your cute one ears.
GOOD TO HAVE
1. Towel Poncho – kids don’t like to sit in one place, wrapped up in towel waiting to dry and warm up a bit. This is the perfect solution, they are covered, warm and can run around.
2. UVB beach tent – this is very good and much more practical than trying to keep your monster under an umbrella. Chloe loves playing in her one.
3. Formula – this obviously is only if your child still has morning and evening milk. Reason why I suggest to buy it is because kids react differently to cows milk in other countries. When we went to Poland to visit my family Chloe got diahorrea from the milk (on which I was brought up and was totally fine with).
4. Favourite food – I always take Chloe’s favourite snacks just in case she gets a bit funny with her eating. New place, new environment, new people, new routine … It can really confuse baby/child which in turn can affect their eating.
5. Wet wipes – lots and lots of them. I swear you go through them at the speed of light!
6. Favourite bed time book and favourite toy – It all helps child adapt quicker to the new surroundings and makes us feel safer.
7. Travel cot mattress – With all of the suitcases that I have when traveling with Chloe, all the hand luggage needed and pram I have opted for not owning a travel cot. Instead I have a travel cot mattress which you put over the cot. I obviously always bring our own, fitted sheet for the cot as well. That way I don’t have to carry the travel cot, and I have peace of mind that Chloe’s sleeping environment is safe.
8. Swimming costume – you will need more that one. You will have to change your toddler in to a dry swimming suit after the get out of water. This will prevent them getting cold and getting a heat rash.
9. iPhone / iPad – with favourite cartoon. I am against giving those to kids but let’s be honest there are situations when all rules go out of the window and you will do anything to stop your child screaming
Hope that this little guide will help you pack useful things on top of all of the clothes and nappies required 😁
Oh and if anyone has invented something to prevent your toddler from eating the sand please share !!! 😂
NEW YUMMY MUMMY 