Friday 6 February 2015

Essential toddler packing - 9 things to remember

Posted by Rosie

I would be the first to admit that I am the world’s worst packer.  I start thinking I will take the minimum possible, end up with far too much and then start all over again before forgetting something really important.  Whilst what everyone takes on holiday varies immensely, I believe the things on this list are essential to have close at hand when you are heading off on holiday with one or more toddlers:





1. Nappies, wipes and a change of clothes

OK so that may be stating the obvious but you need these somewhere to hand in case of accidents.  Packed in the bottom of the boot is not ideal. 

2. Blankets

There’s nothing worse than a cold, sleepy toddler so a familiar blanket is a must.

3. Toddler's cuddly/lovey/blankey

What-ever you call it DON’T forget it … take a spare if your toddler is OK with that otherwise be very vigilant and don’t lose the one you have.  You don’t want to know how many hours I spent searching for “Dog Dog” and “Cloth” when the boys were little or how long we spent scouring the shops in Ostende for a replacement lost muslin cloth.

4. A bag of surprises

Pack up a bag with a variety of things to keep your toddler amused over along journey and bring things out at regular intervals.  Include items such as a cuddly toy, a game, a book, some sensory toys and snacks.

5. Potty

If your toddler is at potty training age it’s worth popping a potty in the car.  Ben decided to start training himself when we were on a 2 week break in France and although the gite supplied a potty we didn’t think we could really take it out and about with us each day.

6. Favourite toys

Even though your destination will probably supply some toys it’s best to take along some favourites.  However don’t think you need to pack loads, plenty of “normal” things will often keep young hands happily amused.  Some crayons and a colouring book are a sure winner as well as anything popped out of that Bag of Surprises.

7. A First aid kit

Include whatever medicine your toddler is used to for pain relief or reducing a temperature, a thermometer, plasters, bandages and some sterile gauze pads, antiseptic cream, calamine lotion, rehydration powder, insect repellent, sunscreen and lip protection, a cold pack and some tweezers.  Check all the medications can be used on a toddler.  Also once at your destination add the local emergency numbers to your first aid kit and take it with you when-ever you go out.

8. Snack food

Things that are easy to eat and not too heavy on the sugar – also include plenty of drinks and a bag to put the rubbish in.

9. Sick box

No-one wants an ill toddler but if the worst does happen be prepared – have a lidded plastic container to hand as well as a large plastic bag to pop it in afterwards.  A container is much easier for toddlers to throw up in and easier for you to dispose of.

How much more stuff your toddler will need will very much depend on how much your holiday destination supplies.  Having had to cram so much into a boot and roof rack when travelling with boys aged 3 months and 19 months we knew it was essential for parents' sanity to supply as much kit as possible at Eco-Gites pf Lenault.  This link gives you a list of everything we supply free of charge.  With none of that to pack you may well find you can get away without the roof rack.  

So, did I forget anything?

Mums' Days


Post Comment Love

16 comments :

  1. Very useful post hun. Maybe I should show my husband, as I dutifully packed two cases for Baby to go on holiday with and he left them BOTH at home. So we had to go to Next and buy her lots of new clothes as she only had what she was stood in... Thanks for linking up to #TheList x

    ReplyDelete
  2. What fantastic ideas! Especially the sick box! So much better than just using plastic bags like we have in the past x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Luckily our boys were rarely ill but it seems such a simple way of approaching the whole vomit scenario.

      Delete
  3. It took me ages to get to grips with the First Aid Kit, and yet, of course, as soon as we left home for a week or so, that was when the Calpol and nappy rash cream or whatever was actually needed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ben always seemed to get a temperature on holiday and after trying to give him caramel flavoured French medicine which he hated we ALWAYS now pack plenty of Calpol.

      Delete
  4. great ideas we have a long trip coming up soon will remember these

    ReplyDelete
  5. Loads of useful tips :) If you don't have enough room for a sick box then I would tend to pack a sick bag! Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You could always pack things in the sick box and just lob them out if the box is needed.

      Delete
  6. Ooo I need to pack for my boy this weekend so thanks! #thelist

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fabulous tips Rosie, it's amazing what a bit of organisation can do for stress levels! I think the bag of suprises is a great idea... I might have to steal that one! Although, I won't wrap them up, as they would be a problem through security!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never wrapped them either - just pulled them out with much gusto when needed.

      Delete
  8. Some great ideas. I especially like the sick box idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does make a horrible situation a bit easier to deal with.

      Delete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.