Holiday with kids

Packing to go on holiday is no longer as easy as throwing a few t-shirts and a pair of swimming trunks in at the last minute. It can help to create a list in the weeks leading up to your departure date, to ensure that you don’t forget anything. We’ve put together some ideas to help you with your packing.

Essential Items

Sunscreen and hats for everyone
Stroller
Lots of nappies, wipes, washcloths and disposable change mats
Baby’s favourite toys, books and blanket
Extra dummy
Formula, food and water
Camera and video camera

Basic First Aid Kit

There are some great first-aid kits available at retail pharmacies for the home and special travel versions. You can buy one or put your own together with the following suggested items:

Band Aids
SPF 30+ high protection sun screen (although in high summer you can go as high as 50+)
Calamine lotion for itchy bites as well as sunburn
Antiseptic cream or spray
Children’s Paracetamol
Thermometer
Insect repellent

Toys, books and other vital distractions

A good supply of toys and books will make the journey to and from your holiday destination a lot easier. Take a mix of toys they love and a good stash of new surprises. These don’t need to be expensive. Things you may like to pack into the toy bag are:

Favourite soft toy - hopefully it’s big enough to double as a pillow too
Stacking blocks for the little ones and Legos for the older kids; it’s not a disaster if you lose a few
Hand puppets – you can use these to create stories
Drawing and colouring supplies; washable markers and twist-top crayons are handy; plain paper and a colouring-in book
Reusable stickers and sticker book
Favourite books and a few new ones
Hand-held video games
Snap cards
Magnetic travel games for the older kids
Record their favourite music or story CDs onto your iPod or MP3 player and let them listen to music and stories
Small size doll or action figure
Small tub of play dough
Books with jigsaw puzzles inside them