Packing tips - main luggage & what to take

20 March 2008

Tips on main luggage

Clothes: For hot climates take plenty of loose baggy cotton T-shirts and trousers. Sarongs are ideal for protecting babies from insects whilst breast feeding and at the same time keeping them cool.

Nappies: It might be worth taking a pack of your preferred nappies with you and check them in separately.. You usually can buy them when you get there, but you may prefer to spend your time shopping for more interesting things!
Sun care: UV protective clothing and mini UV tents are available to protect your children especially if they need to nap on the beach. Applying a high factor sun screen / block is important too. It is recommended that you apply a sun cream which is both UVA and UVB protective and no less than Factor 20. Take plenty with you, although, again, you will be able to buy this when you get there.
Food: Before you pack tonnes of baby food, check what is on offer at your destination.
It is worth having a small supply of your baby’s or child’s favourite food. If you wrap jars in bubble wrap in your main luggage you’ll hardly notice it.
It’s worth getting your baby used to eating food at room temperature for when you are out and about and you can not heat their food.
If you are not sure what will be on offer and you don’t fancy doing a big shop when you get there, it might be worth taking some dried items such as pasta and small cereal packs with you.
Drinks: Breastfed babies are unlikely to need anything else to drink even in hotter climates, although they may need to feed more often. It is advisable to check out the local water to see if it safe to drink or not. If you’re unsure ensure babies have cooled, boiled water and for older children and yourself have bottled water.
For bottle fed babies it may be worth taking a thermos so that you can take cooled, boiled water out with you for extra drinks or to mix formula. Formula can usually be bought from where you are going, but it may not be your preferred brand, Be careful to check the ingredients for added salt and sugar if it is an unfamiliar brand or again you may wish to pack your own from home.
Cleaning up:Make sure you take some washing up liquid and some travel washing powder even if you are staying in a hotel. You will still need to wash bottles, bowls etc and may need to wash out some small items of clothing.
Plug-in night lights: These are ideal for your child if they get unsettled being in an unfamiliar place.
Inflatable toys: These are ideal to take. They take up very little space and can keep the children happily occupied and are popular in the pool. They really are a must have. Simply Beach, for example, have a wide range for you to choose from.

Tips on what else you might want to take
Car seat: In some countries taxis have car seats, but you may wish to consider taking your own if you chose to hire a car or will be travelling in countries where car seats are not supplied in taxis.

Backpack: This would be ideal if you’re planning on walking in areas where a buggy is not practical, such as places with lots of steps.

Sun protection mini tent: These are excellent and relatively small to pack for you toddler or baby taking a nap on the beach.

Child booster seat: Not all restaurants have child seats, so these may come in handy so that your child can sit at the table with you.

Portable DVD player: This may be a luxury, but if you can buy one or borrow one they can make journeys a lot more peaceful. They can also be used when you reach your destination to amuse the children for an hour or so. It might be advisable to have headsets that can be worn so that fellow passengers (and you!) are not subjected to your little one’s choice of film!
You can find portable dvd players to buy at here in Our Little Shop

Tips on first aid
Paracetomol: Buy your chemists own brand paracetomol suspension for you baby or child.
Sun Cream: Roll on or spray on creams are often easier for small children and babies.