Travelling with kids can be very challenging. You have to pack a gazillion things to make sure the kids will survive the whole journey and prevent you from panicking when unexpected things happen. We have been travelling with the littlest member of the family ever since he turned 5 months old. He is now 2 and a half year old and we have travelled with him via ferry, airplane and coach ride for the past two years. As of this writing, I can say that I have now mastered the art of travelling with a little kid in tow.
Having said that, please let me share with you 5 travel essentials when you travel with your little ones:
1. Finger foods
You don't want to travel with a hangry kid don't you? Yes, that was intentionally spelled hangry. It is a short word for hungry and angry. Always be prepared to have a finger food you can stuff in your kids mouth when he starts asking for something to munch. My little boy's favourite finger food is a cereal in the form of teeny tiny chocolate balls. I also made it a habit to bring along biscuits in fun shapes. I pack it in a ziplock bag, it never fails to save my life when we travel.
2. Wet wipes
Travelling with kids can get very messy. Always be prepared with wet wipes if you wish to keep the kids and yourself clean and smudge free. Also, you will never know when a "little bomb" decides to explode on its own. The little bomb may refer to an unforeseen episode of vomiting or defecating. Please excuse those two not-so-pleasant words but all mommies out there will definitely agree with me.
3. iPad
I know some parents may raise their eyebrows but I have proven time and again how important an iPad is when you travel with kids. Based on my personal experience, iPad has saved my sanity from terrible two tantrums many times and it gave me and the hubby the opportunity to eat our meals in peace. Do not underestimate the most important role of an iPad to keep your kids entertained when they get bored. It is essentially a life saver in my travel book. Just remember to download your kid's favourite learning games and movies.
4. Security pillow
Or make it anything that makes your kid feel secure when travelling. It can be a blanket, a soft toy or any one of his most favourite toys that he normally sleeps with. It is something that will keep your kid feel at home whilst you are far, far away from home. In my case, I always bring my kid's baby bolster pillow because he can sleep faster and better with it.
5. Water bottle
It is very important to keep the kids hydrated when travelling, most especially when you are out and about exploring a place. Do remember to choose a BPA free and leak free or any kid-friendly water bottles for your little ones. For bigger kids like my pre-teen girl, you can opt to buy a regular water bottle like CPS plastic bottles which are essentially free of cartoon-y designs.
If you have any other travel essential for kids other than the ones I listed above, please feel free to share in the comment box. Have a fuss-free and fabulous time travelling with your kids!
to add more - handy toys can keep them busy while travelling or a portable dvd with their favorite cartoon movies to keep them entertained :)
ReplyDeleteYes, they are all required to keep the young travelers entertained during the long drive or flight. When my daughter was young, we shuttle thousands of miles from the Philippines and back and I remember lugging all those stuff except for the iPad as there was no iPad that time yet. I would bring her small kiddie laptop to keep her entertained the whole time. And yup, lots and lots of wet wipes and crazy shaped biscuits too!
ReplyDeleteFinger foods, wipes, drinking bottles, books/coloring pages, that's what we always bring when we travel. I remember we used to bring my son's baby blanket every time hehehe.
ReplyDeleteTimes have really changed! Before our kids don't need iPad to be entertained.
ReplyDeletethese are the absolutely kits we should always have with us whenever we travel with kids. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhen traveling with children, it always pays to be ready. Having essentials with you is really imperative :-)
ReplyDeleteyou're so good in coining words Che, I can relate to that "hangry", haha, when Khai's niece was still very young then and going with us on adventure vacations because she loves nature and hiking, yet, oh yet, she can get very very "hangry", haha!
ReplyDeleteI agree, we really need these to ensure a smooth travel with our kids, no mess, no tantrums, just happy smiles :)
ReplyDeleteI agree to all those, sis! I often forget a thing or two, especially the wipes/ wet ones. They are sooo important not only for kids, but for adults as well. :) Thanks for the helpful tips!
ReplyDeleteTraveling with kids is not easy. We have to make sure that we bring anything that will keep them entertain like toys, books, gadgets, extra clothes and food for them to munch. We have to make sure that we plan ahead of time as well.
ReplyDeleteOh... those are great stuff! As a traveling mom myself, I know how those finger foods can be so handy. And the tablets do wonders as well! :D
ReplyDeleteI don't have kids but have nieces and nephews. These essentials are really must have when traveling with them.
ReplyDeleteI like your "hangry" words. I'm not too keen on just ANY finger foods or the ipad though.
ReplyDelete