Travel

What to pack for family holidays

You may want to pack for every eventuality but try to take just the essentials…

• Hand luggage essentials
• Big bag essentials
• Car journeys
• Buy essentials at babyworld's shop

Baby/toddler survival kit

• Innoculation documents if necessary
• Drinks and snacks (rice or other crackers, mini sandwiches, fruit, raw vegetable or salad sticks). Avoid sticky or squashable items and don't include too many salty foods as they induce thirst and more trips to the loo
• Surprise bag of goodies such as boiled sweets, cheap toys, cards and colouring books
• Baby wipes and tissues
• Baby lotion
• Nappies and bags for soiled nappies and wipes
• Dummy (if used) and any other comforter or cuddly toy
• Plastic bottle or cup of boiled cooled water for drinks and feeds
• Plastic bottle containing previously-made fennel or camomile tea to soothe - and maybe help travel sickness
• Also consider baby and child-sized inflatable pillows; disposable bottle sterilisers; portable bottle and baby food warmer

Pack minimum amounts of clothing. Suncream is a must for all kids (keep babies under six months out of the sun altogether). You'll also need to be prepared for minor mishaps whilst away - here's what you need in your first aid kit.

Also, consider alternative cures and comforts such as arnica (for bruises), aconite (for shock), lavender oil (for burns, insect stings, or mix with baby oil for soothing massage); or Bach flower remedies such as the Rescue Remedy.

You should also take:

• A few toys and books
• Bottles, formula and sterilising equipment
• Bowl, spoon and beaker
• Nappies
• Reins
• Swimming aids and costume
• Baby monitor

Finally, don't forget to take a buggy and/or sling . A clip-on parasol or sunshade for buggies and cots is also a very good idea. You should also enquire about cots when you book your holiday - if they are not provided or do not sound suitable, invest in a travel cot.

You can take more when travelling by car, so you may want to consider packing:

• Portable highchairs that clamp on to tables, or cushions that stop children falling out of chairs
• A mini-tent for infants that filters out 97 per cent of harmful UV rays
• Play mat or baby gym for baby

Where to next?

• For more information on your baggage allowance when travelling by plane click here.
• For information on everything from how to have stress-free travel and summer safety tips, check out the rest of our travel section
• Share travel tips and get advice on our Travel discussion forum
• We share our Top six summer buys for baby
• Have baby, will travel - Read how one couple and their baby go to Thailand for their holiday
• We try, you buy… Check our comprehensive product tests
• Check out travel products in the babyworld shop.

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