For the flight
If getting to your destination involves being sky high first, it’s handy to have plenty of entertainment options on hand. “Pack lots of different activities and give your child something new to play with every hour or so,” suggests Suzy Raymer from family holiday specialists www.BYOKids.com.au. Suzy’s top toy suggestions for flying include:
- Your little one’s favourite picture books
- A little packet of crayons, a colouring book and sticker books
- A small blanket and torch so your child can create a makeshift cubby over her seat
- A smartphone or tablet device loaded with her favourite movies or games
- Wrap some little surprise gifts for the moments where the old toys aren’t quite enough
- Playdough, with added googly eyes and pipe cleaners
- Finger puppets and creative felt books or pictures for some fun with added imagination
Hungry kids aren’t fun to fly with, so pack plenty of non-perishable snacks like dried fruit, nuts, crackers and perhaps a sweet treat. If there’s a meal included on your flight, make sure you’ve ordered enough for all of you and accounted for any dietary requirements. For take-off and landing times, give your child a breastfeed, bottle or snack to chew or suck on to help avoid ear pain.
Other things to pack in your carry-on bags include nappy changing gear, lots of wipes, security favourites like a teddy bear or dummy, paracetamol in case of ear pressure, and a change of clothes including layers in case it’s too hot or cool on the plane.
In the car
If you’re planning a road-trip, there are lots of options for keeping your offspring entertained. Some of these activities can be planned ahead of time. “Making up treasure maps or sheets of things to find along the journey is good for road trips,” Suzy says. “This is an easy pre-departure do-it-yourself project and can be as simple as a series of hand drawings with tick boxes on a piece of paper.”
Other ideas include:
- Good old-fashioned games like I Spy during the road-trip
- A smartphone or tablet device loaded with her favourite movies or games
- Her favourite picture books to flick through while you’re driving
- Audio books are a great way to include story time into your drive
- A clipboard, colouring book and crayons can make for some great drawing fun
- You can store multiple activities in a pouch attached to the rear of the front seat, or in a tub next to your child’s car seat, for easy reach
- If your little one is still a baby, she might respond well to brightly coloured pictures attached to the seat or car ceiling, or a fun mobile to make her giggle
- Offer toys one at a time to maximise each activity’s entertainment value
It’s a good idea to pack more food in the car than you think you’ll need, but make sure most of it is healthy to avoid sugar highs in a confined space. Avoiding creamy foods like yoghurts is sensible, too, particularly if your little one is prone to motion sickness.
The other key to a happy road-trip is taking lots of breaks. Try timing the bulk of your driving with naps, and plan your stops for meal times or nappy changes. These stops can be tied in with some fun at a park, a picnic lunch, an opportunity to sightsee or take part in an activity your little one will enjoy. Suzy says, "A child needs opportunities to stretch her legs and run around so keeping an eye out for child-friendly spots can be a good idea.”
At your destination
It can be difficult for your child to adjust to new places, so making her feel secure in a new environment is really important. “It’s a good idea to pack your child’s blankie or favourite toy; this can make settling and sleeping in a different environment easier,” suggests Julie.
Creating a sense of familiarity can also help make your little one feel at ease. This can be done through maintaining some routines that she’s used to at home. “Your child may be a creature of habit and might not like to stray too far from her routine,” Suzy explains. “Follow her usual bedtime routine as much as possible—for example, clean teeth, change into pyjamas, read a story and settle down to sleep.”
Travelling and sightseeing can be exhausting, especially if you’re trying to pack lots into your days. In addition to all the exploring, there are lots of expectations on your child to behave in restaurants, be ready at certain times and fit into an adult world of itineraries and sightseeing. There are a few ways to help avoid exhausted meltdowns, such as:
- Regular meals and snacks that help maintain energy levels
- Taking the opportunity for one-on-one time with your child as much as possible, which will encourage feelings of security and increase her energy for exploring
- Make some spare time in each day to play, run around and be noisy
- Your baby or toddler will be keen to have some time to practise any new physical skills she’s developing, whether it’s crawling or jumping, so plan some time in your days to help her with this
A word on safety
Safety always comes first for your family, and being on holidays is no exception. Look at the potential hazards for your little one at your destination, such as a pool, steps, animals or high balconies, and remain mindful of these during your stay.
Having some supplies on hand for any potential falls or accidents can help ease your mind and minimise the impact on your family during your holiday. “Being prepared for the unexpected when travelling is a good idea,” Julie advises. “Having a small first aid kit on hand can help with small emergencies.” This kit could include paracetamol, a thermometer, bite and sting cream, band aids and rehydration options. Of course, we hope there won’t be any need for this but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Other safety considerations during holidays include:
- Secure, age appropriate and approved car seats, whether you’re in your own car, a hire car or other transport
- If you’re flying, ask the flight attendant for safety advice for your child if you’re unsure
- Be aware of the foods and drinks your little one is exposed to in case of intolerances or food hygiene concerns
- Sun protection is really important, so pack plenty of sun cream, stay in the shade when possible and use a sun shade when you’re in the car
- Keep up your child’s water or breastmilk intake, particularly on hot days, to avoid dehydration