10 Essential things to pack if you’re travelling with kids

Parents Abroad: 10 Essential things to pack if you’re travelling with kids

Angela Goh

24 Jan 2017

1/10
The waterproof essentials
Here’s a simple checklist of waterproof essentials you should bring along: rain coats, collapsible umbrellas, zip lock bags (to prevent leaking toiletries - don’t want to get toothpaste or shampoo all through your suitcase, do you?). And perhaps it won’t hurt to invest in a long-lasting waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen for those beach and pool days.
2/10
First-aid supplies & medicine
It pays to assemble your own first-aid kit that you can take with you on your travels. Fill it must-haves like bandaids, antiseptic creams, and topical iodine to clean and heal unexpected cuts or wounds. Other supplies like adhesive tape, sterile gauze pads, safety pins, alcohol wipes, a thermometer, and painkillers may come in handy.
3/10
Versatile layers of clothing
Be prepared for the weather, no matter how predictable you may think it is. Depending on where you decide to travel, be sure to make plans for cold days, hot days, rainy days, and even indoor temperatures. You might be going to a hot country, but the plane journey and hotel lobby might be cold. It’s best to bring an extra jumper or long trousers, even if you’re expecting t-shirt weather.
4/10
Baby wipes
Never leave home without them! They’re good for emergencies. Clean everything from a snotty nose to untimely vomit to dirty hands to stained clothes. Tollyjoy Pure Wipes (SGD9.90 via Redmart) are extremely gentle to the skin and are alcohol free, fragrance free and hypoallergenic.
5/10
Sun protection
If you’re going to a sunny place and plan to do plenty of swimming or hiking or, well, just general outdoorsy things, be sure to bring along hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Places like Australia and New Zealand have the highest UV radiation levels in the world.
6/10
Entertainment
Things like paperback novels, colouring books and pencils, drawing paper, handheld devices, and card games can keep your kids occupied during boring transit times like during long plane journeys.
7/10
A cheap, user-friendly camera
Even a disposable film camera will do. Create unforgettable memories that you will be able to look back upon with fondness. Perhaps even your little one might decide to get into the spirit of photography and learn to take fantastic snapshots during their adventure abroad.
8/10
Snacks
To keep the munchies at bay, stock up on various healthy snacks. Dried fruit, nuts, granola bars… there are even tasty options for babies, such as Bellamy’s Organic Pineapple Apple & Banana Snacks (SGD5.65), made from 100% fruit with no added sugar.
9/10
Skin-friendly soap
If your baby or toddler has sensitive skin, look for gentle soaps and shampoos that you can use instead of the generic stuff you find in hotel guest bathrooms (which usually contain sulphates and harsh, drying ingredients). Twinkle’s Hair & Body Wash (SGD18) is suitable for even new born babies, with its soothing and moisturising formula that aims to keep delicate skin at a healthy pH level.
10/10
Insect repellent
If you’ll be spending plenty of time outdoors in the tropics, insect repellent will prevent those pesky mosquitoes from inflicting itchy bites. Look for baby-safe formulas derived from natural essential oils like citronella and tea tree.

If you’re bound for an overseas destination with your young ones, you’ll want to be prepared.

It can definitely seem like a mission to keep your little ones healthy and feeling comfortable on long vacations. Packing for yourself is easy – you know exactly what toiletries to bring, your own extra pair of shoes, plenty of socks and underwear… but when it comes to your kids, it’s a whole different story, one that requires plenty of consideration and packing finesse.

We’ve compiled a list of must-brings for any family travelling abroad with kids, from healthy snacks to insect repellent, waterproof essentials to entertainment options (like colouring pencils and card games). Make sure your suitcase is stocked with these essentials so that you are well-prepared for any situation!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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