Packing For Your Child On Holiday

Sexy Santa Claus

Packing for young children should be a fairly easy, straight forward exercise involving a small suitcase and a bucket and spade. Unfortunately, however, little monsters can take over the entire family´s suitcase space in no time as their multiple outfits, necessary throughout each day, spiral out of control in the packing department!

Oddly enough, packing for cold holidays is less stressful than for beach locations. Junior is going to need an ultra warm top layer of course, but this warm wrapping is usually worn each day and if necessary either washed or spot cleaned between wears.

Warm locations are entirely different. Most children hate to sit in a wet swimsuit; therefore it is necessary to take several swimming outfits. Keep these items separate until the last minute as you can stuff them into shoes to save space in the bag.

You will find all those little outfits will pack more economically if you abandon attempts to arrange them in co-ordinated ensembles. Pack all trousers together, all skirts together and so on, that way the shapes form blocks which you can fit more easily together and waste less space.

If you are going to a resort, do not pack sand toys. They are so inexpensive at destination, usually costing less than a bag of popcorn, so save yourself the aggravation of trying to find room for them. If you are taking ten children with you on holiday of course this may prove a little expensive, in which case encourage them to share and swap their toys or resign yourself to carrying an extra bag to accommodate them all.

Take plenty of pajama changes. Use pajamas to wrap any delicate items to prevent breakage.

There is a ´remember´ list, as always in these matters. Always remember to take any medication your child may be taking and also bear in mind your child may need to drink more water in a warm climate to accompany medicines. Barrier cream to guard against the sun is absolutely imperative and it is always sensible not to rely on obtaining sufficient factor strength at destination. Buy it at home and be confident it is adequate to the job.

Take baby shampoos, moisturisers and soap with you to avoid changing these preparations on holiday should your usual brand be unobtainable. There is nothing more miserable than a child itching and scratching multiple rashes caused by strange creams bought on holiday. A small bottle of calamine lotion is always a good standby as it eases itching caused by nettle rash, stings, and bites and also soothes minor sunburn. Remember if your child becomes seriously burned while away, always consult a doctor immediately.

To amuse your child, take loads of puzzles, games and colouring items but always remember if your child is likely to scribble on walls or furniture you are likely to have to pay the price, so in this case take electronic games or cuddly toys! If your child has a security item never, never leave it behind thinking that now would be a good opportunity to abandon it. Wean your child off such addictions at home, never in a strange environment. Take small playthings in a small separate bag or folder, for use in restaurants. Hungry children can be notoriously fractious while waiting for food to arrive and a colouring book can help pass the time.

Bon voyage!

Jan Gamm writes reflections on life with an emphasis on world travel. She has lived in many countries and traveled extensively in the Far East, the Middle East, America, South America and throughout the South Pacific. She writes for fun and for money whenever she can manage it.