Baby & Toddler Checklist | |
| Baby and Toddler Packing Checklist
The following checklist covers everything that you might reasonably need. I always start preparing to pack a few weeks before we go anywhere and commandeer the spare bedroom for the purpose. Prepare a shopping list of things you don't have and check out our secure on-line shop before you struggle to the shops, items highlighted in blue text are available there now. For the things you already have just put them in the spare room when you think of them. Always pack toiletries in a zip-up plastic bag; the pressure on aircraft pops lids off with alarming regularity.
You can also note down the cast of each item as a lost luggage precaution - we all know how quickly children's things add up - at least this way you can let your insurers know quickly too, if you are unfortunate enough to have your luggage lost forever.
Car Safety and Comfort
Car seat instructions - if you are going to use it on board an aircraft or in a hire car.
Baby Safe Bump Belt- if you are pregnant and going to be travelling by car during any of your trip.
Mighty Tite Car Seat Tightener- provides a more secure car seat installation for added safety for your baby.
Car sunshades- remember to remove them from your car in the airport car park for use later in your hire car.
Child view Mirror- easily forgotten if you are travelling in a different car than usual to the airport, remember to remove it for use in your hire car.
Infant Car Seat Rain cover - one that keeps baby safe from both wind and rain but with the useful option of having an open position.
Infant Car Seat Sun Shade- useful to keep baby in the shade.
Infant Car Seat Snuggle Soft- Keep baby warm and cosy.
In car toy tidy - Stow' n' go
In car rubbish bag
Cushions, neck supports, seat belt adjustersmake car journeys more comfortable and safer for children too big for car seat.
Bottoms and Bathrooms
Changing Bag
Great Expectations Baby Traveller Deluxe Change Bag GR8, or Change n go, both extremely useful both home and away; holds nappies ,clothes and much more besides.
Disposable Nappies - bring extras in case of emergencies or the inevitable delays
Baby Wipes - only take dual purpose wipes for bottoms and faces.
Nappy bags- avoid suffocation, keep nappy bags away from babies/children and don't use them for carrying food.
Nappy rash cream/spray
A daily care cream to help children's skin drying out due to dehydration during flying, especially if they already have a dry skin problem.
Aloe Vera Lip Balm, keeps lips supple and comfortable during flying and also protected from the sun on arrival.
Floaties Inflatable Paddling Pool- has 4 activities and is invaluable for babies to bath them in.
A few small bath toys
All in one shampoo/body wash
Sponge
Toothbrush and child's toothpaste
Towels - only take these bulky and weighty items if you are sure your holiday accommodation does not provide them.
Nail Clippers - nails grow so much faster in warmer climates, long nails increase the damage caused by scratching insect bites so keep them short.
Travel Potty - if he/she's in the middle of potty training you don't want to disrupt them.
A waterproof bed protector for little one's who are trying to stay dry at night but whose routine has been upset.
Out and About
Baby Carrier - Bush Baby Cocoon, Bush Baby Lite, Premieror Elite. Far more manoeuvrable than a pushchair or buggy.
All Terrain Pushchair - with an ATP you can explore the beach, rough tracks, cobbled streets, feed and restrain your little one when necessary, etc. They can be a liability however, in many developing countries where the pavements are non-existent or at best uneven and potholed, or if you are going to do a lot of journeys on Metro/undergrounds/subways - then a backpack may be the best option. A Pushchair Carry Bag will protect it during transit.
For older children, their own backpack.
Rayshade for single pushchairs, or Rayshade double or shade a babe double for double pushchairs. Provide UV/insect/wind protection for your pushchair/buggy/ATP.
Health and Safety
Your child's Emergency Checklist See Health & Safety - Emergencies
Your child's prescription medicine - to avoid customs delays always carry medicines in their original packaging.
Medical Kit
You certainly can't prepare for every eventuality, medicines and dressings are available in most medium-sized towns in most countries, and many other items will probably be available over the counter. Clearly if you are travelling to very remote areas you may need to pack more. Most people take far too much. The size of the kit will depend to some extent on the length of the trip. For trips longer than a month, pack your baby's/child's growth chart too.
Essential Items - our ideal essential medical kit would contain the following, however, you will know what works best for your family so just select what is appropriate for you.
Paracetamol Syrup (e.g. Calpol, it is called acetaminophen or Tylenol in North America). It is useful for mild to moderate pain (including teething), and to lower temperature. Ready measured sachets are the best option.
Digital thermometer. May be particularly useful if travelling with an infant or using Baby Check.See Links. A low reading thermometer may be useful if going to cold climates; forehead ones are not so accurate in hot climates and clinical thermometers containing mercury cannot officially be carried on aircraft.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) (e.g. Dioralyte, Diocalm Replenish) See Health & Safety - Food and Drink Rules- on ways to prevent traveller's diarrhoea and recognise the symptoms of dehydration in babies and children.
A water bottle of the right volume to make up ORS.
A small amount of cotton wool and ten cotton buds in a zip-up bag.
Sunscreen - Bergaderm Mousse or Toddler Milk.
DEET Free Insect Repellent, Jungle Formula; which ever make you take, test for sensitivity before you travel.
Anti-malaria medicines (including a curative course) if necessary.
Pointed tweezers - not eyebrow tweezers, they can I.e. squirt remaining venom from hairy caterpillar's hollow hairs into your child's skins which will hurt all the more.
Non-stick Dressings (e.g. Smith & Nephew's Melolin, and for the control of bleeding, particularly on joints, their Opsite Spray can be used to cover the area with a waterproof protective films, useful to protect damaged areas, including blisters, from sand and when swimming)
Micropore Tape (small roll) to secure dressings.
Swiss Army Knife with Scissor attachment Pack in hold/checked luggage
Sticking Plasters
Crepe Bandage
Safety Pins
Sterile, pre-packed Steri-strips, are very useful for cuts and breaks in the skin that need to be held together in order to heal, and hence avoid the possible trauma of stitches.
Travel/motion sickness Pills - the most effective drugs are those that contain Hyosine, (e.g. Kwells Joy Rides for 4+ year olds. See Health & Safety (Motion Sickness). Use whichever preventative measure before the journey begins, once a child feels sick, they're of little help.
A supply of Toly Sick Bags (always stock up every time you fly)
Homeopathic Chamomilla Teething Granules meant for baby but also useful for calming older children.
Homeopathic Nux Vom for upset tummies.
(If you use homeopathic products do not put these in your hold/checked luggage as the security x-rays used on your bags will destroy their healing properties).
Brolene Eye Ointment is useful for 'sticky eye' infections; a single painful red eye implies a foreign body in the eye or a more serious problem. Seek help if in doubt.
Decongestants can be useful if your child has a very congesting cold, is going to fly and might suffer from the pressure changes, (pseudo ephedrine, ephedrine or phenylephrine)
A slightly sedating antihistamine (e.g. triprolidine, diphenhydramine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine)
Is good when itchy bites might deprive children of a good night's sleep, don't apply before going out in the sun though as they can create sensitivity . Betta Bee is good for after a bee sting, burn, bite or rash, including chicken pox.
Hydrocortisone 0.1% can be used to treat allergic reaction as a result of insect bites/plant contact and for children with eczema as heat can make the eczema worse.
Calomine Lotion - calomine mixed with any oily preparation will be less effective.
Baby Powder - useful for calming prickly heat.
I.D. Bands and Tags
Roll of masking tape for baby/childproofing your accommodation, repairing insect nets, etc
Sunglasses conforming to BS 2724 or equivalent should protect little eyes against sun damage which is thought to speed cataract formation and degeneration of the retina.
A security device for securing luggage/pushchairs etc. whilst you're asleep on an overnight train; to lock your luggage etc
Portable Safety Barrierto block off dangerous routed I.e. balconies, to wandering toddlers.
Sleeping & Comfort
Favourite Cuddly - do not forget this whatever you do!
Cuski Comforteris the perfect newborn present and a friend for life - the alternative to a dummy or blanket.
Orthodontic Soothers - always pack 3
Travel Cot - Oomo Travel Cotsare very light, Samsonite do a pop-up travel cotand also a pop-up bubble. Nomad have a travel bed range.
Travel Cot sized bedding and smaller sizes too, not all sky cots come equipped with bedding. The child's usual bedding will also feel and smell familiar so will add to a feeling of security for them.
Insect Netsand Cat Nets(does Granny have a cat?) - Car seat, Pram, Pushchair, Cot, Cot bed sizes available.
Sleeping bags, especially if you are travelling to colder climates, since infants usually kick off their bedding and then wake up because they are cold.
Small battery powered torch for night time nappy changes.
Baby Monitor. Replace old batteries before you go; protect your monitor from being damaged in your hand luggage by using stiff card to protect the antenna and then bubble wrap both units together.
Clip on reading light so you can read and not wake your sleeping little one.
Small can of 3 in 1 oil in a zip up bag - yes really!- in some hotels/apartments we have stayed in we have just got Rory off to sleep and then tried to open/close a door that grinds or screeches so much on it's hinges that it wakes him up, and we have to start the whole settling down process again.
Favourite bedtime story books
A few clothes pegs in case you need to black out a room with too much light.
Curtain and blind cord shortenersto secure cords out of harms way. See Health & Safety - Accommodation
Portable Bed Rail
Essential oil of Thyme and Lemongrass (see Health & Safety main section)
Happy Bag - see Let's Go Babe- then look at your child's age group for suggestions as to what to and what not to put in a happy bag to keep children entertained en route and at their destination.
Day Clothes, shoes, hats, gloves, night clothes, underwear, waterproofs, wellies
Water Babies
Beach/Pool shoesetc to protect little feet from being injured by broken glass, weever fish, hairy caterpillars, bees etc whilst frolicking in mountain streams or on the beach. Crocs
Swimming Goggles
Mask and Fin sets - Shark and Crab mask and fin setsfor fun in the water
UV Protection suits and hatsoffering 100+ UVP wet or dry, the hats even float!
Inflatable Beach Ball, great on the beach but also for a game of catch at one of your toddlers 'run around and let off steam stops' en route.
Buoyancy Aids,designed to add buoyancy support whilst learning to swim, they hold children in the water (not above it) so they can learn to propel themselves through the water. Splashabout suits , Konfidence swim jackets, armbands - all easy to pack .
Food & Drink To Go
Handysitt, a safe, functional, stylish and extremely easy to carry alternative to high chairs and safer than clip on type seats. We also have a chair harness that is soft and extremely easy to pack.
Natural antibacterial spray - already listed in Health and Safety above - try to take as many dual-purpose items as possible. Dermahydra is a natural antibacterial hand wash - no need for water!
Toly Disposable Bibs, one side soft one side waterproof so can be used as an alternative to burping cloths and muslins which will tend to get very smelly very quickly.
If formula feeding bring enough bottles, teats, covers, measuring spoons, put extra bottles in your hand luggage in case of emergencies or the inevitable delays.
Formula powder, bottled water and ready to pour, ready to pour is always easier on an aircraft, again bring more than you think you'll need in case of emergencies or the inevitable delays.
Insulated bottle carrier and warmer.
Bottle Warmer for use without electricity. Prince lionheart On the Go bottle warmer.
Disposable Sterilising Bags/ Microwave Sterilising Bags
Disposable Breast Pads for nursing Mums
Enough maternity bras so that you can wash them everyday but change them the moment a breast pad's let you down. You may be able to cut down on the number of expensive bras you need by wearing sleep bras or crop tops at night.
Nipple cream if you use it, although you already have your own - at the end of a feed, express a drop of hind milk from the breast the baby has just finished, and use it as a lotion to cover the nipples and areola. Then let them air dry. Warm (not hot) air from a hair dryer will speed things up if you have a train to catch!
Travel size pack of tissues.
Kitchen Roll; ideal for all manner of uses including cleaning up spills or using several sheets as a hygienic disposable make-shift draining board for bottles etc.
Anti-bacterial washing-up liquid, decanted into a small plastic bottle.
Smallest sized tube of travel hand wash for soiled clothes you can't do without.
Extra zip-up bags in a range of sizes for wet, dirty or oozy things.
Spill-proof cups and beakers, like Sigg Bottles
Travel Cutlery, or if he/she has become somewhat territorial about his special cutlery and plate humour him/her and take it with you. Use two of your zip-up bags for these and mark one 'clean' and mark one 'dirty' for transporting cutlery and plates to and from restaurants etc.
Nutritious snacks and drinks
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| Wetsuit Fitting Guidelines
This information will ensure you get the ultimate fit, maximum performance, and longest life from your wetsuit. Please take time to read it thoroughly.
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| Putting on Your Wetsuit
Leave your socks on. This will help you easily slide your feet through the legs of the suit. Take your time when putting the wetsuit on. A slow and proper fitting will ensure you get the maximum performance from your wetsuit. If you have long fingernails, do not apply too much pressure to the neoprene when pulling it up as your nails may puncture the surface. Always follow these simple steps:
1. Turn the upper body inside out so you can step into the suit like a pair of trousers. Put your legs into the suit. Let the rest of the suit hang inside out down to your knees. Pull the legs up starting at the ankles by pulling up a section at a time. Do this by gripping a section or fold of rubber and pulling it up. (Where possible, grip/hold on to the inside fabric surface instead of the smooth outer surface).
Grab and pull from the bottom of the legs one section at a time every few inches upward until the legs are on. NOTE: The legs are only on properly when the crotch is as high up as it will possibly go. If the crotch is not sitting high, or if there is an air pocket between your legs, then repeat the process by pulling up small consecutive sections from the ankles up until the fit is high in the crotch. It does not matter where the ankles of the suit finish.
Even if they are some inches above your ankles it is no problem. Having the legs pulled as high as possible is the first and most important key to a proper fit.
2. Continue this same "section by section" upward process through the body by riding the suit up through the backside, hips, stomach, and chest. Place your arms in to the sleeves once the body has been pulled as high as possible.
3. In the case of full-sleeve suits, repeat the same process by pulling the sleeves up high, starting at the wrist up to the shoulder, until the sleeves bunch slightly on the top of the shoulders.
4. Fasten the collar before pulling the zipper up or down. This will allow the zipper to move easily without excessive force. There is a thin panel of material that is positioned underneath the zipper running the length of the back. Be sure this is flat and flush against your skin and beneath the zipper. This is an important element to minimize water entry.
5. Wherever possible, always have someone else zip you up. If you must do it yourself then stand tall with your shoulders back and hold one hand firmly on the bottom of the zipper. If it jams, then repeat the process. Do not pull the zipper with excessive force.
6. Once the zipper is up, make sure the collar is not folded over in any place, and that it is fastened as tight as comfortable. The collar can tighten or loosen by adjusting the position of the rear tab. A comfortably firm fit is a good fit. A loose collar will cause chaffing and water entry. You may wish to further adjust the collar once in the water as your body position will change in a buoyant environment.
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| How do I know if I have a good fitting Wetsuit
The suit should fit like a second skin. Comfortable, but form-fitting. This will become supple when you are in the water and your head is in a swim position. Stand straight and pull the rubber at the abdomen away from your mid-section. You should feel the suction.
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| Sleeve Fitting Test
In the case of a full-sleeve suit, hold your arms out sideways, at 90 degrees from your body and touch the underarm panel. If there is an air pocket in the armpit, then pull the sleeves higher onto the shoulder until the underarm panel sits flush with your skin.
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| Too Large
If the suit is too large, folds of rubber will be evident in the mid section, rear end and/or crotch area. Lots of air pockets. The suit will not have that snug, form fitting feel.
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| Too Small?
The suit should fit snugly, yet comfortably. If you need a larger size, it will be most evident in the vertical fit of the torso-from the shoulders to the crotch. There will be uncomfortable tightness pulling down on the shoulders and up in the crotch area.
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