Travel worry-free with the little ones
Whether you are a new mama or you have been around the block a few times, we know how tough travelling with kids can be. Well, forget the stress, because we have specially curated practical, eco-friendly, and holistic travel must-haves to ensure travelling with your little ones runs exceptionally smooth and worry free. Get packing!
Read more: Travel Tips: How to Help Babies and Toddlers Overcome Jet Lag
When travelling with infants and toddlers, the key is to pack lightly, taking only what you need. We are loving the Matt & Nat diaper bag line. Not only are these chic and stylish, but they are made from vegan leather and recycled materials. These are great compartmental bags with a portable changing pad included.
Read more: Non-Diaper Diaper Bags Handbags, Pouches, Backpacks and More…
The Essentials:
Changing pad: We all know just how gross airplane bathrooms are, so if your diaper bag does not have a changing pad, be sure to take one with you (we like this one from Konges Sløjd).
Diapers: Speaking of diapers, if you are searching for an all-natural brand, Bambo Nature Diapers are completely eco-friendly, and NatraCare Baby Wipes are natural and multi-use.
Soothers: If the cabin pressure gets too uncomfortable for your baby, suckling and swallowing can sooth him (or her), and breastfeeding, bottle feeding and pacifiers will help do the trick of relieving pressure. Take-off and landing are the worst pressure moments. We like the idea of natural pacifiers (you can find some here, here, and here), and you can keep them off the floor with handy clips (available here).
Blankets: When the cabin gets chilly, bring your go-to blanket or wrap to keep them cosy. Check out these 100% organic cotton and plant-dyed wraps from Taninakasan (available here). Sleep bags are also great for infants (available here).
Extras: Pack an extra pair of clothes for yourself, and two extra sets for each little one. You will also need some extra bags for accidents and dirty clothes.
We hope our little ones would sit as still as we do on flights, but we know that’s is only wishful thinking! Keep those little hands busy throughout the flight and the time will go by much more quickly.
The Essentials:
Toys: Interactive toys will keep your tykes busy for hours (we like the ones found here). Also, Cuddle + Kind has ethically produced dolls, and every one sold will help feed 10 children in need.
Colouring books and crayons: Keeping these on hand to pass the time. Ooly has quite a large selection for your kids to choose from, and the Brilliant Bee has bright and vivid colours.
Books: Kids at any age love being read to, so bring along some fun books to entertain them.
Reusable stickers: A few of these can entertain for a while, especially if they come in a variety of different themes and colours (available here). Your tykes will love putting them on and taking them off!
We don’t like to think about it, but airplanes are rife with germs. If your little one falls ill (knock wood they don’t!), help them get through the flight (and your travel days) as comfortably as possible by stocking up on what you’ll need.
The Essentials:
Medicine: Keep a thermometer and fever reducer medicine with you. Infant acetaminophen such as Panadol Baby & Infant Suspension (available here) is the only recommended fever reducer and pain relief for infants. Older babies and kids can also take children’s ibuprofen. And to keep tummies healthy (especially if you’re abroad and not used to the food), keep a probiotic on hand (available here). It puts ‘good’ bacteria in your child’s digestive track and supports their immune system.
Healthy alternatives: If you’re into a holistic and alternative approach, Maty’s Healthy Products have some items to choose from, and all its ingredients are natural and organic.
Plasters: Be prepared for accidental cuts and scrapes with plasters a plenty (sometimes just applying one makes the tears go away!). Find a choice of alternatives here.
Teething prep: If your baby is teething, have a look all-natural teething toys here. Betón Studios has adorable BPA-free silicone beads as well.
Most toddlers do not like airplane food (and many airlines do not accommodate multiple snack options), so be sure and stock up on snacks and small meals. Steer clear from foods with high sugar content prior to and during the flight, and, because we’re all about sustainability and zero waste, look at our suggestions for those options below.
The Essentials:
Snacks: Pack healthy goodies such as homemade granola bars, homemade fruit roll ups, biscuits, crackers, and rice cakes in reusable snack bags (check out these from Swag). Bring some fruits and veggies with some almond or peanut butter in eco-friendly lunch containers (available here). And because we are suckers for adorable baby gear, we couldn’t help but love this baby bamboo fork & spoon set!
Water bottles: Aircrafts and airports have refill water stations that are very accessible, and because it’s so dry on airplanes, it’s smart to keep those little ones hydrated. For bottles and sealed cups, check out Klean Kanteen.
No matter your preference on getting the kids around the airport and situated in the cabin, we found strollers and slings to suit every style.
The Essentials:
Carriers & Slings: Every HK parent has a trusted baby carrier or sling, and those are useful for travel with babies and newborns. If you need some options, try these from Ego and Baby Bjorn (available here and here). For an easy sling to keep your baby extra close we like the ones from Wild Bird (available here) and Sollybaby Wrap (available here).
Read more: Sassy Mama’s Steal and Splurge Guide: Baby Carriers
Strollers & Car Seats: But if you feel safer having a stroller with you, we like the Bugaboo Cameleon 3, because it transforms for your infant to toddler needs, and the car seat option may come in useful during the flight as well. Others to look into are the Uppababy Vista (available here) and the Yoyo (available here).
Happy travels!
Featured image courtesy of Nadezhda1906 via Getty Images, all other images via company websites.