Deciding what to take on a journey with children can be quite daunting, as you never know what might happen. They may be ill or spill everything down them so mums have to think of every eventuality and cater for that need.
All journeys are different depending on how you are travelling. Aircrafts often have some kind of in flight entertainment for their passengers such as videos and games and they provide food and drinks. It is really important to drink plenty of fluid when flying to prevent dehydration. If travelling by car, try to have regular breaks in safe areas where children can run around and play for a little while. Coach journeys can be the most tedious because children can’t get up and walk around and sometimes there is a long gap between stops. Overnight coach journeys are best for children so that they can sleep for most of the time. When travelling by train it is best for children who suffer from travel sickness to face the way they are travelling. Ferries can get very cold so make sure you have enough warm clothing for everyone.
The following is a list of things you might need on a long journey.
- Children should wear cool, comfortable clothing with no tight waistbands or high collars. A couple of thin layers are better than one thick jumper so that you can regulate the child’s temperature better
- Socks should not be too tight as feet and toes need plenty of room to wriggle. If possible, allow children to travel without shoes but if necessary put on comfy, preferably breathable shoes which won’t make their feet hot and sticky.
- Extra clothing will be needed for long journeys. Children might spill food and drink or, depending on their age, they might wet or even soil if it is a long time between stops or if they are feeling ill. Coats or jackets will be needed for any stops, especially in the cold night air.
- Hand and face wipes are very useful to clean children after eating and to wipe them down if they are sick.
- A small plastic bowl with a supply of plastic bags to put inside it in case of sickness should be kept handy for emergencies. Children are more likely to ‘hit the target’ if they are holding a bowl rather than just a bag. The bag can then be lifted out and disposed of. Plastic bag ties could be very useful for this.
- A cushion or pillow and a thin blanket will help children to snuggle down to sleep comfortably on long journeys.
- Provide lots of drinks on journeys to prevent dehydration. These are better in small amounts – sipped and not gulped. Avoid sweet, milky or fizzy drinks.
- Provide healthy snacks which are easily digested such as ripe bananas and apples. Plain biscuits can be given. If you stop for meals these should be light and not greasy or spicy.
- Keep any medicines which your child might need in a safe but convenient place.
- Looking down at toys or games could cause motion sickness. It is better for children to shut their eyes and listen to some music or a story tape. Dreamtime Tales Story CDs are ideal for children who are travelling as they are designed to entertain in a calming way with lots of interesting stories, all with happy endings. Adults as well as children can sit back and enjoy listening to the CD because none of the stories have gimmicky sound effects to irritate or annoy.
Have a happy and a safe journey.
