We’ve been extremely lucky this month to catch up with one of our most experienced NSJ nannies who has given us all her top tips on packing like a boss for both short and long haul family holidays. Go forth and pack with confidence!
GENERAL PACKING:
☑ Pack two extra days’ worth of clothes, nappies, milk and snacks. So if you’re going for a week, pack a nine-day supply of all clothing and consumables. You’re unlikely to regret it!
☑ Zip lock bags super handy for everything!
☑ Decant laundry detergent for hand washing and a nail brush, since stains hardly ever come out if left for a week or more.
☑ Pack several multi-way adapters.
BEACH:
☑ Cover ups and T-shirts as well as rash vests which can get sticky and itchy.
☑ Hats, caps, sunglasses and roll on sun cream.
☑ Crocs are especially good for new walkers who might not be sure about the feel of sand between their toes, and they’re handy for showering too.
☑ Beach blanket.
☑ Pop up beach tent, or large muslin squares and pegs to make your own shade (or dens in the room for fun play time).
☑ Collapsible buckets are readily available and take up little luggage space, that with some spades, small cars, dinos, little people and other plastic animals offer amusement on the beach and a plastic tea set is always a winner.
☑ Mesh or net bags so the sand falls out easily.
☑ Goggles.
☑ Swimming toys, diving toys (Zoggs do great ones).
BATH:
☑ Bath mat or removable, non-slip bath patches.
☑ A small collection of bath toys and a plastic cup for rinsing.
☑ Towel for baby in cases hotel towels are not washed in non-bio laundry detergent.
☑ 3 or 2 in 1 body and hair wash (with de-tangler) which saves on space.
☑ Moisturiser, since skin can get dry and itchy from lots of pool time.
Table:
☑ For picky eaters, pack their favourite cereal as a backup in case your accommodation can’t supply exactly what they like to eat.
☑ Baby Bjorn travel cots get the top vote for being small and sturdy. Always pack a few spare fitted sheets.
☑ Babycook steamer and blenders are compact enough to bring along with you if you’re in the process of weaning a baby. Hotels are usually really helpful with providing vegetables and room service, but it might be worth packing a knife (in the hold) plus two little bowls and a small chopping board.
☑ A portable highchair that attaches to a proper chair is the best option for travel.
☑ Dettol wipes for cleaning hotel or villa-supplied chairs and tables.
☑ Small sponge and brush if sterilising feeding equipment. Milton do a cold water steriliser which saves on space for travel.
BATH:
☑ Bath mat or removable, non-slip bath patches.
☑ A small collection of bath toys and a plastic cup for rinsing.
☑ Towel for baby in cases hotel towels are not washed in non-bio laundry detergent.
☑ 3 or 2 in 1 body and hair wash (with de-tangler) which saves on space.
☑ Moisturiser, since skin can get dry and itchy from lots of pool time.
FIRST AID KIT:
☑ Calpol
☑ Nurofen
☑ Piriton
☑ Thermometer (I would also suggest taking mini versions for the plane - sachets of Calpol and Nurofen and Piriton can be decanted into a smaller bottle).
☑ Measuring syringe or spoon.
☑ Sterile water is also great for cleaning sand out of grazes.
PLAY:
☑ Crayola wonder pens with the wonder books are amazing for saving carpets and furnishings
☑ Colouring book, roll paper, Sellotape, scissors (unbelievably handy)
☑ Puzzles
☑ Favourite bed time story
☑ Monitors.
HAND LUGGAGE:
☑ Change of clothes (more if a long haul flight)
☑ Tracksuit or pyjama socks if a night flight.
☑ Hoodie / light blanket as it can get chilly
☑ Tooth brush and tooth paste for long haul
☑ Camelback and Munchkin 360 do non-spill bottles and sippy cups
☑ Light weight clothing if arriving in a hot country
☑ Either in hand luggage or top of the suitcase: pyjamas, favourite bed time soother or toy
☑ Pack a picnic for the flight or pouches of food for weaning babies and an extra pouch for emergencies.
☑ Magazines, comics, activity packs, washable crayons, paper, sticker books, little books, small toys and toys that move (though the quieter the better)
☑ If allowed, iPads are a great last resort. Download games, programs and movies that they will enjoy but have not seen often. Pack headphones.
☑ Portable potty for those in training.
Did you find this handy? Please go ahead and share with your fellow nannies on Facebook! Got your own packing tips? Tweet us @StJamesNannies or post on our Facebook page!