VACATIONING WITH KIDS?
I've asked a ton of people and have been asked by a ton... what to take? what do you leave behind? Before kids we traveled quite a bit... now, it happens, but so sporadically and in our most recent experience... suddenly and without notice!... well practically... 9 day's notice does not allow for much in the way of prep time... I managed to get our passports, true, but the shock of a spontaneous trip to Cuba didn't wear off until the day after we arrived in paradise when I simultaneously realized I had left both of my IPhones somewhere at Pearson International Airport... (don't freak peeps... believe it or not, they were turned in, and MY Mama retrieved them for us...phew!)
In the end we could EASILY have done without an entire 50lb suitcase... and so this post became necessary. A living, breathing, organic list to spare you all the agony of lugging more crap than you have to... so you can actually enjoy the travel portion of your next get-away while still having everything you really need.
SHOCKING OVERSTOCK ITEM? SHORTS!!
That's right folks... unless you're a little kid, you won't end up using the things.... Guys live in their bathing trunks (please don't be the banana hammock type) and in the evenings, it's slacks for the a la cartes. Gals... I have a tankini with a skirt bottom - totally awesome and appropriate for the poolside snack bar, a sarong will be the most important article you bring really... sun dresses, skirts, and capris will be used mostly in the evenings - and the a la cartes. So 2 pairs of loose cottong shorts max should do it for a week... take three for longer, but you'll only use 2 max. For the kids... the same! Only, they'll use theirs for sure.
BIZARRE ITEM TO PACK? FACE CLOTHS!!
Well, I think it's weird anyway. There weren't any face-cloths in Cuba, and come to think of it, none in Punta Cana either, and it was a 5* Resort. Take half a dozen thin ones so they dry quickly and you can tuck one in a pocket for out and about.
DEFINITELY NOT NECESSARY
• CAR SEAT. (Unless travelling by car somewhere) Very young things can safely travel in the stroller... Very very young things in a bassinet that fits with the stroller)
• BEACH MAT
• TOWELS
• PLAY YARD / crib (call and reserve one in hotel)
• TOO MANY SHOES - you won't be wearing any on the beach chances are, 1 pair of slip on sandals like crocks for water stuff, 1 pr. good walking sandals 1 pr. comfortable dress sandals for a la cartes. Runners only if you love sweaty feet or insist on working out
• HEAVY RAIN GEAR - super light breathable waterproof wind jacket is all you need
• LOTS OF TOYS - less is more, they'll be on sensory overload as it is
• PUMPS AND BOTTLES... If possible, do yourself and baby a favour, just nurse.
• JEWELRY - Keep it simple and smart. The pool and salt water damage the metals and jewels on a level you can't see. Pick one or two sets max (keep in mind babies will just yank the stuff off anyway) wear a token ring in place of your wedding ring and ear rings you don't mind losing. You'll be much more relaxed and carefree knowing the good stuff is at home safe and sound. Better yet, support the local economy and pick something new up at your destination as your souvenir :)
• BIG CAMERA - use your smart phone and a good pocket camera like the Canon Elph.
• INDIVIDUAL REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLES - just share the ones you get in your room. There's always safe water available (except for toddlers... A good spill proof sippy cup is a must (tommy kids makes a great one. Stick to water only and cleaning is a breeze!)
• LOADS OF BUG SPRAY
• BEDDING - for yourself nor for baby. Everything you need will be there
• WHITE CLOTHES - they show every dirt spot... Practically impossible for multiple use for people withOUT kids!
• HAIR DRYER - Check, but they almost always have one in the room... and besides, with a little one, my hair was in a ponytail the entire trip! (my tiny rips my hair out with glee)
• HAIR DRYER - Check, but they almost always have one in the room... and besides, with a little one, my hair was in a ponytail the entire trip! (my tiny rips my hair out with glee)
ABSOLUTE MUST-HAVES
• ZIPLOCK CONTAINERS - or the like.. critical for food for little ones... extremely handy for lunch at the beach!
• CHILD'S AIRPLANE SAFETY RESTRAINT - have a toddler? My 5yr old unhooked himself and jumped out of his seat on landing to make his sister laugh... trust me, you don't want that to happen to you! www.kidsflysafe.com
• ZIPLOCK CONTAINERS - or the like.. critical for food for little ones... extremely handy for lunch at the beach!
• CHILD'S AIRPLANE SAFETY RESTRAINT - have a toddler? My 5yr old unhooked himself and jumped out of his seat on landing to make his sister laugh... trust me, you don't want that to happen to you! www.kidsflysafe.com
• STROLLER - light-weight stroller that fully reclines with full canopy ie: Babyjogger - their 'Citi' line
• STROLLER BAG - sunshine kids carries one that's great for the gate check!
• UV STROLLER SHADE NET - Perfect for sun, shade, and bugs! Jolly jumper available at Babies RUs
• COTTON BLANKETS X2, one light fleece (airplane blankets are awesome)
• 2-3 UV BATHING SUITS for kids (2 that won't collect sand for the beach) Full piece suits are good for babies, 2 piece for kids are a must
• GOOD SUN HATS for the kids (with chin strap) AND YOU!! (I managed to burn my scalp and ears for the first time in my life - ouch! (Puffin Gear is great)
• BATHING HAT FOR KIDS (with chin strap) "Sunday Afternoon Hats" would be perfect for both water and sun!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpvtNuLkbYA)
• POP UP UV BEACH TENT - awesome thing to have... I have an extra one that arrived late if anyone wants to buy it - delivery free still in shipping box! lol
• DISPOSABLE DIAPERS - 2X normal amount needed (we used babyganics from BabiesRUs) (I know... I hate using disposables, but my arthritis and sanity just didn't allow for me to be handwashing diapers in Cuba...and the possible cockroaches scared me enough to not have dirty diapers around). Take into account possible poop leaks for teething poop or all other reasons for squishy poop as they are hard to impossible to come by... best to have extra at the end that you can donate to the less fortunate or even to the unprepared (as I was able to do for a poor Mom who was short by 2 days due to unexpected teething soup poop - I can't believe I just came up with that...yuK!)
• I took a few CLOTH DIAPERS for night time in case... but we didn't end up using them until the trip home.
• GOOD SWIM DIAPER X2 - Motherease has an awesome one
• DISPOSABLE SWIM DIAPERS - a few on hand in case of the 'runs' for pool time
• DISPOSABLE SWIM DIAPERS - a few on hand in case of the 'runs' for pool time
• MINIMAL TOYS THAT DO QUADRUPLE DUTY - we took 2 silicone buckets, a set of stackable/nestable barrels, and some boon toys. they worked for the hotel room, bath, pool and beach. The Boon toys bugs and net, and fishing rod (www.booninc.com) were awesome because they don't fill with water and are simple to clean. The barrels make towers (playskool stack-n-nest-block/barrel), work for scooping sand and making castles as well as playing in the water.
• 2 SNUGGLE TOYS - in case one gets gross
• BOUNCY BALLS: a large solid super ball (big enough to not be a choking hazard, and a squishy bouncy ball ie: OBALL (toddlers and crawlers love chasing them about and that buys some super critical getting ready in the hotel time)
• BACKPACK AND COLLAPSIBLE TOTES - Pack is necessary for wanders, and the totes are amazing for in-room organization. Thirty One Gifts carries good ones
TOILETRIES / MED KIT:
• SUNSCREEN X4 - Minimum for a family of 4 (and that includes babies). We went through more than 3 and we weren't absolutely obsessive. It's expensive down there, and especially if you're particular about the brand you use... it's best to have more than enough than run out. Our faves are Arbonne ABC Baby care, and Think.
• BABY SHAMPOO (TEARLESS) and body wash - Our favourite is Arbonne Baby Care - We used that as the family shampoo... it saved on packing lots of crap and works great, just bring your favourite conditioner and you're set!
• CHILDREN'S MEDICINE - Tempra or the like, and Benadryl or something you trust for allergic reactions. You never know... hospitals are super far so better to be safe than sorry!
• CHILDREN'S BUG REPELLANT - Druide makes a great citronella lotion, and there's a safe spray we took that worked... I'll post brand in a sec
• BACKPACK AND COLLAPSIBLE TOTES - Pack is necessary for wanders, and the totes are amazing for in-room organization. Thirty One Gifts carries good ones
TOILETRIES / MED KIT:
• SUNSCREEN X4 - Minimum for a family of 4 (and that includes babies). We went through more than 3 and we weren't absolutely obsessive. It's expensive down there, and especially if you're particular about the brand you use... it's best to have more than enough than run out. Our faves are Arbonne ABC Baby care, and Think.
• BABY SHAMPOO (TEARLESS) and body wash - Our favourite is Arbonne Baby Care - We used that as the family shampoo... it saved on packing lots of crap and works great, just bring your favourite conditioner and you're set!
• CHILDREN'S MEDICINE - Tempra or the like, and Benadryl or something you trust for allergic reactions. You never know... hospitals are super far so better to be safe than sorry!
• CHILDREN'S BUG REPELLANT - Druide makes a great citronella lotion, and there's a safe spray we took that worked... I'll post brand in a sec
