Bounty

The travel checklist for getting around with a little one:

Getting around

• Car seat: make sure your child’s car seat is still appropriate for his or her age and weight. If you’re hiring a car make sure it comes with the correct seat for your child.
• Layers: particularly if you’re flying, dress babies in two or three light layers of clothing you can put on and take off as necessary
• Reins or harness for a toddler; useful for airports, planes and ferries
• A baby sling or baby carrier keeps your hands free for trolleys and luggage
• Lightweight buggy that folds up easily when you board the plane or hop in and out of the car

Dinner time

• Clear plastic bags to take liquids and creams through airport security
• If you’re driving but can’t be sure of getting to a service station, take a bottle warmer that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter
• Snacks, water and maybe a caffeine drink for you to help keep your energy up until you reach your destination

Make it fun

• Favourite cuddly toy or comforter. You usually can’t pack these the night before so make a special note to grab them from the cot in the morning
• Baby mobile or brightly coloured frieze for the car or airplane
• If you’re not driving, blow some bubbles to keep your baby calm, play peek-a-boo or This Little Piggy
• Sing-a-long or story tapes/CDs for car journeys – classical music or heartbeats are good
• Familiar blanket and spare dummy or teething ring
• Lightweight toys such as books, hand puppets; avoid toys that make lots of noise or have components that can roll off and get lost

Toilet time

• Wipes, tissues and anti-bacterial gel
• Nappies, perfumed nappy sacks, nappy wipes, nappy cream and travel changing mat
• Separate mini changing bag containing a single nappy, wipes and mini-pot of cream: no room in an airplane loo for a hefty changing bag
• Travel potty with spare liners – potty-training toddlers can’t be expected to hold it for long
• Change of clothes in case of toilet accident or sick

Safe journey

• Rear view mirrors so you can see your baby in a rear-facing car seat; catching a glimpse of you in the mirror will reassure them too
• Keep any essential medication in your hand bag plus spares (or a spare prescription) in another bag
• Basic travel first aid kit
• Sun shields for car windows and sunglasses for the driver