The Three “P’s” of Summer Vacation – Packing, Planning & Preventing

Whether it’s an overnight trip to Grandma’s or a week at your favorite seaside resort, there’s probably some vacation in store for you this summer. Remember the days before having kids when it seemed as if you could get packed in under an hour? Nowadays, traveling with kids takes the coordination of an Army General trying to lead the troops, and as all good leaders know, careful planning is a must. The following are some tips for planning your upcoming trip to help ensure that you’ll be prepared for your vacation.

Be able to survive on the supplies in your carry-on bag: The only thing worse than the airline losing your toddler’s new pink polka dot bathing suit is buying a new one. Pack a swimsuit, pajamas, change of clothes, toothbrush, and extra diapers for your toddler in your carry-on bag just in case. 

Create a first aid kit. This should include: several sizes of bandages; a thermometer; an antibacterial cream (such as Neosporin® or Bacitracin®); infant or children’s Tylenol®; tweezers to remove bee stings, ticks, or splinters; an antihistamine such as Children’s Benadryl®; and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 45.

Pack snacks: Whether you’re sitting in a traffic jam or being held on a runway, there’s a good chance your kids will become cranky and tired. Carry healthy snacks with you, such as dry cereal or fruit, as well as bottled water or juice boxes, to keep them happy.

Make ID tags: When children get lost on vacation it’s very difficult for them to remember the name of the hotel or address where they’re staying or your phone number. Create laminated ID tags that can be pinned on the inside of their clothing. List only their first name, your cell phone number, and/or the phone number of the hotel/home where you are staying. While you use it for bragging rights, that cute infant holiday picture of your now 2-year-old toddler will make it difficult for people to identify your child. Be sure to carry a recent photo of your child with you at all times.

Be prepared for an emergency: No matter where you’re going, call ahead or research online to find the name of a local pediatrician and the location of the nearest hospital. It’s also helpful to locate the nearest 24-hour pharmacy.

Bring along Dramamine: Whether it’s your child’s first plane ride, cruise, or long car trip, don’t run the risk of discovering they have motion sickness while you’re already on your way.

Call ahead: Be sure to book your dinner reservations ahead of time so you’re not eating past your toddler’s bedtime and thus avoiding public tantrums. If you’re staying at a hotel and want to use one of their portable cribs, call ahead to make sure it meets all applicable safety standards. A play yard is preferable, (if your child isn’t too big for it), but a portable crib with slats no more than 2 3/8” apart is also acceptable. If your child is taller and typically sleeps in a bed with bed rails, bring them along. Always bring a portable crib sheet from home rather than using one provided by the hotel. 

Pack baby proofing items: Bring along wire ties or masking tape so you can secure lamp cords to the sides of tables, and outlet plugs to secure electrical outlets. It’s a good idea to bring along a pressure-mounted gate as well to keep toddlers off the stairs.