Holiday with the kids

Traveling with little ones can be daunting at the best of times, but thanks to Hayley Hanigan, Founder of the unique baby equipment rental business Tiny Explorers, she has a number of top tips to help simplify family travel this summer. 

The mother of four and founder of the fast-growing bespoke baby equipment rental service, Tiny Explorers,  truly knows a thing or two about family travel. From the importance of being flexible and involving little ones in the planning, to picking the right transportation and what parents really need to pack, here Hayley shares her advice on planning and prepping for a wonderful, fuss free, family holiday!

Plan Ahead:

Before booking any accommodation, research your destination and identify any child-friendly activities and facilities, ensuring there are amenities suitable for children. Things to look out for are whether there are things such as a highchair, a suitable cot for their age, steriliser, bottle/food warmer 

Pack Wisely:

As well as the essential items such as nappies, wipes, formula, snacks, and extra clothes, pack favourite toys, books, and entertainment to keep your child occupied during the journey 

Choose the Right Transportation:

Consider the length of the journey and choose transportation that is suitable for your child’s age. If flying, check airline policies regarding child seats, strollers, and other equipment and ensure you are making informed and sensible decisions. Definitely consider a travel stroller, they fold up so small and are so lightweight that most of the leading brands fit in the overhead locker of the plane. You can easily carry it over your shoulder making it great for the airport, as well as when you arrive at the beach! It also means no waiting for your larger stroller at the baggage carousel after a long flight and avoids carrying tired children through passport controlAlso, if you go for a long-haul flight consider a flight aid that turns the seat into a comfortable bed for little legs.

Follow a Routine:

Stick to your child’s regular sleep and mealtime routines as much as possible. Bring comfort items like a favourite blanket or stuffed toy to create a sense of familiarity. Think about jet lag too, as your child may not cope well with the time change. The Slumberpod blackout tent, which can be rented, is a great solution for enabling children to sleep in a room that may be bright (due to daylight\poor window coverage etc). It also provides them with their own space should you be sharing a hotel room with your child allowing them to relax without distraction

Safety First:

Ensure car seats are installed correctly and meet safety standards. I advise taking UK/Irish car seats with you as rental seats from foreign car hire companies often don’t meet basic safety standards. Through personal experience, I have also found seats are limited and not guaranteed meaning you can arrive to find you have no child seat at all! If they have availability the seats are often dirty and very out of date too.

Involve Your Child:

Let your child participate in the planning process by choosing activities or snacks. Discuss the trip with them, so they know what to expect and can ask questions.

Be Flexible:

Understand that things may not always go as planned and be prepared to adapt. Stay patient and calm, as children can pick up on stress.

Entertainment and Distractions:

Pack a variety of activities to keep your child entertained, such as colouring books, games, or movies. Use electronic devices sparingly and consider bringing headphones to avoid disturbing others.

Snack and Hydration:

Keep a supply of healthy snacks and a reusable water bottle on hand.

Be mindful of any food allergies your child, or any passengers may have and plan accordingly. Always think about natural sugars too, a hyper child on a long-haul flight is never fun!  

Take Breaks:

Plan regular breaks during long journeys to allow your child to stretch, play, and use the toilet. Utilise rest areas/service stations with playgrounds or open spaces for some physical activity.

Carry a small first aid kit with essential medications and bandages. Calpol and  Fusion Allergy are an absolute must!  Bepantiseptic  is also a favourite to numb insect bites! We also travel with mosquito plugins/spray. A good mosquito net for your pram is always recommended.

www.tinyexplorers.co.uk