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Original poster

Things to take on holiday abroad with young children...

30 replies

Ima90sbaby · 06/08/2023 20:22

Going on holiday next month with DS (2), and DHs Niece (6) and Nephew (5), wanted to make sure that there isn't anything I haven't thought of to take with us... so what are your top 5 things to take on holiday abroad with young children (not including the obvious like clothes, swimsuits, passports etc...)?

OP posts:
Imamumgetmeoutofhere · 06/08/2023 20:26

We make sure we take things like antihistamine, paracetamol, ibuprofen, savlon, plasters, laxatives, dioralite. Also things like ear calm spray and ear plugs if swimming a lot.

Also things like books, colouring booking and crayons. Perhaps a tablet if they have it (with headphones). Favourite teddy / toy / blanket.

Wickeswench · 06/08/2023 20:27

Plug in night light

FloopyZebra · 06/08/2023 20:34

A small cheap inflatable paddling pool. Great for keeping all the toys in, put a little water in so the toddler can play on the balcony / by sunbeds etc
Stacking cups are multi-purpose.......poring water, building a tower etc

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Holidays
justaskingaquestion · 06/08/2023 21:34

100% a tea set. The perfect pool toy - kept all of mine occupied for hours and hours. And every other kid in the toddler pool.

Original poster
Ima90sbaby · 06/08/2023 21:59

Oh yes, I will definitely have to sort out a first aid kit with all the possibilities 👌🏻
The activity ideas sound really good too.
And I wouldn't have thought to take a plug in night light 🙂

OP posts:
incognitomosqiito · 06/08/2023 22:01

Other thing that was amazing was small toy McLaren style buggy for
Dollies and teddies

Diddykong · 06/08/2023 22:03

Blackout blinds

Muchtoomuchtodo · 06/08/2023 22:06

Stick on black out blinds have been a lifesaver many times

a small paddling pool if you’ll have space and means to fill it to save trekking to the pool all the time - we had a villa with a big garden but it was a pain to keep going to and from the pool when the youngest wanted a nap.

deplorabelle · 06/08/2023 22:14

Lego/duplo

Packet of balloons

Pick up a newspaper for the last day when everything needs to get packed. They can fold, shred, draw on it. All you have to do is put the bits in the recycling as you leave.

FusionChefGeoff · 06/08/2023 22:55

Balloons! Take up hardly any space and give hours and hours of fun.

Bath squirter toys to play in the pool.
Plain paper, colouring pens and sellotape
Dustpan brush for the beach to get worst of sand off
Pegs and plastic bag in beach bag for hanging up wet stuff and rubbish or bringing wet stuff back
Sun umbrella / pop up beach tent

crew2022 · 06/08/2023 23:00

A nanny

StillWantingADog · 06/08/2023 23:02

Calpol As tricky to find alternatives in an emergency if they’re ill
some familiar snacks/biscuits

reapwotusew · 06/08/2023 23:08

Rash tops/arm bands/sun hats/hooded towels/beach shoes

Sticker books/cards/colouring activities for in the shade/quiet time

Tablets for proper indoor quiet time / siesta / mummy needs a break time

Bug spray/antihistamine/calpol/dioralyte/savlon/plasters

Plastic cups/Swiss army knife for wine on the balcony when everyone is asleep

Have a great holiday

WellLetsSayHesSquare · 06/08/2023 23:12

Squirters for the pool but make sure they're not water pistol type. My aunt got pulled over at security as she had put them in her hand luggage and they looked like guns on the scanner!

Those mini concentrated squashes were good for my 2 as they tend not to have squash abroad.

Extension lead. Then only need one adaptor.

Original poster
Ima90sbaby · 07/08/2023 05:26

crew2022 · 06/08/2023 23:00

A nanny

Definitely need one of these, amazing suggestion! 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
Ima90sbaby · 07/08/2023 05:26

Some great suggestions, definitely some things I wouldn't have even thought of 🙂

OP posts:
MBM18 · 07/08/2023 05:36

Someone suggested on another thread taking a pop up laundry hamper to put dirty clothes in. I'll definitely be doing this on our next holiday

alsopeggy · 07/08/2023 07:50

Don't forget headphones so they can use tablets on the plane and other public places

Mumdiva99 · 07/08/2023 07:56

Arm bands for the older ones.....even if they can swim a bit......if you have a deep pool where they can't touch the bottom it will give you peace of mind and let them play in the water for longer. (Supervised of course). They can have time without them to improve swimming too.... but 3 kods in the water at one time is hard to supervise. (I have 3 so I know from experience).

Original poster
Ima90sbaby · 07/08/2023 21:12

Really like these suggestions... some things been added to my list, thank you 😊

OP posts:
SiobahnRoy · 07/08/2023 21:14

I always took a bag full of stocking filler type stuff, little games and puzzles you could hand out at opportune moments.

SparkyBlue · 07/08/2023 21:22

Toys for the pool. We are just back and DD loved having her mermaid barbies and her Chelsea dolls in the pool. Lots of other little girls also had their dolls and they all played away together in the kids pool literally for hours. It was great.

edwinbear · 07/08/2023 21:23

Pool inflatables for us. Over the years we’ve had little blow up boats, a crocodile, a lobster, a unicorn, a killer whale…..and once an inflatable cloud complete with rainbow! I should have checked the dimensions on the cloud, it was about 7ft long and so massive it was quite anti social. But the little inflatable boat was a huge win when mine were that ago.

Lkahsvtv · 07/08/2023 21:33

Crayola mess free colouring packs were a huge hit for my DC on holiday
headphones for their tablets
Long lasting suncream and sun screen for hair (actually bought because my parting always burns but then was useful for them)
swiming costumes that cover as much as possible for maximum protection from the sun
Calpol

Oblomov23 · 07/08/2023 21:34

With spag Bol or lasagne, I cook 1 for Dh,me, 2 x teens.