Summer holiday perils - how to avoid them - we need your tips asap...

[AbbyMumsnet]

We've been asked to help pull together some tips on avoiding 'the perils of the summer hols' - all those accidents from cuts and grazes to more serious incidents. If you've got any top hints or tips for dealing with this sort of things - from hints on canny treatments to distraction or soothing tips - please post them up here ASAP.

Thanks all.

always take a 'emergency kits' with you on days out,

• plasters
• wipes (for cleaning cuts, grazes etc
• Calpol saches
• anti-histimines (great for insect bites, nettle stings, hayfever
• Suncream

also on days out spare underwear/clothes even older children can need a change of clothes, especially when little brother pushes them head first into the sea

Ensure you have a CURRENT E111 form - they need renewing every year I believe.

Take sudacrem - great on burns, scratches and grazes

If you are going on holiday with another family agree ground rules before you go, or you will end up feeling a put upon drudge and will loath your ex friends because you ended up doing all the cooking and baby sat for them.

remember to pack all prescription meds, and make sure that you have enough for the holiday

remember that on the continent lots of meds are in suppository form, so don't be surprised if you are expected to do a little 'up and under'

Phramacists on the continent can be a terrific source of help and advice and can often sell you stuff over the counter that you would need a doc for in the UK

take sticky labels with people's addresses written on them for the postcards your dcs will want to send.

If someone gets stung by a jellyfish, pee on it. the sting not the jelly fish.

Also works on nettle stings but that might be a bit ott

When in crowded places write your mobile number of a sticky label and put it inside your dcs teeshirt, incase they get lost. If they are lost they can ask someone to ring you

MAKE LISTS - oh I am a big fan of lists - what to pack, where to shop when you get there (nearest supermarket/pharmacy etc)mm not quite what you want.....ok

take photocopies of all your travel documents - leave another copy of everything at home with a responsible person!

get some of those bands to write your mobile number on for your little ones - or on the back of their neck - so when thet get lost on Perranporth beach they (and you) won't end up on Seaside rescue!

Take beach shoes in case the beach is stony/pebbly or in case of sea anenomes (sp?) those little spines are a bastard to remove from the soles of feet.

I was typing while you posted that mn

snap

Pack lollipops in your First Aid Kit - a vital distraction technique used the world over

Take envelopes to put postcards in. They arrive far quicker when in envelopes - have tested this theory from many destinations!

If flying pack, a change of undies and a clean tee shirt in your hand luggage, in case of accidents/ lost luggage

don't let your kids, or your idiot dh/p pack toys for a car trip. they will only pack things that make a noise and piss you off

Pmsl at the idea of peeing on a jellyfish MB!

Agree with beach shoes, also useful in case there is broken glass on the beach.

If like me you or your DCs are prone to coldsores, always make sure you're armed with lip protector

When you get to your destination, make sure you know where the nearest pharmacy and hospital are - and esp if abroad, how to ring emergency services.

A pocket kite is always worth packing - it takes up so little space and can make an overcast day fun.

if flying take twice as many nappies/milk etc in your hand luggage as you should need - just in case plane is delayed/diverted

if you wear bra sized swimwear take one cossie in handluggage

If your child is travel sick, always keep sea bands in the car.

We always keep a couple of umbrellas, a picnic blanket, a towel and the kids wellies in the boot, too.

And make sure you have packed the buggy and the kids bedtime cuddly toy/blanket/rag

Know the emergency numbers for the countries you visit.