List of things to have for DSS weekend visit

[flickyhair21]

Hey there,

This is my first post but I am a long time reader of the chat which always has great advice.

I really like to be well-prepared and organised and I just wanted if anyone had any tips on things that would be good to have in the house for DSS first weekend visit? He is 3.

We live in quite a rural area and it is not easy to get to a big shop to get things but we are going to do a big shop next week in our nearest city (over 100 miles away) and I just want to make sure our list is as up to date as possible.

DP has been doing up DSS room over the last few months - he has his own room with furniture, his favourite character bedspread, curtains, a mural on the wall and we have a few sets of clothes, toiletries, toys, colouring books and a collection of DVDs he likes.

Contact until now has taken place in DSS home-town (which is also where DP is from) and we have been either at DP parents or grandparents house with DSS. So normally we are living out of a suitcase for the weekend and we are really looking forward to having DSS in our own house so him and DP can relax together.

I think we have got most of the obvious things but I just worry that we might need something and we won't be able to get it.

We have:
Clothes
DVDs
Colouring books and pens/pencil
Story books
Various toys - action figures, cuddly toys, building blocks, trike
Toiletries
First aid kit for children - Calpol, funky plasters
Plates/cutlery/ juice cups
Toilet training stuff

Any suggestions would be much appreciated, I just want to make sure we have everything DSS could need so we can help him a smooth transition.

Do you have a toothbrush and children's toothpaste for him? PJs?
I was in your position a few years ago when DSD was 4, so I know how you feel! be prepared for a few inconsequential tears over something, staying somewhere new is a big thing at that age and they get overwhelmed. Also double triple check that any favoured cuddly bedtime toy is (a) packed to come to you, and (b) makes it safely back to DSS's Mums!

Also you have a lot more than we did- we were young and poor in a one bed flat with hardly any toys etc, and she was v happy to just sing with us, scribble on scrap paper, go to the local park, watch videos on YouTube- so please don't worry!

Night nappies? And a waterproof sheet under the sheet on the mattress, plus spare PJs etc - my 3yo is dry during the day but still in night nappies and often wakes up soaking through as they just can't handle the volume!

Friendly food - fish fingers, yoghurt, cereal etc. The same brands he has at home if you know what they are for familiarity.

A day back and waterbottle for going out and about with him.

Presume you have the right car seats etc that you'll need?

Thanks!

Yeah we have toothbrush and childs toothpaste. We have pjs but we need to get slippers and a dressing gown - on the list for the shop- so that the boys can chill and snuggle together.

Great point about the cuddly toy, will remind DP to check about that.

Not sure if clothes include footwear so in case it doesn't, wellies.

Nappies for night time? Ibuprofen as well as Calpol is good just in case he's ill. Sounds like you're well prepared though

A certain supermarket (green) sells a fab activity pack with loads of craft based stuff in, very reasonably priced too!