Saturday, November 20, 2004
Travel with Preschoolers in So.Cal; What to Bring.
Things to bring
Here is a list of all the things you should bring on your adventures. I like to have a trip bag packed all the time. Sometimes I just leave it in the car and I know I have it in case of an emergency. I keep it stocked with all the things we may need on any given day. The contents may change depending on where we are going. Sometimes I take out things to carry in my purse instead of taking the whole bag. Here it is:
Extra Clothes in a 2 gallon zip lock bag
This includes a short and long sleeve shirt, socks, underwear or pull ups, sweats, and shorts. I try to pack the most lightweight items I can. You may want to pack more than one pair of underwear depending on your child’s level of potty training.
A plastic grocery bag
This is handy to have to hold wet clothes, gather trash from the car, carry items etc. This is one item I always have and find useful.
A hat or visor for kids and grown ups
Sun glasses for kids and grown ups
A first aid kit
You can make your own custom kit in a zip lock sandwich bag. In ours I have band-aids, wound cleansing wipes, a cold pack that you squeeze to activate, a small package of candy (helps Isaac forget about the boo boo), chap stick, antacid (for me), Advil (for me), and children’s chewable Tylenol. This is the basic kit good for headaches and boo boos. This is not for a major incident. It is always a good idea to have a larger kit at home and in the car. Try to think of the things that will make your trip more comfortable when kids get scrapes and cuts or if you have a headache or other minor pain. Happy grown ups make for happy kids so think of yourself too. The American Red Cross has a list of items to carry in case of a severe emergency.
Water, Water, Water
Always bring more than enough water for yourself and the kids. If we are going hiking or to the beach I will bring each of us a large water bottle and have a large full thermos of 42 oz or more in the car for refills.
A snack
Things that will last that you can keep in your trip bag are: Hard Granola bars, fruit snacks, pre-packaged fish crackers etc. This can be an emergency stash when you forget other snacks or are out longer than you expected.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!
Everyone should always wear it SPF 30+
Bug Spray
A small rag
Here is a list of all the things you should bring on your adventures. I like to have a trip bag packed all the time. Sometimes I just leave it in the car and I know I have it in case of an emergency. I keep it stocked with all the things we may need on any given day. The contents may change depending on where we are going. Sometimes I take out things to carry in my purse instead of taking the whole bag. Here it is:
Extra Clothes in a 2 gallon zip lock bag
This includes a short and long sleeve shirt, socks, underwear or pull ups, sweats, and shorts. I try to pack the most lightweight items I can. You may want to pack more than one pair of underwear depending on your child’s level of potty training.
A plastic grocery bag
This is handy to have to hold wet clothes, gather trash from the car, carry items etc. This is one item I always have and find useful.
A hat or visor for kids and grown ups
Sun glasses for kids and grown ups
A first aid kit
You can make your own custom kit in a zip lock sandwich bag. In ours I have band-aids, wound cleansing wipes, a cold pack that you squeeze to activate, a small package of candy (helps Isaac forget about the boo boo), chap stick, antacid (for me), Advil (for me), and children’s chewable Tylenol. This is the basic kit good for headaches and boo boos. This is not for a major incident. It is always a good idea to have a larger kit at home and in the car. Try to think of the things that will make your trip more comfortable when kids get scrapes and cuts or if you have a headache or other minor pain. Happy grown ups make for happy kids so think of yourself too. The American Red Cross has a list of items to carry in case of a severe emergency.
Water, Water, Water
Always bring more than enough water for yourself and the kids. If we are going hiking or to the beach I will bring each of us a large water bottle and have a large full thermos of 42 oz or more in the car for refills.
A snack
Things that will last that you can keep in your trip bag are: Hard Granola bars, fruit snacks, pre-packaged fish crackers etc. This can be an emergency stash when you forget other snacks or are out longer than you expected.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!
Everyone should always wear it SPF 30+
Bug Spray
A small rag
Good for wiping noses, spills, etc.
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
A small travel toy
It’s nice to have a self contained item in your bag just in case you are stuck waiting with nothing to do. You might bring a travel sized etch-a-sketch, a small notebook and pen/pencil, a travel magna doodle, small book, etc.
Crosswords, book or other adult boredom buster
For when you are waiting for your child at swim class or other supervised activity.
Long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt for adult and child
It does get cold at night in Southern California. Even in the summer time.
Quarters
These are important for those pesky parking meters at the beach. It is handy for vending machines, rides outside the store and the ice cream truck. A roll of quarters could last you all summer.
Keep a few sand toys in your car, a bucket and shovel at least.
DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
A small travel toy
It’s nice to have a self contained item in your bag just in case you are stuck waiting with nothing to do. You might bring a travel sized etch-a-sketch, a small notebook and pen/pencil, a travel magna doodle, small book, etc.
Crosswords, book or other adult boredom buster
For when you are waiting for your child at swim class or other supervised activity.
Long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt for adult and child
It does get cold at night in Southern California. Even in the summer time.
Quarters
These are important for those pesky parking meters at the beach. It is handy for vending machines, rides outside the store and the ice cream truck. A roll of quarters could last you all summer.
Keep a few sand toys in your car, a bucket and shovel at least.
DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!
