Britax Duo Plus Isofix

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When you travel with kids there are certain items you should remember to take with you to make your journey easier by keeping the kids happier. You must not be put off by what you may perceive as a tortuous event with restless and noisy, bored children.

Just get yourself well prepared and you’ll have a good trip. Unlike traveling with adults, children just need a bit forethought so you can respond quickly to their needs. Planning is absolutely key, so try these tips and you shouldn’t have unanticipated problems.

Safety should be very important and a quick look around your own home will give you an idea of what you ought to take without loading the kitchen sink! If you are vacationing in strange surroundings, you could find a small rubberized doorstop useful. They can provide a a bit more security if you’re in a hotel as you can wedge the door from inside to stop them opening the door quickly and running out. A little nightlight is another good option in a strange place as this can help them locate the bathroom in the night.

The medical items you need to consider are Band-Aids, tissues, sun screen, antiseptic hand gel, wet wipes, pain killers (that are suitable for children and adults) and emergency telephone numbers. Naturally, if your little one has a special condition you will be aware what to add to the list.

Travel with kids on long journeys can be quite a headache when children become bored. I’m sure you’ve been asked, “how much further” or “how much longer” on many occasions! Remember to break your journey at least every few hours to allow the driver a rest and also the children time to stretch their legs etc. Always have something to eat and lots of drinks with you in the event you get caught in traffic jams.

Bring crayons, puzzle books, highlighter pens, pieces of paper, cards and some plastic bags. Having closable bags are helpful to put food, damp clothes and any bits and bobs the children may acquire such as pebbles or seashells off the beach. Handheld electronic games or portable DVD players may also be useful and if you already have them, your children probably will insist in any case. You might find an audio head set for this will come in handy for you!

Other items that you ought to consider include sun glasses and hats, umbrellas, a lightweight weight wind breaker or beach tent and your camera of course. Finally, make sure you carry your passport and travel papers where you know you will find them the evening before you go. This helps prevent last minute panics. Pinning notes on your front door to remind you may be helpful for a double check. Remember to take photographs of your children with you in case they go missing.

All the above can help you enjoy your trip more and prevent the dread of the journey when you travel with kids. Simply being well prepared and trying to keep them fed, watered and occupied is vital, so make sure you give this plenty of thought beforehand.

Before you go on any long car journey, make sure your child car seats are checked over. If you need a new one, the Britax Isofix car seats have got a excellent reputation. If you have babies and toddlers the Britax B-Smart travel system is an excellent choice.

These are just a few of our picks for the ‘gadgets’ that are available on the market now that may make life easier for you and your child.  You can find out more information by clicking the links.

If you come across anything else that you think may be of interest, please let me know or post it yourself.

Sophie

Philips AVENT SCH550/20 Bath and Room Thermometer

The Philips AVENT Digital Bath and Room Thermometer conveniently combines room and bath temperature measurement. Being digital, is is easier to read and more accurate than an analogue thermometer.

Why measure the temperature of baby’s room?

A newborn baby cannot yet regulate its own body temperature. If baby’s room is too cold baby’s body temperature can drop dangerously.

Why measure the temperature of baby’s bath?

As baby’s skin is so delicate, this makes it highly sensitive to external influences like temperature and moisture. It therefore reacts more quickly to water that is too hot and will burn much faster than the skin of an older child or an adult. As a newborn baby is not yet able to regulate its own body temperature. This means that when it is exposed to a cold environment (e.g. cold bath water), baby’s body will cool down quickly. Therefore, measuring baby’s bath water is important for baby’s safety and comfort. The thermometer can also be used for testing the water temperature of baths for older children.

It also looks quite cute!

Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind

Anyone who has stayed away from home with little ones will know that it can be tricky to create a snoozy sleeping environment when there is too much light flooding in. The versatile Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind has been designed from a lightweight material that blocks all daylight, and can be put in place in minutes using suction cups. There are eyelets at regular intervals so that you can place the suction cups where you need them. The one shown is 130cm by 200cm and comes with it’s own travel bag, but you can also get larger ones.

For those of you wondering, the Gro Anywhere Blind is a new and improved version of the Baa Baa Blind.

SnoozeShade Latte Trim Limited Edition – The Ultimate Blackout Blind for Pram, Buggy and Pushchairs

Where the Gro Anywhere blind is designed for windows, the SnoozeShade is a unique blackout blind for prams, carrycots, pushchairs and buggies (in flat-lying or upright modes). SnoozeShade attaches to the buggy’s frame quickly and easily using Velcro straps and has elasticated top and sides to allow for a flexible fit. The bottom is straight so your childs legs can poke through as they grow. SnoozeShade fits twin and triplet strollers with hoods where each child has its own hood. Simply use one per baby and then you needn’t disturb one if the other wakes up. It can also be used with rear-facing child car seats as long as they have a hood–excellent for blocking out the light from street lamps if you are travelling at night.

BabyDan Magnetic Drawer/Cupboard Lock

BabyDan Magnetic Drawer / Cupboard Lock (known as Mag Lock) is a great product for childproofing. Magnetic Locks help prevent a child’s access to draws & closets containing dangerous fluids, knives ect. This Adhesive Magnetic Lock from BabyDan is fitted with strong Adhesive Pads making it perfect for installation where screw fitting is not possible.

Angelcare AC401 Baby Movement Sensor Pad and Sound Monitor
(see video below)

Iis this just another baby monitor? The Angelcare AC401 baby monitor is a 2-in-1 monitor that detects sound and movement, so if your baby is still for 20 seconds, you’ll be alerted. And that’s just one of many great monitoring features. You’ll find the sound quality is crystal clear, and it also comes with a rechargeable mobile Parent Unit.

There is an under-the-mattress sensor pad, a parent and a nursery unit, charging cradle, a couple of adaptors and strangely, comes with batteries for the Parent unit but not for the nursery unit.

I’ll leave it to you to decide whether you need a movement sensor for your child based on your own worries, concerns and past history.