Toddler Travel: Keep a Trip Box Ready to Go
Toddler Travel A simple way to keep all the small necessities ready to go.
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DESCRIPTION
A Travel Box is a great way to be prepared for an overnight trip or a long trip. Keep these essentials in there at all times
so you don't have to worry about forgetting things, looking for items, refilling or trying to find small
sizes appropriate with regulations. Refill shampoo and soap when you return from a trip and then you are ready to go.
SELECTING A TODDLER TRAVEL BOX
Here are few options to consider. Decide how much you need to put in it, how you are going to carry it and if you want something basic or with
a lot of compartments.
Basic This was our Baby Box where we stored items on the
list of must haves for babies. We used this open container as our travel box until now. I simply separated items into ziplocks to organize. I used clear mailing
tape to wrap one time around the entire box with the end folded for easy removal as a deterrent in case I left the box on the floor.
Tackle or Tool Box
These boxes are usually a little trickier to open for children and have a lift out tray. This particular one even has compartments on the top to store small items like hairbands,
bandaids, etc. This is also perfect for small craft items. The handle on the top makes it easy to carry...just make sure to latch before lifting! This is an inexpensive
solution for a large box with compartments. Not only is this useful as a toddler travel box, but it works well as a portable craft box to store
items like crayons, scissors and glue, stickers, etc. with you to keep your little ones busy.
Caboodles This case is designed for carrying cosmetics which makes it a great case for travel. It has nice swing out containers.
There is an area for taller items like medicine bottles and large enough to carry a full size brush, comb, digital thermometer and a couple nightlights.
Train Case These are usually padded and a little smaller but great for storing in a suitcase when you don't want to carry an additional carry on. This particular one
has a basket inside providing support. Most are soft with padded sides.
Safety: The nice thing about a toddler travel box, is this keeps all the things that should be out of reach from toddlers in one location.
Most have a latch that will take little fingers a while to figure out but that is only a deterrent. Be sure to place on a shelf out of reach at all times.
Items to Bring
Obviously each age will present different needs for your child but here are a list of basics to consider
Health Items
Prescription Medications
Be sure to have dosage instructions available and familiarize yourself with potential side effects if it is
a new medication.
Over the Counter Medications
The following list is just to give an idea of basic OTC medications. Please follow the recommendations given to you by your Pediatrician.
There has been a growing awareness of problems OTC medications can cause if not administered properly and some pediatricians have actually stopped
recommending the use of any. Please follow all guidelines and dosages that your pediatrician provides, not the ones on the bottle since it will vary
from child to child depending on weight and age.
Baby or Children's Tylenol or Motrin (in case of fever)
Children's Benadryll or Claritin (for allergies or hives)
Dosage cup or medicine dropper
Vitamins
Neosporin or similar
Bug Repellent (check for appropriate age to use)
Bath Items
Baby Shampoo/conditioner
Baby Wash
Small bath towel in ziplock
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Mini Flossers
Comb/Brush
Small Spray bottle (for water- works well for styling hair)
Baby Lotion
Aquaphor
Diaper Cream/Ointment
Miscellaneous
Night Light
Safety plugs
Hairbands
Nail Clippers
Bandaids
Pacifier
Nasal Aspirator
Sunscreen
TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Print out a list of the medications you are carrying and the dosage and time frame and tape to the inside of your box. That way anyone can administer the medication
safely if required. I actually take a sheet to the girls annual appointment and have the pediatrician fill it out. I make several copies and place one in their box, one on the
refrigerator and one in their bathroom cabinet.
Another way to keep track of medicine dosage is to write directly on the bottle with a sharpie pen.
Keep a toothbrush and small toothpaste, hair brush or comb in the box at all times...those are the easiest items to forget because you use it
up until the time you leave. It is definitely worth having the extra set because it is also two items you will want to have with you on a trip.
If you have additional toddler travel tips, feel free to submit them to us!
PLEASE NOTE: Always contact your physician regarding any questions or concerns. This information is not meant to replace professional medical advice.
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