Whether it`s a bawling infant, a toddler, a child in his terrible two`s or older — kids have a mountain load of stuff that needs to be carried everywhere to ensure their comfort

“Why do we have four bags... it`s just the three of us?” my husband mused as we lugged our bags to the car which was to whisk us to the airport. I rolled my eyes and pointed to the one-year-old angel who was clinging to me like a koala. Not only did we have a trunk load of her clothes and a 15 day supply of her pampers and tinned powdered milk, the entourage of toys we had to carry was stupefying.

My daughter is three years old now and has experienced an airplane ride twice in this span. It was a Herculean task planning the journey and making a list of what to take for her.

Whether it`s a bawling infant, a toddler, a child in his terrible two`s or older — kids have a mountain load of stuff that needs to be carried everywhere to ensure their comfort. From packs and packs of diapers to sippy cups, carry cots, strollers, or their favourite squeezy toy or game — you need to create space for them. So be prepared to sacrifice space for your straightening iron or favourite bag for a bulky teddy or bottle sterilizer.

Have you put off travelling just because of your little one? If you`re boggled and flustered by where to start packing, you`re not alone. It`s a natural feeling. The trick is to sit down, over a cup of soothing tea and make a list of things you will need for your little one.

Before you set off on a journey you must take your little one for a general check-up to your paediatrician. If your child has a chronic problem then your medicine supply must be effective. “My daughter always comes down with a cold with the slightest weather change. So I always consult my doctor on what I can give her to cure the slightest symptom because finding a good doctor in a foreign land is difficult. I end up carrying so many syrups and tonics which are so tiresome to carry,” says Salima, mother of two girls.

“When flying, always put ear drops in the child`s ears before the plane takes off,” says Dr Khan, a child specialist. Many children cry through flights because their ears hurt due to the change in air pressure. Also the claustrophobia and lack of movement in airplane seats and aisles may make them cranky, so you must carry a variety of such toys which may keep their attention riveted and avoid frustration. Being a patient parent always makes things easier. Try to make the journey enjoyable for your child by pointing out interesting things that you spot on the way. “My three-year-old son thoroughly enjoys the train ride to Lahore which we make every summer to visit my mother. He loves the fact that I make up a story of every thing we see and it`s an educational experience for him,” says one cool headed mom.

For infants, try travelling with a small portable crib that can fit under your legs or on your lap. Little zip-up bunting that keeps the baby in a cosy, manageable bundle might also help you. By the time the baby is six months old, it`s time to graduate to a portable crib.

“I guess what takes its toll is the number of toys one needs to carry,” says Sana, mother of twins. “If you forget to take a precious rubber ducky or a favourite battered old teddy, the tantrums are a horror to deal with.” A familiar blanket and toy can make all the difference for travelling children as they cling onto something familiar in unfamiliar circumstances.

Another item which can make things easier for you is a light-weight umbrella stroller, which one can push right onto the plane and store in the overhead compartment. Wheeling the baby or toddler aboard can really save your back on a half-mile long concourse. “It`s unimaginable to lug a baby and drag hand luggage pieces through long airport aisles espe cially in transit flights,” says Ibrahim, father of a one year old who has recently returned from a trip to the States.

Disposable diapers are God-sent and just too convenient to resist while travelling. Don`t forget the rubber pants, and carry a packet of wipes and rash cream in your day bag to make diaper changes easier, may it be on a protracted car ride, a train or an aeroplane.

“Making my child eat is a task on an ordinary day, but becomes more so when we`re travelling,” says Sharmeen, who makes a weekly ride to Hyderabad to visit her in-laws. It will make life a lot easier if you carry bottled baby food, diced fruit or even junk food like chips and biscuits which you can treat your child to from time to time. Just make sure you don`t take stuff that might leak or crush and damage your other baggage. Mineral water is a vital item to carry because you never know the kind of water you might find while travelling.

For clothing, keep it simple and to the minimum, for both yourself and the baby. You can expect to be doing some laundry every few days, so why burden yourself with too many changes of clothes? For maximum convenience, take mix-and-match separates in dark and bright colours.

In hot climates, like in the plain and coastal areas of Pakistan, all cotton is definitely more comfortable. Be sure to bring a hat that protects the baby from the sun. While travelling with kids up to three years old try slinging back-pack onto them with a few of their favourite things.

Pack the bags, and then don`t worry about it. What is the worse that can happen! If you realise you`ve forgotten something you can always pick it up along the way. So run along! Happy vacationing!