Scott Dunn Travel Tips - Travelling with children

Before You Travel

• Before you pack, check what’s already on hand at the resort. The Scott Dunn family team can advise you on the family facilities and equipment available in resort, and often particular items can be pre-requested.
• We recommend the services of www.tinytotsaway.com, who’ll send your essential supplies of nappies, toys and feeding kit on ahead for you, so you can travel light. Remember this needs to be pre-booked a minimum of 2 weeks before you travel.
• Small children love to have their own hand luggage, to fill with toys and games for the journey, especially small trolley style suitcases or ‘trunkis'.
• Don’t pack everything into your main suitcases; keep a change of clothes in your hand luggage in case of spills en route.

• A mini medical pack with essentials such as antiseptic cream, plasters, arnica cream etc
• Mosquito net for buggy/cot
• Sunshade/parasol for buggy
• Small UV pop up sun tent for little ones
• Plenty of high factor suncream and sunblock
• Mosquito repellent / bite cream
• Swimming aids, arm bands, swim vest, swim seats etc
• Swimming nappies as these are not always readily available abroad
• Formula milk – individual powder sachets are great for travel (ensure you have enough formula for your entire stay)
• Sterilising equipment – for less bulky packing why not use some sterilising tablets and a plastic container?
• Childrens cutlery / crockery and favourite cups/ bottles (disposable bottles are handy on flights)
• Handheld blender for babies being weaned
• Baby monitor
• Bibs
• A baby sling/carrier is well worth packing for infants for walks on the beach and particularly useful at the airport when you don't have your buggy

• Remember to allow plenty of time – everything takes longer with children.
• If you’re driving to the airport, take advantage of valet parking. Scott Dunn guests are given a discount when they book with Meteor Parking.
• If the flight’s not full, see if the airline staff will hold an empty seat next to yours, especially if your toddler doesn’t have their own seat.
• Some airlines will allow you to take your buggy with you right up to the gate, then it goes in the hold at the last minute. It is well worth doing this although it is a good idea to take a buggy cover to protect your buggy as you will not see it again until baggage reclaim and it can get thrown around a little!
• Please note that infant bassinets and car seats for the flight cannot be guaranteed so you need to be prepared for the fact you may have your infant on your lap throughout the flight, unless you book a separate seat for your child.

• Most airlines allow families to board first, but this increases the time in a cramped seat. If your children like to let off steam, it’s better to wait until the last minute./li>
• If you’ve just got a baby with you, it may be easier to board straight away and get settled whilst the plane is not too busy.

• Ear pain on take-off and landing can be eased by giving your child a drink to sip or a sweet to suck. It’s ideal if babies can be fed by breast and bottle at this time. Alternatively you could give them a dummy to suck.
• It is a good idea to take antiseptic hand gel.
• Take plenty of wipes, tissues and nappy sacks.
• Take your babies favourite blanket/comforter or sleeping bag on the flight.
• Bring a chnage of clothes for babies and young children and it is a good idea to bring a cardigan or sweatshirt as the plane cabin can get quite chilly.
• Overnight flights are a good idea with young chilldren as hopefully they'll sleep, meaning less hours to try and keep them entertained.

• In-flight meals are often extremely hot – test first before offering to your child.
• For babies, take your own baby food, utensils and disposable bibs. It is advisable to take re-sealable food e.g Ella’s Kitchen (you may be asked to taste baby food/milk when going through security).
• It is possible to ask the flight attendant to warm up milk or baby food, but do so a little in advance as it may take time.
• It is a good idea to take lots of small snacks for your child such as raisins, breadsticks and fruit etc

• New toys will hold the attention longest, or think ahead and hide away some of their old favourites before travelling so they are a novelty again on the flight.
• Picture books and activity / sticker books are lightweight and can occupy a lot of time.
• Avoid games with little pieces that can get lost, or try magnet toys/puzzles and aquadraw minimats.
• Don’t bring all the toys out at once, pace them throughout the journey.
• Colouring books and crayons (often you will receive these in-flight).
• Allow children to choose a magazine at the airport e.g. Disney, Princesses, Cbeebies.
• Handheld computer games are great for older children.

• Look out for fast track customs and immigration check points for those travelling with infants
• Dual time watches and clocks are great for keeping track of baby’s routine in different time zones (try magellans.com)
• Be prepared for the climate outside the airport, with sun screen and hats (or extra layers when on your return!)