5 Must-Pack Items when Backpacking with Kids

 The parenting world is officially split into two categories. The first are the parents who would not consider leaving the country with little ones in tow. These are the sane, normal, rational parents. And then there’s those who attempt (attempt is probably the best word to use for anything both kiddie and backpacking related) to take their kids to lands afar. On an adventure. To let them experience more of the world than the society they were born into. These are the kooky parents! The parents who know there’s going to be hassle with deciding what suncream to pack, what bug repellent to use and how to smile sweetly at the other passengers when you board a long distance plane with an under 5! But, do you know something? Parents with little people have travelled around the world and they’ve survived! More than this, they have shared amazing countries together and returned home brimming with family memories. So put the following in your backpack and away you go on an adventure for mums, dads and kiddies alike.

1. Sling them on! A sling or baby carrier is a fantastic way to transport under 3s around busy markets or up windy country roads. Kids feel safe and secure being close to you and frankly there’s no way you could get a pushchair up and down some of the backpacker territory ‘pavements’.

2. Dress the little ones in long sleeved cotton outfits. Actually, the same applies to you mums and dads too!

3. Kiddie sunglasses and hats with factor 50 sun repellent built in are available online or from big supermarket chains. The sunhats that also cover the neck are perfect. They look cool too!

4. Invest in a few new toys. Little toys are best for backpacking. When the kids start making a racket you can pull one out of your bag!

5. Take your little ones favourite blanket from home for the plane journey. It can get pretty cold with the air con on the flight. Fingers crossed, the comfort of that dependable blanket and the background noise of the plane will send them to the land of nod. Then you can celebrate how wonderfully you have combined parenting and backpacking with a glass of red wine!

Related Articles:

1. Backpacking Round the World: What Not To Pack!
2. How To Go Travelling With Your Kids

Tags: backpacking kids, backpacking tips, packing for travel, travel baby, travel kids, World travel