Posted on Leave a comment

3 Days Trip to Goa with a 1 Year Old.

3 Days Trip to Goa with a 1 Year Old.
3 Days Trip to Goa with a 1 Year Old.
At the Beach with my 1-Year-Old

My husband and I love to travel on any given day. After travelling to different places in India and the US between Nov to Feb (4 months) including visits to our native place in Assam (including some solo trips ), it was time to take a rest.

And within a month I conceived. I guess travelling helped my mind and body to relax, as we’ve been trying hard for the last year for a baby, followed by a miscarriage.

My pregnancy went smoothly and we had a lovely baby boy. Life became a roller-coaster ride for us. But the travel bug was crawling inside me and pinching me occasionally. Travel bugs don’t come and go, they reside permanently inside you.

I desperately needed a break from the daily routine. Oops did I say daily routine? The daily routine doesn’t change whether you are home or on vacation when you have a baby.

Our son was approaching his 1st birthday, and 10 days after that we had to leave for our native place in Assam. Before going home, we took a short 3-days trip to Goa with our 1-year-old.

One week before our trip, I introduced my son to formula milk (he didn’t have outside milk before). So in public places, I don’t have to cover him or look for a secluded place to breastfeed him.

I even made a checklist of items like his daily essentials and food items to carry for this 3 day trip to Goa with a 1-year-old. This helped me with what to pack and when to feed him.

 

*This post contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.
 
 
 
What to pack for 3 Days Trip to Goa with a 1-Year-Old? Below is the list of items to pack for a short trip:

1. Diapers and Changing Mat: 3 Days Trip to Goa with a 1-Year-Old.

I guess it is the first things that come to our mind while packing a baby`s bag are diapers and a changing mat. Take only the required number of diapers or carry a few and buy the rest at the destination as disposable diapers are easily available. And if you only use cloth diapers then I would suggest taking flats and diaper covers as they are easier to wash and dries really fast. Travelling with cloth diapers is not at all messy. All you need is a little planning and patience.

 

Padded Underpants
Potty Training Pants/ Padded underwear

 

 

Do remember to give some diaper-free time to your child, it can be early in the morning after the child wakes up and after reaching your hotel/resort. Training/Potty pants and nappies are best.

 

2. Diaper Bag:

Choose a backpack instead of a shoulder or sling bag as a backpack will keep your hands free. You can use your regular backpack instead of a separate bag for the baby. I recently came across this Foldable Mummy Bag with a Bassinet, that can be used as a diaper bag as well as a cot. This will be very helpful at the beach.

 

Travelling to goa with baby
Diaper bag cum bassinet

 

 

 

 

3. Extra sets of clothes:

Always carry 2-3 extra sets of clothes when you travel with babies

 

4. Sunscreen:

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you step out in Goa. The one from Mother Sprash is my personal favourite.

 

3 day in Goa with a 1 year old
Sunscreen

 

 

 

Check here for Best Sunscreen for babies in India

Best Face Sunscreen for Babies and Kids in India
Best Face Sunscreen for Babies and Kids in India

 

 

 

5. Toys and Board Books:

Keep 2-3 small toys to keep them engaged for some time like during a train/flight journey or while waiting for your food at the restaurant or at the hotel. Small board books, and touch-and-feel books or Doodle art books have been very helpful to me.

 

3 day in goa with a 1 year old
Board Books

 

 

6. Snacks:

Carry a few snacks with you like Cookies, makhana, fruits, and cake that can be made at home. If that is not possible here are a few options:

 

7. Formula Milk:

Your regular formula milk (if required)

 

8. Feeding Bottles:

Take 2-3 bottles if your baby is on formula milk only or takes bottle feed 2-3 times a day. Wash and Sterilize them once you are back at the hotel.

 

 

3 day in goa with a 1 year old
Bottel Strelizer

 

 

 

 

9. Electric Kettle:

All hotels and Resorts usually have an Electric Kettle but do check with them before leaving as you may need them to make baby food or milk or even to sterilize baby`s utensils.

This foldable can be very helpful when making formula milk or puree. As it is foldable it can be easily carried in handbag also.

Goa with baby
Foldable Kettle

 

10.  Thermoflask:

For keeping water for making formula milk or food.

11. Medicines:

Do carry all the medicines along with the doctor’s prescription, because you just never know when you will need them.

12. Toiletries:

Carry your regular toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and shampoo, detergents in small bottles instead of those full-size bottles. Comb and face cream.

 

3 day in Goa with 1 year old
Toothbrush Holder

 

 

 

13. Baby Carrier/Stroller:

Do carry a kangaroo bag cum adjustable baby carrier. The baby is not only comfortable in that but will be very helpful when the baby is sleeping and you are out exploring places or riding a bike or car. A stroller will be helpful at airports or hotels. You cannot take a stroller to the beach, so check if you require them. We didn’t take them as it is difficult to move around in India as the tourist places are always crowded.

3 day trip to Goa
Baby Carrier

 

 

14. Wipes:

Wipes not only clean your baby`s bum but for cleaning their little hands or face also. You can make your own wipes. Just carry a few small cotton clothes or old leftover cotton fabric or bamboo sheets with the solution. Check this video on how to make Wipes Solution.

15. Shoes/Slippers:

Carry their shoes/slippers/crocs. Don’t take any new shoes or make them wear them a few times as they might not want to wear them or may get shoe bites.

16. Sanitizer/Hand soap sheets:

Sanitiser their and your hands regularly. You can also opt for Travel Handsoap sheets. They are very useful as they are very easy to carry and don’t leave any residue after use. All you need is some water. Check Reflekt and use my code GB15 to get 15 % off.

 

 

17. Cutlery and Bibs:

Take their small bowls and cutleries like spoons, forks, food feeders etc.

 

3 day trip to goa with baby
Food Masher

Continue reading 3 Days Trip to Goa with a 1 Year Old.

Posted on 2 Comments

Travelling During Pregnancy

 

 

Travelling during pregnancy
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

 

 

Travelling during pregnancy is considered safe during the 2nd trimester and of course, depending upon person to person and circumstances. I was more active during my first pregnancy but didn’t get the chance to travel except alone from Mumbai to Guwahati to my parent`s home for delivery.

During my 2nd pregnancy, my health was not in great condition. We had plans to travel to Bali during my son’s summer vacation,(during my 2nd trimester) but had to drop it as I was not in a position to travel long distances. But we managed to travel to our hometown and a few short trips by road in and around Guwahati. The places we visited are Shillong, Samdrup Jongkhar(in Bhutan) and Chandubi Lake.

 

Here I have mentioned some essential points to keep in mind when travelling during pregnancy:

1) Listen to your body when travelling during pregnancy.

You only know whether you can travel or not and by which mode of transport. Travel isn’t recommended for those with high-risk pregnancy conditions

2) Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

Feeling comfortable in your clothes should be your priority. There are many sites and shops available nowadays for maternity wear. Wear comfortable shoes, especially which can be removed easily

3) Take your medicines and food on time.

Don’t try to postpone your mealtime.

4) Keep some snacks and a water bottle with you all the time.

Keeping something to eat like fruits, dry fruits, homemade sandwiches or roti will always come in handy. On one of my trips we had plans to have our lunch at the destination, and reaching the place would take some 1 hour. And I started feeling hungry. Luckily I was carrying a few bananas with me.

5) If you have one more child, it is always preferable to carry a car seat.

If they have the habit of travelling in your lap, explain to them before commencing the journey why you can’t take them in your lap anymore. Invest in a good car seat.

 

Travelling During Pregnancy

 

6) Plan ahead.

Always tell your practitioner about your travel plans before booking your tickets. Since I travelled by air both times I asked my doctor to give me in writing that I am fit to travel

7) Take your time.

Don’t rush. It is advisable to leave home early if you need to catch a train or plane as running up is not a good idea and you might need to take little rest in between.

8) If travelling by air, check with the airlines if they have any policies.

 

9) Move your legs around or take short breaks.

Take a stroll up to the cabin every once in a while of travelling by air. Or short breaks if you are travelling by car.

10) Wear your seat belt all the time.

It is always advisable to wear seatbelts all the time to avoid any kinds of sudden jerks.

 

 

Every person’s requirement is different. Please share if there is anything else you want to add.

 

 

You can also read: Road trips with a baby and toddler in India

Posted on Leave a comment

Create Memories With Zoomin

Our son is 4 years old and our daughter recently turned 6 months. And believe it or not we still have not printed any photos of them. Don’t believe it?? even I can’t believe how come we have not yet printed any photos of them. Blame it on technology or on our laziness or on our hectic lifestyle. There are thousands of photos in our mobile phones and computers but not a printed one.The only printed one our son has is with his school friends clicked at school itself.

Gone are the days when having a camera was a luxury and clicking photo was not an everyday affair. We had to plan in advance like from buying a film, deciding the occasion, at which moment to take pictures and counting the numbers of pictures clicked. And one has to be very careful while taking pictures as one spoiled picture means less numbers of pictures and money wasted. And not to mention how eagerly we would wait for days to see those pictures and I am sure each picture had a story to tell.

photobook 27015078449110197646..jpg
Reference Image

With photographs we not only create memories but we also cherish those beautiful moments spent.

 

Posted on Leave a comment

Having a second baby with a toddler

Having a second baby with a toddler

Having a second baby with a toddler? 

 

I was happy to put up an exhibition of my products. I was elated as I was able to start my work again in whatever little time I had now. Now I don’t have to plan days in advance to go out with my 3-year-old son. Now I get time to watch movies or go for long walks alone. I was happy thinking about the trip with my son to Pondicherry. I had already started planning for our next trip. But then ” Oh Again! Oh Yes wow! No, not now! Oh, I am pregnant again! Thousands of thoughts came to my mind.

My husband and I had thought of 2nd child. I had a hard time trying to conceive the first one. Taking medications, hormones injection, regular visits to the doctor, monthly sonography.. !!It was taking a toll on me. I didn’t want to go through the same process again for the 2nd time. But then this time I easily conceived. It was planned but unexpected I would say.

Having only one child was also fine with us. But the thought of what will happen to our son if/when we are not there? Both my husband and I have siblings. The bond shared between siblings is above friends and parents. My son also started asking for a baby. There are many ifs and buts, pros and cons of having a child or 2nd child. It is everyone’s personal decision.

I have friends and cousins who are happily married for years and don’t have any kids nor do they plan to have any. Some have one child and wish to have another but can’t due to various reasons. This dilemma of having kids or how many or not to have is never-ending.

 

 

 

Having a second baby with a toddler
Having a second baby with a toddler

 

The arrival of a new member in the family can be a difficult transition for older children if not prepared in advance. Integration of a new baby into the family can create an emotional crisis for children. If you have planned for a 2nd baby or you just discovered that you are going to be parents again, it is better to involve your elder one in your pregnancy journey right from the beginning.

 

Here are few points which I would love to share that helped me in having a second baby with a toddler:

1) Try to know/ understand what they feel about babies in general.

Ask them would they want someone to play with or share their toys? My son would get excited whenever he sees a baby. He would tell me “mama I want a baby”.This was one great positive factor for us

2) Take them to your doctor’s visit and scans.

I would take him every time with me for all my doctor`s visits and sonography and before going for sonography I used to tell him that today we are going to look at the baby and see what is the baby doing inside( is the baby sleeping, or is the baby dancing or is the baby doing potty). This would make him laugh and curious.

3) Let them talk to your unborn child

I would ask him to talk to the baby. Let him ask questions.

4) Keep telling them that they will become Big brother/Sister of the baby. With that, they will have to change the baby’s diapers, apply cream, make them sleep, etc.


5) Let them choose or take their opinion before buying something for the baby.


6) Let the father or other members of the family take charge of the elder one.

E. g dropping or picking up from school/bus stop, taking bath, feeding them, making them sleep without you.

Tell me moms who have 2 children what did u do? Would love to hear from you.

 

You can also read: 5 Best Books on Pregnancy

 

Posted on 1 Comment

Kids packing list: For one day outings.

Kids Packing Checklist for one day outing

Kids packing list: For one-day outings.Duration: 7-8 hours.

Kid`s Age: 4 Years and above

Going out with your toddler or kid for a full day or half day also requires planning and packing your bag accordingly. Keeping a checklist of items on what to pack will make packing hassle-free. I prefer to pack my bag a day earlier or the first thing in the morning, to avoid the last-minute rush. Kids’ packing list differs from person to person. A packing list for the day might be different from one for a road trip or when travelling by flight or train. But there are a few things which you will always require no matter where you go.

Check here for Road trips with a baby and toddler in India

2 things to keep in mind before packing kids’ bags are:

1. The Destination:

If you have not been to the place do try to find out about the site. Are you going to a friend’s or relative’s place, for a fun outing, to attend some event, go out shopping, or going to the beach? One needs to pack your kid’s bag accordingly.

2. The Bag:

What type of bag to carry? A large tote bag, diaper bag, or two separate bags, one for your toddler and one for yourself. I prefer to carry one large bag which will fit everything, instead of two separate bags. Have a look at Tote bags: tote bags and diaper bag

 

 

Diaper Bag
Diaper Bag

*This post contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.

Kids packing list: Checklist of items to carry

1. Clothes: Kids packing list for one-day outings.

When it comes to packing for a day outing with kids, it’s essential to consider their clothing needs. Dressing them appropriately can make all the difference in their comfort and enjoyment throughout the day.

First and foremost, make sure to check the weather forecast for the day. If it’s going to be sunny and hot, pack lightweight and breathable clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, and hats to protect them from the sun’s rays. On the other hand, if the weather is expected to be cooler or there’s a chance of rain, pack a light jacket or raincoat to keep them warm and dry.

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to pack an extra set of clothes, especially for younger kids who might be prone to spills or accidents. Having a spare set of clothes can save you from any unexpected mishaps and keep your kids comfortable throughout the day.  Also 2-3 hand towels or cloth- napkins/paper napkins or wet- wipes.

 Buy wipes here: wipes

Remember to pack comfortable shoes suitable for the activities you have planned. If you’re going for a hike or a nature walk, sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes are a must. For a day at the beach, water shoes or sandals that can get wet are ideal.

 

2. Water: Kids packing list for one-day outings.

I always prefer to carry water from home. I found this leak-proof water bottle very handy. This insulated water bottle can be used to store hot/ warm water and it will be very useful during winters.

 

Insulated Water Bottles
Insulated Water Bottles

 

3. Food: Kids packing list for one-day outings.

Even if your child is big enough to eat outside food, do carry some snacks with you because you never know when they will feel hungry or in case they refuse to have the food served at the venue. Pack a mix of healthy snacks such as fresh fruits, cut-up vegetables, granola bars, and trail mix. These snacks provide essential nutrients and energy to keep your kids going throughout the day. Snacks like protein biscuits, dry fruits, and cakes can be easily carried in a small container with lids. And they easily fit into your bags also. Have a look at containers with lid: Tupperware Tropical Plastic Container Set, 230ml, Set of 2, Multicolour

Kids packing list for one day Outing
Containers

4. Hygiene and Personal Care Items for Kids:

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial when you’re spending a day outdoors with kids. Pack essential personal care items to ensure their cleanliness and comfort throughout the day.

Include items such as sunscreen, trash bags, an umbrella, insect repellent, and hand sanitiser to protect your kids from harmful UV rays and pesky bugs. Opt for kid-friendly products that are gentle on their skin and offer adequate protection.

To keep your kids fresh and clean, pack travel-sized toiletries such as wet wipes, tissues, and hand towels. These items come in handy for quick clean-ups and can help you tackle any spills or messes along the way.

 

5 best sunscreen for babies in India
Lotus Herbal Sunscreen

5. Toys and other Entertainments:

I let my kids enjoy the moment rather than getting them engaged in some sort of activity. Watching the things happening around them is very necessary for their mental development.

Otherwise, you can consider bringing along portable games, colouring books, and puzzles to keep them occupied during travel or downtime. If you’re heading to a park or beach, pack outdoor toys like balls, frisbees, or sandcastle-building kits. One or two small toys in case they get bored or you are stuck in traffic.

6.Safety Essentials for Kids on an Outing:

Ensuring the safety of your kids during the outing should be a top priority. Pack essential safety items to keep them protected and give yourself peace of mind.

If you’re heading to a crowded place or a public event, consider using child safety harnesses or wristbands to keep your kids close. These can be particularly useful if you have younger children who tend to wander off.

Additionally, pack a basic first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. It’s always better to be prepared for any minor injuries or accidents that may occur.

 

 

Extra Items to Consider for Specific Activities or Locations: Kids packing list: For one-day outings.

Depending on the specific activities or locations you have planned, there may be additional items you’ll need to pack.

For a beach outing, don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, beach towels, umbrellas, and beach toys. If you’re going camping, make sure to pack camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and flashlights. Tailor your packing list according to your destination and the activities you have in mind.

Conclusion:

With the ultimate kids packing list in hand, you’re now well-equipped to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable day outing with your family. By packing the right clothing, snacks, personal care items, entertainment, and safety essentials, you’ll have everything you need to create unforgettable memories with your kids.

Remember to plan ahead, stay organized, and tailor your packing list based on the specific activities and locations you have in mind. With proper preparation, you can embark on a one-day outing with your kids, knowing that you have all the essential items to make it a day to remember.

So, pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for an adventure-filled day that will create lasting memories for the whole family.

Also read: Monsoon Care For Children and New and Expected Moms