Heading away with the kiddos this summer? No need to worry mamas, as we’ve gathered up the products and services that will make travelling easy when you have the littlies in tow.
From pushchairs that fit in overhead lockers, to airport taxi services with kiddie car sears, to activity kits to keep them busy on route… So get ready for an adventure, mamas – and enjoy the ride!
Looking for the ultimate wheels to travel with the fam? Look no further than the BabyZen YOYO stroller, mama! The original compact stroller folds so small that it fits into the overhead luggage compartment on flights, making it easy to transport babies, toddlers, and small kiddos right up to the moment you reach your seat – and straight off again, when you touch down at the other end. It’s lightweight, easy to collapse, and comfortable for kiddos too, making it top of our wish list this summer!
In an ideal world, we’d board our flights and our littlies would zone out watching the inflight entertainment for the remaining flight hours – but flying with kiddos isn’t always that easy, right, mamas? Increase the odds of a quiet flight by treating the littlest members of the fam to these kid-friendly headphones. More comfortable than those handed out on board and specially designed to protect little ears, they make the perfect investment for expat families.
Need to get the airport with the fam? Look no further than the Careem Kids service, which will arrive at your door with a carseat fitted to transport your precious cargo safely (and a driver trained in how to buckle kiddos up in it). You can book in advance (no last minute panics on the way to the airport, which is music to our ears!) and you can pay with cash or card for convenience. Download the app and get booking, mamas!
Designed for the smallest kiddos when they first move to their own airline seats (between 22 and 44 pounds), this harness will keep your littlies safe and secure in their seat. In fact, the company promises it offers the same level of safety as a car seat – and with the straps secured, your little one is far less likely to demand the chance to run down the aisles (a bonus, right, mamas?) And weighing just one pound, it’s definitely not going to take you over your hand baggage weight either!
When it comes to carrying baby on long journeys, it’s hard to beat the efficiency of the ERGOBABY Original Baby Carrier. The award-winning design holds your baby in an ergonomic, natural sitting position, evenly distributing the weight between your hips and shoulders (no aching backs or shoulders after a few minutes, mamas!). You can comfortably carry babies from newborn to the toddler years, making it the perfect investment for mamas on the go!
You may be flying economy, but that doesn’t mean the littlies have to be uncomfortable mamas! Why not invest in a Fly-Tot instead? The inflatable cushion allows kiddos to lay down on a regular seat, allowing them to stretch their legs and get super comfortable in the sky! (as a side note, we’ve heard that Emirates currently aren’t allowing these on board, but all other airlines happily allow them). Now we just need a version for adults…
Read more: Fly-Tot, the Travel Life Saver
Forget packing bulky snack pots and invest in these super slim, lightweight, and compact snack bags. Made with an FDA approved, BPA-free, machine washable lining, they work with dry snacks, fruit, sandwiches, or for holding bits and bobs or valuables. We think it’s a great way to streamline the hand luggage – and they’re eco-friendly too, cutting down the need for disposable plastic bags. We’re sold!
Kidore – the affordable online store for parents where nothing costs more than 100 AED – has launched a selection of fantastic Fun Flight Kits this summer, in collaboration with Mummy Blogger (and Sassy contributor!) Mum of Boys & Mabel. Each kit costs just 100 AED an includes five or six activities to keep kiddos busy when flying, with seven different kits to pick from based on the age of your littlies (right from babies to teens). That saves us running around the shops!
Travelling on your own with the kiddos? Don’t worry mama, as who needs a husband when you can book a Marhaba service instead? You will receive a fast track through the airport, help with luggage, a buggy service through the airport, and strollers on hand whenever you need them. You can even add a chauffeur driver to your booking, so you won’t even have to worry about booking that taxi!
Read more: How To Get Over That Dreaded Jet-Lag
Find it hard to get the kids moving in the airport? Forget cumbersome sit-on suitcases (which we always end up carrying ourselves, right mamas?) and instead invest in these genius suitcases on scooters. They can be used as pull-along suitcases, with plenty of room inside to pack all their belongings – but with the flick of a switch, the ride-on part appears and kiddos can scoot along. Genius!
