With a little bit of planning, an outing with the kids will be much more fun. We’ve got some tips for you.
In your cooler box
- Bottle of water
- Cooldrink
- Fresh fruit
- Fruit slushy – The night before the outing, make cordial juice or use 100% fruit juice. Freeze the juice over night so that it’s an ice-cold slushy by the time it’s served. This will also keep the rest of your food cool.
- Make your own sqeda or ice-lollies Pour your favourite cordial juice mix into individual plastic bags and freeze.
Snacks
- Stuffed rolls – Raid the kitchen cupboard for tuna, sardines or pilchards. Drain, add flavour with grated onion, and stir in a dollop of mayo. Use as filling in fresh rolls.
- Wilt-free summer salad – Replace the lettuce with pasta and mix in your favourite salad ingredients, such as cucumber, tomato, onion and carrots. Season with your favourite salad dressing right before serving.
- Chicken wings and drumsticks
- Chips & dips
- Crackers
- Biltong
- Dried fruit
- Sweets
- If your baby is on solids, mash soft fruits, such as bananas and pears, and put it in a small plastic bowl
Tip Freeze sponges in resealable bag the night before. These are great DIY replacements for icebricks.
In your picnic bag
- Towels to sit on, dry and cover Baby, and to use as cover if you want privacy when you’re breastfeeding
- Beach umbrella (if you have one)
- First-aid kit
- Changes of swimwear, if possible – babies and toddlers like to get in and out of the water but don’t like wearing wet clothes.
- Long-sleeved tees, babygrows, tracksuits and socks to dress baby warmly after being in cold water
- Swimming armbands or rubber ring
- Bucket, spade and beach ball, if you’re going to the beach
In your handbag
- Spare change for parking or treats
- Hand sanitiser for grubby hands and faces
- Small toys
- Emergency card with contact information
- ID book just in case
- Cellphone to take pictures or communicate
- Glasses and sunglasses
- Notebook and pen
Read more: Sun safety for babies
Images: awesomecontent/Freepik, Freepik