Many of our nannies travel frequently with their families, and relish the opportunity to explore new cultures and experiences, and to see wonderful new places. But all this travelling whilst in charge of children - and perhaps babies too – can be stressful if not planned for properly. Keeping tabs on children in busy airports, keeping older kids occupied on the plane, and managing their adjustment to new time zones and climates are just some of the tasks our super nannies face when they work with VIP families who move around frequently. Here are some priceless tips for nannies who travel.
Safety: Ideal for your peace of mind in busy airports, on beaches and out and about, a bright, waterproof and reflective Velcro wristband like this one from IDME has space to write all essential contact details on. We also recommend looking into a tagging or tracking system for children with a tendency to wander, such as the LOC8OR or My Buddy Tag. Attaching a discreet tracker to the child and setting a pre-determined ‘safe zone’ means that alert mode will activate if your little charge moves out of range. And if a child finds themselves lost, they can activate a panic button which alerts you to their location, which is displayed on your handset.
Hygiene: Air travel – no matter which class you’re booked into - is unfortunately a hotbed for airborne germs. Be diligent about giving all eating surfaces, armrests, screens and cutlery a good rub down with an antibacterial wipe before use. Pack extra wet wipes for clearing up all those inevitable spillages and accidents, and your normal brand of baby wipes for dirty faces, hands… and bottoms!
Entertainment: We love triangular crayons for travelling with children, because they won’t roll halfway down the gangway when you take off. Encourage children who fly a lot to keep a travel journal if they’re old enough to do this. Keep a scrapbook for sticking in plane tickets and menus from every flight they take with you, for drawing what can be seen from the plane, and writing about their experiences. Without wanting to promote too much screen-time, an iPad loaded up with some good films, a few episodes of their favourite cartoons, and a range of educational apps is a handy and compact ‘entertainment station’ which can’t be lost too easily. Don’t forget headphones and a splitter if two children will be watching something on the tablet together. We also recommend investing in a shock-proof, child-proof and splash-proof case for children’s iPads.
Climate and Time Zone: Speak to the parents about how they’d like you to help their children adjust to a new time zone. Some may want babies and toddlers to stay on their ‘home’ time zone if you’re only away for a week or two; others will want you to start shifting their routine before you travel. A few simple tips:
- Time spent outdoors is one of the best antidotes to jetlag, and the natural sunlight will help train the mind and body to adapt to a new sleep-wake pattern quicker.
- Familiarity will help children adapt to a new time zone and sleep pattern more smoothly, too. Pack their normal bath time toiletries, their regular bedtime toys and – if possible – the bedding they use at home.
- Keep children well hydrated to combat travel-grogginess.
- Dress children in layers for flight, so that items of clothing can be added or taken off when you touch-down in a new climate.
What are your top travel tips and gadgets, nannies? List them on the Nannies of St James Facebook page and share the knowledge? Liked this article? Please share!