It’s May, the sun is shining here in Glasgow and we’ve been having lots of chats with parents about holidays with little ones. The main question we’ve had is how do we make holiday-ing with little ones easier?
Whether you’re jetting off from Glasgow Airport or visiting Scotland’s friendliest city, what you pack (or don’t pack!) makes all the difference. And let’s face it - lugging buggies, travel cots and half your home with you isn’t anyone’s idea of a relaxing start.
At Roundabout, we believe in travelling smarter, lighter and happier. While every trip is different and every child is unique, there are a few golden nuggets that help make holidays smoother, calmer and a whole lot more chill for parents!
We believe these three things make all the difference when travelling with little ones:
- Keeping little ones safe and in one place (especially in busy airports).
- Getting good sleep so everyone stays sane.
- Have distractions at the ready - a toy or book or two can work like magic!
With that in mind, here are our top five travel essentials, available to rent from Roundabout, that will save you space, stress and meltdowns (from the kids and the grown - ups!)
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Cabin Approved Size Buggy
Lightweight, easy folding and cabin approved size like the Bugaboo Butterfly or Silver Cross Jet 5, suitable from birth, to make getting through the airport a breeze and fit in overhead lockers. It’s not just a buggy, it's a sanity saver. Perfect for tired legs and naps on the go. It takes the drama out of waiting for your buggy to be put on and off the plane. A compact travel stroller gives you the freedom to get off the plane and move through arrivals swiftly with a little one in tow.
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Travel cot
Good sleep while on holiday is possible! Having a safe and comfortable sleep space - a good quality travel cot can provide just that, whether you’re staying in a hotel, airbnb or granny’s house. Roundabout has a range of travel cots to rent, making it easy to transport, quick to set up and reassuring that it’s a safe space for your little one. It’s the next best thing to your little one’s bed at home.
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Snoozeshade or Portable Blackout Blinds
Whether you’re dealing with a bright hotel room or mid day naps on the move, a portable blackout blind or snooze shade creates a calm and dark space to help babies and toddlers rest wherever you are. Say goodbye to overtired meltdowns and hello to peaceful naps on-the-go! Available to rent as add-on accessories to travel prams and travel cots from Roundabout, these clever little sleep solutions are small in size but mighty in impact!
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Travel Sized toys
Never underestimate the power of a tiny toy at exactly the right moment. Think compact, creative, and easy to pack, travel-sized toys - mini books, magnetics books, tiny cars or figures, fidget toys and busy books are perfect for flights, restaurants or waiting in a queue. A little novelty goes a long way in keeping curious minds entertained.
We always say "one toy for now, one for later and one secret weapon for emergencies". Trust us - it works! And we’ve got travel toys to rent, all bundled up ready to go when you are!
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White Noise Machine
New surroundings mean new sounds, unfamiliar and just a little too interesting for tiny ears. A white noise machine blocks out background noise and soothes overstimulated little ones so they settle faster and bedtime stays somewhat on track. Coming soon to Roundabout, to rent with our travel cots or travel prams! The unsung hero of nap time that parents don’t realise they need…until they do!
And finally - not exactly essential but definitely exceptional, take the grandparents! Built in childcare, story telling champs and early risers. Sometimes having a grandparent on hand can make things that little bit easier with just a little sprinkle of their magic!
With the right travel equipment on hand when you need it, you’re setting yourself and your family up for an enjoyable trip. When your little ones are safe, rested and entertained, you get to relax, recharge and enjoy the journey too.
Wherever you’re heading, a little smart planning goes a long way. And remember you don’t need to buy it all, you can rent it, right here from Roundabout - making travelling easier for families just like yours! We only wish we could include grandparents in every booking - now THAT would be legendary!