5 Essentials To Pack For A Playground Trip
If you live in a place where there are a lot of playgrounds or outdoor parks for your kids to enjoy, consider yourself lucky. You can give your kids (and yourself) a break from the usual routine at home by giving your kids a ‘happy day out.’
To keep your playground trip happy, you need to be ready with your playground essentials, too. That way, you won’t have any injured and cranky kids on the way home. Having fun always goes hand-in-hand with staying safe and comfortable, so packing your essentials is a must. Giving your kids that simple, outdoor trip to the playground is, in itself, a pleasant surprise your little ones will love and enjoy.
In case you’re wondering what to include in your playground pack, here’s a list of essentials.
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Baby Nappy Bag
First on this list is one of the essential must-haves for your playground trip: a baby nappy bag. After all, you’ll need something to hold all the essentials you’ll bring with you on your playground adventure.
Baby nappy bags aren’t just meant for infants, per se. If you have one from when your kids were babies, you can use the same as you head out to your afternoon in the playground. If you don’t have one yet, it’s a good idea to start looking for one. There are so many options for you to choose from. Some tips to help ease out the confusion when shopping include:
- Choosing one with long straps. Some parents prefer a bag that can be used as a crossbody nappy bag, while others may like backpacks to have their hands free. The choice is up to you, as you’ll be the one using the bag.
- Checking the changing pad size. The bigger the changing pad, the better. You never know when you’re going to have an accident while out in the playground. If there’s no restroom around, you may have to change the nappy on a bench. So, be sure to have this. If you’re not satisfied with the changing pad sizes, you can opt to buy a regular bag that can hold all your essentials and then purchase a separate changing pad that’s big enough for what you need.
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Water
No matter the weather, you’ll need to bring your water. Most parents should know that it’s essential to never leave home without packing water bottles for each child. Kids can quickly get dehydrated after running around the playground. To avoid this from happening, have your kids drink water from time to time.
Even if you know the playground is near a restaurant, still make it a point to pack your water bottles. You can save yourself money and cut down on single-bottle use when you have one with you, ready at all times.
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Snacks
Like water, packing snacks for your kid should also be a plus. Think of easy-to-pack finger food—pre-packed biscuits will do, too. Trips to the playground mean your kids are under a lot of extra physical activity. This doesn’t just make them thirstier than usual, but hungrier as well.
You can save yourself the trouble of buying from nearby snack bars and even have your own little picnic if you bring your own.
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Waterproof Blanket
It’s always a good idea to have a waterproof blanket or mat if you’re bringing your infant with you. You never know how your day will work out. If the benches are full, then having a waterproof blanket can help make your day at the playground a lot more comfortable. Just make sure to get one that folds well so it won’t be hard to bring around.
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First Aid Kit
Most parents usually have a handy first aid kit ready in their car or bag. While trips to the playground can be fun, unavoidable accidents can happen there too. It’s normal for kids to trip or slip, resulting in bruises and scraped knees, but these are little situations that don’t necessarily require a trip to the emergency room. If you have a first aid kit, you can easily provide immediate remedy for your child’s injury.
The contents of your first aid kit would differ according to factors like your kids’ medical needs and age. However, bare essentials include anti-itch creams, antibacterial creams or ointments, waterproof bandages, and alcohol.
Conclusion
Kids need their time outdoors, too. If you live in a neighborhood with several playgrounds, make sure to give your kids the opportunity to enjoy some outdoor play. On your next day off, it’s a good idea to schedule an afternoon at the playground for the kids to run free.
Like any other trip out of the home, parents know that taking their kids with them is always a production number. You can save yourself from feeling overwhelmed and thinking you need to bring your entire home with you by packing the playground essentials above.