Our first trip away as our little family, originally we had planned to go to Edinburgh in March but ended up postponing it to June and I am just so very glad that we did.
Weather is an unpredictable factor if you live in the U.K. but more so how North you go but I was confident that we would be okay in June (well, let’s not forget checking the weather every other minute during the week leading up to our trip).
So on Father’s Day, Sunday 16th June, we set off to celebrate in a special way.
But travelling solo or with just your partner compared to now travelling with a toddler was going to be poles apart so I had to be extra prepared than usual. This was our first time travelling long distance with A so I knew that I had to make a few changes.
I ditched our everyday changing bag as it wouldn’t fit everything and I just did not want to be carrying too many bags. Therefore, I just used a normal backpack and divided everything into sections.
I ordered waterproof mesh bags from Amazon to keep myself organised but you can use any, really.
There were separate bags for:
Nappy changing
This was such a good idea as I didn’t have to drag the whole bag with me in order to change her.
First Aid
Calpol, cough medicine just in case, teething powder, snufflebabe, plasters and anti septic cream.
Entertainment
I made sure to include the things that she had not used before so it would be interesting to her. Two new books, Baby Shark and the Magic Crayons was and is a major hit, although I included the picture lotto game from Flying Tiger which she now loves, it wasn’t used on the journey. However, she did really love using her magic water colour pad and it’s been one my best buys so far!
Snacks
Can’t go out without snacks now can we?
And of course spare clothes!
Since everything was divided, it made it so much easier to take things in and out whilst on the train and out and about in Edinburgh, I have loved having her bag organised in this way that I have stuck to it, of course not carrying as much but the same method.
Our train was due to depart at 15:30 and as it was going to be around a 5 hour journey, we were going to end up having our dinner on board. I made sandwiches and burgers for myself and the hubby as well three different types of meals for A in case she decided to reject any.
- Her favourite peanut butter sandwiches
- Spinach and sweetcorn fritters
- Egg mayo sandwiches
She didn’t either of them! Simply turned her head and refused. Luckily, there was a canteen on the train and she happily ate some porridge on the train after the changeover.
The journey itself was a success, A did not moan once, although it was difficult for her to stay in one place which was fine, she went on walks from carriage to carriage and befriended everyone.
I think the other passengers provided her with better entertainment! I can’t forget the lovely Gran behind us who was so sweet and A loved so much she gave her a kiss and a cuddle before leaving.
Even though, I was dreading the long journey it turned out to be just fine. The main reason I reckon was that we had reserved A a seat of her own so she could be as independent as she wanted although at times she did want cuddles in mine and the husband’s lap.
We reached Edinburgh Waverley Station around 20:30pm and we were in our hotel room in less than 10 minutes. I had booked the Premier Inn Royal Mile which was just the most perfect location and down the road from the station.
That is it for my first instalment of the Edinburgh Diaries, I hope our experience with travelling with a toddler helps you at if need be!
Until the next one..
Please do share your tips with travelling with children below!
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