Wow! Just back and fully recovered from a tremendous long weekend at Camp Bestival.  My six year old summed it up when asked what was her best bit and she said “Oh everything! Can we come back when I am 7? And 8? And 9? And 10? And 11? And 12? And 13?”

Where else can you witness Howard Marks and Keith Allen sat together, not drinking, not smoking (anything) but reading kids bedtime stories?

Prior to that, Radio 1’s Sara Cox had us in stitches over her ‘Helen Daniels from Neighbours’ Mummy Tummy, and that was after a wood oven cooked bacon sarnie from the River Cafe Canteen.

But the best thing about Camp Bestival has to be the fact that everyone, young and old, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Whether it was milling around in the baby and toddler zone, complete with toddler soft play and baby chill out zone, to the fancy dress parade and Zing Zillas in the big top, or thousands of kids and their grown-ups singing “Valerieeeeee” at the top of their voices as Mark Ronson completed what he himself called his best ever UK gig, despite a week that had been bad (well he said a word beginning with ‘s’) for anyone who loved music.

Kids Go Wild For Mark Ronson Set!

Lessons Learned for Next Year…

Packing – Wipes for washing,  potty (no late night tramping to the loo!), loo roll, sun lotion, dry shampoo, bin bags, extra blankets (sunny days meant cold clear nights), steriliser bags, ear plugs, and cart. Parents who’d transformed carts into fairy bowers,  with cushions, blankets, lights and canopies, for little ones to be towed around in and snooze in, got to stay up late and soak up the electric atmosphere whilst headline acts played. Also, don’t forget snacks and drinks for little ones as food stalls are far from cheap. Although, download the Camp Bestival App for free kids meals vouchers.

Arriving/Departing – The only less than glorious moments were arriving and departing with heavy gear, two little kids and an uphill trudge to find a camp spot. Next year, at the very least, we will park in the car park with trolley and sherpa hire, or if we are feeling flush, go the ready-made route with boutique camping , and if we feel really rich, hire a campervan with shower…. heaven!

More info: www.campbestival.net

Scrabbling around on the floor picking up miscellaneous bits and bobs is just part of being a parent but there’s nothing worse than searching for lost things on board a plane, train or whilst driving. Thankfully, the new TrayKit travel bag puts pay to all that.

This nifty new space-saving product was recently featured on a nail-biting episode of BBC Dragons’ Den and got the nod of approval from the Dragons. Basically, it’s an all-in-one kid’s backpack and play table that can strap to train and airplane tray tables or even hang from the seat in front in a car to provide an play table with raised sides that holds in the toys.

The Traykit is the brainchild of Danish designer Solvej Biddle, a mother of two who clearly understands the ups and downs of travel with small people in tow.

Kids will love being able to pack their own backpack and parents will enjoy the peace and quiet of happy kids aboard. Available in pink or blue, price £24.99 and available from Content & Calm or via the British Airways in-flight retail shop, www.highlifeshop.com.

Photo Credit: Nick Morrish / British Airways

For more travel tips read Sian’s blog on surviving flights with tots in tow

As the summer holiday season begins long lazy days on the beach lie ahead. Be the hottest family on the sand with our guide to beach essentials.
1. Swim Suits – Mini Boden is the one-stop shop for all your colourful beachwear. Stocking everything from Rash suits, to trunks and comfy towelling ponchos. We particularly love this printed swimsuit for girls. Age 18months plus. Mini Boden, £18. 

 2. Swim Nappy - There’s no need for disposable swim nappies with one of these colourful and comfy nappies. From JoJoMamanBebe, £12.

3. Swim Aids - I’m a big fan the SwimFin buoyancy aid. Kids love the shark fin design and with their arms free they are encouraged to swim. £19.99.

4. Snorkelling Swim Trunks – These Ej Sikke Lef surf shorts are made for summer days out. Made from fast drying polyester and from Nordic Kids, £25.50 from age 3.
 

5. UV Protection Sun Wear – great for little ones and easier than slapping on endless rounds of suncream. Choose all-in-ones of tops and bottoms. The Beach Factory has a great range of suits for all ages. Legionnaire’s hats which protect tot’s faces and sensitive necks are perfect for keeping little heads cool. Choose ones that can be worn in and out of the water such as the sweet Lion in the Sun range, from £11.
6. UV Pop Up Tents – Useful as a base on the beach and can be used for playing, feeding and naps.  My kids often curl up for a little snooze in the shade after hours of fun in the sea and sand. They are also for perfect protection from the British Summer weather hazards such as blowing sand, rain and wind. The Beach Factory, £27.95
7. Suncream – UV sunwipes are great way to safely cover on the move. Also recommended are coloured spray creams as you can see where you’ve creamed avoiding missed patches. I’m a fan of the sticks and roll-ons for busy little tot’s sensitive ears, necks and cheeks.  Available from all good chemists and supermarkets.

8. Anti Mosquito Gizmos – Anti-Mosquito T Wipes -  Uses Chinese Eucalyptus instead of DEET but has been proven to be just as effective in field tests. Safe for pregnant women and children, even newborns. Comes in handy five-tissue packs, cost £4.99 and each wipe can be used up to 10 times. Also DEET free are the Squeeze and Stick Anti-Mosquito patches, £5.99 from Green Baby.
9. Cooling Spray – These spray cans provide instant relief in hot sticky weather. Perfect for little ones and grown-ups you can use them directly on your face or body in the heat. Find them in chemists and travel shops.
10. Olympus Mju Tough 3000 Digital Camera – Having ruined at least 3 mobile phones and 1 camera on the beach, this Olympus has been one of the best purchases I’ve recently made. It’s protected against all the beach elements as it’s waterproof up to depths of 3m and shockproof to 1.5m. Available from John Lewis, £169.95.

Here’s our BFB guide to things to not leave home without.

1. Snoozeshade – Say goodbye to pegged muslins and coats draped over hot buggies. The Snoozeshade is a brilliant new invention for babies on the move. Made from a lightweight spf 50 black out blind material, it’s designed to fit over most brands of 3 and 4 wheel buggies with hoods. Great for holidays, not only will you keep your tot cool and safe from the sun and heat, but you can keep the all important naptime while on the move so little one has a good rest and grown-ups can get to relax in peace! Snoozeshade £19.99.

2. Mamascarf - Avoid any unwanted stares when breastfeeding by packing this ingenious device  that allows mummies to discreetly feed  in public without the need for a cushion. The 100% textured cotton Mamascarf comes in a range of colours, price £17.99.

3. Fold and Go Mini Changing Mat from Blooming Marvellous, £13. A wonderfully compact changing mat with two fold out pockets which hold three nappies and a re-usable case for wipes. It even fits into an average size handbag so no need to lug a separate changing bag onto a flight. Also, this fab Granny invention Baby Go – a travel pack of nappy and wipes –  is ideal for space saving hand luggage on planes.

4. Little Life Toddler Backpack – Perfect for parents and toddlers who aren’t keen on reins but value an extra level of safety when travelling in busy unfamiliar places. A single, detachable rein clips on to a small back pack worn by the child, which could easily hold wipes and a nappy plus a toy or snack. Little Life, £14.99.

5. The Hipseat for Under 3s/Trunki for Over 3s – Saves trying to push strollers AND luggage trolleys at airports. The former is recommended by the Deputy Travel Editor of The Times newspaper who frequently travels with her toddler son and the latter by BFB’s own Erin Williams who loves her Trunki (see the range at www.trunki.co.uk) at home or in the airport!
6. Caxton FX Card – BFB finds these a great way to spend abroad without incurring costly credit card charges or poor exchange rates. Order a card from www.caxtonfxcard.com before you go away, load it with euros or dollars and use in exactly the same way as your debit or credit card. ‘Which?’ recently rated the Caxton FX card as better value for money than Tesco’s travel money card. Caxton FX guarantee the best exchange rate and freeze the exchange at the rate you buy – which means you always know how much everything is costing and there are no nasty surprises when opening bills on your return, plus there are no hidden charges like with standard credit cards.

7. Portable Luggage Scales – Precisely weigh you luggage before you leave home and avoid any expensive excess luggage charges with a portable digital luggage scale. From Boots, £15.99

8. Lindam Microwave Steam Steriliser Packs/Cold Water Steriliser Bags from Kiddicare, £4.95 – both take up hardly any room in a suitcase and ensure safe bottle sterilising anywhere.

Top tip! Plan ahead for lost luggage
You don’t want to imagine your baggage won’t arrive at the same place as you, however it does happen. Pack an emergency survival kit in your hand luggage: a spare set of swim gear, underwear, a change of clothes, get the kids to travel in their beach shoes, sunglasses and toothbrushes so you can get on with your holiday whilst your suitcases catch up with you.

What do you never leave home without? Share your holiday packing tips with us below.

Long car journeys with small children can be a challenge. However, there are plenty of advantages to taking your car on holiday. You’ve no check-in airport dramas, no car rental bills and plenty of space for holiday packing and for bringing goodies home. But the downside is the temptation to pack half the house, the actual driving and there’s no way Heston service station can compete with the shopping opportunities at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Here’s our tips for surviving a car journey with tots in tow:

1. Timings – Many parents recommend driving at night when the kids are asleep and the traffic is light, but this isn’t always possible with cottage rentals often having  specific times of arrival and ferries to catch if you’re travelling to the Continent.  If possible time the journey with nap time or when you know your kids might doze off so you can get a bit of peace.

2. Know where you are going – Setting off with no instructions is not a good idea. Plan your route in advance, set the Sat Nav, print up the details. Make a plan of where to stop for a break or to swap drivers if there’s two of you. Try and go as much as possible on motorways. They are faster, less likely to induce travel sickness as there’s not so much stopping and starting and the continuous movement makes kids drowsier.

3. DVD players - I finally succumbed to the TVs in anticipation of a long drive to Cornwall. They are brilliant. The boys zoned out on Finding Nemo and Curious George on and off through the journey. Older kids can wear headphones but my two year old was quite happy to watch without sound. They are easy to work and strap on to the back of head rests. From £80 from all good electronic retailers.

4. Novelty books - Books that little ones can look at and enjoy without adult help are good for the car. Pop up and sticker books are great. The Smelly Book Company has a range of colourful, illustrated scratch and sniff books that include smell panels and two sheets of stickers.

5. Snacks - You can get a decent cappuccino on the road now, but the choice of food is a pretty poor – deep fried, carb-ladon, fast-food in all the places we stopped. Packing a picnic is the best option.  Some of the service-stations have M&S outlets which are great for tasty sandwiches and stocking up on last-minute essentials. Dry snacks for the kids such as oat cakes, mini biscuits, apple slices, raisins are good and easy to dole out. Your car might resemble the morning after a festival on arrival though.

6. Cleaning – Our car was a health hazard on four wheels after a week in Cornwall – and a few days at home. The floor was littered with crumbs, half eaten bits on unrecognisable food, biscuit bags, empty juice cartons, bits of playdough, ripped comics, socks, welly boots, plastic toys from the front of comics… the list goes on.  Our handheld Dyson sucked up most of the debris. Keep a bag to hand in the car – for clearing up and also just in case they are sick.

7. Music. Radio is deemed BORING by the kids, so we have to make do with the nursery favourites. We love the Charlie and Lola CD with catchy Charlie and lola-esque tunes. For little ones the Night Garden CD has a lovely soothing effect. Then for nursery rhymes choose the Kids Love to Move range as they are sung by kids themselves.

8. Maintenance - Fill the car with petrol before you set off. Check the tires, oil and water. If you’re going abroad make sure you have all the car requirements and breakdown coverage. Keep a first aid box in the car. The BabyAid one contains all the essentials as well as handy bravery stickers to soothe tearful moments. Baby aid compact, £15

9. Fights - If you are travelling with more than one child, stop squabbles by giving them as much space between seats as possible. GLTC has lots of very organised car travel items that could be worth investing in. The Children’s Car Organiser, £30 houses snacks, drinks, comics, books and toys keeping things both neat and within easy access.

10. Spare clothes - Comfortable clothing, nappy changes and spare outfits are essential. How many times has a cup of juice been emptied within 5 mins of leaving home? I also pack a travel potty for quick wee stops.

11. Deadlines - If your car journey has a deadline to a ferry port or flight allow lots of time for traffic and interruptions and time so you can get out have a break and the kids can be unstrapped before the next stage of the journey.

Do you have a tried and tested method for surviving a long car journey? Share your tips with us here in the comments section below.