*ad: Some products in this post are press samples and have been marked with an asterisk for ease. This means that I have received these with some hope/expectation that they will be covered on my blog or social media.
The school run can be a busy and stressful time of day, especially if you have more than one child to get ready and out of the door. In an effort to make elements of my life calmer, I have been looking at ways to make the school run more practical and funner. To make the process as smooth as possible, it’s important to have all the essential items ready and easily accessible. Here are some must-have items for the school run.
- Backpacks and Lunchboxes
One of the most important items for the school run is a backpack for your child to carry their books, notebooks, and other school supplies. A lunchbox is also essential for packing a nutritious lunch and snacks for your child. Make sure both the backpack and lunchbox are sturdy, easy to clean, and have your child’s name and class clearly labeled. Too many times have I headed out the door without these things and either had to turn around in stress or caused myself an additional trip later on in the day.
- Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial for your child’s health and concentration, so a reusable water bottle should be an essential item for the school run. Look for a leak-proof, durable bottle that’s easy to open and close, and has a straw or spout to make it easier for younger children to drink from. Even better if you can get one that has a character on they love or a pattern you can make a topic out of. It makes the walk so much more enjoyable.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing
It’s important to dress your child appropriately for the weather, especially if they’ll be walking or cycling to school. Make sure they have a waterproof jacket and umbrella for rainy days, a warm coat and hat for cold weather, and sunscreen and a hat for sunny days. Consider keeping a spare change of clothes in their backpack in case of accidents or spills.
- A good Travel System
So in my opinion, a good travel system is one of the best things to make a school run much easier. I’ve tried so many different prams, strollers and bikes over the years that I’ve started to learn about what I love and is practical for me and my family.
A Trike*: especially a light weight but durable one. In my experience, I’ve been testing out the Push along trike from Micro Scooters. It is easily compact, meaning I can fold it up in a click or two but also really sturdy for my daughter to play on. The added extras such as the wrap around ring for that added security are perfect for when I’m walking at pace as I know my daughter is safe and comfortable (and it’s getting her ready to step into the trike world!
Traditional Stroller*: I LOVE a stroller. There is something so great about having your child safely tucked in so you can get a march on and shove everything underneath in the basket. I’ve been trying out the Aster 2 from Didofy and I’m really loving how such a light-weight pushchair can tackle different terrains. I’ve walked the usual school run and through some bigger hills with it and it’s done great. It folds down to one small item making it great for storage at home or if you’re wanting to travel (it’s cabin size friendly). It comes with the following additions included:
- Stroller
- Rain Cover
- Footmuff
- Cup Holder
My daughter loves this for when the weather isn’t as good or when she’s a bit tired (my son has also sat in it on occasion!)
- Snacks and Treats
Children often need a quick energy boost during the day, so pack some healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, or granola bars in their backpack. You could also include a small treat, such as a chocolate bar or a packet of biscuits, in my case… I have a variety of snacks in my pockets at all time. You never know if they’ll need one or you.
In all honestly, these are the things that have really helped me on our everyday school run, but what else helps (and it’s free) is a huge imagination. Making fun out of the adventure around you (discussing seasons/the weather/stones/leaves) is a great way to pass the trip!
What do you recommend to help with the school run?
Violet
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