how to guides
First published on Monday 1 August 2016 00:00 BSTLast modified on Tuesday 5 January 2021, 11:46 GMT
Louise Emma Clarke
Writer
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Most toddlers and children love a visit to soft play, but what do you need in your bag before you walk out the door?
We’ve compiled a list of things to remember before you set off…
1. Socks
Animal Baby Socks, £8.99
Most soft play areas demand that children (and supervising parents) are wearing socks when they head into the soft play area. This can be harder to remember in summer, when children tend to go barefoot in sandals – so why not buy a distinctive pair that you will remember to throw back into your bag whenever they come out the wash?
We like this assorted pack of eight which have also got useful non-slip grippy soles. Featuring adorable animal designs, they'll be a guaranteed hit with little ones!
2. Water
Sistema Twist 'n' Sip Drink Bottle (Three-Pack), £8.75
Climbing, jumping, crawling, running, and sliding is exhausting stuff – so your little explorer will need a constant supply of water to keep them hydrated between adventures. Use a bottle that supplies a steady stream of water, but also designed with a self-sealing valve so it doesn’t leak in your bag. There are lots of different colours and motifs to choose from.
The Twist 'n' Sip bottle by Sistema is perfect for tots who are old enough to drink by themselves, but have a self sealing top so you get minimal spills.
3. Spare clothes
Whether it’s drips from drinks, sticky spills from snacks, or forgetting to let you know in time that they need to use the toilet once potty trained (never underestimate the excitement of soft play!), having a spare change of clothing in your bag is essential. It’s best to dress your little ones in long trousers for soft play, as it will protect their knees when crawling and also means they will glide down the slides rather than stick – so adding a spare pair of lightweight leggings or tracksuit bottoms to your bag is a good idea.
4. Healthy snacks
Some soft play areas have a rule that there should be no outdoor food consumed on the premises, but most mums like to have a few snacks in their bag just in case – especially if their child is fussy or they find it hard to tempt them to leave at the end of the session.
5. Hand sanitiser
Dr. Bronner's Organic Lavender Hand Sanitising Spray, £4.99
See more at Holland and Barrett
Make sure little hands (and your hands too) are germ-free by applying hand sanitiser before you eat or drink at the soft play centre, and again when you leave to head home. Get a handy travel-sized bottle that is ideal for storing in your bag and disinfects hands in seconds.
Choosing an organic spray sanitiser like this one by Dr Bronner's means that you and your child will come into less contact with chemicals. It's organic, fair-trade and contains no parabens or other nasties. Plus, it smells of fragrant lavender!
6. Nappies and wipes
Carex Sensitive Soft Cleansing Wipes (Six-Pack), £5.95
If your little one still wears a nappy, remembering to throw a few spares in your bag is a must to avoid playtime being cut short as soon as you smell the evidence. A pack of baby wipes is also essential – not only for nappy changes, but also for clearing up after messy snack times and wiping sticky hands and faces before they head back inside.
Carex Sensitive Soft Cleansing Wipes are ideal for wiping sticky hands and faces and come in handy travel-size pack - just perfect for popping in your handbag or changing bag.
Read on:
•The best backpack-style changing bags
•The best dad-friendly changing bags
•The best changing bags for multiples
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase from Amazon. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
Absolutely, let's break down the concepts and essentials discussed in the article about what to carry in your bag for a soft play visit.
-
Socks:
- Essential for both children and supervising parents to enter soft play areas.
- The recommendation is to have distinctive pairs that are easily remembered and possibly have non-slip grippy soles.
- Example: Animal Baby Socks, priced at £8.99, available on Amazon.
-
Water Bottle:
- Crucial to keep children hydrated during play sessions.
- Suggested features include a steady stream of water and a self-sealing valve to prevent leaks in the bag.
- Example: Sistema Twist 'n' Sip Drink Bottle (Three-Pack), priced at £8.75, available on Amazon.
-
Spare Clothes:
- Necessary due to potential spills or accidents during playtime.
- Recommended to dress children in long trousers for protection and comfort.
- Suggested addition: Lightweight leggings or tracksuit bottoms in the bag.
-
Healthy Snacks:
- While some places might not allow outside food, having snacks in the bag can be helpful, especially for picky eaters or when leaving after the session.
-
Hand Sanitizer:
- Important for maintaining hygiene before eating and leaving the soft play center.
- Suggested to carry a travel-sized bottle for convenience.
- Example: Dr. Bronner's Organic Lavender Hand Sanitising Spray, priced at £4.99, available at Holland and Barrett.
-
Nappies and Wipes:
- Essential for parents with toddlers in diapers.
- Nappies prevent interruptions due to diaper changes, and wipes are versatile for cleaning hands, faces, and messes.
- Example: Carex Sensitive Soft Cleansing Wipes (Six-Pack), priced at £5.95, available on Amazon.
These items form a comprehensive checklist for parents preparing to take their children to a soft play area, ensuring they're equipped with everything from hygiene essentials to comfort items to make the experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
