When you’re traveling with a toddler, you may also be traveling with a playard, potty chair, bottles, straw cups, white noise machine… We know outlet covers are a drop in the bucket compared to a playard, but it’s also one more thing to remember. A better option is packing painter’s tape when traveling with kids because it’s so versatile.
First and foremost, you can use them to cover outlets. Painter’s tape doesn’t damage the paint at grandma’s or at the hotel. And, before you leave, you just pull it off. But, if you forget to, it’s no big deal. To take babyproofing a step further, you can use it to wrap up any unsecured cords at the hotel or tape drawers shut. You can tape corners and any sharp edges as well.
But, the real selling point is that painter’s tape entertains kids on plane rides. Young kids love sticking and unsticking strips of tape. They can make “stickers” by drawing on them. During your trip, you can use it to close any unfinished snack bags securely.
Some recommend using it to hang baby monitors. However, Command strips are better for that, as they can bear much more weight. They also come off without damaging wall paint or furniture.
If you find yourself needing to keep them busy, you can also play the following games with tape:
Tic tac toe: Tape off a tic tac toe board and challenge your little one to a game using their body. Let them use their hands and feet to mark their turn. They will have a blast playing it in this new way.
Hopscotch: Use the tape to mark out a hopscotch board.
Balance beam: Lay a piece of tape on the floor. Then, challenge the kids to stay on the balance beam so the sharks “in the water” don’t get them.
Obstacle course: If you have a narrow hallway, you can tape an obstacle course across it. Use it to make a little maze for the kids to duck under and step over. They will love it and ask for more.
The floor is lava game: You can use it to designate islands, bridges or other “safe” landmarks.
So, before your next trip, pick some up at the hardware store so you can pack painter’s tape when traveling with kids. Or, we’ve linked it below for your convenience.
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Curated Picks
Scotch: This width is versatile for drawing and writing on and has enough surface area to really stick well. Just a quick reminder that the instructions say that the tape comes off easily without leaving any sticky residue behind if removed within 14 days. We haven’t had trouble with tape that’s been on longer, but just in case.
Command: These adhesive strips are perfect for hanging heavier items without leaving marks on the wall. It’s great for hanging things like the baby monitor camera in hotel rooms or grandma’s.
