BAGS
The Great Big Picnic Bag from PHP has a 40-litre capacity, (which means it could hold up to 50 cans) with strapping on the top to hold towels or spare items of clothing. The bag has side pockets on the outside, and is insulated throughout to keep food and drink chilled or warm, depending on your requirements. The bright blue bag folds flat when not in use, and is priced 19.99. Ice packs are available to use within the bag, priced Pounds 14.99 for two 400g packs.
* Telephone 0870 607 0545
Also from PHP, and on a smaller scale, is the Travel Storage Bag with Chiller Pack. This zip-round bag will store up to three 8oz prepared bottles of milk, and has an inner sachet which you chill before use. The bag has a leak-resistant lining and a strap designed to attach to strollers. Available in assorted colours, and measuring 10 x 8 x 7cm, the bag is priced Pounds 9.95.
* Telephone as before
If you want to keep the babies' bottles separate in case you split up on outings, or take them out at different times, the Insulated Bottle Carrier from Cheeky Rascals could come in handy. This bag has insulating properties that will keep milk chilled for up to eight hours, a loop for attaching to the stroller or to a belt, and it will fold down small enough to fit into a pocket, priced 9.95.
* Telephone 01428 682488
Nobody wants to carry the nappy bag on outings, especially if it's a plastic shopper filled with used items. The Nappy Bag from Bambino Mio is made from waterproof polyester for transporting dirty nappies, clothes or swimwear. The bag is designed to remain upright when in use, so that its contents won't spill out. It also contains an inner pocket for storing the dirtiest items, and a leak-proof zip closure. The bag comes in a choice of colours, and has an integral strap for carrying. It measures 23 x 19 x 15cm, priced Pounds 7.50.
* Telephone 01604 883777
For making the journey from the coach to the picnic site or playground, you need to find something that leaves you with at least one free hand and doesn't obscure your view if you are also guiding children along the route.
The Funky Trundle from Lakeland is designed to fold down to the size of a briefcase when not in use, and to open up speedily to hold toys, equipment, food and all the other paraphernalia you need to take with you on an outing. The Trundle will hold up to 25kg, but is lightweight to operate and has smooth-rolling rubber wheels to cope with different sorts of terrain.
The box measures 38(l) x 33(w) x 33(h)cm when opened out, priced Pounds 16.95.
* Telephone 015394 88100
TUBS AND BOXES
One way of keeping each child's lunch ready for eating, especially if children have varying dietary requirements, is with this set of Three Tubs and Fork. The set contains two single tubs, one double tub and a fork that all lock together with a covering clasp. Priced 1.95 from PHP.
* Telephone as before
If you're taking lots of bulky equipment with you on your outing, you could consider a Nylon Storage Tub. These tubs wipe clean easily and have durable leather handles for transporting goods. Available in red or blue, the round tub measures 45(d)cm and the large tub is 40(h) x 38(w)cm, priced 19.99 and 24.99, respectively, from Great Little Trading.
* Telephone 0870 850 6000
Providing you have access to a car's cigarette lighter or mains electricity you'll be able to make use of this Fridge/Food Warmer from JoJo. With a 13.5 litre capacity, the fridge can hold up to eight bottles of milk or 15 x 330ml cans. It maintains a temperature of 20oC below ambient, or allows food to be heated to 65oC. The fridge measures 34 x 28 x 32.5cm, and is priced Pounds 99.
* Telephone 0870 241 0560
