For the first time, I will be attending the Malaysia Day celebrations which will be in Malacca this year. What makes it even more exciting is that I will be bringing my three kids along!
I read in the news that they’ve chosen the 1950s, 1960-era fashion theme to liven up the celebration and evoke nostalgia for Malaysia’s formation in September 1963. How perfectly nostalgic is that?!
I’m in the stage of deciding what my little family will wear on that day. Hopefully, I’ll be able to find something that fits the theme for us.
Anyway, fashion aside, I was surprised to learn that the celebration is expected to attract 20,000 visitors! That’s a lot of people, and after seeing the crowds at the National Day parade in KL, I’m truthfully a little concerned about bringing my kids to Malacca.
Regardless, the trip will take place, so I just need to make sure I prepare adequately and accordingly to keep my children comfortable during the celebration. I’m hoping to make the day go as smoothly as possible *fingers crossed*.
Without proper planning, taking these three musketeers on a trip can turn into a headache. So, here are some tips that I will use to survive Malaysia Day celebrations outdoors this September 16.
Check the Weather on Malaysia Day
This was the first thing I did to determine how I should prepare for the weather in Malacca on that particular day.
From what I’ve found, the weather in Bandar Hilir, where the Malaysia Day celebrations will take place will be a mix of sunny, runny, and cloudy.
The weather is so unpredictable, as it can be sunny one minute and then pour down the next. So, I know I’ll need umbrellas, raincoats, possibly rubber boots, a stroller cover, as well as sunglasses and hats on my list. It is necessary to plan for both types of weather.
Sunscreen Application Is a Must
Considering the celebrations will be held outside and I don’t know how long the kids and I will be exposed to UV light, sunscreen must be worn. Even if we’re only going to be out for only a short time, it’s still a good idea to apply sunscreen to protect our skin.
Just a quick reminder to everyone that sunscreen should be applied not once, but several times every 3-4 hours to keep the protection from wearing off.
Don’t Forget About Snacks and Beverages
What could possibly go wrong if these are overlooked? Well, almost everything!
My kids will be cranky and hangry if they don’t have their snacks and beverages, and we might have to leave the festivities early!
So, bring some along that the children will enjoy. I would always keep biscuits, cereal, chips, or cookies on hand.
As for beverages, we usually stick to water, but the kids occasionally request for a juice or soda (just be sure to keep the sugary stuff to a minimum).
Bring Plenty of Toys to Celebrate Malaysia Day
Whenever we go on a road trip, I always pack toys and activity kits for each of my children. I’d put them in their own paper bags, baskets, or boxes and label them with their names. It’s a way to keep them entertained and busy on a long drive.
I’m thinking about doing something similar for the celebration day. So, just in case they get bored during the event, they can still bring out their toys or activities to play with.
Prep for a Shady Spot at the Malaysia Day Event
I have no idea what the weather will be like in Malacca on Malaysia Day, but I do know that I will need to bring equipments to keep us in the shade.
At the same time, it would be fantastic to bring some stools and a large mat that we can sit on.
On that day, I’m sure people will be sitting all over the place, so hopefully, we’ll be able to find a spot for us and the kids. A friendly reminder that if you’re thinking about doing this, get there early!
Remind Kids to Drink Plenty of Water
And this tip applies to both us adults and the kids. We should always keep hydrated while being out in the sun for any extended period of time.
You can get the kids a super cool or cute bottle that they can carry around all the time to encourage them to drink more water. Let them choose their preferred bottle design or colour when you do; they may be more inclined to make use of it if so.
I also believe it will be a good idea to bring several large bottles of mineral water with us so that we have plenty to drink while we are there. With so many people attending the event, there may be a long line just to buy water!
Prepare Headphones or Earplugs
When there is a large crowd and a variety of activities taking place, the environment can become extremely noisy. If your children are too young for earplugs, then headphones will help to muffle the noise.
Babies and young children have more sensitive hearing than adults, so plan ahead of time for them. Limiting the sound of the noise would make them feel better and more at ease being at the event with so many people.
Don’t Forget a First Aid Kit
Accidents and injuries can occur at any time and in any location. Thus, a mini first aid kit with all the essentials is sufficient to bring on a trip like this. The NHS UK recommends having the following items in your basic first aid kit:
- plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes
- small, medium, and large sterile gauze dressings
- at least 2 sterile eye dressings
- triangular bandages
- crêpe rolled bandages
- safety pins
- disposable sterile gloves
- tweezers
- scissors
- alcohol-free cleansing wipes
- sticky tape
- thermometer (preferably digital)
- a skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula
- cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
- antiseptic cream
- painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen
- antihistamine cream or tablets
- distilled water for cleaning wounds
- eye wash and eye bath
Get Bug Spray or Repellent Stickers
There may be bugs and mosquitos flying around, causing bite itches in your children.
I always keep a bug spray repellent in the kids’ bags so that it is always available when needed. I can tell you that it was especially useful when we went on a zoo trip, to an island, or our village.
If you’re not a fan of the spray types, repellent stickers work just as well. I sometimes use both for extra protection.
Acknowledge the Kids’ Feelings
With so many people around, the kids may be anxious. It’s best to prepare them ahead of time for a crowded celebration. Remind them to stay safe and close to you at all times.
Also, continue to ask about your children’s well-being and enjoyment of the event. Let them know it’s fine if they feel the event is too much for them and want to leave.
Reason with the kids, and you can always take them somewhere else to continue hanging out together.
Consider Using a Child’s Safety Harness
I’m a little concerned that my three-year-old might be running around and accidentally get lost in the middle of all the people. After much consideration, I bought a kids’ harness in the shape of a bag that I can put on her and hold onto as she walks or runs around.
At the very least, I get to direct where she goes, giving me peace of mind that she’s safe.
Portable Fans for a Cooling Malaysia Day
It won’t be as cold as being in an air-conditioned room, but the portable fan will help keep you and your children cool while you’re out in the heat.
We all know how hot and humid it can get in this country, so I’ve decided to get a portable fan for each of us. I just need to make sure the fans are fully charged and that I have a power bank on hand just in case.
Bring Extra Clothes, Baby Wipes and Tissues
The kids will get sweaty and uncomfortable from being outside, so they may need to change their clothes once or twice. I have a toddler who is still in diapers, so I must be prepared to change her diaper and clothes.
Baby wipes and tissues are also essential because I will need them to clean up any spills, the kids, the equipment, and so on.
Also, don’t forget to bring hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes! You never know what germs you and your children might be exposed to. :s
So, there you have it. That’s all of my tips for today. I hope this helps you have the best outdoor Malaysia Day celebration with your kids, mummies! Happy Malaysia Day!
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