Top tips on how to make holidays with the tots a summer breeze
Taking the show on the road can be a daunting prospect but Denise Smith has what you need to know to make that holiday with small people work
That's where smart travel systems come into the equation, and that's exactly why Joanne O'Grady, CEO of Clever Clogs, a leading Irish baby and nursery retailer, is here to bring you the practical travel hacks that will keep your stress levels in check.
The story behind Clever Clogs is as rooted in real-life parenting as it gets. Joanne launched the company in 2005 after returning from living abroad. Inspired by the beautifully designed nursery stores in Holland — packed with high-quality baby accessories not available in Ireland — she decided to bring that level of quality and care to Irish families.
Clever Clogs CEO Joanne O'Grady
'I'd been working full-time, with small kids at home, and the structure just didn't work. I thought, 'OK, I'll set up my own business.''
And she did, while still breastfeeding her youngest child. In fact, one of her first supplier meetings required her to excuse herself mid-pitch to go pump breastmilk. It was a chaotic start, but she secured the deal, and Clever Clogs was born.
Her biggest piece of advice, whether you're buying a stroller or prepping for a family holiday, is to start with lifestyle. 'Are you urban? Rural? Do you travel a lot? It's not about selling the most expensive product, it's about what actually suits your family.'
That ethos has turned Clever Clogs into a trusted resource for parents across Ireland. The company partners with over 60 independent nursery retailers, many of whom offer in-person support and servicing. When it comes to travelling abroad with kids, she says the stroller becomes a parent's best friend — or their worst enemy. The key features to look for include 'how it folds, whether the liners are washable, and how easy it is to maintain.'
Turn your summer break with the kids into a dream family holiday
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 18th
That checklist is what made the UPPAbaby Minu Duo such a standout on a recent family holiday to Ibiza. Travelling with toddlers is not a holiday, it's a logistical mission wrapped in snacks and meltdowns. So when I jetted off with my two-year-old twins, I expected chaos, cardio and carpal tunnel. Instead, I found a hero.
This double buggy folds faster than I can find a soother at 3am, and at just 12.5kg, it's also light enough for one-handed airport manoeuvres.
The ride? Smooth enough to lull both kids to sleep as I sipped a €6 iced coffee. And the one-hand, one-step fold had me at hello. The canopies also offer UPF50+ protection.
And yes, it does fit through those terrifyingly narrow café doors, even in the old town. The under-basket fits approximately 700 baby wipes, two beach towels, snacks for a small army, and, crucially, a bottle of rosé. Bonus: it looks chic. Like, 'is that a Scandinavian brand?' chic. It was a perfect partner to our next big concern: staying sun-safe under the scorching Balearic sun.
Joanne offers some practical hacks for a dream family holiday
As any parent knows, protecting children from the sun is more than a beach-day chore, it's a daily essential. According to pharmacist Said Danishani, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Boots, childhood is a critical time for sun protection.
'A child's skin is much more vulnerable to the effects of UV than that of an adult's because it's much more delicate and thinner,' he explains.
'That's why it's key to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ and a high UVA protection rating of four or five stars.
'One standout product is the Soltan Kids Protect and Moisturise range. It's dermatologically tested and has a gentle formula that's perfect for sensitive skin. It's also water-resistant, which makes it a great choice for poolside or beach days.'
But even the best sunscreen can be a battle if your child doesn't like the feel of it. Some kids hate the cold blob sensation, and honestly, many adults do too. Said recommends warming the sunscreen in your hands first, then applying smaller dabs around exposed areas to spread it more gently.
'For younger kids, a soft makeup brush or sponge can turn the application into a game rather than a struggle. You can play connect-the-dots or sing a silly song,' he suggests.
'The goal is to make sunscreen part of your routine, not a one-off hassle.' Read more
For babies under six months, skip the sunscreen altogether and rely on shade, breathable fabrics, and wide-brimmed hats to keep them safe.
After six months, broad-spectrum sunscreen becomes a key part of their daily protection, along with UPF-rated clothing, wraparound sunglasses, and loose-fitting cotton, linen, or hemp outfits that naturally block UV rays.
Timing matters too. 'Apply sunscreen around 20 minutes before you head outside, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or heavy play.'
So what does a smart travel bag look like for parents on the move?
Think lightweight, foldable buggies; high-SPF sunscreen; breathable sun-protective clothing; a spare change of clothes (for you and your child); baby wipes by the truckload, and snacks, always snacks.
Accept the chaos, and embrace help when it comes.
'People love to help — let them carry the buggy down the steps,' the Clever Clogs CEO advises.
'After all, the goal isn't perfection — it's to keep your kids comfortable, covered, and calm enough to enjoy the adventure.'
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