Aside from keeping an eye on the kids’ excitement and energy, there’s a lot to manage, from water bottles and wet wipes to spare clothes and face masks.
Engineer Muhammad Akmal Ismail, 39, said his wife Nurul Aimi Lokman, 27, would carry a large bag filled with essentials – spare clothes, water, wet wipes and anything their four-year-old son Muhammad Ali Mikael might need.
“You never know when he will need a change of clothes or a drink.
“Travelling with a child is a whole different experience,” said Muhammad Akmal, who hails from Kuantan, Pahang, when met at Armenian Street here on Sunday.
While they enjoy walking, Muhammad Akmal said they opted to cycle around the heritage area to prevent their son from getting too tired or cranky.
“He can get worn out quickly, so cycling helps us cover more ground.
“In busy places, I always make sure to hold his hand or carry him, especially in crowded areas.We’re extra cautious as it’s easy to get distracted in a crowd,” he said.
Muhammad Akmal is also mindful of his son’s health while travelling, avoiding junk food and sugary snacks.
“We don’t want him getting too hyper, and we’re careful with what he eats.
“He’s always touching things and putting his hands in his mouth, so we make sure his hands are clean with regular washings and wet wipes,” he said.
Business development manager Fione Ooi, 43, remains committed to wearing face masks whenever her family heads out.
She always keeps a bottle of sanitiser and some wet wipes on hand, ensuring her two sons can use them whenever necessary to stay clean.
“My sons are used to the routine, as they typically wear masks without an issue.
“Sometimes, if we forget, they remind us!” said Ooi with a smile.
While her seven-year-old son follows the rules effortlessly, her younger one, who is four, is naturally curious and tends to touch things.
“He was born during the Covid-19 period, so he is especially excited whenever we head out.
“He’s thrilled to go anywhere, but we’re lucky he listens to his older brother. Although he loves to walk ahead, his older brother always keeps an eye on him.
“We remind him to stay close, and he’s quite good at following that advice,” said Ooi.
