Essential Packing Guide For Stress-Free Toddler Travel
Traveling with toddlers is not your everyday outing and therefore ensuring their comfort to anticipate their needs, thorough packing is key to a successful family trip. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential items to pack for your toddler, helping you create a stress-free holiday experience for both you and your little one.
Clothing and Accessories:
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Pack outfits suitable for the destination's climate. Include layers for varying temperatures. Always remember to pack an additional pair of clothes for a day out, seeing as little ones tend to spill and be messy.
Swimwear: If your holiday involves a beach or pool, don't forget swimsuits, swim diapers and a sun hat. Most hotels will provide towels, but find out upfront if you need to bring your own towels.
Comfortable Shoes: Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.
Hat and Sunglasses: Protect your toddler from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Also don't forget sunscreen.
Sleeping Essentials:
Portable Crib or Travel Bed: Ensure your toddler has a familiar and safe place to sleep. There are a lot of travel friendly cribs available for your convenience. Alternatively you can always find out from your accommodation up front if crib’s would be available for your use.
Blankets and Comfort Items: Pack a favorite small blanket or stuffed animal to provide comfort and familiarity during sleeping or naps. When our daughter was very small we would either put mommy’s or daddy’s shirts in her crib at night, this made her feel safe and secure.
Blackout Curtains: This is useful for creating a sleep-friendly environment, especially for those summer European holidays where the sun only sets at 23:00 in the evening. Hotel’s are usually well equipped with this, but we have found when using an AirBnB this can sometimes be lacking. You can pack accordingly with travel friendly blackout curtains to ensure a dark room for sleeping.
Feeding and Hydration:
Travel-Friendly Snacks: Pack a variety of healthy snacks to keep your toddler fueled during the journey. Using snack boxes will also ensure entertainment. Always pack snacks that you know your child will eat but also include a few wild cards to add to the adventure of exploring.
Refer to our “Snacktime in the skies” for more on this.
Sippy Cups and Water Bottles: Hydration is crucial during travel for both kids and adults, so carry spill-proof cups or bottles to avoid messes during the travel day. Most airports allow water or milk to be carried for kids through security checks.
Baby Utensils and Bowls: If your toddler is eating solids and you are traveling to a place that does not already specify that they include children's utensils it will be helpful to bring their utensils with you for the trip. Don't pack bulky items, keep it limited to travel friendly utensils.
Health and Safety:
First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, children's pain reliever and any necessary prescription medications. Keep an eye out for our future blog where we will share what we pack for our little one when traveling.
Documentation: Carry a copy of your toddler's health insurance card and any necessary medical information. Also make sure that close family has copies of this either on hand or digital to provide at short notice.
Entertainment and Distractions:
Toys and book bag: Look into what will work best for you. We love using a toiletry bag. We mix it up and fill this bag with small items that are new that she has not played with before and others that are her favourites to give a sense of familiarity. We prefer using a toiletry bag that can fold open and hook on the front seat during a flight. It should also be small enough and easy to access in your baggage. We always include a familiar book that doubles as our book to read during our sleep time routine.
Tablet or Portable DVD Player: Load it with toddler-friendly apps, games or shows for on-the-go entertainment. Our favorite is Netflix as you can lock the screen or Youtube kids.
Coloring Supplies: Pack crayons, coloring books or sticker books to keep your toddler engaged during downtime. Make sure stickers can be removed without leaving marks on surfaces.
Refer to our “High-Flying Fun” blog for more on this.
6. Toiletries and Diapering Supplies:
Diapers and Wipes: Carry enough diapers and wipes for the duration of your travel trip, considering potential delays. Once you reach your destination you will be able to buy more diapers and wipes from a supermarket.
Changing Mat: A portable changing mat is handy for on-the-go diaper changes. We also loved using disposable changing mats for comfort at certain places or additional coverage in places that might be worse than expected.
Baby Shampoo and Soap: Use travel-sized toiletries or transfer small amounts into travel containers. If your child has a sensitive skin, do not buy new things at the destination and rather keep with what you know works for your child.
7. Travel Gear:
Stroller and Baby Carrier: A lightweight, collapsible stroller and/or a comfortable baby carrier is essential for navigating airports, attractions and city streets. When your child is still small remember your carrier, in some cases when you check in your stroller you do not receive it back during your layover and only receive it at your final destination. In these cases it is useful to have a Baby Carrier with you or closeby.
Car Seat: If you're renting a car, check if it's more convenient to bring your own car seat or rent one at your destination. Most airlines allow you to book in a baby car seat at no additional costs. We have always preferred booking a car seat with a rental company especially when doing short trips, this keeps our luggage to a minimum.
Preparation is key, so make a checklist well in advance and double-check everything before heading out. Refer to our “Mom’s Bag” for tips on what to pack, as this will not only keep your toddler happy but will also contribute to a smoother travel experience for the entire family.