Whether at a domestic resort or elsewhere, a holiday with your family is an excellent opportunity to get away from it all and spend quality time together in new settings.
By now you know that things are just not the same with kids! 🙂
And yes, travelling with kids can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of preparation and organisation, you can make your trip go smoothly.
Are you in a hurry? How much do I pack? Do I pack everything for my baby?
Don’t go crazy! Relax, take a deep breath and go through my checklist and then decide!
Read on to get some help – Here is a checklist of items to help get you started!
Planning a vacation with your kids and if more than one child can be a bit overwhelming but remember to be calm, and enjoy as it is the most important thing!
Here are some tips that will help you prepare and save you from worries –
Baby Travel Accessories
Diaper bag / Travel bag – Make sure you pack everything separately so you won’t have to rummage through your luggage. For example, keep medicines, wipes, sunscreen, diapers, mosquito repellent, and toys in their own bag within easy reach. Try the Motherly Baby Diaper Bag for travel as mothers can enjoy freely with their kids without taking several bags.
Car seat – If you’re driving, you’ll need a car seat for your child. If you’re travelling by air, see whether your vehicle seat will be allowed on board.
Stroller – This is a common dilemma when travelling with kids. Whether to take it or not? A stroller can be helpful if you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Choose a lightweight collapsible one that is suitable for towns and cities. If you don’t have one, borrow it from your friends.
Blanket – A blanket will come in handy for keeping your child warm on the plane or in the car. Helps to comfort the baby.
Sling Bag – A sling bag can be helpful when you have your hands full with your child and other belongings. It is my personal favourite accessory since my son was born 😉
Food and Drink Supplies
Breastfeeding – If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you have plenty of milk or formula for the trip. You might also want to take a nursing cover like a stole or a dupatta so that you can nurse in public without feeling self-conscious.
Bottled milk – If you’re feeding your baby formula, make sure to pack enough for the trip.
Snacks – Pack a few healthy snacks for your child, such as crackers, cheese, or grapes. You can also buy snacks once you’re on vacation. If it is a short trip, pack theplas, parathas, and biscuits. Pack snacks and easy-to-eat foods for your child. Choose items that won’t spoil in the heat.
Feeding equipment – If your child is bottle-fed, pack a few extra bottles and nipples in case you run out while on vacation. Carry your breast pump if you intend to express milk. Pack bibs, a sipper, a steel or plastic glass or cup, spoons, wipes, and disposable plates.
Clothing
Cool clothes – Pack light, airy clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton for summer travel. Dark colours absorb more heat, so avoid them.
Warm clothes – Depending on where you are taking your trip. If you’re travelling in winter, or a cold place, make sure to pack enough warm clothing for your child, such as sweaters, jackets, and socks.
Hats – Hats are a must in both summer and winter. In summer, they protect your child from the sun, and in winter, they keep your child’s head and ears warm.
Shoes – Pack a few pairs of comfortable shoes for your child to wear while exploring your vacation destination. Make sure they’re broken in so there are no blisters!
Extra clothes – Bring plenty of clothes for your little one in case of accidents or spills.
Diapers and nappy supplies – If your child is still in diapers, pack enough disposable diapers as you may not find the right size and brand at the destination. Don’t forget nappy rash cream, and wet wipes for the trip. You might also want to pack a changing mat for on the go changes.
Bed and Bath Supplies
Toiletries – Pack a small toiletries bag for your child’s toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and any other essential items.
Sleepwear – Pack a few sets of sleepwear for your child, such as pyjamas or nightgowns.
Bedtime supplies – If your child sleeps in a crib or cot, pack bedding such as sheets, blankets, and a pillow. If your child sleeps in a bed, you might want to bring a favourite toy or stuffed animal.
Other Baby Essentials
Travel documents – Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas including your baby. If you’re travelling by car, bring your driver’s licence and registration. If you’re travelling by air, make sure to pack your boarding passes and luggage tags.
Entertainment – Pack some books, games, or toys to keep your child amused on the trip. Don’t forget Crayons and colouring books, tablets with movies to keep your child entertained.
First-aid kit – A first-aid kit is essential for any trip. Make sure to pack items such as bandages, antiseptic cream, pain reliever, and fever medication. Also, pack any prescription medications that your child takes.
Sunscreen – Sunscreen is a must-have item. Make sure to pack a high SPF sunscreen that is suitable for children’s skin.
Insect repellent – Mosquitoes can be pesky, so bring some bug spray to keep them away.
Swimwear – If you’re travelling to a beach or pool, pack swimwear for your child. Don’t forget swim diapers if your child is still in diapers!
Wet wipes – There is never enough of these when travelling with your kids! Carry several packets and keep some in your hand baggage and some in your general luggage.
Wondering how to use wipes? Read more –> The 12 Best Uses for Baby Wipes That You Never Would Have Guessed
Plastic bags – I cannot stress enough on these. When travelling, you need extra extra of these so you can carry dirty clothes, wet clothes, diapers, broken toys and just about anything unexpected. So carry them without fail.
Plug adapter – If you’re vacationing in a foreign country, make sure to pack a plug adapter to fit the electrical outlets there. Extremely essential to charge your mobile phone, and those iPads/tablets.
Last but not the least – Time planning. Everything will take longer than expected when you are travelling with kids, so make sure you do not keep anything for last minute even as simple as checking in at the airport.
Conclusion
These are some essential items that you should pack for a vacation with your baby or toddler. Of course, you’ll also need to pack your own clothes and toiletries!
And don’t forget your camera to capture all the special moments.
Remember travelling with kids is never going to be easy but you must learn to let go and enjoy as that is what a vacation & travelling with your kids should mean! 😉
~~Happy Vacationing!!
Also Read –> 9 Interesting Bedtimes Stories for Kids
