Ultimate Travel Pack List for Parents of Young Children

Traveling with young children requires careful planning to ensure that the journey is comfortable for everyone! We know; we’ve been there! Here is a comprehensive packing list for parents traveling with young children:

Essentials

• Passports/IDs: For international travel, ensure that everyone, including the children, has a valid passport.
• Travel Documents: Flight tickets, hotel booking confirmations, travel insurance, visas, etc.
• Emergency Contacts: A list of emergency contacts and relevant health information for each child.

Clothing and Accessories

• Clothes: Pack two outfits for each day plus a couple of extras. Include pajamas, socks, booties, onesies, and underwear.
• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals or flip-flops.
• Weather-Appropriate Gear: Raincoats, rubber boots, sunglasses, hats, or winter wear as necessary.
• Swim Gear: Swimsuits, swim diapers, and floaties if you plan on swimming.
• Laundry Bag: For keeping dirty clothes separate.

Food and Snacks

• Baby Formula: If applicable.
• Baby Food: If baby is on solid foods.
• Snacks: Non-perishable snacks like granola bars, fruit pouches, or crackers.
• Bottles / Nipples / Cleaning Brush.
• Sippy Cups / Water Bottles.
• Feeding Supplies: Bibs, plates, forks, spoons, and portable baby food containers.
• Cooler Bag / Ice Packs / Storing Containers: If you need to keep any food items chilled.
• Breast Feeding Supplies: Pump, nipple cream, nursing tops and bras, nipple covers, breast-feeding cover-up, change of clothes for mom.
• Portable Feeding Chair.

Baby Supplies

• Diapers / Diaper Cream / Powder: Enough for the journey and a few extra days.
• Wipes: Baby wipes for cleaning hands, faces, and diaper changes.
• Changing Pad: Portable and easy to clean.
• Pacifiers: If your child uses them, DO bring extras! LOL.
• Blankets: For comfort and warmth.

Health and Safety

• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any prescribed medications.
• Over-the-Counter Medicines: Gripe Water for upset tummies, children’s pain relievers, fever reducers, and any necessary allergy medications.
• Prescriptions / Tools for Administering Meds: Should the baby be on any medication.
• Sunscreen: Child-friendly SPF.
• Insect Repellent: Suitable for children.
• Hand Sanitizer: Travel-sized bottles.
• Baby Wash / Lotions / Washcloth.

Entertainment and Comfort

• Toys: A few favorite toys or new small toys for entertainment.
• Books: Picture books or coloring books.
• Activity Packs: Puzzles, stickers, activity books to keep them occupied.
• Tablet/Portable DVD Player: Preloaded with child-friendly apps or movies. Remember the volume-control headphones!
• Comfort Items: Any blankets, stuffed animals, teething rings, or any other item that helps soothe your child.
• Stroller: Lightweight and collapsible for easy travel.
• Baby Carrier: For hands-free mobility.
• Boogie Wipes: Or equivalent to avoid a crusty, ouchie little nose.

Sleep

• Portable Crib: If your host doesn’t provide one.
• Nightlight: In case your child is afraid of the dark.
• White Noise Machine: Helpful for light sleepers.
• Blankets: For sleeping and swaddling.

Miscellaneous

• Plastic Bags: For soiled clothes or diapers.
• Tissues: Always handy.
• Camera: To capture memories (or use your phone).
• Playmat: Or you can use the one that comes with the portable crib.
• Baby Monitor: Audio or Video.
• Life Vest / Coast-Guard-Approved Water Wings: Hosts should have these available if the property is close to water.

Travel Gear

• Backpack/Diaper Bag: To keep essentials within easy reach during transit.
• Car Seats: Even if the host provides one, you might prefer to bring your own car seat.
• Child Identification: Consider a child ID bracelet with your contact information.
• Toddler Leash: To provide the necessary freedom for little runners while still keeping them safe.

Hygiene and Grooming

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Kid-friendly options.
• Hairbrush / Detangling Spray: Plus any necessary hair ties or clips.
• Bath Products: Travel-size shampoo and body wash suitable for children.
• Infant Nail Clippers: For tiny fingernails.

Travel with ease knowing you remembered to pack everything you need.

Remember, the exact items to pack will depend on the age and needs of your children, your destination, and the length of your trip. Always double-check your packing list before you leave to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything crucial. Safe travels!

Before you fly, always check the weight of your gear combined with the weight of your aircraft, fuel, and passengers to ensure you’re within the safe weight and balance limits. Also, adjust the list based on the nature of your journey, the specifics of your aircraft, and the regulations of the regions you’re flying to. Safe travels!

Did we forget anything? Is there anything you deem essential when you travel that isn’t already on this list? Please comment so we can add it to the list and so your fellow flyers can benefit!