Tips for Traveling with Toddlers and Babies - Packing for the Trip

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(Read about my "qualifications" to offer these travel tips in Part 1 of my Tips for Traveling with Toddlers and Babies Series.)

Traveling with Toddlers and Babies Series

Part 1 ~ Know Before You Go

Part 2 ~ Packing For Your Trip (you are here!)

Part 3 ~ Travel Time

Part 4 ~ When You Get There

You may or may not be a "list person." I am a list person. Either way, I would highly recommend making a packing list for your trip with the little one(s).

Trip Planning Printables by Crown Bindery

Start writing out your list a week or two before your trip, and then update it as you go about each day. You’ll realize that you'll want to have that Boppy/sippy cup/beloved tiara with you on your trip. Keep the list for your next trip! You may need to update it later based on your kid's age(s), but don't erase anything just in case.

Note: I’m using the term “carry-on” here, but if you’re on a road trip, think of that as the bag(s) that you’ll want to be accessible at all times in the car. You don’t want to be on the side of the freeway digging through the ones already loaded up in the trunk.

The Essentials - What to Pack

Pack Up Photograph by colourchrome

• The Busy Bag (see next section).
• Your own Pack 'N Play sheet and/or crib sheet. The smell, the look, the feel... familiarity is a good thing!
• Burn a CD of the kiddos' favorite songs, lullabies or singalong tunes.
• Security blanket and/or comfort items for each child.
• Sunscreen, hats, warm coats... think about weather during your entire trip.
• You may need to bring your baby monitor depending on where you’re staying. Just don’t forget both parts of it (speaking from experience here).
• Load some age-appropriate game apps and a few favorite movies on your smart phone or iPod Touch for emergency entertainment while you travel.
• Consider making or buying a "Quiet Book" filled with lots of activities to keep the little ones busy.
• You can rent gear when you get where you're going. Check RentBabyEquipment.com for a U.S. directory or Travels with Baby for a worldwide directory. Or you could borrow gear from friends or family.
• If you're renting a car, you can also rent a carseat with it. It can be expensive but it might be worth not having to lug yours through the airport. (Thanks, Briita!)
• Don't forget that there are most likely stores where you're going so if you forget something, you can buy it there. =)
• When you're done making a packing list, consider making a list of things that you need to take care of before you go (e.g., put your mail on hold).

The Busy Bag

Little Sweets' Busy Bag

• The Busy Bag is a small carry-on full of toys and activities for your little one(s). The toys should be new (or rarely used at home), cheap and many.
• I only have one kid, but I would think it would be best for each kid to have his/her own Busy Bag.
• Bring one out toy at a time and let them play with it until they're completely bored with it.
• Some parents like to wrap up each item and let kids open each item separately, like a bunch of birthday gifts.
• For Little Sweets (at 2 years old), this bag includes:
• a plastic slinky (It's a belt, No, it's a lion's mane, No, it's tangled up in knots!)
• those cheap shaped bracelets that are sold by the dozen
• a pack of flashcards with shapes and letters on them
• some cheap party favors from Wal-Mart
• kids’ meal toys that haven’t been played with for awhile
• crayons and paper or coloring book
• several small board books
• stickers
• a magnetic drawing board
• snacks
• Put your Busy Bag away during the trip so it's still interesting on the way home.
• When you get home, you may want to store your Busy Bag and all its contents away until your next trip if you're traveling again soon. When I took Little Sweets' bag out to take the photo above, she said, "We go on airplane, Mommy?" She knows this bag is full of fun stuff!

Keep It in Your Carry-On

Roller Duffle Carry-On by trndesigns

• A spare outfit (or at least shirt) for baby and one for you, too. You never know which one of you might need it.
• An empty "wet bag" or two in case you need that spare shirt. You can buy cute ones here or bring a couple of big Ziplocs.
• Tylenol or other medications you might need.
• Empty water bottles to fill up once you get past security, if you’re flying.
• A lightweight blanket in case the airline charges for them (yes, some do!) or doesn’t have enough.
• A baby sling/carrier, especially helpful when getting through security since you don't need to remove babies from carriers.
• Think disposable: Disposable bibs, bowls, spoons, bottle liners, sippy cups... Yes I know this is not eco-friendly, but it may be worth it to help you keep your sanity while traveling.
• Pacifiers (yes, that’s plural) to encourage sucking during take-off and landing if you’re flying. Also bring a couple of pacifier clips, which can be a lifesaver! (Full disclosure: This is my step-sister's awesome Etsy shop, check it out!)
• Burp cloths, nursing cover and breast pump if your little ones are still in that stage.
• Hand sanitizer (make sure to put it in a zip-top bag if you're flying).
• Extra diapers and wipes. I like to put Little Sweets in overnight diapers in case we can't do diaper changes as often as we normally would, but be aware of the increased risk of diaper rash.
• Think of your carry-on bag as being full of things that if you lose them, you’d be able to live without them. Your kids will find more hiding spots in the airplane/rental car than you could even imagine… anything you carry-on could very easily get lost.
• If you’re flying, you may need to bring proof of immunizations, age, social security card and/or passport. Check with your airline to see what documentation the little ones might need. Make sure it doesn't get put in the checked baggage.
• Consider bringing your stroller and carseat all the way to the gate. The fewer people who handle your expensive baby gear, the better!
• Despite this long list, plan to carry-on as little as possible. =) You need your hands free for getting through the airport.
• Don’t forget the Busy Bag!

What else do you think should be on this list of necessities? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.