Packing for Travel With Kids: Full Guide

Do you have travel plans for you and the little one? Here are some suggestions for packing when taking kids on vacation.

This list of items to pack in a carry-on for a baby or toddler might seem excessive. However, it would be terrible to need something and not have access to it if you are traveling with a baby or toddler. Furthermore, there aren’t many baby products available in airports and onboard aircraft.

If you split the contents between the usually allotted three bags of carry-on luggage by most airlines for two adults and a lap baby, you should be able to avoid needing a mule to carry everything.

Let’s look at some suggestions for what to pack for a family trip that will make flying less stressful so you can fully enjoy your vacation!

Preparing to Travel

Orchestrating a plan before arriving at the airport will make for a far less turbulent experience. Like with any vacation, planning ahead will pay off greatly. Of course, there are times when travel is more impulsive, but if you can, you should definitely take advantage of getting your affairs in order.

Booking a Flight

When traveling with a young child, it is best to take a direct flight or an indirect flight with a longer layover. Toddlers can be slow walkers who need a lot of luggage, as you’ve probably noticed on most of your outings with your infant.

Thus, trying to catch a connecting flight while carrying a toddler can be difficult, especially if you only have a short layover.

A couple of hours is ideal if you are planning a flight with a layover. This will give you time to eat a real meal, change your toddler if necessary, and let your child run off some energy before settling down once more.

Even though you might want to take your toddler’s naptime into account when booking your flight, don’t get upset if you can’t find one that perfectly coincides. If you want to keep your toddler on a routine, planning your flight around their regular schedule can be helpful. However, keep in mind that flight times do change fairly frequently.

Additionally, given the unfamiliar surroundings and excitement of the flight, there is no guarantee that your toddler will fall asleep.

What to Check?

Before you leave, make sure you are aware of which bags you will be checking and whether they are the appropriate weight for the airline. Your trip will become overly stressful if you attempt to reconfigure your luggage while pulling a toddler.

The majority of checked bags have a 50-pound weight limit. Carry-on items must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines.1 They may not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 19″ and must be able to be stored in an overhead compartment or under a seat.

“Always check your suitcases,” says Sarah Mann Hall, a Denver, Colorado, mother of two. “If you aren’t also juggling luggage, it is much simpler to manage a toddler.”

To keep track of the boarding passes and identification of every passenger, you might also want to buy a travel wallet. This will make it easier to pass through security. Keep in mind that the objective is to make the procedure as quick and seamless as possible. Do not forget to charge your phone before traveling to the airport if you are using electronic boarding passes.

What to Bring on Onboard?

Think of your carry-on as a diaper bag that has been more intricately packed. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary supplies. However, there won’t be a chance to stop along the way to pick up items you forgot, unlike on a road trip or an afternoon outing. Correct, there are no convenience stores in the sky.

The following are the supplies you should have on hand before taking off.

• Diapers: One diaper per hour of travel time is the standard guideline.
• Snacks: Favorite foods for your child, as well as any necessary formula or breastmilk.
• Blankets or loveys: Toddlers who are stressed can be quelled with comfort items.
• Pacifiers: Bring several pacifiers if your child uses one. During takeoff and landing, the sucking may also help to relieve pressure in their ears.
• Changes in clothes: One for you and one for your toddler because you can never be too prepared.
• Toys: You can always rely on books, stuffed animals, or easy puzzles.
• Sippy cups: If your child uses a sippy cup, it’s best to bring an empty one so the flight attendant can fill it when serving drinks. You can avoid the hassle of security in this way.

Storing Drinks and Snacks

A hungry, agitated toddler is the absolute last thing you need on a flight. That problem can be solved by packing snacks and drinks to bring on board, but you might be unsure of what is permitted and what is not.

The food you bring for your toddler is an exception to the TSA’s rule that liquids must be less than 3.4 ounces or 100 millimeters in size to be allowed on board. You don’t need to pack a quart-sized bag if you have more milk, juice, and formula (if necessary) for your toddler than this.

Breastmilk can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours if you’re thinking about taking a shorter flight. Breast milk must, however, stay chilled after cooling in order to keep it from perishing until it is consumed.

You may pack ice and gel packs in your carry-on if they are used to keep beverages cold. They won’t be allowed on the plane, but they will go through screening. For your toddler, you may also bring jars or pouches of baby food.

“Aim for snacks with protein to keep your child full longer,” says At BBK Fitness in Billerica, Massachusetts, Kristen Gonzalez works as a nutritionist and health and wellness coach. “Great options include homemade granola, vegetables with Greek dressing, and nut butter sandwiches. Snacks that have been cut into whimsical shapes are especially appealing to children.”

Of course, if it’s a shorter flight and your airline provides in-flight snacks, you might find it simpler to just ask the flight attendant for food and beverages for your toddler. However, keep in mind that since the refreshments may not be served on your preferred schedule, this removes control from your hands.

Things to Be Mindful of When Traveling With Baby Via Flight, Bus, Or Car

In order to make the experience with baby travel as easy as possible, there are a few things to keep in mind.

If you’re flying, make sure to inquire in advance about any special guidelines or suggestions your airline may have regarding bringing a baby along. To give yourself plenty of time to get through security and locate your gate, it is also a good idea to get to the airport early.

When taking the bus, make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee a seat with space for a car seat or stroller. Bring along some snacks and beverages for you and your infant, as well as any toys or books that will keep your child occupied during the trip.

Plan your route ahead of time and make sure there are enough rest stops along the way if you’re driving so that everyone can stop when they need to. Snacks, beverages, and any necessary medications or first-aid supplies should also be packed, just in case.

Conclusion: Have a Good Trip With Your Kids

Even though organizing a trip with a baby can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be. You can ensure that your trip runs smoothly and that your child has fun with a little advance planning and preparation. Pack all of the necessities, including plenty of diapers, wipes, clothing, and snacks.

Along with plenty of diapers and food, make sure to pack items that will comfort and amuse your toddler. Remember, you won’t be the only parent on board trying to amuse their child, and before you know it, you’ll be at your destination!

I hope these packing suggestions were helpful to you! Please share it in the comments section below if I missed anything.