The number one request I get from my readers is to share the packing list I use for my kids. It is a little tough to share, because it changes so much depending on the stage my children are in and where we are going. However, by asking yourself a few questions first, you can follow this guide. My packing process starts by going through each daily activity.
Getting dressed
Questions to ask yourself:
• What will the weather be like?
• How will your baby stay warm?
• Will you be outside a lot?
• Are you going to be swimming or getting wet?
☑3 to 5 days of outfits (wash on the go!)
☑Travel clothes-line
☑Travel laundry soap packs
☑Travel stain remover wipes
☑Child rain-coat
☑Layers to keep warm
☑Coat or jacket
☑Socks and underwear
☑Swimsuit
☑Sun-hat
☑Bibs
☑Burp rags (We love using cloth diapers instead!)
☑Paci clips (use these to clip toys and teethers too)
☑Baby bug-spray
☑Baby sunscreen
Potty time
Questions to ask yourself:
• Are we potty training right now?
• How long can my kid hold it?
• Can I buy diapers at my location? We only bring enough to get us through the airport!
• Will my kids be swimming?
☑Diapers
☑Wipes
☑Rash cream
☑Travel child toilet seat
☑Hand sanitizer
☑Changing pad
☑Pull-up diapers
☑Swimming diapers
Eating
Questions to ask yourself:
• Do my kids have any food sensitivities?
• How picky are my kids?
• Do I plan on breastfeeding on this trip?
• Does my child only drink milk warm?
• Can I get the food I need at my location? We always buy baby food and snack at our location.
☑Snack bags
☑Formula
☑Baby food pouches
☑Hand breast pump (I leave the mechanical one at home.)
☑Breastfeeding cover
☑Sippy cup or water bottle
☑Baby spoons
☑Bibs (I love the plastic ones with pouches.)
☑2-3 Bottles
☑Sanitizing wipes
☑Small insulated lunch-box (Choose one that can fold down easily in your luggage.)
☑Travel bottle warmer
On the move
Questions to ask yourself:
• Do I absolutely need a car-seat?
• If yes, can I rent one?
• How do I plan on carrying my child?
☑Car-seat with travel bag
☑Travel Harness
☑Travel Stroller
☑Baby Carrier
Play Time
Questions to ask yourself:
• What holds my kids attention the most?
• What’s easy to pack?
• Am I OK with losing this?
☑1-2 small favorite toys
☑Small bag of easy to lose toys (My go-to is a baggie of plastic animals.)
☑Magazines, coloring books, stickers
☑Tablet with child safe headphones
☑Travel charger
Bath time
Questions to ask yourself:
• How do you plan on washing your kid, bath or shower?
• Can your baby sit up in the bathtub?
• Does your baby have sensitive skin?
☑Inflatable bathtub
☑Baby soap
☑Hair brush, comb, and accessories
☑Lotion for sensitive skin babies
☑Tooth brush and childens tooth paste
Sleeping
Questions to ask yourself:
• Where will my kids sleep? In the hotel bed? In a hotel roll away crib? Do I need to bring my own crib?
• What are my kids favorite sleep items? Pacis? Teddy Bears? Blankies?
☑Travel crib
☑Pajamas
☑Favorite sleep items
☑Travel white noise machine
☑Baby earmuffs for sleeping on the go
What else?
Questions to ask yourself:
• What documentation do I need?
• What if my kid gets sick?
• What is specific to my kid?
☑Passport and/or visas!
☑Insurance cards
☑Children’s Tylenol
☑Baby thermometer
☑Gas relief
☑Other medication needs
