*This child vacation packing checklist has been created in collaboration with The Gro Firm.
I’m not going to lie, it took me a very long time to get the hold of packing for a vacation with a child and a toddler! On our first vacation we took manner an excessive amount of, on our second vacation we took manner too little, on some journeys we forgot vitally vital issues and on different holidays I genuinely do not know what we have been pondering!
Over time, we’ve managed to refine what we pack for a vacation with infants and toddlers and we have step by step perfected our child vacation necessities.
Baggage allowances can management how a lot we pack however we’ll often take two massive suitcases between the 4 of us. We attempt to not take greater than this as a result of it’s so troublesome to juggle suitcases, hand baggage, the journey stroller, automobile seats and two youngsters!
Right here’s my final child and toddler vacation packing checklist.
A few of these gadgets are for any vacation and there’s a bit for summer season holidays with gadgets particularly for the seashore, swimming pool and sizzling climate. We’ve all the time discovered that our youngsters cope surprisingly effectively with the warmth and it doesn’t hassle them practically as a lot because it bothers us, so don’t fear about packing too many fancy devices to maintain them cool!
Earlier than you start, I extremely advocate writing your personal ‘child vacation guidelines’ so you’ll be able to tick gadgets off as you pack them. This makes packing a lot sooner, means you will not overlook something and you are not tempted to overpack as a result of you realize you might have all the pieces you want in your guidelines.
Getting round when you’re on vacation
Pushchair
Even when you have an older toddler who not often makes use of a pushchair at residence, I nonetheless advocate taking one. Holidays can typically imply lengthy days, late nights and (if you happen to’re fortunate) afternoon naps within the shade, so a snug, reclining pushchair typically turns out to be useful.
A easy umbrella stroller will do the job, simply be certain that it has a big hood/cover to maintain your baby within the shade. We additionally prefer to have one which absolutely reclines and has a big procuring basket for all our seashore issues!
In the event you’re travelling with two little ones then I extremely advocate the Mountain Buggy Duet. It’s heavy to elevate and ponderous when folded but it surely’s a doddle to push, the seats are spacious and the pushchair isn’t too vast. You will get by means of a standard doorway and it additionally folds down in a single so it solely counts as one piece of child tools for the flight! Regardless of the additional bulk of this pushchair, we nonetheless take it on vacation with us as a result of we all know each the boys will nap in it and it may cope with sandy seashores, cobbled streets and tight areas in eating places.
One other pushchair I like for a single little one is the YOYO+ by Babyzen. It’s the one light-weight pushchair I’ve tried that may even comfortably carry a 4 yr previous (sure, I’ve a really lazy 4 yr previous and a 2 yr previous who insists on strolling!) It additionally folds down sufficiently small to be taken onboard the aircraft as cabin baggage or simply slipped into the footwell of a automobile, which is nice when you might have a tiny rent automobile full of suitcases! We even have the Silvercross Jet which is nice for travelling however I do discover the Babyzen to be higher because it’s a lot sturdier, simpler to fold and has a much bigger storage basket.
Learn extra: What’s the very best journey stroller?
Automobile seat
You may rent automobile seats once you arrive however they’re typically costly, the standard could be doubtful they usually’re typically only a bit grubby! We desire to take our personal seats as we all know how one can safely set up them.
It’s a bit awkward to juggle cumbersome automobile seats on the airport however we often simply battle and take our regular ones from residence.
If you wish to keep away from the battle then check out the Trunki BoostApak. It is solely appropriate from 15kg (which is often round 3 years previous) sufficiently small for a kid to hold it as a backpack, it may go on the aircraft as hand baggage and can be used on the aircraft and as a booster seat in eating places too.
For infants, I actually just like the Doona automobile seat/pushchair because it’s a carseat with wheels. It may’t change a pushchair because it doesn’t absolutely recline so that you shouldn’t hold a child in it for greater than two hours, but it surely’s very helpful for fast outings and whizzing across the airport. We had one and used it whereas all three of ours have been infants and we cherished it and travelled with it heaps! (It is also value noting that we used it for 3 youngsters, loaned it to three pals for his or her infants after which offered it for £150, so it actually does hold it is worth!)
Child provider
Child carriers are actually helpful for airports and planes so you’ll be able to have each of your fingers free when you might have a number of issues to hold! You may often hold your child in a provider once you undergo safety so it makes that tense a part of the airport somewhat simpler!
I just like the Izmi provider as a result of it folds away into somewhat pouch so is simple to pop into your altering bag.
Sleeping
Black out blind
A black out blind just like the Gro Anywhere Black Out Blind is especially helpful if you happen to’re travelling lengthy haul and your youngsters is likely to be affected by jetlag.
Pop up a blackout blind and cross your fingers that they’ll sleep for just a few further hours with out the sunshine pouring in by means of their window!
They’re helpful even if you happen to’re not coping with jetlag. The curtains at our condominium in Menorca weren’t nice and a darkish room undoubtedly makes bedtime routines somewhat simpler and you have extra likelihood of a lie-in!
I’d undoubtedly advocate getting the massive one over the small one. We’ve each and discover the small one is often too small.
Sunshade for pushchair
It’s additionally value getting a ventilated sunshade that goes over a pushchair, not simply an umbrella one however an elasticated cowl to go over the entire pushchair. One thing like a SnoozeShade is sensible!
It retains the pushchair cool, darkish and shaded and we’ve all the time discovered them to be nice once we’re going out for dinner with infants as they’re much less more likely to get up simply as your steak arrives! Simply be sure you get one which’s effectively ventilated.
Sleeping bag
We’ve all the time used GroBag sleeping luggage so having this cosy familiarity on vacation actually helps get the boys to sleep. The journey Grobags are nice for holidays as they’re good and funky and include actually cute vacation designs.
In addition they have area to make use of a 5-way harness so you’ll be able to put little ones into their Grobag after which safely strap them into their pushchair or automobile seat – making it very straightforward to later switch them to mattress whereas they’re sleeping and usually keep away from the faff of blankets.
For older youngsters you would possibly desire to make use of the Grorompers (that are completely lovely!) as these have legs in them, making it simpler in your little ones to stroll round in them.
Cot sheet
It’s value double checking however lodging suppliers not often provide you with bedding for cots. Simply don’t overlook to take them residence, I all the time find yourself leaving them!
I’ve had lots of people ask if you happen to ought to take your personal journey cot? We by no means do and I’ve by no means stayed wherever that doesn’t have a cot. It’s private selection however I discover a journey cot is a big and ponderous factor to journey with so we keep away from taking it at any time when doable.
Consuming and Consuming
Bibs
Go for a silicone wipe-clean bib so you should use the identical one in your complete vacation – and never come residence with a suitcase filled with soggy, dirty bibs!
Sippy cups
We use no-spill sippy cups such because the Munchkin 360 cups for ease whereas we’re travelling. These save the effort of spilt drinks on planes, in eating places and resort rooms!
Microwavable steriliser luggage
In the event you’re bottle feeding then I extremely advocate taking some microwavable steriliser bags to sterilise your bottles, dummies and perhaps plastic spoons too. It’s fast and straightforward and I’ve all the time discovered inns are pleased to do that within the resort kitchen.
Plastic tupperware
Little lunch boxes are particularly helpful if you happen to’re self catering to make it simpler to take sandwiches and snacks out with you for the day.
Even if you happen to’re not self catering, they’re nice if you happen to sneak just a few issues away from the breakfast buffet!
Seashore Time & Swimming Pool
Silicone buckets and spades
These are a brand new discover and I feel they’re wonderful. I’ve been attempting to cut back the quantity of plastic we waste so I’ve bought some silicone buckets and spades from Scrunch. We appear to purchase new buckets and spades each vacation however these ones are nice as a result of they received’t crack they usually can be squashed/rolled/folded into your suitcase in order that they’re not awkward to journey with.
Buckets and spades are vacation necessities for toddlers however you’ll be able to all the time decide some up once you arrive after which move them alongside to different youngsters once you’re leaving
Child’s wetsuits
In the event you’re going someplace the place the water will not be heat then I extremely advocate getting little wetsuits for toddlers. My youngsters all the time really feel the chilly and wetsuits assist them to play within the sea for somewhat longer.
I purchased those pictured beneath from Aldi however they seem to be a comparable value on-line.
Solar hats and sun shades
In the event you’ve tried to get your child to put on hats and glasses at residence they usually pull them straight off, don’t fear! We had the identical however each our boys would hold them on when it was really sizzling and sunny and the glasses made it simpler for them. Be sure you get flexible ones for infants to keep away from them being snapped. Our children have all had Babiators they usually’ve been nice!
And let’s be trustworthy, these little coronary heart formed Babiators would possibly simply be the cutest little issues ever! Babiators comes with a headstrap to maintain them on however when Alba was a child we discovered it best to maintain them on with a hat. She wore these little turbans when she was a child.
Sunscreen
I used to be all the time a agency believer that the most affordable sunscreen would do however since having youngsters I’ve modified my thoughts – I’ll purchase something if it means I can keep away from chasing them round attempting to use it!
We go for greaseproof sprays that soak up instantly. In the event you’re in search of SPF 50 then I like to recommend the Ambre Solaire Aerosol. These things must be on each toddler vacation necessities checklist! It is really easy to use and the sand-free formulation makes it straightforward to high up on the seashore.
I are inclined to slather my youngsters in cream within the morning after which contact up with an aerosol by means of the day.
Joseph likes to have a delicate cream for his face after a traumatic incident the place he sprayed himself straight within the eye and he’s been a bit nervous about sunscreen on his face ever since!
Journey Hack Tip: Make it a morning routine the place the entire household will apply sunscreen from head to toe earlier than getting dressed.
Sandals
Easy sandals that toddlers can get out and in of themselves will probably be excellent. My youngsters actually like Crocs and Dwelling Bargains often have faux Crocs with their favorite TV characters on them. They do like the lovable little Havaianas too however they’re fairly costly contemplating they’ll develop out of them so rapidly.
Pop-up seashore tent
OK, this is usually a cumbersome merchandise to journey with (though smaller than I assumed it might be!) however it may make a day on the seashore a lot simpler. A pop-up seashore tent is a lot better than an umbrella because it offers you with some shade, a spot to retailer your issues, an escape from the sand and somewhat den to maintain little ones pleased.
Journey Hack Tip: You may make a ‘seashore cot’ by digging a gap within the sand, inserting a towel over the outlet and inserting your seashore tent over the outlet. Then you definitely’ve bought a cosy, sand-free and funky spot for a child to sleep.
Swimming aids
That is going to be parental desire about whether or not you wish to use any inflatables or floats within the water. It additionally comes all the way down to the children too.
George received’t even have a look at the swimming pool with out his armbands on, a rubber ring, a life vest, goggles and about 15 layers of sunscreen! Joseph then again can strip his garments off and dive right into a pool in seconds.
My desire is a float vest (we like those from Splash About) and the children appear to love carrying them too. We paid about £20 for ours and all of our youngsters have used it and I am positive we’ll move it alongside to a different household once we’re completed with it.
Paddling pool
This would possibly sound like a bizarre one if you happen to’ll have entry to a swimming pool and the ocean! However a little paddling pool is nice if you happen to’re travelling with infants and toddlers – particularly when you have a couple of they usually can’t swim. Our boys can’t swim so it’s fairly tense being within the pool alone with them each!
You may place a paddling pool within the shade, sit close by and allow them to play.
It is also helpful for the seashore so infants can have a splash round and sit within the shade. It is also helpful to have some clear water to clean sandy infants!
Journey Hack Tip: Remember so as to add a rock into your paddling pool when your little one is not in it. If it does not have a lot water in it then it may blow away within the wind so simply!
Clothes
Easy outfits
I all the time attempt to hold vacation clothes so simple as doable. I’ll pack a handful of cotton shorts and an enormous stack of vibrant t-shirts (I just like the multipacks from Subsequent) then a great deal of pants and a hoodie and that’s just about it. As you’ll be able to see, your suitcase will probably be so filled with different issues that there isn’t lots of area for garments!
Regular PJs
Throughout our first few holidays I took little shorts and t-shirts for bedtimes however I’d forgotten than we’d had the air-con on at night time time so it’s not really that heat in a resort or condominium. Now I simply take their regular lengthy sleeve and lengthy legged PJs.
Journey Hack Tip: Don’t overlook that many inns and residences in sizzling international locations may have tile flooring so if you happen to’re baby is strolling keep away from onsies with slippy ft in them – until they’re the kind with sticky bits on the soles.
Different extras
Hand wash detergent for garments
In the event you’re brief on suitcase area then go away all the additional ‘simply in case garments’ at residence. Some days my youngest will get by means of 5 T-shirts in a day, however you’ll be able to’t pack 35 T-shirts for a 1 week vacation! As a substitute, take some detergent so you’ll be able to hand wash just a few gadgets within the resort sink. It’s unlikely you’ll want it but it surely saves you panic-packing each merchandise of clothes they personal.
In the event you’re staying in a villa or condominium then you definately’ll in all probability have a washer there so pack a few of your regular detergent (pods are best to journey with) to keep away from having to purchase an enormous field of detergent once you arrive. I additionally really feel very smug if I arrive residence with a suitcase full of unpolluted garments!
iPad or pill with a bumper case
It’s time to let your screen-time requirements slip on vacation!
A pill makes flights a lot simpler they usually’re additionally nice for night meals with toddlers. I’m positive we’d all love our youngsters to take a seat properly for each meal but it surely doesn’t all the time occur – particularly if you happen to’re in an all-inclusive resort and don’t have any choice however to have a later dinner than regular.
Journey Hack Tip: We’ve not too long ago found audiobooks for our boys and their pill is stuffed with Julia Donaldson books on Audible. If we go for a stroll within the night, they’ll each sit within the double pushchair with the hoods down and their seats reclined they usually’ll take heed to audiobooks till they go to sleep. I’m typically very jealous of their setup as a result of it appears to be like so cosy! It means we will then get pleasure from a fast sundown drink (in peace!) earlier than taking them again to the resort to mattress.
A enjoyable different to audiobooks is a Toniebox, an incredible child’s gadget and it is one thing my youngsters love! You may learn my Toniebox overview right here.
Comfy, unisex altering bag
I often go for a backpack altering bag that we’re each pleased to hold. OK, what I actually imply by that is ‘a bag Sam will carry as a result of it finally ends up actually heavy!’
I all the time use The Journey Hack Backpack
I additionally actually prefer to have a buggy organiser once we’re travelling. It is a pocket/bag that Velcro’s onto the pushchair handles for issues like our telephones and wallets, snacks, water bottles and moist wipes. It’s actually helpful and I extremely advocate getting one!
Child toiletries and prescription lotions in miniatures
Infants and toddlers use such tiny quantities of their toiletries that you simply undoubtedly received’t must take full dimension bottles, so decant your favourites into travel-sized bottles. You should buy travel-sized bottles from all high-street magnificence shops they usually have them in Primark too.
In the event you’re going to get lots of use out of them then I like to recommend shopping for some good high quality silicone ones as a result of a budget ones do crack after 2-3 years.
If in case you have any prescription lotions then they’ll often are available in huge bottles so decant these. My boys each have eczema and their cream comes within the largest, heaviest tubs possible! I all the time take some with me, despite the fact that their eczema all the time clears up inside a day or two of being on vacation.
It’s additionally value noting that I’ve struggled to search out Sudocrem (or something comparable) on holidays to Spain and Portugal so I all the time take some simply in case.
Inflatable duck
This inflatable duck has come on so many holidays with us and it rapidly turned certainly one of our vacation necessities for child!
I initially purchased it as a enjoyable inflatable for the swimming pool but it surely works as a child tub too. It’s nice for inns that don’t have showers or simply huge baths that may be tough with little infants. It additionally has a temperature gauge on it so that you’ll know if the water is simply too sizzling and it has a non-slip floor.
It’s value noting that you simply completely can’t go away a child or toddler alone with the duck as a result of it may tip over.
Child screens + plug adaptors
In the event you’re staying in an condominium or have a balcony/veranda at your resort then don’t overlook your child screens.
I do know most dad and mom wouldn’t sit too far-off anyway but it surely means you’ll be able to calm down with out listening to phantom crying and always saying, ‘Shhh, it’s that the child crying!?’ each time you hear a close-by little one (which may occur so much if you happen to’re in a family-friendly space!)
Remember plug adaptors in the event that they should be plugged in on the wall! I like these ones with USBs so you’ll be able to plug your cellphone and different units in with the child monitor.
Formulation
In case your child has particular formulation then I’d advocate taking that formulation with you. In the event you’re going to a vacation resort then you definately in all probability will have the ability to discover it once you arrive however there’s a danger you’ll solely discover native manufacturers and it might be costlier.
Journey Hack Tip: Take a small roll of sellotape with you (or plasters would work if you happen to’re taking them anyway) to tape down the lid if you happen to’ll be coming residence with leftover formulation. We as soon as had a formulation explosion in our suitcase and it was in all places!
Insect repellant for youngsters
I all the time pack some kid’s insect repellent however I actually simply attempt to keep away from being wherever with a number of mosquitoes at nightfall.
Pull ups
In the event you’ve bought a toilet-trained toddler who has the odd accident then contemplate taking some pull ups. It may be simpler for the aircraft and particularly helpful for nighttimes once you received’t have entry to scrub sheets. In the event you’ve bought an older little one who refuses to put on pull ups then contemplate getting some washable training pants. They’re not notably absorbent however they’re good for little accidents.
Toys
Don’t overlook that regardless of having a lot to do on vacation, your youngsters will in all probability get bored in some unspecified time in the future or will simply want just a few hours of quiet time in doorways. We all the time pack a bag full of little vehicles, lego males, plastic animals, duplo and so on. and we take it with us in all places we go!
What to purchase once you arrive
Regardless of this child and toddler packing checklist getting very, very lengthy, there are some things you’ll be able to go away at residence and decide up once you get there.
In the event you’re travelling on a package deal vacation then you definately’ll in all probability have a very beneficiant baggage allowance so that you would possibly wish to pack this stuff anyway however these are all very easy to select up once you arrive.
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Child meals
- Cow’s milk (I wouldn’t fancy travelling with cow’s milk!)
- Snacks
Issues to go away at residence
There are just a few further belongings you may need seen on different child packing lists for holidays. I’ve tried a few of them and these are those I don’t charge.
- Moveable excessive chairs – it’s simpler to feed them of their pushchair if there is no such thing as a the place else
- Headphones for infants and younger toddlers – George would put on these from round age 3 however we’ve discovered infants and younger toddlers received’t hold them on
- A potty – They study to make use of the bathroom fairly rapidly once they realise it’s their solely choice.
- Stair gates – A really cumbersome merchandise and it’s simpler to only hold an in depth eye in your youngsters
- Altering mat – Private desire however we simply use a towel once we journey
- Trunki suitcase – They’re fairly small they usually simply get in the best way
- Plastic cutlery – We use this at residence however the youngsters are pleased to make use of steel teaspoons whereas we’re away
- Breast pump – I’ve all the time packed mine and by no means used it as I’m with the children 24/7 in any case so it’s simpler simply to breastfeed them. Breastfeeding on a aircraft sounds a bit daunting but it surely’s really the very best!
- Common sink plug – I’ve seen lots of vacation packing lists embody a common sink plug so you’ll be able to tub a child within the sink or use it to clean garments. However I can actually say I’ve by no means stayed wherever the place the washbasin doesn’t have already got a plug!
Learn extra
Since penning this weblog put up we have had one other child! I’ve written about what it is prefer to have 3 youngsters right here.
You may examine my suggestions for what to pack in your stick with it (the grownup model!) and solutions for a toddler stick with it packing checklist!
My final information to travelling with a new child.
In the event you’re actually brief on area in your baggage then you definately would possibly wish to try the VAGO Baggage Compressor to squeeze the air out of your garments and make more room.
