Travelling with children is no child’s play. But don’t let the never ending task list overwhelm you and make you think twice about travelling. Go for it!
As a parent who loves to travel, I can’t tell you enough about the experiences you and the children will enjoy and cherish with every travel. With just a few trips and tricks, you can ace their travel game too!
The one thing you need to remember (and I am sure parents worldwide will agree) is that planning is sacrosanct. Plan well in advance. Packing lists are your friends. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
So here are some must-haves in your packing list when you travel with children. You can even download and print this checklist at the end of the post.
Essentials
Babies:
5-7 Diapers per day (bring along enough for 3-4 days and plan to buy there), burp cloths, extra baby wipes, extra set of clothes, formula milk, milk bottles (just 2-3 should be enough as you can always wash and reuse). If you are looking for perfect cloth diapers to pack for your travel, click here.
Watch the video to learn this cool onesie hack which will help save space in the diaper bag.
Toddlers:
Extra pair of clothes in your bag, toilet seat if potty trained wipes, diapers (just in case), a game or toy they like, a new toy (something they will look forward to), a pair of socks, biscuits or finger food for sudden hunger pangs.
Toiletry Kit
When packing toiletries for kids or yourself use ziplock bags to avoid any spillovers, opt for travel-size packaging, and go for 2 in 1 products to avoid carrying too many things. A head-to-toe wash which can be used as a shampoo and a body wash works well, hand and body lotions, and a laundry wash which can be used both for washing clothes and baby bottles. Make sure the things you pack do double duty.
This kit should also contain items for oral hygiene packed in a separate ziplock bag. So toothbrush, toothpaste, and tongue cleaner all go in here. And don’t forget to add one small pouch for the hair accessories, comb/brush.
Be Prepared For Emergencies
So put all the first aid items in a separate bag especially baby medicines which you cannot get without a doctor’s prescription. Carry a travel thermometer, nasal sprays, diaper rash cream, baby vapor rub, a few bandaids, and cotton swabs. Double-check expiration dates on all medicines. If you are travelling with an infant, it is always a good idea to carry a copy of their medical record along.
Also do check out this. Dr Manajri Rao shares what she ALWAYS carries when she leaves the house – all things from her kitchen and she also has a few hacks to share.
Comfort Essentials
Toys to entertain them, books, and a baby blanket that they can’t do without. When travelling with an infant, I find a baby sling/carrier helps me keep my hands free for other things.
Carry The Right Food
Make sure you choose snack items which are non-messy and last long without any refrigeration like a trail mix (check video below) which is healthy and keeps you and the kids fuelled on long travel days. Also, pack something you know your child will definitely enjoy. Finger foods are excellent not just as snacks but also to keep them busy on long flights.
Choose Comfort Over Style
When travelling with kids, as thumb rule pack two outfits per day as kids tend to get dirty easily. Check on the weather beforehand and carry clothes accordingly. You could also check for laundry services at the hotel you will stay in to cut back on packing clothes further. Your packing list for clothes should have 5 to 6 pairs of socks, underwear, sleepwear, t-shirts, bottoms, and clothes like jeans and trousers that you can use more than once. Also, think about clothes you can layer. Try to take dark, patterned clothes as they will work better than light, white colour clothes. Good walking shoes and a pair of slippers should be good. Don’t choose stylish heels or footwear that’s all jazzy than comfortable especially when you travel.
Important Travel Related Documents
Make sure you pack the right documents like passport, visa letters, consent letter from non-travelling parent if you are travelling international solo (required in certain countries), health insurance documents, vaccination records, medical prescriptions.
Click on the images below to download and print a checklist of things you need to pack when travelling with kids.
Dr Barkha Chawla
Mansi Zaveri
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