Christmas break is almost here and if you are planning to head out of town for a few days we are here to help! The one thing you need to remember (and I am sure parents all over the world 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 7 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. 
Image Source: http://static.theglobeandmail.ca/ 1. Start with the 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). Toddlers: Extra pair of clothes in your bag, toilet seat if potty trained, wipes, diapers (just in case), a game/toy they like, a new toy (something they will look forward to), a pair of socks, biscuits or finger food for sudden hunger pangs. 2. Must have a separate toiletry kit for the kids: 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, 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, tongue cleaner all go in here. And don't forget to add one small pouch for the hair accessories, comb/brush. 3. Prepare 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, cotton swabs. Double check expiration dates on all medicines. If you are traveling with an infant, it is always a good idea to carry a copy of their medical record along. 4. Add comfort items: 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. 5. Carry enough food: Make sure you choose snack items which are non messy and last long without any refrigeration like a trail mix recipe 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. For more travel snack ideas, here are 7 wonder foods that moms carry when they are travelling. 6. Pack what they will wear: When travelling with kids, as thumb rule pack two outfits per day as kids tend to get dirty easily. Check on the weather before hand 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, tshirts, bottoms, 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. 7. For the feet: Good walking shoes and a pair of slippers should be good. 8. Important travel related documents: like passport, 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 image to download and print a checklist of things you need to pack when travelling with kids . 
Read our post for more tips on how to travel light with kids Wish you a safe journey! Image Source: http://tinytimes.com/
Nandita Pai
Mansi Zaveri
KSP Team
Parul Gupta
