Many parents will agree that packing for traveling with toddlers is the most stressful part of a trip. It’s not always easy to decide what is essential and what is not. Every child and trip is different and the more little ones you have the more complicated it becomes. Here are 10 packing tips for traveling with toddlers that have helped make packing and flying less hectic for me.

PREPARATION IS KEY

So as you go through your mental list of everything your child will need, make an actual list that you can check off. I had always just done it off the top of my head and, of course, always ending up forgetting things I needed so for this trip I took the time to make an actual list and checked items off as I packed. Seems tedious and time consuming but it’s much easier than standing around going through a mental list and hoping you really did pack everything.

Every trip is different so think ahead and plan out the obvious outfits your kids will need. Going on a beach vacation will require a much different packing list than if you are going away for a snowy retreat.

Unless you will be doing laundry on your trip, pack more than one outfit a day per child. Also, bring pieces that can be mixed and matched so you get the most outfits out of the least amount of clothing.

PAJAMAS

The one thing I almost always forget to pack for myself are pajamas! Don’t forget your little ones pajamas, especially their favorite ones, and remember to pack at least 1-2 long sleeve pajamas even if you are going on a Caribbean getaway because after being out in the sun all day sometimes the hotel rooms feel extra cold.

SHOES

Again, think ahead. Will your toddler need snow boots or water shoes? Attending a special event where they’ll need more formal shoes? Maybe rain boots? You get it. Think about this specific trip so you don’t forget anything essential. Also, make sure to pack 1-2 comfortable pairs of footwear for whatever activities you decide to embark on.

DIAPERS

Our little ones are both potty trained (insert celebratory music of your choice) so I will only be packing a couple diapers for bedtime for just in case. If you have the space, pack more diapers than you think you will need but if you are looking to pack as little as possible then you can just pack diapers for the day and buy the rest at your destination. Depending on where you are going, don’t forget to pack water diapers as well.

BABY WIPES

Do not forget the baby wipes. Lots of them. Baby wipes can be used for so many different purposes and this is certainly not something you don’t want to have access to on the plane or, as a matter of fact, any other time during your trip.

TOILETRIES

Hotels will provide you with basic adult toiletries but not for your little ones. Don’t forget to pack the specific essentials they need, if any, for their skin and care care. Also, always pack a diaper cream even if they don’t wear diapers anymore. You never know when they might get a sudden rash and diaper cream will come in super handy.

ENTERTAINMENT

If they have a favorite blanket, do not forget it! If not, then let them pick out a stuffed animal or toy so they can have something to keep them entertained on the plane, train and/or car ride to your destination.

For this trip, I bought a 2-pack set of Mpow headphones. Colorful and made for toddlers and young kids they even have a safety volume limit. On our flight to Dominican Republic they both got comfy and enjoyed a whole 20 minutes of their movie before they fell asleep for the rest of the flight!

SNACKS

Unless you are flying first class (lucky you) you will most likely only get a small snack mid-flight but since toddlers and little kids aren’t the most patient or understanding, it’s a good idea to have crackers or any snack that they can easily have access to and that will keep them calm and occupied for a bit.

MEDICINE & SAFETY

When traveling with toddlers and kids in general, carrying a mini pharmacy with you is usually a good idea. Your list will look different but just so you have an idea, this is my list:

• Baby Tylenol and Motrin

• Baby Pepto Bismol chewable tablets

• Vaporub (not only because I’m Latina but because it’s so useful)

• Honey Cough Syrup (in case they get a cough or sore throat)

• Thermometer

• BeKOOOL fever cooling patches

• Bug Repellant

• Sunscreen

• Nail Clipper

• couple of bandaids

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENT

This one isn’t a packing tip, more of a general reminder to notify your hotel either when you book your stay or a couple of weeks before your arrival if you will need a crib for your baby or toddler. I’m going to say it again, preparation is key! You don’t want to arrive and have no crib or an uncomfortable sleeping situation because you didn’t explain your needs beforehand.

TRAVEL PACKING LIST

I already mentioned this one but now go through this list one more time, with pen and paper in hand so you can make an actual list of the things that you will need to pack. Check them off only once they are actually packed.

Hope these tips help make your packing process less of a headache and your trip as stress-free as possible. Safe travels!

You may also enjoy: Two Under Two: Vacation Tips and Travel Guide to Costa Rica: Pura Vida.