Packing List: Essentials for Travel with Kids

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Here’s a guide to what I typically pack for travel with my two kids:

Clothing

For a short trip, one change of clothing for each person per day + 2 extra shirts each. On a long trip, I would bring 5 outfits + 2 shirts & plan to do laundry on the road. Patterned clothes and dark colors wear longer than whites. Plan to dress in layers when possible rather than bringing bulky sweaters.
3 pair of PJs per child (somehow sleepwear always seems to take a beating when we travel)
Something for me to sleep in & a separate pair of sweatpants (I cannot tell you how many times I end up needing something delivered or slipping out with the kids early in the morning & not wanting to get fully dressed)
A jacket for each person
One pair of shoes per person & one pair of socks per day of the trip (max 5 pair). If you plan to do a lot of walking, bring an extra pair of shoes.

Cosmetics

My cosmetics, toothpaste, glasses, extra contacts (and prescription)
A separate “cosmetics” bag for the kids with emergency items like infant Tylenol, nose drops, ipecac, powdered Pedialyte (or Electrolyte Strips), sunscreen, etc. I keep this packed so that I don’t forget anything. Double check expiration dates before you go, and write your child's dose on the bottle with a sharpie. You don’t ever want to be trying to find an open drugstore in a strange city in the middle of the night.

Baby Essentials

5 diapers per child per day. For trips longer than 5 days, I bring 2-3 days worth of diapers and plan to buy more at my destination or have Amazon ship diapers ahead to your destination.
One full package of wipes. If your child requires a particular brand, you may want to bring enough for your entire trip.
A sling if you use one and a lightweight, compact umbrella stroller
Getting around on public transportation is really difficult with a big bulky stroller. If you have an expensive stroller, consider bringing a cheaper one. Most airlines do not pay for damage to checked or gate checked strollers. If you are comfortable with a sling, you might also try a supportive sling, like the Ergo Baby Carrier
Bottles and/or Sippies plus microwave sterilizing bags. If your child does not drink well from a cup, at least two bottles or sippies (one to be dirty and one to be clean). Sippy cups are not widely available in Europe (and bottle brands may be different than what your child is used to) so bring what you think you'll need.
A couple packages of favorite snack foods (especially if we’re traveling to Europe where transportable toddler snacks aren’t as available) plus a little baby food to get me started (I’ll buy more on arrival). If you have special needs (e.g. lactose free or dairy free formula) consider bringing enough for your entire trip (Soy formula can be difficult to find in Europe). Note that if you are traveling outside of your home country, you probably will not be able to bring fresh fruit, vegetables or meat products with you through customs, but most countries do allow packaged products in their original packaging.
Plastic Diaper Disposal Sacks (there is no Diaper Genie in the hotel room, so you’ll want to contain the smell!)

Utility

Powdered oxy and laundry detergent in separate ziplocks in case we dirty more clothing than I planned. Oxy and fragrance free laundry detergent can be difficult to find in Europe.
A few ziplock bags of various sizes. They always come in handy at some point.

Comforts

A few toys for the hotel room. You probably won't spend a lot of waking time in the hotel, and you'll have some toys in your airplane carryon, so you don't need much. Here is a list of our Favorite Travel Toys
Three to Five paperback children’s books (we read 3 books as part of our bedtime ritual. Bringing 5 allows for some choice & variation. We almost always end up buying a few new children's books when we travel, so it's good to start out light on books.
A lovey, plus a spare (or two) if possible. Each of my children has a blanket that they love. I bring 3 for each of them (1 to be clean, 1 to be in use, and 1 to be dirty) The blankets tend to get more use when we’re travelling as the kids need a little extra security.
An iPod and speakers or music on my laptop

Related Links:
Gear and Travel Toys for Traveling With Kids

Comments

Melanie
April 2, 2008 at 8:56 a.m.

I've been searching for lists like these! Thank you!
EllenRebekah
April 26, 2008 at 9:28 p.m.

My daughter was born in Norway and we traveled internationally back to Maryland when she was 3 mo old. At that age it wasn't hard. I hope to go back to visit this summer and I imagine it will be a lot different traveling with a 2.5 yr old. I have an Ergo and plan to take that and no stroller, especially since we have a wonderful but large Quinny Speedie SX. I am really interested in something like the Baby Sherpa for a travel bag but I'm not sure how that would work out with the Ergo. One on front, one back?? Both have the large straps and sternum/high back strap.
Debbie
April 26, 2008 at 9:55 p.m.

When D was one I traveled with the Ergo on the front and the Baby Sherpa on the back and although I felt a little like a sandwich it worked fine. At 2.5 years, your daughter would be quite a bit heavier... are you still able to carry her comfortably on the front?
Christy
May 10, 2008 at 8:29 p.m.

Hi, I have the same concern about whether or not to bother with a stroller in Europe. We are going to be in Italy (Venice and Siena) for the majority of our trip but will also be taking a cruise with ports of call in Croatia, Turkey, and Greek Isles. My duaghter is 2.5 years and 30 pounds. Should I get an Ergo (I've never tried one but think a neighbor has one that I can try) or a framed backpack carrier? I've traveled a lot in the US with her umbrella stroller but don't know if it's worth it with exploring old cities and ruins. Thanks you, I love your website!
Debbie
May 12, 2008 at 1:12 p.m.

Christy,

First of all, have a wonderful trip. Your itinerary sounds fantastic.

This is a tough question. Venice is one of the least stroller friendly cities I can imagine (lots of stairs and bridges) and you would definitely want an alternative carrier there. I don't have first hand experience with the other cities you are visiting. The best way to get an idea of how stroller friendly they are is to check the "wheelchair accessibility" section of a guidebook. If you do bring a stroller, make sure it's sturdy and will hold up to the abuse of cobblestone streets (or Maclaren has been a real workhorse!)

We love our Ergo, but with a 2.5 year old you might be reaching its limit for comfortable long distance walking. Take a walk around the block with your friend's Ergo and see how you feel.

Frame backpacks are great at supporting heavier children comfortably, but they are also bulkier and can't be stowed in a backpack when not in use (though they often include a backpack where you can keep your other items for the day). One advantage to this type of carrier is that you can remove the backpack without taking the child out. This lets you put on a jacket or sit down in a restaurant, without disturbing a sleeping child. This type of backpack can also double nicely as a high-chair.

We are happy with our REI Piggyback carrier and often use it for hiking. It has an optional sun/rain cover:
http://www.rei.com/product/705789?vca...

Kelty Kids makes a backpack / stroller combo that could be very useful. I don't have personal experience with it, but it does have good reviews on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UT...

Here is a link to all the child carrier backpacks Amazon sells
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UT...

Whatever carrier you buy, make sure your child can sleep comfortably in it. Naptime is your time to see quiet museums, enjoy a nicer restaurant, or just relax.

REI stores are a great place to try different carriers in person and they're generally happy to let you wander the store with your child in the carrier so that you can decide which one is most comfortable.

Good luck!
Debbie
Michelle
May 27, 2008 at 10:24 p.m.

Hello! This is a great site with so many helpful information. We plan on taking our baby to Seattle in a couple of months and want to leave the carseat at home. How do you suggest we get from the airport to our hotel upon our arrival (and vice versa when departing)? I appreciate any tips!

Regards,
Michelle
Debbie
May 28, 2008 at 10:45 p.m.

Until the light rail link to downtown is completed next year, the easiest thing to do is to use a car service that provides a child safety seat. In general, the car service is no more expensive than a taxi (and sometimes less since they charge a flat rate that does not increase if you hit traffic)

We've used Airman Transporation in the past. Their phone number is 206-762-3511. You will need to book in advance and request the car seat at the time of booking. I always call the day before to reconfirm both the car and the carseat.

Good luck! I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Kimberly
August 11, 2008 at 8:43 p.m.

Do I need a carseat in Paris if I have a carservice take us to and from the airport? I plan on taking at least one bus tour. I can't seem to find any regulations on the laws in France. Thanks!
Debbie
August 11, 2008 at 9:02 p.m.

I haven't been able to find an English version of the French car seat laws that is detailed enough to tell me whether there is an exemption for rental cars. There may be, but whatever the law is, it is no safer to put our child in a car without a car seat in Paris than it is in the US. The ride from the airport into town is fairly long and much of it is on the highway, and I would not recommend doing it without a car seat.

Here are a couple of other suggestions
1) use the train
2) use the car service recommended in our paris tips - they'll provide a seat. Make sure that you tell them the age and size of your child so that they can provide the right type of seat.
http://www.deliciousbaby.com/travel/f...
3) if your child is old enough, you could bring a "ride safer travel vest" for car rides
4) you can use a sit'n'stroll (and then you would have a carseat for taxis too

busses are a different story because many do not have a seatbelt (and therefore you cannot install a safety seat. You would have to check with the tour company for details though...

I hope this helps,
Debbie
Michelle
August 22, 2008 at 10:01 a.m.

You could try Babelfish (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/) to translate the French information into English. The translation can be spotty for very technical language, but I've found it better than relying on my high-school french :)
Laurel
http://www.carrymeaway.com/slinglady
May 13, 2009 at 4:18 p.m.

Love this post! I especially love your recommendations for the ERGO baby carrier, which I always bring, along with a Kangaroo Korner Adjustable pouch for getting cuddly and hanging at the airport.
lucinda
May 19, 2009 at 7:29 p.m.

thanx so much i am going to state sports and i am panicked about what to bring
Punta Cana Mom
http://puntacanamom.blogspot.com/
June 8, 2009 at 12:40 p.m.

Here is some official govt information on car seats (siege auto) in France:
See page 2
http://www2.securiteroutiere.gouv.fr/...

Here is another summary (similar) that could be run through an auto-translater:
http://www.beauty-frenchtouch.com/mam...
Aida R
June 13, 2009 at 10:28 p.m.

Hi Debie,

Great site! Thank you! I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind.

We are going to Europe for 2 weeks with our 4.5 years old and we cannot decide if we should take a large roller bag, or two carry-ons (we tend to travel as light as possible, do laundry, etc., and will have a laptop backpack).

We are also debating to take an umbrella stroller or not. We hardly use a stroller anymore, but given how much we may walk there, it may not be a bad idea...

Any insights? Thank you!!