11 Things NOT to forget when Traveling with Kids: Babies, Toddlers and all in between – A Must Read!
This essential list of essential things Not to Forget when Traveling with Kids was first published on 31st Oct 2016. We have updated it and made some fab additions, enjoy.
We attended a wedding the past weekend and we met a family that flew in from Africa with their children…The mom was exhausted and really just wanted to have her kip. She told us she forgot the baby’s pacifier and comforter plus a few other bits! And therefore, had a nightmare flight…Have you ever gone through that? Then you an relate!
Reminded us of them days when our children were little and that is what inspired this post: Things not to forget when travelling with children of different ages!
Doesn’t matter whether it’s a road trip, long train journey or flight to Los Angeles, travelling with children can be either a ton of fun…or an exhausting experience!
What’s the fun bit?
Their contagious excitement and sheer exuberance when they see new things. You too get to see these things through their eyes… it is priceless.
Of course, short of packing the whole kitchen sink and bathroom cabinet, there are some things you must have with you when you travel with little ones. Simply because they are a big deal in a small body, in our lives while they are still young! Therefore, forgetting essential supplies when you are traveling with them can quickly turn a long-awaited dream family vacation into a nightmare of Goliathan proportions! Ask any mom or papa who has gone through this…
You don’t want to miss anything to avoid any tantrums or troublesome behaviour on your journey. You must thus plan and to start off you must have a packing list and we got you covered on that front with a list of over 115 items! Plus we shares what you may need in your Travel First Aid kit too! Yet believe it or not, kids have some extra demands. 🙂
Therefore, in order for you to enjoy your vacation, we have researched and from personal experiences, come up with a resource. An essential checklist of things not to forget when traveling with kids.
Essential checklist of things not to forget when #traveling with kids. #traveltuesday Click To Tweet
#1. Don’t Forget their Entertainment.
Children love routine however much they resist it when at home, they love to fall back on that when they are in unfamiliar surroundings. So, make sure you don’t forget their comforter, colouring book, pencils or crayons and soft toy.
If you are traveling with a teething baby a pacifier will be heaven-sent, for toddlers, you could even bring their favorite cartoon movie downloaded on your smartphone or tablet…! Yes, even babies have gone digital. I see so many toddlers who love Peppa Pig and will happily settle down to watch the same episode over and over, singing along…Mama Bliss!
By the way, as soon as our children could each carry their own lil back pack from the age of 4, they carried their entertainment. I remember they had Tweenies ones…Our son still has his Milo bag, won’t let it go! Our daughter had a Bella one, she wrecked it with chocolate lol…!
On that note, teach your children to travel light. Only allow them to pack a couple of toys, incl. a soft toy. Preferably not their favorite one, (if they loose it, there could be mayhem – heartbreak!) Then download their favorite digital games and kids’ entertainment on your tablet/Phone, let it be the play centre!
#2. The Kid or Pet – OMG has it happened to you?
One time, we were heading off to London with friends. They set off ahead in their car. The kids had chosen to Go in “Aunt’s cool Beemer with Back seat DVD Players!” We didn’t know their little boy decided he wasn’t going anywhere without his best friend…Winnie the Poo!
Our daughter had gone back inside to go find Winnie for him. Thinking everyone was in the cars, we too got ready to set off. Checking the side-mirror before driving off, Paul saw our daughter running down the drive, dragging the little boy with her!
She had also left the door wide open too! We laughed about it for miles, inside we were thanking God, Phew!
Yes, we can imagine you thinking, how awful, bad parents etc…(Don’t judge, just don’t forget the children, when travelling with them lol).
Same goes for your pet Chihuahua lol! What we are saying here is nothing is as important as your loved ones, So don’t forget them!
Nothing is as important as your loved ones, So don’t forget them! #traveltips #travelpacking Click To Tweet
#3. Don’t forget the Documents.
Did you know that children under 2 years old can travel free on some flights as long as you carry them on your lap? Our children travelled extensively before the age of 2…Simply because they could go free. 🙂
Lots of parents don’t know this. Thing is, some airlines may ask for proof of age. More so if your little one looks kinda big for their age. Honestly it’s not common, but don’t assume your word will be taken as gospel.
So, bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate as well. Of course, in addition to your immunisation cards if traveling to some destinations that require certain jabs to be taken prior to travel.
Do not forget your tickets and passports for air travel, definitely on the list of things to pack when traveling anywhere!
#4. They tend to wear their food – Don’t Forget a Set of Spare Clothes.
Kids will be kids, esp. if they are learning to feed themselves. You will definitely find they end up wearing their food. So, if you wish to arrive at your destination with a smart insta-worthy toddler instead of a lil cheeky monkey. (Bless) This is an essential part of things not to forget when traveling with kids!
With toddlers, you can’t tell when a tantrum is coming on either, as travel can be stressful on them too. They will say the darnedest things to total strangers!
You see they like to appear a lil older than they are. That’s why they insist on DIY so they spill stuff and could do so on the helpful or nearby passenger! So, having a spare set of clothes and also tissues will come in handy! Plus, one can never have enough underwear, in Julie’s view anyways! :p
By the way, airports and most airlines tend to have the air conditioning on, which can get a wee bit cold. If you have a few hours’ transit, you too may need a set of warmer clothing including a cardigan, scarf, jacket, underwear and warm socks. For the little ones, this is doubly important unless you wish to spend your trip cleaning up snot, sick and checking temperatures! To avoid this…
Always ask for extra blankets as you get on or Off that long-haul flight. Ask the nice smiling air stewards for some. On some airlines, they even run out of those. Wrap your little ones up, it will help them settle down too!
The reason you ask for some blankets when disembarking off a flight, is to wrap up warm as you wait in transit for your next flight. More so if you have a few hrs to kill before the next one!
If you are traveling by road pack extra light blankets and scarves. It does get cold in most places at night. Your children will be kept warm up in the back as you drive.
We once got stuck on the M6 from a London bank holiday get away! 🙁 Our car had a mechanical problem and wouldn’t go beyond 20 miles/hour. It took us 8.5 hrs to get to Liverpool (normally takes 3.5 -4 hrs!) Fortunately our children were happily in la-la land most of this time. Cosy in the extra blankets we had packed!
Short of packing the whole kitchen sink and bathroom cabinet, there are some must haves when you travel
#5. Germs Alert – Hand Sanitizer and Baby Wipes!
We aren’t fear mongers; this is a fact of life!
And while our children are now teenagers and can travel solo. We never let them go anywhere without these items! You cannot imagine the number of germs we touch along our travels on: hand rails, escalator guards, doors, seats etc. So, wipe them hands clean, wipe flight seats and tables. Squirt some hand sanitizer all over your hands before you eat anything!
Wipe that small flight table before you put your food or snacks on it! All you need is a 100ml hand sanitizer bottle.
Wipe that small flight table before you put your food or snacks on it! #travelwellness #traveltuesdays Click To Tweet
You can also use wipes to wipe down the toilet seat before use!
I don’t know about yours, but teenagers are as bad as toddlers. They never wash their hands after using the loo…Enter baby wipes and Antibacterial Gel before snacks or food, potential problems averted!
RECOMMENDED: ULTIMATE SMART TRAVEL CHECKLIST
#6. Empty bottle and plastic tumbler
Not for peeing in, aw shucks lol. Simply because those airport water fountains are too high for a thirsty toddler, yet you can fill an empty bottle for them, from the fountain! Which you are allowed to carry through airport security.
The tumbler is for the same use, and for serving them some juice or drink! Creatures of habit remember? If your child is a finicky eater, having a drink in a familiar tumbler or glass can help you get over that on a long journey!
#7. Okay Vacation police hang fire – Homework!
Let’s also talk about older children. Like 6-15 yrs. old. You are going on a long trip, or flight and they have homework to hand in or keep on top of when they get back. Why not use the travel time to get that done and catch up?
In fact, all children of reading age can catch up with their reading on a trip. You can join in the fun and help them learn too.
We’re not saying children should do homework while on holiday. No, it’s their time off too. But to and from the holiday, Yes, absolutely they should. You can even check the homework so all is done when you get home as well! Two birds, one stone.
Just be sure it is packed. One of the things not to forget when traveling with kids in term time, esp. on the return trip. You will have tears if they did all that good work and lost the book somewhere in Punta Cana!
#8. Preparation is Key
Yes, on the list of things not to forget when traveling with kids over the age of 4 is preparation. Clichéd as it is, success is 90% preparation.
Clichéd as it is, success is 90% preparation. #traveltips #traveltuesdays Click To Tweet
Our son was not prepared for seeing live baby animals when we went to our farm on a Christmas vacation. He wanted to bring the little piglets into the car with us, and said they needed bathing, feeding and put to sleep…in bed. He wouldn’t let them be! Lots of squealing from them and mama piggy!
Have you had a screaming child who doesn’t understand that his favorite toy animal is real and has its own space! And when you fly back home and he’s inconsolable for leaving them behind! Even though we bought him a soft piggy toy…! Then he was frightened that the toy had to go on the conveyor thru security and he simply wasn’t having it…!
While we never anticipated all this, it’s important to explain what could happen ahead of time, to your little ones!
We had to explain that Milo and piggy were safe on a conveyor belt. If you prepare your children as much as you can, you will not have an upset little one for half of your vacation!
#9. 2 Days Pack Rule – Diapers and Nail clippers
Okay we’re not weirdos, seriously have you ever bought diapers in an airport. We did once and we felt ripped off. Yes $28 for a pack of 20 diapers…! They cost under £7 in our local supermarket! Ouch.
Definitely, you want to have enough to last at least 2 days. Just in case your sweet little one’s belly disagrees with airport snacks, flight/hotel food etc…! Yes, some airlines may have some on board, but if they don’t then what? If you have a baby/toddler these are essentials on the list of things not to forget when traveling with kids!
Nail clippers and scissors. Why?
Well why not…You want to avoid equipment that you don’t know, in case you need to clip some nails or other bits! You will need these on your travels with children believe it or not. Yes…that’s our excuse and we are sticking to it! 😉
#10. Sun hat, Cream and Baby powder huh!
Paul and I grew up in Africa, all our young lives. We never got sun burn. What is sun cream or after sun spray? And who worries about burning and cracking in Africa anyway? Bigger things to think about like food, shelter, school fees etc. Yet ever heard that:
“Black don’t crack…! Well that’s crap”
Black people do burn and crack lol. When we moved to UK we realized how true this is. Brings to mind when we visited Marmaris, Turkey. We all burned real bad and our skin peeled for weeks after. It was painful in parts and itchy…Ouch! We’ve never gone anywhere hot without sun cream ever again!
So, do take your 30+ factor sun cream and hats, use them religiously. Our GP explained that European sun is quite different from African sun…Huh! That was news to us…yet our skins agreed with him. The sun hat also protects your children’s eyes and scalp from burning!
Baby powder is awesome for keeping your clothes off your skin, and stop you feeling all sticky in hot temperatures. You get to smell great too-ish! lol
Baby powder is awesome for keeping your clothes off your skin! #travelwithkids #traveltips Click To Tweet
#11. Gum, Mints and Candy – Ssshhh for the bribes!
Yes, sometimes a parent’s gotta stoop to bribery! As a reward for good behaviour and even as a soother. Them candies will come in handy! The mints do help with fresher breath for adults too…! They are also great ice breakers with your flight mate! Well it’s our excuse for advocating for these teeth destroyers!
Plus, if you suffer from “exploding ears” on take-offs and landings, you will be grateful for the gum and candy! Suck and chew away as hard as you can, it will help reduce that painful pressure in your ears!
Final words on things Not to forget when traveling with kids:
Ultimately, you know your baby, toddler, child, what they need and don’t need. So, don’t sweat it, you got this! You could decide to buy some basics at your destination to save on weight! Although, you face the possibility of finding your resort miles away from anywhere and you pay thru the nose in the hotel shop if they do stock what you need!
It’s essential that you don’t forget your children’s prescriptions in case you ever need to get some meds without visiting an A & E. Better still check out our natural remedies to pack on your travels!
With that said, lighten up have fun, neither you nor the little ones will be harmed for leaving a pacifier or pair of socks at home! So if you do forget them, simply breath and say it is well! Give them a piece of chicken bone….it does same job… 🙂
This list is for guidance only. Download it 100% Free below if you are a newbie traveller or forget stuff lots!
So did you enjoy our essential list of Things NOT to Forget when travelling with kids for vacation? We sure hope so for we know just how much we all love peace and fun while away from home! We want to you to See, Do and Be More, stress free! If you did enjoy, by all means do Pin this Post, Like and also Share on Social Media…
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Helpful post. Traveling with kids is a bit challenging because they are sometimes so grumpy and gets irritated on a long journey so I carry my iPad so that my children can kill their time and enjoy the trip. Keep sharing such posts.
Hey Kanika,
Thanks for stopping by. When our children were little we didnt have tablets 😉 Today they are world travellers and take their own! That said we agree with you on helping them whole away the long flight hours!
Great info, I forgot a spare outfit once on a flight and it was the one time my son got sick on an overnight flight and threw-up everywhere. I triple check that I have outfit changes now lol. These are all must-haves.
Wow T,
that must have been pure panic for you. A sick child and no change of clothes. Thanks for that addition! 🙂
Check on all things! We’re traveling again and I’m just done packing. 🙂
Oh my gosh, YES to the sanitizer and wipes. Especially when you go somewhere where you and the kids have to touch a lot of grimy things like a zoo or amusement park.
For us, it’s fooodddd! Aside from the fact that their stuff makes up the most of our luggage, there’s toys, books, and fooood… There’s a whole bag for food only. ha ha My youngest gets hungry quote often, so she needs to eat. When she gets bored, she also likes to munch on something.
Hahahaa Sigrid,
Our son is ALWAYS hungry and so he eats. We have a similar challenge 🙂 So we pack things !
This is a great list! I’m sharing with my children and I think grandma will carry a few items when I travel with grandchildren too.
Awww the grandchildren will love Grandma 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Very helpful list for new parents! Preparation is definitely key and by God don’t forget to pack the entertainment! 🙂
I really the idea of teaching the child to travel light. thanks a lot for sharing the information.
It is the only way to have room to bring back a piece of your destination Puneet 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
We are always traveling with my daughter. She’s already 13.Good that she knows what to pack everytime we travel. I don’t have the list of what to bring. You have a great list. Thanks for sharing. I need to copy some of your list that I probably need for our next travel.
Hey Marie,
Your little one is doing great packing for herself. We have taught ours to do the same 🙂 More fun then!
These are awesome tips. It is better to be prepared always. But i should add another last tip – never forget the kids. Coz sometimes things happen.
Oh Em Gee you killed us Blair, indeed some parents forget the Little ones in the excitement of travel…LOng story for another day huh! 🙂
I like the part about not sweating it and just buying stuff when you get there as well. Moms with small children are usually good about being quite prepared but there seems to always be something left out.
Great list! I think we wrote something very similar on our site about the things to take on a vacation, but we didn’t think of the nail clippers!
I thoroughly enjoyed this article. It’s a jam-packed info loaded for traveling with kids. All tips given here are practical and useful. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome Poojah and we Mostly share our personal experiences so its easy to narrate 🙂
I’ve always traveled with kids. You’re right though some things you definitely don’t want to forget.
A spare set of clothing is such an essential when traveling with smaller ones. You have no idea what they will end up looking like when you finally get to your destination.
I totally agree with #7 even as a college student! During my spring break flying from the US to Europe, I had my 30 pages of readings and study notes to memorize for an exam that would take place immediately after the break. You’re stuck on a plane, might as well be productive!
#1, yes! Totally.
When they don’t have any entertainment source with them, they pick us for entertainment. lol
You can say that again Tushar. Our children used to do that 🙂
I don’t have kids just yet, but I feel like all of these are very pertinent! Thanks a lot for the tips – consider this bookmarked!
Traveling with kids can be a herculean task for some parents! But I’m sure your guide will help them to be prepared and enjoy their vacation fullest!
Hey Ana,
You are so right kids can be a right pain at times but I really hope this guide can help you out !! 😀
Great list. This will come in handy for many. Love it!
I’ve never forgotten a kid or pet before! However, I HAVE forgotten a few items on this list before and it felt like the end of the world, lol!
Hey Cindy,
That is the same for me I never forget kids but i forget some small things so i make lists and check-lists that’s how i solve my problems 😀
These are really great lists of travel essentials and you are right that medical prescription needs to keep with us as always because we will never know when we needed it.
Hey Rose,
Thank you I hope you enjoyed reading, Medical anything is always essential when you on vacation 😀
these are such great advice. But I’m trying to avoid buying wet wipes, ’cause they are super terrible for the environment. What can you suggest to use instead of them?
Hey Lena ,
I could suggest going back to basics finding a toilet and just using soap and water hahah 😀
Whether traveling alone or with the kids I always make a to-do list and a to-pack list. I never want to forget anything, especially when I’m on the plane or traveling somewhere I can’t get the usual items, snacks, etc.
Hey Cindy,
This is an amazing trick and i agree that it is frustrating if you don’
t know what to pack you NEEd a to do list 😀
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Hi Julie,
My girls are grown, but I remember following your tips in the past.
Thanks for bringing your post to Blogger’s Pit Stop
Janice, Pit Stop Crew
hey Janice, so are ours, We love to inspire younger parents thought right…esp as we faced a realy exhausted mom 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
~PKJW
wow, great tips for parents travelling with kids. I will surely bookmark your page .
This list is a must for anyone travelling with children. Thanks for sharing
Our Pleasure Demetri. Thanks for swinging by!
Great List. Children come with a lot of baggage and most of it should be carry on. Bribes always work well with children and help them sometimes to equalize the pressure in their ears, which can be painful.
Aaaaahh talk about the ears Olivia, I feel them even now. I am one of those sufferers! 🙂
Julie
Great post Jules. Very thorough. I’m sure every parent will appreciate having such a checklist.
Glad you agree and dropped by Shelly. We aim to serve 🙂
Can I add meds for health issues that sometimes act up? I live in a vacation community and visitors never seem to bring their asthma meds, allergy meds, eczema cream…
Absolutely Kathleen, in addition to prescriptions for sure. Thanks for the extra tips 🙂
Thanks for great travel list! It came in the right time since I will be traveling to Europe with my grandchild. Can’t forget his furry friend the fox 🙂 Loetta
Awwww too sweet, dont forget the furry friend Loetta 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
That’s a great list!
I bet you were sending out thanks, lol! My husband started to drive off with me half in, half out once. Everyone laughed, but I was glad he caught it before he punched the gas too hard, lol!
Thanks and phews allover the place Rosey. It was too shocking and the parents were hysterical when we stoppped at a service station and told them 🙂
Entertainment is really important when traveling with kids. They tend to get bored really fast, so I try to pack a variety of activities for them.
Oh, and snacks are a must too!
For real Ave. Its essential to pack the right stuff for our kids! 🙂
we cant forget the munchies now Ave can we. Gotta pack a load 🙂
Traveling with kids can be crazy! I should know because I have twins to take care of when we’re out and about. I always make sure that I have two of everything otherwise, it’s going to be a riot especially when it comes to entertainment and toys!
Wow double blessings Elizabeth and twice the work 🙂 It can be a fun riot though sometimes right!
I am glad my son is older now and it makes travelling easier but I still am mindful when we fly or travel by car. It requires extra planning to have snacks, clothes, entertainment and what not but when you do it, it can be helpful in the long run.
Yes it can Shalama, It doesnt matter how old, we all need feeding and watering 🙂
Great List! Entertainment is must for my 1 year old daughter or else she will bored =D
then entertainment it is Iris 🙂
Omg great list!!!! I know all to well to never leave without entertainment!!! Nothing worse than a kiddo saying they are bored over and over!
Traveling with kids means bringing a lot of extras, but it helps to be prepared. It’s amazing how much little people need to make it through a trip.
You pretty much nailed it with this post. For me, the immunization papers and other documents are pretty necessary as they could cause problems later on, if care isn’t taken.
Thanks for this insightful piece!
Great tips Julie! And yes we can not forget the fur babies!
Absolutely not Rory, not when those furbabies are our businesses mentors, coaches and financial adsvisors now can we 🙂
~PKJW
My child is not a toddler anymore but he is still a young kid. We took him to Africa this past year and I’ll tell you know I made sure everything on this list was a part of our travels. I think the traveling would’ve been a whole lot worse without it
Our children will remain our babies even when they are 40 not so jeanette? 🙂
Glad you get him sorted!
[ Smiles ] I would want to believe that most mothers are used to doing this sort of thing when travelling with their kids.
You would be sorely surprised Renard at how much mothers are expected to know and dont. We arent hard wired with this info. We learn on the job 🙂
I should send this to all the guests who are coming to my wedding that have kids! Ha! So friggin’ helpful!
Yeppers GiGi wooot its round the corner isnt it 🙂 Is it in UK? Happy Nuptials girl <3
My daughter recently travelled with my granddaughter and had a similar list but I will share so that she is even more prepared for the next trip. Thanks Julie!
With a mama like you Claudette we have no doubt she is well planned and ready 🙂 Thanks for sharing!