Packing for Vacations with Babies and Toddlers
Top Ten Must Have Items for Trips with Small Children
Apr 17, 2009
Most parents of small children feel that they need to bring a ton of stuff for a twenty minute trip to the store. If the idea of packing for a vacation of several days or more with your little one is making your head spin, consider the following basics:
Packing Clothing for Babies and Toddlers
Be sure to pack twice as many changes of clothes as you think you will need. Kids can get messy, and nothing spoils a vacation faster than having to spend several hours laundering clothes. Don’t forget seasonal items like swimsuits and hats, and take along several pairs of shoes.
Packing Food for Babies and Toddlers
Pack a decent sized cooler with drinks and easy to eat snacks. Depending on your child’s age, some suggestions are: grapes, cheese sticks, carrots, yogurt, and applesauce. Dry snacks, such as crackers and pretzels, can be packed separately. Having a ready supply of snacks right in your room will eliminate the need to stop and hunt for available food when hunger strikes.
Serving Kids Meals on Vacation
Make meals easy-breezy with paper plates and disposable tableware. Disposable placemats and bibs are also available for little ones. Bring lots of food storage bags so you can keep leftovers in your cooler, and don’t forget the paper towels!
Eating Meals on Vacation
If you are going to be eating in consider purchasing an inexpensive portable plastic booster seat that can attach to a regular dining chair.
Sleeping Arrangements for Small Children
Your accommodations may be able to provide a crib, but chances are, if your child is not ready for a twin bed, you are on your own. You may need to bring a pack and play or invest in a toddler air bed.
Using Baby Gates
You may not want your baby or toddler to have free reign of a vacation home or hotel room. Consider bringing a gate or two to help corral him in a more confined area. Super yards are also great for this purpose (especially for the beach). They are portable, though a bit bulky.
Strollers for Vacation
If you are going to do any walking at all, a stroller is a must. One that is lightweight with a decent amount of storage is best for travel: consider borrowing one from a friend if you don’t have one that fits the bill.
Packing Toys and Books
Keep your child entertained! Pack a large bag (Ziploc makes huge, thick, closeable plastic bags that are perfect for this) with an assortment of toys and books that will keep your little ones busy. Get the most bang for your buck: pack those items that keep your child occupied the longest, or can be used in different ways. Leave anything with a multitude of pieces (which can be easily mixed up or lost) at home.
Childproofing Your Vacation Home
Your temporary home will not be the childproofed fortress you are used to. Consider bringing along some of the childproofing “basics” such as outlet covers, doorknob covers, a few removable cabinet locks.
Medical Needs for Vacation
Pack a medical box that houses all first aid and toiletry items in one place. Be sure to have an ample supply of any prescription meds, and bring along the basics like band aids, antiseptic cream, pain reliever, and thermometer. A travel sized baby shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste should be included as well. Don’t forget the sun block! An inexpensive plastic pencil box, available at more discount stores, makes a great storage case for these items.
Packing for a vacation with a baby or toddler in tow may seem like a daunting task. That’s because it is! But with a little planning and consideration, your vacation can be both manageable and enjoyable. Have fun!
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