What to Pack For Your Toddler When Going on Vacation

General advice
If possible, try to fly during their nap time (if they will sleep on the airplane)
 

What to Pack for Your Toddler in the Carry-on Bag

• Diapers or Pull-Ups: Enough for two days and nights

• Wipes, and lots of them

• A changing pad

• A sippy cup

• A bib (if your tot is still using one)

• Change of clothes for your child, plus a sweater or hoodie in case it gets cool

• Change of clothes for you (in case your toddler gets motion sick — on you)

• Large ziplock bags to store soiled clothes in

• Several pacifiers (if your tot uses one)

• Something to suck on during take-off and landing

• Food: plenty of snacks to keep your toddlers occupied, and easy-to-eat granola and cereal bars for you

• Drinks: small juice boxes are allowed on a plane; you’ll have to buy water bottles at the airport gate — but don’t board without them! By train or car, bring your own.

• Activities: a few favorite toys and books plus a few new ones 

• Toys, preferably the ones that don’t have tiny parts as they might get lost during the flight. Wrap them to prolong the process of opening them

• If your kids use electronics, pack an extra battery 

• Children’s ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen

• Antibacterial hand gel or wipes 

• Depending on the age of the baby, bring the carrier to walk with the baby around the airplane

 What to Pack for Your Toddler in the luggage

• Toddler toiletries: Diapers/Pull-Ups and wipes if your toddler’s not potty-trained, and night-time diapers if he is; any special soaps and lotions; sunscreen; toothbrush and toothpaste

• Diapers (regular and waterproof) – bring a new package. The diapers are packed very tight, so they will take less space in your luggage if you were to pack the loose ones.

• First-aid kit: Any medications your child may need, bandages, antibiotic ointment, your pediatrician’s number, outlet plugs for childproofing

• Two sippy cups

• Toddler utensils

• Extra bibs

• Plastic baggies to store snacks on the go

• Clothes: Pack an outfit per day and two extras ones; if your tot is potty-trained, pack three extra pairs of underwear.

• Bathing suit and swim diapers (for indoor or outdoor pools)

• Lightweight umbrella stroller

• Car seat (Not traveling by car? You’ll still need one for the plane and/or the rental car or taxi)

• Night-light (if your child requires one)

• Portable potty seat (if your tot is toilet-trained)

• Hot-weather gear: sun hat and sunglasses

• Cold-weather gear: snowsuit or snow pants, long underwear, winter hat, mittens or gloves 

• Beach toys (shovels and buckets. If low on space, bring a few small shovels. It’s much easier to find something that will serve as a bucket – i.e. cups)

• Whatever your child needs to fall asleep