The Family Travel Survival Guide : How to Pack & Prep when travelling with Children and Babies
Traveling with children and babies for the first time especially can be very daunting and challenging even for the most seasoned traveller ! One of the most frustrating tasks is definitely packing.
As parents, we want to make sure that we have everything our little ones need whilst away without packing everything but the kitchen sink.
On our first trip with Ammarah we literally did that and packed everything, with 4 large 32kg suitcase, two hand luggages, a doona plus a rucksack it took us about a week to pack and even then we spent 4 hours on the day of the flight making sure we hadn’t forgotten anything.
I never wanted to experience that ever again so i created a Checklist which after 40 flights with Ammarah has been perfected to remove ALL the headache of over or under packing. i now pack in 30 minutes . Whether its a long haul /short haul /weekend away/winter/summer trip my checklist is all i ever need.
Here are some tips on how to pack and prepare for travel with children and babies:
Make a List: Before you start packing, you can download a free copy of my checklist and personalise it yourself with your items to help remove a lot of the headache.
Check the Weather: Make sure you check the weather forecast for the week/month for your exact destination a couple of days before you fly so you can pack accordingly. you’ll be surprised how many times we have miscalculated and the weather has turned on us.
Use Packing Cubes : These have revolutionised the way we pack, everything is much more organised it reduced unpacking time at the hotel. You can use them to separate clothing, toys, and other items. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep everything organized.
Don’t WORRY about packing enough nappies for the entire trip. As long as you have enough for the flight and the first couple of days (You never know when you'll encounter a delayed flight or traffic , so it's always better to be prepared. ) You can if you wish pack enough diapers for the duration of your trip, However i no longer worry about nappies as there’s almost always a supermarket in the vicinity.
Google and make a list of the nearest pharmacy, supermarkets and local hospital before you leave and add them into your notes on your phone. this way you are always prepared in advance in case of an emergency or if youve missed anything.
Pack Light: While it's important to pack everything your child needs, you don't want to overpack. Remember, you'll be carrying everything yourself, so try to pack as light as possible. Stick to the essentials and leave behind any items that you can easily buy at your destination. remember you’ll need to be able to get all your luggage into the Taxi or Hire Car from the airport when you land to the hotel. When i first started travelling this was a common mistake made a number of times where the luggage didnt fit into the boot of our hired car, so we had to either upgrade to a bigger car or take an additional taxi both of which were very costly!
Pack Snacks: Traveling can be tiring and stressful for children, and hunger can make things even worse. Pack plenty of snacks that your child enjoys, such as crackers, fruit, or granola bars. This will keep your child fueled and happy during long flights or car rides. Do not rely on purchasing food on plane, many a times airlines run out ! or something went wrong with their deliveries and they are out of stock.
Pack Entertainmeant : Whether thats downloading their favourite movie on your devices or taking travel friendly toys such as the ones from MINIVOYAGER. A busy toddler/child is much more likely to not want to wander off out of its seat, or be picked up constantly.
Bring Medications: If your child has any medications or special needs, make sure you pack them in your carry-on luggage. This way, you'll have them on hand in case of an emergency or delay. It's also a good idea to bring a copy of your child's prescription/ GP letter , just in case your medication is over the 100ml , as this rule does not apply to prescriptions, but it will apply to everything bought over the counter, such as liquid paracetamol/calpol/cough syrup etc
Dont worry about Baby Milk : The 100ml liquid rule in hand luggage also does not apply to baby formula, baby milk or any drink you have for the baby in a bottle. They will just check and scan everything separately at security. Sometimes they may ask you to take a sip , however most airports will just scan the bottles. Always make sure you have enough for the flight plus extra in case of delays. Aptamil has baby formula tablets that are perfect for on the go as all you need is hot water
Don't Forget Comfort Items: If your child has a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier, make sure you pack it. These comfort items can help your child feel more secure and comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
In conclusion, packing for children and babies requires a bit of planning and organization. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have everything your little ones need whilst away. Remember, the goal is to make your trip as stress-free as possible, so don't forget to pack a positive attitude and a sense of adventure. Happy travels!
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