I’m sure you have noticed that it seems like you forget at least one or two things when you go on vacation. This is usually the case for most people, especially if they have children. Kids tend to raise their parents’ stress levels in the weeks prior to a big vacation, which can cause them to forget something as they pack.
I have a funny little story before we get into the checklist. Nineteen years ago, when our eldest daughter Nyla was a baby, we lived pretty far away (about a 7-8 hour drive) from most of our family. When Nyla was about 3 months old we decided to drive home for Christmas to be with our family.
Since we were first-time parents, we didn’t want to forget anything so we packed the largest suitcase we owned with all her clothes, toys, diapers and everything we had for a baby in that big suitcase. Pat and I only packed a duffle bag each because we were only going to be there a few days! Our parents sure had a laugh when they saw the size of the HUGE suitcase for the tiniest member of our little family. But your know what? We certainly didn’t forget anything! Hahaha.
To avoid forgetting something important on your next trip, use this travel packing checklist for kids to keep you on track when it’s time to get the kids all packed and ready to go!
Travel Packing Checklist for Kids
Packing List for Infants
- Bottles
- Extra Bottle Nipples
- Pacifier
- Breast Pump and Corresponding Parts
- Baby Food and Cereal (if eating foods yet)
- Baby Spoons
- Baby Lotion
- Baby Wash and Shampoo
- Portable Changing Pad
- Portable Crib (Pack-and-Plays work well)
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Two to Three Set of Clothes for Each Day
- Hat (if you will be in the sun much)
- Small Toys/Books
- Teething Supplies (Orajel, Teething Tablets, Children’s Motrin, etc.)
Packing List for Toddlers
- Two Pairs of Clothing for Each Day
- Snacks (Rice Puffs, Yogurt Drops, Crackers, etc.)
- Small Spoons/Forks
- Sippy Cups (at last two)
- Diapers and/or Pull-Ups
- Small Bag of Toys, Coloring Books and Stickers
- Comfortable Shoes
- Jacket/Coat (depending on the time of year)
- Underwear (pack extras in case of an accident)
- Socks
- Bathing Suit
- Small Night Light
- Favorite Blanket/Toy
- Bibs
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Pajamas
Packing List for Kids in Grade School
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Clothing (One pair for each day plus two extra pairs)
- Jacket
- “Play” Shoes (so they can play without ruining their good shoes)
- Sunscreen
- Bathing Suit
- Portable DVD Players/Video Game Console
- Movies and Video Games
- Body Wash
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Cell Phone (if he/she has one)
Packing List for Junior High and High School
- Clothing (Bring enough to last entire trip. Bring both shorts and jeans so the kids have options).
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Floss
- Hair Styling Products (if they have any)
- Makeup and Perfume (cologne for boys)
- Cell Phones
- Video Games, iPod and Game Systems (for hotel)
- DVDs and Video Games
The Fun Stuff
- Board Games
- Coloring Books and Crayons
- Mind Teaser Games
- Drinks and Snacks for the Vehicle
- Books
- Maps and Brochures of Destination Area
Miscellaneous
- Insect Repellent
- Headache and pain medication or essential oils, Allergy Medicine and Daily Vitamins
- Sunscreen (for kids and adults)
As you can see, there is a lot to remember when you are traveling with your kids. It really doesn’t matter how long of a trip that you are preparing for, most of the time, you will need a game plan in order to stay on top of your packing needs. If you don’t have one, you will probably end up with a lot of things you don’t need, while missing the essential items that you do need. The checklist above will help you remember everything you need to take (for the kids) on your next trip.
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