Family Travel-Packing Guide
You’re planning a family vacation for the first time with your baby or young child and I can see your hesitation. I’ve got you! We love to travel as a family and it’s an art to pack light AND have all the comforts you and your family enjoy. I’ve put together an optimized list of how I pack our luggage for domestic and international family travel, making it simplified and enjoyable for each member of our family.
When your child can carry their own backpack it gives them a responsibility and teaches them they are part of a team.
Diaper Bag/Child’s Backpack- Baby wipes for the coffee stain on your shirt, to wipe down the tray on the plane and keeping hands clean. Have your kiddo give their airline seat a “carwash”. One change of underwear & pants for easy access. For older kids, pack a lightweight non-screen activity for first plane activity then iPad & children’s headphones for last resort, lightweight water bottle to refill on demand. No need to carry a heavy water bottle when it is unnecessary. Formula dry and mixed with water can go through TSA no problem. They will stop and scan the bottles then you’re off to gate!
Lightweight Travel Stroller- This will literally save your life on the airport- it acts as a cup and phone holder, purse holder, child/coat carrier. You need this one City Tour 2 by Baby Jogger. Our family used this stroller up to age 6/7. I speak enough about how durable, functional and easy this stroller is to use. Not to mention the sunshade and reclining back made it so our child could sleep anywhere while on vacation and at restaurants.
Child’s Carry-On- I always carry on our child’s belongings because at the end of the day I can always live with less but I certainly do not want to have to replace my child’s wardrobe on vacation when all they want is to be in the water. For beach vacations or really no matter where we’re traveling the carry-on is my son’s suitcase and I add everyone’s swimsuit and sunscreen to the carry-on in case any luggage doesn’t make it right away. Perfect packing so the fun in the sun will not be delayed no matter what! Same idea for a special event. If we are flying for a wedding you better believe the wedding outfits with shoes are in carry-on. Fool proof way to stay chill no matter what hiccups come your way.
Traveling with baby in diapers? Carry-on 2 days(14 diapers) worth of diapers. Buy the rest when you arrive or order online & have them delivered to your destination. The key is to pack light and keep it simple.
Need a crib? Many hotels or apartment rentals have pack-n-plays, crib sheets, highchairs so don’t travel with them. Just ask the concierge and be pleasantly surprised when your host wants to accommodate you with all the baby gear. I did include some links of my favorites for home and grandma’s house.
Enjoy your next family vacation using this simplified packing list to help you know what to pack and what to borrow at your next destination.
Safe travel!