Normally I start an essay like this with a comparison on How Things Used to Be as a traveler and How They Are With a Toddler. But with packing, I’ve always been an overpacker and that hasn’t changed, even when packing for someone else! But even for me, I gotta laugh sometimes with how much gear you need with a kid.
Each year passes I’m like…wait I can just walk away from my house with some hand sanitizer and my wallet? So I know it gets better as I get more confident, but something about travel makes me want to bring everything I’ve ever owned. Sure, I’ll bring this skirt and top combo I’ve worn one time and found it too itchy. It’ll be cute! That kind of thing. My mantra as I pack for my next trip is: There is a Wal-mart within 5 minutes of where we are staying. Serenity now!
Pictured: An overoptimized hiking pack trying to do it all on a trip to Wyoming.
The packing formula that helps ease big travel days
I’ve found what you bring is sometimes less important than how you pack it, at least on a travel day. Because it doesn’t matter if you remembered an all-important pacifier or favorite stuffie if they’re in a checked bag! (No, I’ve deeeefinitely never done that before 🫠)
There’s a LOT of stuff that you have to take with you, so here’s how I divide things up:
Adult 1 – This person gets on the plane when they call status and/or your boarding group and sets everything up.
- Carry On – Snacks and toys
- Personal Item – Important documents, keys, wallet, etc.
- Stroller – You can absolutely gate-check your stroller, but we chose a foldable one that goes in the overhead bin.
- Car Seat – Make sure it’s FAA cleared to fly if you’re using one.
Adult 2 – This person runs it out with kid(s), plays red light/green light, whatever to get the zoomies going, ideally getting on the plane last with the final boarding group. (I’m too chicken to wait for the final boarding call.)
- Carry On – The diaper bag. This goes in the overhead bin.
- Personal Item – Changes of clothes for all family members and 1-2 surprise activities. These clothes are all suitable for the destination—so for spring break, I’m packing vacation-ready clothes that we change into when we land so it’s easy-peasy and nobody (um, me) gets overheated right away.
Toddler(s) – My toddler has their own little backpack! I think when they’re a little older we’ll have them be in charge of their own suitcase, but for now, the backpack is what has the most important items for them, like pacis, stuffies, a toy car, and so on.
The spring break packing list with babies and toddlers
Your packing list varies dramatically by destination, but there are certain Truths about a traditional spring break that I always forget when I’m packing, like:
- I’ve never regretted packing our own sand toys and pool toys – just a few things. Some resorts have them to use, some don’t.
- As many toddler-friendly snacks that you can fit, since hotel meal times may be different (or if you switch time zones.)
- Unless it’s the smallest resort ever you are going to need the stroller, it just makes things so much easier.
- When packing swimsuits make sure there are 2 per day per person—obviously they’ll dry in the middle, I just mean between naptime and blowout potential you’re gonna need more swimsuits than you think, especially for the little ones. And for you, remember swim diapers don’t hold pee!!
- Most hotels and resorts have pack n’ plays or cribs for you to use, but make sure to call ahead and add it to your reservation as they only have a certain amount.
- The Slumberpod was something I resisted for a long time but wow, it’s really worth it to not have to sit silently in a dark hotel room at 6:30 PM. I’m sorry!!
- Anything that helps your toddler sleep. Portable white noise machine, pacifiers, the right stuffie, sheets from home, whatever…do it.
Thanks for being here.
The best part of packing, though, is bringing my toddler into it. I’ve got a mini that will follow me around the house, “helping” unload the dishwasher, sort laundry, or clean up. What would take 30 seconds turns into 25 minutes or longer…IYKYK. It takes a lot of patience (and biting my tongue) to let them do these tasks with me, even though omg it would be so much faster just to do it myself.
When this happens, I remind myself that:
- Toddlers don’t know the difference between chores and playing unless you make a big deal out of it. (The “it’s not awkward unless you say it’s awkward” rule.)
- Independence and self-sufficiency is an important value of mine as a parent. I can’t make it come true if I don’t ever let them be independent or self-sufficient!
- At the end when my toddler has successfully completed a task, they get the BIGGEST smile. Giving them that joy is worth it (most of the time.)
Almost always, I’m asking myself: How do I make this a game? Packing is easy. It’s one big scavenger hunt! Even if I end up having to redo it all, the giggles make it worth it.
To delicately choosing which stuffies get to come with,
Kayla
If you liked this post, please consider supporting my work. I’m just a mom in the thick of the toddler years trying to create core memories for our whole family while minimizing meltdowns—I sincerely hope this helps you do the same.
This post was originally published on Travel with Toddlers.Subscribe for more real-talk travel advice, toddler-friendly itineraries, and tried-and-true gear recommendations.
