Family trips with small children or even school-age children can be a challenge. Here is a little checklist you can use to work from for your next trip:
Carry-on Bag/Tote
- Crayons or washable markers
- Coloring book
- Sweatshirt/hoodie/sweater
- Child’s passport, if traveling internationally
- Plastic bags (for storing wet clothes, motion sickness emergencies, etc.)
- Boarding passes
- Itinerary
- Contact info for where you’ll be staying, rental car, etc.
- Snacks (crackers, freeze-dried fruit, string cheese, etc.)
- Sippy cups or bottles (infant formula does pass TSA checkpoints)
- Lollipops for takeoff and landing to relieve ear pressure if you’re flying (or get a favorite drink once through security or from a flight attendant before takeoff)
- A couple of small favorite toys and a couple of new toys
- Extra outfit for child
- Extra shirt for you
- Laptop or tablet computer or portable DVD player with favorite DVD
To have handy in case you arrive late or your luggage is lost:
- Children’s book
- Favorite blanket
- Pajamas
- Tissues
- Digital thermometer
- Children’s nasal saline drops
- Children’s acetaminophen
- Prescription medications
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandages
Transportation Gear
- Lightweight stroller (Check it at the gate when boarding for easy access for long airport walks.)
- Car seat or Booster
- Travel potty seat
Suitcase
Clothes
- Outfits (1 per day + 2 extra)
- Dressy outfit
- Socks (1 pair per day + 2 extra)
- Underwear or pull-ups (1-2 per day + 2 extra)
- Shoes/sandals
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Sun hat
- Barrettes/ponytail holders
Bath
- Universal sink/tub stopper (available at hardware stores)
- A couple of favorite bath toys
- Children’s shampoo/soap
- Children’s toothbrush
- Children’s toothpaste
- Travel potty
- Comb/hairbrush
- Nail scissors
- Sunscreen
Bedtime
- Stuffed animal/doll/lovey
- Nightlight
- Pajamas (1 per day + 2 extra)
- Kids’ books
Sun/Pool/Beach
- Two swimsuits
- Life vest
- A couple of favorite beach toys
- Earplugs
- Bug spray
Cold Weather/Snow
- Mittens
- Parka
- Snow boots
- Snow pants
- Warm hat