Packing for holidays with babies and young children

Going away as a family is an important part of making memories together, but sometimes packing for your trip can feel overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of essentials to help your trip go more smoothly.

Packing checklist

Try to start packing a few days before you leave so you have time to add in things as you remember them. Put sun cream and medicine in plastic bags to avoid spillages. Here’s a useful checklist of what to take:

• Pushchair/buggy with sunshade (if required)

Washbag

• First aid kit, including children’s pain relievers and sticking plasters (just in case)
• Any prescribed medication or creams
• Baby/toddler toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sun cream

Swimming equipment

• Swimwear and floatation devices
• Swimming nappies/diapers
• Towel or dressing gown

Changing equipment

• Nappies/diapers
• Baby wipes
• Nappy/diaper cream
• Nappy/diaper bags
• Portable changing mat
• Plastic bags to carry any soiled clothes
• Antibacterial hand gel

Sleeping

• Blanket – for warmth or for providing shade
• Travel cot (if required)
• Special toy for bed and/or special blanket
• Favourite stories
• Baby monitor and/or nightlight
• Baby sleeping bag if using or other bedding

Feeding

• Bottles/sippy cups
• Bibs
• Steriliser (if required)
• Plastic feeding set (if required)
• Portable high chair (if required)
• Snacks

Technology

• Phone/camera plus chargers to capture those special moments
• Tablet/phone and charger, plus travel plug adaptor if required

Clothing

Depending on the age of your child, you may want to allow for two outfits a day (or more if they’re babies).

• Sun hat or warm hat/mittens.
• For babies: vests, pyjamas/sleepsuits, clothes (including something warm if required).
• For older children: underwear, pyjamas, clothes (including something warm if required), shoes and boots.

If you’re going somewhere with a washing machine, you can take fewer clothes and wash them there. You may want to pack a small amount of laundry detergent in a plastic box, so you don’t have to buy a whole packet whilst you’re away. If you’re going somewhere warm, you’ll be surprised at how few clothes are worn if everyone is by the pool for most of the day.

Keeping children entertained

Long car journeys or flights can be stressful and boring even for adults – asking a two-year-old to sit still for several hours is even more of a challenge! Here are some suggestions to keep children occupied whilst you’re on your way:

• Tablet with your favourite shows and games downloaded
• Toys to play with on arrival, such as a favourite character or set of toys
• Colouring books and pens
• Sticker books
• Story books

Settling in

Children often find it hard to go to sleep somewhere unfamiliar. Don’t forget to bring their favourite cuddly toy and some stories to read at bedtime to help them feel at home. You might want to leave a light on for them and reassure them that you’ll check on them when they’re asleep. Try to get them into bed on time so they aren’t too tired for the next day – – and to give yourself some time to unwind!

Time together

The best thing about holidays is the time together as a family. Remember that if the kids are happy, you’ll be happy. It’s important to treasure these times, even if your time away isn’t as relaxing as you’d like it to be.

Don’t forget to take lots of photos. They’re great to look back on in years to come and you’ll treasure these memories you’re making.