It’s inevitable - you’re going to have to travel with your kids in tow someday. When that day comes, knowing what and how to pack for traveling can save you time, space, effort, money...and even your sanity!
I’m a mom and a frequent flier at the same time. Keeping my kids comfortable and entertained while traveling by air is no mean feat, but I’ve somehow managed to stick to a tried-and-tested list that makes packing easier. I had this list made into an infographic to share with other moms like you, in the hopes that it would be of help every time you travel with your little ones.
Pro Travel Bag Tips infographic
Embed this image on your site:First, the basics
Get a roomy travel bag for the kids that will not exceed the airline’s hand-carried luggage limit.
Pack efficiently. You shouldn’t have to access the overhead storage more than once before landing.
Prepare the kids before the flight, especially if it’s their first time. Telling them what to expect and how they should behave can eliminate or at least keep the inconveniences to a minimum.
Dress your kids in soft cotton leggings/trousers, and T-shirts. These clothes will make them comfortable and encourage them to behave better. They also don’t take up much room in your luggage.
Before packing stuff that will entertain your kids, check first what your flight offers. Do you have a charger at your seat to keep gadgets working? Do you have personal screens so the kids can watch programs during the flight?
Airline-certified baby gear like lightweight strollers that meet luggage standards can help you go through security in a speedy and fuss-free manner.
Packing the essentials first
As the infographic shows, the essentials should be the first ones to go into your kiddie travel bag. These include:
1. Travel hand sanitizer
2. Acetamophin or Motrin and a measuring dropper. A doctor-approved decongestant. Also, pack medicine in an outside pocket, as you will have to remove it (all liquids) when you pass through security.
3. Tissues in a Ziploc bag
4. DVD player, iPad, Gameboy, or other gadgets to keep the kids busy for hours
5. Wipes in a Ziploc bag
6. Two changes of clothes for baby. Full change of clothes for all children under age six. Change of T-shirt for older kids. (Keep in mind that when your kids look neat and cute, other passengers will be more patient.)
7. Diapers (Divide the amount of hours from when you leave your house until you arrive at your final destination by two)
8. A pacifier clipped on baby, plus one spare set of pacifier and clip
9. Blanket for baby
10. Your child’s favorite blanket or Teddy Bear to help them feel like they have a piece of home anywhere they go.
11. Sweaters. It can get cold on the plane at any season.
12. Baby bottle plus a spare
13. Bibs (the amount varies by age)
14. An empty Sippy cup for toddlers and small empty 8-oz. spout water bottles for kids three years and up. Airline regulations do not allow you to bring drinks in, so fill the bottles once you get on the flight.
15. Sandwiches cut into bite-size pieces in Ziploc bags. Snack food that do not melt, get sticky, or crumble. Cheerios, Animal Crackers, pretzels, cucumber sticks, chicken fingers, and lollies on sticks are good ideas.
16. Drawing paper, crayons, books (depending on your child’s age)
17. Their favorite books
18. Snacks that serve a dual purpose: keeping the kids busy while addressing the munchies, such as button candy and jelly beans
19. Some chewing gum to help alleviate air pressure before the take-off and landing
Pro Travel Bag Tips infographic