Comprehensive list of packing supplies for travel with a toddler
- poojasalot@gmail.com Salot
- Sep 17, 2023
- 4 min read
I have made multiple trips with my baby when she was a tiny little nugget in my tummy and tiny little nugget earthside, up to now when she is an active toddler. During every single trip I have thought to myself at least on one occasion that I should add this to my checklist for travel next time. There will always be something that you feel you should have thought about/ planned for in advance to save yourself from an emergency visit to the pharmacy/ grocery store/ convenience store. This list has been created over a period of time. During this period it may or may not have happened that I am in the middle of a national park and thought to myself, "Dang I should have remembered to carry a USB charger. How did I forget that. Now my phone battery is about to die and I wont be able to take any more pictures!"
This is a comprehensive list of supplies for travel with a toddler. This not only includes supplies for a toddler but also supplies for mom. I have separate lists for packing for a Baby with links to what I have personally used for my baby.
Also inspired from our most recent travel to Switzerland, I have a list of supplies you will need when traveling International/ traveling to Europe.
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1. Travel Documents:
Passport
Visa (if required).
Travel insurance documents.
Copies of important documents (passport, ID, travel insurance).
Immigration documents if any
2. Toddler's Documents:
Passport for your toddler.
Travel consent letter if only one parent is traveling.
Health insurance information.
3. Travel Gear:
Stroller: Lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver in cities. Stroller accessories like rain cover if applicable.
Car seat: Check if your toddler needs one for travel or car rentals.
Baby carrier or sling for hands-free mobility.
Travel crib or portable playpen for sleeping.
4. Clothing for Mom:
Weather-appropriate clothing for your destination.
Extra layers for changing weather.
Comfortable shoes for walking.
Room sandals and casual footwear
Swimwear and sun protection gear (if applicable).
Pajamas and sleepwear.
Underwear
Socks
Jewelry and makeup.
Toiletries including bodywash, shampoo, conditioner, facewash and other essentials.
Tip: If possible, you should create a toiletries bag for travel for yourself and your toddler even if you travel only a few times a year.
5. Clothing for Toddler:
When it comes to my toddler, I like to pack outfit sets rather than separate tops and bottoms. This saves so much time when I don't have to think about what I should choose or match with.
Outfit sets, jacket, hat or beanie and gloves.
I always, always check the weather and pack a few pairs extra. Just in case!
Pair of shoes and a pair of sandals
UV Rashgaurd if destination is a beach or has a pool.
Sleepwear.
Socks, sunglasses (for the pictures because lets be real, toddlers wont let one stay on!) and hair accessories if applicable.
6. Toddler first aid/ medicine kit/ safety:
This is one of those things you hope to never need but just in case you do, you are so relieved. I always like to err on the side of caution and hence triple check this bag couple times before finally packing it away
First aid kit including band-aids and baby friendly supplies.
Gas drops
Pain reliever
Cough medicine
Boogie mist/ nose frida
Chest rub
Pedialyte sachet
Nail filer/ nail clipper
Thermometer
Vitamins/ medicines for mom
Hand sanitizers.
Tip: Carry beige colored painters tape to cover wall outlets. Easy baby proofing without the hassle. It is easy to take the tape off before you leave as well.
7. Feeding Essentials:
Bottle/ sippy cups, and formula (if needed).
Baby food, snacks, and utensils.
Bibs and washcloths.
Snack containers.
Bottle warmer (if necessary).
8. Snack and Food Supplies:
Baby-friendly snacks for the journey.
Snack box for the fight/ car journey. These are ALWAYS a hit!
Lets put emphasis on the snacks. Lots of snacks! More snacks.
Reusable water bottles for both you and your toddler.
Zip lock bags
Collapsible food containers. These were such a life saver for carrying the food I prepared for my toddler.
Travel friendly spice jar. This came in very handy as my toddler refused to eat from a restaurant and I was cooking basic meals for her at our Airbnb.
9. Diapering Supplies:
Diapers (enough for the duration of your trip).
Baby wipes and changing pad.
Diaper bag.
Diaper cream.
Moisturizer cream/ baby lotion
10. Entertainment:
Favorite toys and comfort items.
Coloring books, crayons, or stickers.
Electronic devices and headphones (if applicable).
Baby-friendly books.
Check what I carried for by toddler on an 11 hr flight and what we carry when we do a road trip.
11. Travel Accessories:
Travel adapters and chargers for electronic devices.
Portable phone charger.
Poncho/ umbrella if forecast shows rain.
Travel-sized laundry detergent and stain remover.
Reusable shopping bags for groceries and souvenirs.
Zip lock bags
12. Baby's Bedtime Routine:
Familiar blankets or stuffed animals.
Nightlight or portable sound machine.
Baby monitor (if applicable). We have switched through 3 baby monitors and eventually invested in this one found that it works best for us at home and for travel. We did buy a case separately.
Sleep sack
13. Travel Itinerary:
A detailed plan for your trip, including accommodation details, transportation, and activities.
Emergency contact information for family or friends back home.
14. Language and Communication:
Basic phrases in the local language (hello, thank you, please).
Translation apps or phrasebooks.
Download offline maps