10 Essential Packing Rules when you’re Traveling with the Kids

1. Pack less than you think you’ll need.

You’re sure to run into something you forgot no matter how much you pack, but shopping for necessary items in your new surroundings will be a fun way to explore and learn some new vocabulary. Plus you’ll have some cool and practical souvenirs of your trip (e.g. “hey, these are the socks we bought in Buenos Aires!”)

2. The above rule does NOT apply to your carry-on items.

There is nothing worse than being stranded with a young child and no snacks, juice, entertainment, or clean shirt — and you definitely don’t want to have to ration your diaper stash!

Pack more diapers than you could possibly use.
Separate your diaper stash between two different bags.
Said from the experience of being stranded on a cross-country flight with NO DIAPERS — really, don’t ask.
Take at least TWO spare outfits per child.
There is no easier way to guarantee a major blow out, than to change your child into your only spare outfit!
Have spare clothes and essential toiletries for the adults in a carry-on bag.
You want to have what you need if you or your bags don’t reach your destination on time.

3. DO NOT pack anything with sentimental value in your checked bags.

If your child can’t fall asleep without the magical-threadbare teddy, don’t be a moron — keep it in a bag that never leaves your sight.

4. Avoid stocking up on baby gear.

If you’re a traveling family, try not to get addicted to a bunch of fancy baby equipment. Bulky strollers, portable cribs, etc., are for people who plan to stay really close to the minivan.

Obviously the carseat is a necessity.
A hassle to haul through the airport, especially since one of you is most likely carrying a kid
This handy strapfastens your carseat to a rolling suitcase so you can haul both at once.
You can also use this kind of contraption to turn your carseat into a stroller.
Although the above feature may be useful for some. I would really recommend carrying a young child in a pack like this Baby Bjorn.

5. Repeat after me — versatile and comfortable.

The weather at your destination will always be different from the weather you packed for.

Pack your kids soft and comfy clothes that you’re ok with getting dirty.
Make sure they mix and match and layer as much as possible.
Don’t pack things your kids will refuse to wear.
Pay extra attention to safe, durable, comfortable footwear.
Break in new shoes before the trip.
If you might need a special outfit for a specific occasion — buy it there.

6. Snack Hacks

Packing flight snacks in individual-sized packages is a good idea.
Putting your own snacks in small Zip-locs is a money-saver.
The snack trapcan spare you some mess.
Spare yourself spills, stains and sugar highs by doing WATER in SIPPY CUPS.
Yes, even for kids old enough to not use sippy cups at home.
Beware of juice or milk in sippy cups.
They are hard to clean especially when traveling and you don’t want to arrive with food poisoning.
If your little dictators absolutely demand juice boxes, consider investing in this little contraption.

7. The Mighty Boobs

As I’ve mentioned before, breastfeeding is ideally suited for feeding a child while traveling — always available, always at the perfect temperature — you don’t even have to take your child out of the pack or sling.

Nursing has the added bonus of equalizing the pressure in your babies ears during air travel.
If you aren’t nursing or have an older child, make sure you have drinks, snacks, or gum to help with this issue.
Given the new airline regulations limiting the liquids you can carry through security, make sure you give yourself time to buy water, etc, if you need it before your flight.

8. Make a “Waiting Kit”.

You’ll be eating in restaurants more than usual, which means — WAITING.

Have crayons and paper or a travel etch-a-sketch.
This will keep your kids occupied between the ordering and the arrival of the food.
This is also a good time to work on that stack of postcards you’ve been meaning to send.
Save the beloved electronic entertainment for the plane.
No need to further depreciate our respect abroad!

9. Travel Day

As you know, your child’s level of happiness is closely tied to your own, and, in this case perhaps, the peace of mind of the other people on your flight. Don’t get so distracted with packing for your final destination that you forget the travel day.

Making sure your child is not hungry, cold, hot or bored will go a long way toward getting your trip off to the right start.
Pack something to eat you know they will like.
Peanut butter sandwich, cheese crackers, fruit, etc.
Dress them very comfy and IN LAYERS.
Slip on shoes (definitely no laces).
This is essential for going through security, and it is also great to be able to take them off during a long flight.
Buy a few cheap NEW toys or books ahead of time.
These don’t have to be anything fancy, but the novelty will really help them stay attentive.
Don’t forget some sanity savers for yourself.
An audiobook on your iPod or a secret chocolate stash will go a long way towards keeping you in “good Mommy mode”.