Let’s be real: travelling with kids, whether a baby who’s a human puddle of drool or a toddler who insists on being “independent” while you juggle 17 bags can feel like a logistical nightmare. But with a bit of planning, you can make it as smooth as a toddler’s nap. Whether you’re flying across the country or just hopping to the coast, this guide is your one-stop shop for packing essentials, gear, and strategies to make travelling with your little ones less stressful and more fun.
Airport and Plane Bag Essentials
When it comes to the airport, there’s no such thing as “too prepared.” You need a bag that can do it all, catch every spill, hold every snack, and most importantly, be a mini first-aid kit when you’re in the middle of row 32.
Baby’s Bag Checklist
- Spare Clothes – Because, of course, your baby will find a way to spill something on themselves right before boarding.
- Nappies & Wipes – Pack extra, because no one has time for a surprise nappy change in the middle of a flight.
- Disposable Bags – Trust me, you’ll need them. And no, it’s not just for dirty nappies. Think snacks, toys, and the occasional tantrum clean-up.
- Rash Cream – For sensitive baby skin, which doesn’t care if it’s a 2-hour flight or 12 hours, i personally prefer Sudocrem, it doubles up as antiseptic for cuts and grazes too
- Changing Pad – Because airplane bathrooms were clearly not designed for diaper changes.
- Antibacterial Wipes – You can never have too many of these, especially on a germ-infested plane. Milton ones are perfect for baby items.
- Hand Sanitizer – Seriously, you’ll feel like a walking sanitizer factory. Again the Milton one is fab
- Ear Defenders – Planes are loud. Babies’ ears are more sensitive to popping. These are a must-have. The alpine ones adjust so well!
- Pacifier – Pop a pacifier into their mouth during takeoff and landing. Works wonders for ear-popping relief.
- Muslins & Burp Cloths – Self explanatory but also have a few larger muslins to lay down in the in-flight bassinet or seat for naps.
- Feeding Gear – If you’re breastfeeding, you’re already good. For formula, pre-made formula is your lifesaver. Don’t forget your bottle warmer and sterilising bags.
Toddler/Preschooler Bag Checklist
Once your little one has aged out of the I’ll-sleep-through-anything stage, they’ll need a few more things in their bag (and let’s face it, you’ll need a backpack to cart it all around).
- Spare Clothes – Because, as mentioned, kids are always messy.
- Nappies (if needed) – And the ever-famous wipes.
- Portable Toilet Seat – This is a game-changer for plane bathrooms. Foldable, portable, and your kid will be forever grateful.
- Portable Wee Bottle – Yes, I’m talking about a Whizzer. Trust me, this will save you from the drama of a plane toilet.
- Lunchbox – Pack their favorite snacks because, frankly, airplane food doesn’t cut it for toddlers. Think rice cakes, biscuits, fruit, veg sticks.
- Tablet & Charger – We know the drill. Keep the toddler entertained and the parents sane. The Amazon Fire kid’s tablet is fab, completely toddler proof and can withstand a good few tumbles. It also has really good range of games and songs that can be taken ofline.
- Activity Books, Stickers, and Play-Doh – Because nothing beats a sticker book when you’re trapped in a plane for hours. More on this below!
- Water Bottle – Stay hydrated, folks. It’s a must-have, especially for keeping their energy up. The Sho bottle we use keep water cool for hours!
- Headphones – They work as ear defenders and for watching shows on their tablet. Bonus: they might not even realize they’re in a noisy environment.
- Lollipops – These magic little sweets help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
Entertainment and Distractions
Think of this as your in-flight entertainment system—except you’re the flight attendant, the entertainer and the IT support all rolled into one. These ideas are also perfect for once you get to your destination, especially for restaurants and down time
- Tablet and Charger – Non-negotiable if you’re travelling with a toddler. Also useful during downtime at the hotel.
- Child-Friendly Headphones – Soft, comfy, and essential if you’d rather not hear Bluey on repeat at full volume…or you might?
- Stickers, Activity Books & Pencil case – Hours of entertainment in a very compact form. Just don’t forget to bring them.
- Small World Toys – A few figures, cars, or animals can spark big adventures on a hotel bed. The animals by Learning mind are my favorite, they are so sturdy and a good size too.
- Play-Doh or Putty – Choose wisely (ones that have secure boxes to put them away) but brilliant for long airport waits. This starter set by Playdoh is perfect for travel.
- Books or Story Cards – A favourite bedtime book from home can make settling down easier in a new environment.
Travel Gear Must-Haves
Now, onto the big stuff, your essential travel gear that’ll save you headaches before and during your trip.
- Compact Stroller – Ideally one that fits in the airplane’s hand luggage compartment. Trust me, it makes boarding and disembarking so much easier. Plus, you won’t end up lugging around a massive stroller while your kid throws a tantrum. We have the Bugaboo and we love it!
- Carrier or Hip Carrier – If you have a baby, a carrier is essential. But for toddlers, a hip carrier can work wonders and hopefully avoid pulling a muscle carrying them around the airport).
- Car Seat – If you’re not renting one, your own, a car seat is a must. It’ll give you peace of mind that your kid is comfortable and safe when you reach your destination. Opt for a lightweight one like this one.
Clothing and Swimwear Essentials
Packing clothes for kids is like playing Tetris with items that will inevitably get dirty within ten minutes. Here’s what you actually need:
- Everyday Outfits – Enough for day and evening. But don’t go overboard, you’ll end up with a suitcase full of ‘just in case’ outfits no one wears.
- Layers – take a couple of cardigans, lightweight jackets, even the hottest climates can get breezy in the evenings, particularly by the sea.
- Swimwear – A couple of sets so they’re not always putting on soggy ones.
- Sun Hat – Preferably one that ties under the chin unless you fancy playing ‘catch the hat’ all holiday.
- Sunglasses – Will your toddler wear them? Maybe not. But it’s worth a try.
- Hooded Towels – Great for poolside changes, quick dry-offs and pretending they’re superheroes.
- Swim Shoes – Protect little feet from hot tiles or scratchy sand.
- Swim Nappies – You don’t need many, these can be washed, and hung up to dry to reuse (not soiled ones though, best to throw those out)
- PJs – Don’t forget lightweight ones if you’re heading somewhere warm.
Beach Kit
Heading somewhere sunny with a beach? Amazing. But don’t rely on the resort to provide everything. It’s often overpriced, unavailable, or just not toddler-approved.
- Swim Floats – Bring your own. You don’t want to pay resort prices or get stuck with one that deflates after two minutes.
- Buckets and Spades – Lightweight and easy to pack. Kids love them, and they cost triple abroad. Opt for a bucket that is collapsible to save on space.
- Large Waterproof Bag – For wet towels, sandy shoes, and soggy clothes. Keeps your hotel floor from looking like a beach exploded.
- Waterproof Sandals or clogs – easy to get on and off on the beach, some littles don’t like the feel of sand on their feet so these work well.
- Pop-up tent – This was a game changer for us, especially as my son was still a baby, perfect place to camp away out of the direct sun but still be part of the experience. Also fab for privacy for feeding or changing.
Staying Cool and Safe in the Heat
Let’s Talk Heat and keeping kids safe in the sun, Holidays usually mean sunshine, and while we love a good tan (ahem, the accidental ones on baby legs), keeping little ones cool and protected is a priority. Read here on how to stop your child melting into a hot, sticky puddle by lunchtime.
Toiletries and Medicine
This isn’t the time to rely on hotel freebies. Your child’s sensitive skin will sniff out that perfumed body wash faster than you can say “rash cream.”
- Sunscreen – Go for a high SPF, baby-safe version and ideally mineral based. Reapply often. Like, constantly.
- After Sun – For when you realise their shoulders caught more sun than you thought.
- Kids’ Toothpaste & Toothbrushes – You’ll forget this once and never again. Cute travel sets can be a fun surprise for them too.
- Non-Bio Laundry Detergent – Perfect for quick washes in the sink or bath.
- Collapsible bath and Sponge – Especially handy if your baby is still wobbly in the tub or you’re dealing with a hotel shower situation.
- Shampoo and bodywash – All that swimming and fun at the beach will require a few more baths than normal, i find it best to take our own.
- Nappes and wipes– so I think every parent takes way too many nappies but it’s understandable, if you find they take up too much room in your case, two words.. vacuum bags!
- Calpol & Nurofen – Always bring both. Kids don’t care if it’s 2am and you’re in a foreign country. Illness happens.
- Thermometer – For those “he feels a bit warm” moments.
- Any Regular Medications – Don’t forget prescriptions and check airport rules about carrying liquids in hand luggage.
Feeding and Sterilising
Feeding routines don’t stop just because you’re on holiday. In fact, you’ll need to be even more prepared because your surroundings are unfamiliar for your toddler and hardly set up for bottle chaos.
- Formula – Premade is certainly easier for the flight but a tin or 2 of powered for once you get to your destination can save you a lot of luggage space
- Bottles – Don’t forget any extras you might need.
- Sterilising Bags – Keep everything clean without taking up half your suitcase.
- Bottle Brush & Bottle Wash – Especially if your baby’s fussy about bottle smells.
- Breast pumps – If you are used to pumping for maintaining supply or want to have the ability to share out feeding duties.
- Snacks – For the resort, the plane, the beach, and anywhere in between. Bring things you know your child will eat like rice cakes, baby crisps, oat bars, and maybe even a few emergency biscuits for you too.
Sleep Setup and Room Safety
Unless you’re one of those rare unicorns whose baby sleeps anywhere, you’ll want to make the sleeping environment as familiar (and safe) as possible.
- Foldable Mattress for Cot – Some travel cots are basically trampoline material with a sheet. If your child likes comfort, this is a game-changer. Top tip: you can use vacuum bags for this too, so wont take up as much room in case as you might think.
- Fitted Sheets – Because the hotel’s starched white sheet just doesn’t cut it.
- Travel Bed Guard – Great for toddlers sleeping in big beds, especially if they roll like sushi.
- Door Lock for Hotel Room – Especially if you’ve got a curious toddler and sliding balcony doors. Peace of mind is everything.
- Baby Monitor – If you’re lucky enough to have connecting rooms (and no external access to the kid’s room), this gives peace of mind while you reclaim the evening.
- White Noise Machine – Drowns out noisy neighbours, air con hums, and night time entertainment.
- SnoozeShade – Brilliant for blackout sleep on the go, We opted for a connecting room however if you have the cot in your room snoozeshade also have a cot cover.
- Rockit Pram Rocker – You’ll thank yourself during evening meals at the hotel restaurant.
Final Thoughts: Your Holiday Might Be Chaotic… But It Will Be Worth It
Travelling with babies and toddlers isn’t easy. There will be mess, meltdowns, and missed naps. But there will also be magical moments, your baby dipping their toes in the sea for the first time, your toddler squealing with joy in the pool, or the blessed moment they both nap at the same time and you get five minutes of quiet.
A bit of preparation goes a long way. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always snacks.
