Is this you? Already packed your traveling essentials left for your traveling route (either Car, Train, Air, or Sea), or maybe you're midway through your journey, or perhaps you've arrived, but oh, you just remembered you forgot a very important. I understand, and you're not alone.
Traveling with a toddler can be fun and, at the same time, a nightmare, especially if the packing isn't done right, making you forget some traveling essentials.
But no, you don't have to go through all that forgetting, being frustrated all day, and, in most cases, buying those items you forget to add to your packing list because we've got you.
This guide is the only toddler's traveling packing checklist you should know, in its entirety, with the proper distinction between what to carry and when to carry it.
Enjoy the list, and happy packing :)
Essential Travel Gear
Whether you're going for a weekend visit with the grandparents or a once-in-a-lifetime family reunion halfway across the world, these are the essentials that you should always pack when traveling with toddlers.
Diapers, Wipes, and Changing Supplies:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes or Sanitizers
- Disposable changing pads
- Diaper disposal bags
- Potty seat (in case they're toilet-trained)
- Pairs of shoes (At least 2, since they're known to go missing, lol)
- You need Easy-on, easy-off outfits (Note: the fewer the buttons, the better)
Portable Crib or Travel Bed:
- Portable crib or travel bed
- Bedding (sheets, blankets)
- Pillow if needed
- Bed rail (if your toddler is out of a crib)
Baby Carrier or Stroller:
- Baby carrier
- Compact stroller
- Umbrella stroller
- Baby carrier cover for cooler weather
Car Seat and Travel Accessories:
- Car seat appropriate for your child's age and weight
- Sunshades
- Seat protectors
- Travel trays (for car journeys)
- Your passport (if traveling overseas) and, most times, your child's passport or birth certificate
- Consent letter from another parent if you're traveling solo
Clothing and Accessories
Now, here are the necessary clothing and accessories to carry when traveling with a toddler;
- Tops (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and their spares)
- Bottoms (shorts, pants, skirts and their spares)
- Socks (And their spares)
- Shoes (sandals, sneakers, boots)
- Lightweight jacket
- Raincoat
- Hat for sun protection
- Gloves and mittens (for cold weather)
- Pajamas for each night
- Sleepsuits (if applicable)
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Sunglasses designed for kids (with UV protection)
- Child-safe sunscreen (with a high SPF rating)
- Favorite blanket or lovey
- Stuffed animals or comfort toys
- Pacifiers or comfort items (if applicable)
Feeding and Mealtime Must-Haves
Here are feeding and mealtime must-haves when traveling with a toddler;
- Bottles or sippy cups with spill-proof lids
- Formula or breast milk (if applicable)
- Baby food (jars, pouches, or homemade)
- Snacks (e.g., crackers, fruit slices)
- Bibs
- Baby utensils (spoons, forks)
- Food containers for storage
- High chair or portable booster seat
- Baby wipes for quick cleanups
- Burp cloths
- Disposable placemats (for eating at restaurants)
- Baby-friendly dishware (plastic or silicone)
- Travel-sized dish soap and sponge
- Cooler bag or insulated container for perishable foods
- Water bottles
- Travel-sized hand sanitizer and baby-safe disinfectant wipes
First Aid Kit
We always hope for the better but prepare for the worst, right? here are the First Aid Kit essentials when traveling with a toddler;
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Gauze pads and adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes or solution
- Tweezers (for splinters)
- Scissors
- Daily vitamins and medications
- Diaper cream
- Infant/Children's Tylenol
- Vaseline
- Insect repellant
- Digital thermometer
- Infant or child-safe pain reliever/fever reducer (as recommended by a pediatrician)
- Prescription medications (if applicable)
- Diaper rash cream
- Medical information (emergency contacts, allergies, medical history)
- Allergy medication (if your child has known allergies)
- Oral rehydration solution (for dehydration prevention and treatment)
- Insect repellent (especially if traveling to areas with insects)
Entertainment and Distractions
Here are the entertainment essentials you need when traveling with a toddler;
- Books
- Toys
- Coloring books and crayons
- Travel games and puzzles
- Tablets or electronic devices
- Headphones
- Snack cups or containers
- Water bottle with a spill-proof lid
- Travel-friendly art supplies
- Travel-friendly DVDs or digital downloads
Packing for Special Occasions
When traveling for special occasions with a toddler, here's what you should carry along;
Attire for Special Events
- Dressy outfits (e.g., dresses, suits, dress shirts)
- Appropriate shoes (e.g., formal shoes)
- Accessories (e.g., bow ties, hair accessories)
- Special occasion outerwear (e.g., cardigans, blazers)
Gifts or Souvenirs
- Special gifts for the occasion (e.g., birthday presents)
- Souvenirs to remember the event or destination
- Wrapping paper and gift bags
Birthday or Celebration Supplies
- Decorations (e.g., balloons, banners)
- Party hats and favors
- Birthday candles
- Cake or cupcakes (if applicable)
- Plates, utensils, and napkins for the celebration
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
In-Transit Essentials
These are items you should carry when traveling with a toddler for different travel routes;
Car Travel Necessities
- Car seat
- Sunshades
- Snacks and water bottle
- Entertainment (books, toys)
- Blanket or travel pillow
Airplane Travel Must-Haves
- Identification and travel documents
- Baby carrier or stroller
- In-flight entertainment
- Snacks and formula (if applicable)
- Extra diapers and wipes
Train or Bus Journey Considerations
- Comfortable seating
- Compact stroller or baby carrier
- Quick access to essentials (diapers, snacks)
- Travel games and activities
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
Pit Stops and Rest Areas
- Portable potty or training seat (if potty-trained)
- Extra diapers and changing supplies
- Snacks and drinks
- Baby wipes and hand sanitizer
- Travel-friendly games or toys
Safety Reminders
When traveling with a toddler, do take these safety precautions;
- Childproof accommodation
- Sun and water safety
- Lost and found precautions
- Emergency plans and contacts
- Child locator devices
- Traffic safety
- Stay aware
- Allergies and dietary restrictions
- Medications and first aid
- Seatbelts and car seats
Quick one: You can check out My Books for your children/toddlers; they're packed with a lot of educational, fun, and entertaining stuff; try them out; you won't regret it :).
Final Thoughts
You don't have to struggle to remember everything you should carry when traveling with a toddler, as our ultimate checklist has it catered for.
Understandably, individual preferences differ, so feel free to choose from the list what best works for you and leave the rest.
Now you can remember everything when traveling and, most of the time, spending extra cash trying to buy those things again.
Thanks for reading, and happy packing :)
