How to Pack for Travel with Kids: Tips and Tricks from a Mom

As an avid traveler who’s explored the world solo, with a partner, and now as a mom of two little kids, I can confidently say that packing for travel with kids is an art, not a science. Back in my pre-kid days, packing was easy—throw some clothes and toiletries in a bag and call it a day. Once I became a mom, however, meeting my kid’s needs became my first (and most challenging) priority.

Traveling with kids is an ever-evolving challenge. What worked when my son was a newborn is wildly different from what worked when he was an older baby, a toddler, a preschooler, an elementary-aged kid. Over time, I’ve fine-tuned my approach to packing, learning from plenty of “Why did I bring this again?” and “How in the world did I forget that?” moments.

So, if you’re staring at your suitcase wondering how to pack for an upcoming trip with kids without losing your sanity, you’re in the right place. Here’s my (very honest) guide to help you through it.

First Things First: Packing Anxiety Is Normal When Traveling with Kids

Let’s be real—packing for a trip with kids can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to spiral into anxiety when you think about all the things that kids use daily as well as all the other things that make your life as a mom easier. “How am I going to fit ALL of this into one suitcase?” you wonder. I’ve been there, and I have made THAT mistake.

On my first international trip with my oldest son (to Mexico and Brazil when he was just 5 months old), I brought half of our baby gear. And guess what? We barely used half of it. In fact, there was an entire duffle bag of baby items that went untouched AND cost me money (hello, checked luggage fees). Managing all that extra luggage turned out to be more stressful than helpful.

The real kicker? When I needed something I hadn’t packed (a replacement cord for my breast pump cord that went bust), I found out I could rent an entire pump locally for next to nothing. Lesson learned: Less can be more, and overpacking is just extra stress in disguise.

Why a Perfect “Family Trip Packing List” Doesn’t Exist

I spent years trying to create the “perfect” packing list for traveling with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers – only to change it a little bit with every trip we took. Turns out the perfect packing list doesn’t exist, and here’s why:

Every child (and every stage of childhood) has unique needs.
Each family has their own routines and preferences.
Every trip is different—destination, activities, transportation, and duration of travel all play a role.

What does exist, though, is a perfect packing system. A system you can tweak for any trip to make packing easier. Ready to build yours? Let’s go.

The Building Blocks of a Packing System for Traveling with Kids

When creating a packing system, focus on these key factors:

1. Consider the Trip Context

Ask yourself:

Will you be flying, driving, or taking another form of transportation?
How much luggage space do you have?
How much stuff are you willing to manage on the go?
How long will you be gone?
What amenities will you have access to at your destination?
What’s the weather like where you’re headed?
What kinds of activities will you participate in?

These answers will help you start to figure out what belongs in the suitcase and what can stay home. And if you are wondering what suitcase to use, this suitcase set and these carry-ons have lasted YEARS of use and abuse by our travel-loving family.

2. Kid’s Essential Travel Needs

Every child’s needs boil down to a few basics – at home or during trips. Make sure you cover these:

Clothing (and maybe diapering) little ones

This is the one category you can save a lot of space on by packing light. Most kids are happy wearing their favorite tops and bottoms on repeat. My rule? Pack 4–6 outfits at most and plan to do laundry if that is not enough for the whole trip. I like to stick to comfortable, daily-use gear. It is important to make sure these are weather- and activity-appropriate outfits. It is OK to bring one “nicer” outfit per child and 1-2 sets of swimming clothes if those will be needed. For outer layers, pack only what the weather demands (and only one type of each kind). Packing cubes are absolute lifesavers – if I can’t fit my kids’ clothes into one cube, I know I’m overpacking.

Two pairs of shoes are usually enough—I like to bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair of home shoes or sandals. I will bring a third pair if there are specific conditions (like rain or snow) that require it.

If your child is in diapers or potty training, pack enough supplies for the first few days and plan to buy more at your destination. I have travelled with a cloth diapered baby, but I only recommend that for the truly committed cloth-diapering parents out there!

Here are some favorite clothing and diapering items we packed for trips with our kids:

The Ultimate Diaper Bag: I can’t sing enough praises to this bag and diaper clutch for simplifying life with a baby or toddler and beyond! You can grab one for 15% off using the code CLARICEINWANDERLAND.
Packing Cubes: These incredibly affordable packing cubes have lasted us 3 years and countless trips! I have 2 sets and they are more than enough for our family of 4. The next level up would be these compression packing cubes that can also save space on your suitcase.
Travel Laundry Hamper: Because I never escape laundry even while traveling, I like to bring either a foldable laundry hamper or a large wet bag to keep the dirty clothes manageable (this one is a remainder of my cloth diapering days)! Small wet bags are also super handy for travel day messes and beach day wet swimsuits.
Travel Potty: If you are in the middle of potty training, traveling can quickly become messy. We used and loved two travel potties for emergency moments: check out one and another here!

Kid’s Sleeping Arrangements

Sleeping needs vary wildly between families. Some parents bedshare and need nothing extra. Others have kids who need specific cribs, sleep sacks, sound machines, and blackout curtains. We’ve been both families at different times. I have found that this is one category where it’s worth bringing what you need, even if it ill take up space. A well-rested child makes for a much smoother trip.

Think about how your child sleeps at home and how to recreate that environment on the go. Where you will be staying—hotel, Airbnb, or with friends—will dictate a lot of those choices. Remember that some some types of lodging offer a crib or pack-and-play, and that there are also companies that rent that sort of baby gear.

Here are our tried and true sleep gear for traveling babies and toddlers:

Packable Crib: our youngest son actually slept on this crib full-time until he transitioned to a toddler bed because it is that good. Plus I know for a fact that it fits inside a large hard-sided suitcase, because it has gone to multiple states and countries with us.
Inflatable Toddler Bed: once our kids transitioned to beds, they often slept on these beds while traveling and they are amazing.
Slumberpod: a true sleep saver, we got some serious mileage out of this blackout tent! We used it at home when babies still slept in our room, we used it in hotel rooms so baby could go to sleep and we could still hang out, we used it to help toddler and baby share a room, we used it in campers to help with mid-day naps… we used it SO MUCH!
Travel Blackout Curtains: if the place you will sleep in does not have blackout curtains, these ones will suction to the window and create a dark environment even in the middle of the day.
Travel Sound Machine: this rechargeable sound machine is powerful enough to work on any room and the battery will last all night long to keep little ones soothed.

Eating While Traveling With Kids

The age and stage of your child will be crucial here.

For babies under 1 year old, you will need to think about nursing or bottle-feeding essentials. Exclusively nursing moms have very few items they need, pumping moms will need to consider what supplies are essential, and moms that feed formula will need to consider what is available at their destination. One thing is for certain though, you don’t need a million bottles—two or three that you can rotate and wash will do. PRO TIP: check your airline rules to see if they allow you to bring a breast pump bag free of charge and familiarize yourself with the TSA rules for breastmilk and baby formula.

For babies that eat solids and toddlers, pack a few small gadgets that make eating easier. Consider where you will be staying – will you need baby plates, cups, or utensils? Spill-proof snack and beverage containers are your best friends.

If you’re heading abroad, consider foods your child loves that you might not find locally. Are your kids adventurous eaters, or do you need a backup plan? Balance catering to their preferences with encouraging exploration – but always a have a emergency snack you know they will eat.

And don’t forget that each child should always have their own spill-proof reusable water bottle.

Here are the gadgets that made it easier to feed little ones during trips:

Manual Breast Pump: if you pump infrequently and mostly for comfort or emergencies, this small manual pump will help you and won’t take a lot of space.
Toddler Snack Container: this one is most helpful for clumsy little toddler hands.
Spill-proof Pouch Spout: turn any pouch into a spill-proof snack using these. Thank me later!
Spill-proof Cups: reduce the chances of spillage by using these lids to turn any cup into a sippy cup or these ones to make toddler-friendly straw cups. This one is also a great alternative – and has a handle!
Silicone Bib: While not the most packable bib in the market, these have the benefit of being easy to clean and staying dry even after messy meals (no one needs to be washing and drying bibs on a hotel sink, right?)
Reusable Water Bottle: these bottles were tried and true travel helpers for our kids – and we didn’t mind plastic as it made them lighter. They also have a metal insulated version though!
Travel High Chair: if you don’t want to be stuck feeding a baby or toddler in your lap for the duration of your trip, consider these. We have used this model and this model successfully for several trips.

Getting Around During the Trip

How will your kids get from point A to point B safely? If your child is still using a car seat, you will need access to one. I personally do not compromise on safety even if my destination has lax car seat laws. So the big decision here is whether to bring your own, borrow one, or rent. Each option has pros and cons (you can read more about them in this article I wrote about flying with a toddler). PRO TIP: If you are traveling abroad, make sure you have a locking clip (I forgot that once and that was a big mistake).

For sightseeing, think about whether you will need strollers and carriers. How old is your child? How much can they reasonably walk around, and how fast? Even older kids can struggle with covering the distances adults do while exploring new destinations. Do you need a rugged stroller for trails or a lightweight one for quick trips on paved surfaces? Is your baby carrier suitable for the size of your child and the destination’s weather? Consider what works best for your famly and the specific situations you expect to face.

Here are the best products we have used to transport our kids in countless trips:

Best Infant/Toddler Car Seat: This is the perfect travel car seat! Fits babies up to 2 years old, easy to install, compact, FAA-approved, weights 7lbs, and is easy to clean!
Most Affordable Forward Facing Seats: We used this seat when our oldest not quite 30lbs yet and this one when he reached 30+ lbs. Both are affordable, easy to install, FAA-approved, and lightweight.
Most Portable Forward Facing Seat: the price tag on this seat is steep but if you are a frequent traveler willing to splurge, it might be worth it!
Best Booster: we love this booster because the back detaches. It fits inside the plane storage compartment, installs using LATCH, and cleans up easy.
Best Solution for Traveling Light: this vest can be used with kids aged 3 and older (depending on their size). It fits inside a small bag and is perfect for families that will use Taxis/Ubers at their destination.
Car Seat Dolly: This is one of my most well-loved travel items and has sadly been discontinued years ago. You might find it on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. This dolly straps a car seat so securely it effectively turns it into a little stroller that you can push all the way to the boarding gate.
Car Seat Bags: an alternative way to carry your car seat through the airport is by using a backpack bag. These will keep your car seat clean and dry, and range in prices from basic to deluxe.
Travel Stroller: You can definitely bring your regular stroller (and even a rugged jogging stroller) on your trip. But if you are looking for portability, here is an affordable option and a super-compact option!

3. Kid’s Travel Entertainment

You do not need to bring entertainment for the duration of your trip itself (as there will be plenty of things to do and see), but please consider bringing a few things to amuse kids during the actual travel time. Long flights or car rides are prime meltdown territory!

What you bring will depend on the age and stage of your child. Babies will be amused by anything you hand them, including plastic cups and airplane leaflets. Older kids will likely want to relax with their electronic devices or a book. The real challenge is with the kids between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old.

For our toddlers and preschoolers, we like to pack a mix of books, toys, and screen-time options. Bonus points for “new” toys your child hasn’t seen before—they’re like kryptonite for boredom. You know your child best, and what will hold their attention the most.

Here are a few favorite entertainment options that have worked for our family:

Toys: Keep it simple. Toddlers can be just as entertained by a plastic cup as they are by actual toys. If you do bring a few toys, make sure they are small, lightweight, quiet, and can hold your kid’s attention. Use the novelty effect, either by getting a few new toys or bringing out some old favorites. Here are some toys our children have enjoyed:
- Suction Cup Spinner Toys: these are the best for younger toddlers.
- Fidget Toys (for older toddlers): we have loved spinners, monkey noodles, and pop tubes!
- No-Mess Crafts: Wiki Stix, sticker books, Water Wow Books.
- Games: this magnetic puzzle will keep pieces from going everywhere, and so will this memory game.
- Magnetic Toys: These are meant for kids aged 3+ but we started enjoying them earlier with careful monitoring. They are some of my kids’ favorites – especially these and these.

Books: Only bring books if your child loves them. My kids lose interest quickly, and books tend to be bulky. If you do bring some, stick with light paperbacks over heavy board books.

Electronics: If your family limits screen time, that’s totally fine! However, a tablet loaded with shows and games or a Yoto Player with some favorite cards can be a lifesaver, especially for older kids. Plus, if your toddler has limited access to screens at home they will be MUCH more enticing during your flight. Just don’t forget the headphones (and practice using them before the flight!).

4. Health & Safety While Traveling with Kids

Don’t forget these essentials:

Medications: I only bring prescription meds and don’t stress about over-the-counter ones. They’re usually cheap and easy to find wherever we go. That said, if it gives you peace of mind or if you’re traveling somewhere with limited access to medications, bring small amounts of what you might need—pain relievers, fever reducers, and antihistamines are solid choices. And don’t forget proof of medical insurance! If you’re heading abroad, double-check that your coverage extends to your destination. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is always a good idea.
A Basic First-Aid Kit: I don’t go overboard here—just a few essentials to handle minor mishaps. Fun Band-Aids and antibacterial cream alone solve 90% of my kids’ “emergencies.” I also carry liquid tears in case of sand or dust getting in their eyes. And if we’re traveling somewhere cold or dry, I toss in some Vaseline and ChapStick too.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray (If Applicable): You can probably buy these at your destination, but if you have a brand you love, bring it. Especially if you’re traveling abroad, where ingredients and availability might be different. No one wants to spend the first few days of vacation hunting down sunscreen that doesn’t smell weird.
Important Documents: I’ve personally never been asked to show my kids’ birth certificates while traveling, but having a copy just in case doesn’t hurt. If you’re going abroad, make sure your kids have valid passports (and visas if required). Some countries have strict rules about minors traveling with only one parent—you might need a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent giving permission. Always check the entry and exit requirements before your trip. A little research now saves a lot of stress later!

Pack Smarter, Not Harder

Here are a few more tips to streamline packing:

Start Early: Checking the basics one week before your trip will save you last-minute panic. It is especially helpful if you are traveling to a destination where the weather is different from your home (when I fly from Alaska to Brazil I need to make sure my kids still fit their summer clothes and shoes). This is also when I usually notice if I need to purchase any last minute items and gives me plenty of time to shop for them and order them online.
Pack Multipurpose Items: A muslin blanket can double as a nursing cover, swaddle, or picnic blanket. A foldable packing tote can carry your items to the beach and swimming pool but also act as an extra carry on in a pinch. A travel flat iron can also curl your hair!
Think About Your Layers: For varying climates, layers are easier to pack than bulky coats. Be smart with your choice of fabrics: merino wool is self-cleaning and doesn’t need to be washed frequently, bamboo is temperature regulating in cold and hot weather, dry fit clothes will air dry quickly.
Embrace Laundry: If you’ll have access to a washer and dryer, pack fewer clothes and wash as you go. If you will not have access to a laundry, make sure you pack some items that can be easily handwashed – kid clothes are notoriously easy to clean on a hotel sink if need be.
Accept Imperfection: Forgot something? Chances are you will be able to buy, borrow, or rent it at your destination. It will be OK!

Final Thoughts

Traveling with kids is an adventure in itself. Sure, it comes with logistical challenges, but a solid packing system (designed to fit your family’s needs, your personal preferences, and your specific trip plans) makes a huge difference. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s to prepare as best you can and roll with the punches.

Happy travels!

How to Pack for Travel with Kids: Tips from a Seasoned Adventure Mom