Hacks for Travelling with Kids
Make a Holiday Packing List
Before you do anything else, the best thing you can do to give yourself peace of mind is to make a list. Write down all of the essentials and items that need packing per person in your family. If travelling by plane, you can further split this out by hand and hold luggage, remembering to keep essentials and at least one of everything else in your hand luggage.
Here's a list to get you started:
- - Toiletries
- - Clothes suitable for the climate you're travelling to
- - Shoes sutitable for the climate and terrain you're travelling to
- - First aid kit
- - Toys and books to keep your kids entertained
- - Milk and formula
- - Travel documents
- - Electronic devices and chargers
- - Buggy, pram, travel cot etc.
- - Baby cutlery
- - Changing mat
Writing a list and checking it off as you pack will mean you'll spend less time on your journey worrying you've forgotten something and more time enjoying the experience of travelling with your family.
Make Your Own Activity Pack for Kids
One of the hardest things about long trips with kids is keeping them entertained, but an activity pack, or ‘busy bag’, can do the trick whilst keeping everything together.
Grab a hanging wash bag and fill it with fun activities for your kids. From colouring pencils and stickers to fidget toys that keep their hands busy and minds engaged, this travel bag will be your saviour on long journeys. Not only does it help to keep them entertained, it encourages creativity and interactive play, making travelling more enjoyable for everyone.
Adding a few small children’s books or kid’s puzzles will further stimulate their minds. For older children, travel-friendly board games or card games can provide hours of fun and encourage family bonding.
Make sure you check out our extensive range of kids' travel essentials, designed to cater to different ages and interests, for the perfect start to your holiday. With our selection, you'll find everything you need to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip, keeping boredom at bay and creating lasting memories.
For an easy way to keep your kids entertained, print out some of our free activity sheets for on-the-go colouring.
Prep the Essentials
When travelling with kids, make sure to pack enough milk and wipes for feeding and cleaning on the go. Packing multiple sets of clothes to accommodate any spills, accidents, or changes in weather, will make it a comfortable journey for everyone.
Don't forget to pack these essentials for babies and toddlers:
- - Milk - you can pre-order milk from Boots in the airport, if travelling by plane, to make it one less thing to think about until you're through security.
- - Change of clothes - accidents can happen so having spare clothes are essential. Plus, the climate inside the airport, on the plane, train, or car can fluctuate, so having layers is always a must to take off and put on as needed.
- - Nappies and wipes - of course, this is a no brainer, but remembering them and actually packing them are two different things.
We recommend packing nappies, wipes, and change of clothes for each child in a separate bag that is easy to access to save time and stress when they're most needed.
First Aid Kit
We all know that accidents can happen and kids are particularly prone to them. Make sure you pack a first aid kit in your hand luggage.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of some of the essentials:
- - Plasters (normal and waterproof)
- - Dressings and Bandages
- - Antiseptic Lotion
- - Antihistamines
- - Eyewash
- - Tweezers
- - Instant Ice Pack
- - Children's Pain Relief
Keep it Familiar
When travelling with kids, bringing familiar home comforts, such as their pillowcase, favourite blanket, cuddly toy, and books, can provide a sense of security and ease. These items help maintain their nap and bedtime routine and ensure a more restful and comfortable experience during the trip.
Prepare for Delays
Whether you’re travelling by plane, train, or car, being prepared for delays, cancellations and traffic will be a lifesaver. Make sure you pack extra nappies, wipes, food, milk, and an extra toy, that is new to your child, that can entertain them when they’ve exhausted everything else.
Pack Sealable Bags
There’s no such thing as too many zip lock bags when travelling with small children. Their versatile nature is invaluable, whether it's for wet clothes, rubbish, dividing up food, or quickly disposing of dirty nappies, they’re sure to come in handy when you need them.
Happy Travelling!
Now you’re equipped with practical tips to make long journeys with children more manageable. We suggest packing a variety of snacks and entertainment, bringing familiar home comforts like blankets and pillowcases, and ensuring you have an ample supply of essentials like nappies, wipes, clothes, and milk. These travel hacks aim to make travel smoother and more enjoyable for both parents and kids.
