Travel with children stress-free by packing the right gear for every family member. Covers flights, road trips, and hotel stays with kids ages 0-12.
Last updated:
0 of 21 completed0%
Copied!
Adult Clothing
Mix-and-match tops and bottoms (5-7 days)
Choose 3 bottoms and 5 tops in a shared color palette so every piece works together. Wrinkle-resistant polyester-blend fabrics save you from ironing at the hotel.
Comfortable walking shoes
Worn-in shoes with arch support prevent foot pain during long days at theme parks or sightseeing. Pack one pair for walking and one dressier pair for dinners.
Light jacket or cardigan for air-conditioned spaces
Swimwear and cover-up
Kids Clothing & Gear
Outfits for each day plus 2-3 extras
Kids under 5 need at least 2 extra outfits for spills and accidents. Roll each complete outfit (top, bottom, socks, underwear) together in a packing cube for quick grabs.
Pajamas (2 sets)
Stroller or lightweight travel carrier
An umbrella stroller under 6kg folds to cabin-bag size on most airlines. For babies under 12 months, a structured carrier distributes their weight across your hips and shoulders.
Favorite comfort item (stuffed animal or blanket)
Diapers, wipes, and changing pad (if applicable)
Pack 8-10 diapers per travel day in your carry-on. Buying more at your destination saves luggage space, but bring enough for delays of 6-8 hours.
Entertainment & Comfort
Tablet or e-reader loaded with shows and games
Download at least 4-5 hours of content before departure since airport and airplane Wi-Fi is unreliable. Kid-sized headphones with a volume limiter (85dB max) protect young ears.
Coloring books, crayons, and small toys
Pack 3-4 novel activities your child has not seen before to hold attention longer. Sticker books and mess-free water-paint sets work well in confined airplane seats.
Snacks in resealable bags (variety of 6-8 types)
Pack a mix of protein (cheese sticks, nut butter packets) and carbs (crackers, dried fruit). Individual portions of 100-150 calories each prevent meltdowns and overeating.
Neck pillow and lightweight blanket for the plane
Health & Safety
Prescription medications for all family members
Carry prescriptions in original labeled bottles in your carry-on, never checked luggage. Bring a 3-day surplus in case of travel delays or lost bags.
Children's pain reliever and fever reducer
Liquid acetaminophen or ibuprofen dosed by your child's weight is more accurate than age-based dosing. Pack a dosing syringe alongside the bottle.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and after-sun lotion
Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers
Documents & Logistics
Passports or IDs for every family member
Children need their own passport for international travel regardless of age. Processing takes 6-8 weeks standard or 2-3 weeks expedited, so apply well in advance.
Printed copies of hotel, flight, and car rental confirmations
Travel insurance documents
Family policies covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost baggage typically run 4-8% of total trip cost. Policies with "cancel for any reason" riders cost more but offer full flexibility.
Emergency contact card in each bag
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pack efficiently for a family with small children?
Pack one outfit per day per child plus two extras for spills and accidents. Roll outfits together (top, bottom, socks, underwear) into daily bundles so anyone can grab a ready set. Ship diapers and bulky items to your hotel ahead of the trip via Amazon or a local delivery service to save suitcase space.
What snacks should I bring for kids on a flight?
Dry snacks like Goldfish crackers, granola bars, and fruit pouches pass through TSA without issues. Pack one snack per hour of total travel time per child. Lollipops and gummy snacks help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing. Start them 5 minutes before the captain announces descent.
Do kids need their own suitcase?
Children over age 5 can manage a small rolling carry-on (18-inch) and it teaches responsibility for their belongings. Ride-on suitcases like Trunki keep toddlers entertained during airport waits and double as a seat. For kids under 3, pack their items in the parents' luggage to reduce the total piece count.
How do I handle jet lag with children?
Shift bedtimes 30 minutes per day for 3-4 days before departure to pre-adjust. Expose kids to sunlight at the destination's morning hours since it resets circadian rhythm faster than any other method. Melatonin (0.5-1 mg) is safe for children over 2 per most pediatricians, but confirm with your child's doctor before the trip.
What travel documents do children need?
All children, including infants, need their own passport for international travel. The US processes child passports in 6-8 weeks. Children traveling with one parent may need a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent, especially in Mexico, Brazil, and some EU countries. Bring original birth certificates as backup.