If you think motherhood is nothing but fun, then you for sure haven’t traveled with kids. There is never peace on this one; it’s not an all-merry picnic day. Handling kids alone is hectic, let alone managing them during a journey or while on vacation. The only secret to traveling a bit lighter is adequate preparation, which in all senses boils down to a good packing list. It never really matters what mode of transportation you opt for or what your destination is; if you do not pack well, you’ll definitely have a horrible experience.
By now, you must be overwhelmed trying to figure out what to pack because, honestly speaking, when it comes to kids, you will be tempted to pack literally everything, provided it gives them comfort. I wouldn’t be shocked if you considered packing their mattresses or feeding chair because, as a mother, you always want the best for your kids.
Anyway, before you end up over packing and at the same time forgetting the essentials; allow us, Elimuzazi, tobreak this down for you.
The first step towards packing is to know your destination, weather, and mode of transportation. With that in mind, make a list of all the essentials that you cannot leave without; for instance, if traveling out of the country, you may need passports and a visa, which should fall on your priority list. Secondly, list down the non-essential but equally important things you feel should be on board. Remember, the aim of this list is to make sure you stay lightweight and agile while at the same time having all the essentials.
Once you have everything listed, get down to the business of the day, which is filling the bags. First and foremost, packing comes with the ages of the kids, but how about we cover this in general starting with infants? That said, it’s important to note that kids usually have three bags, so let’s break it down.
The care bag
This bag contains the infants’ personal self-care items, which are so essential they can never be left behind. Always double-check and ensure that every box is checked; there is no room for error here. In it, there should be:
- Diapers (carry more than you need).
- Changing sheets (A mackintosh will play a good role in this.)
- Disposal bags
- Wet wipes
- Hand Sanitizers
- Tissue papers
- Moisturizer and lotion
- Throw blankets
- Toiletries (toothpaste and brush, depending on age)
- Bathing soap and disinfectant
- Bathing towels and washable bibs
- sunscreen
The main bag
This is the bag that harbors all the other essentials, the one that runs the day-to-day activities of the child. This bag should contain mostly clothes, such as:
- Trousers, shirts, t-shirts, dresses, shorts
- Baby body suits and base layers
- Baby swaddle or sleep sack
- Sweaters or jackets (depending on the season)
- Socks, mittens, marvins, and scarves
- Pajamas
- Undergarments, swimming costumes or beach wear, and hats
- Bathing towel
- Face cleanser, shampoo, and conditioner
- Handkerchief
- Comfortable shoes and sandals (depending on the climate)
When packing this bag, consider the weather, number of days, and activities you’d want the kids to participate in. There is no need to carry swim suits while going to a desert or carry winter clothes when on a summer holiday. Though you shouldn’t complete your packing without throwing in a sweater, even when going to hot regions,
The toy and snack bag
This bag happens to be the kids’ favorite bag; it has all the luxuries they need. It may appear to you to be unimportant, but it is through this bag that you will enjoy your journey and remain sane because this bag always keeps them engaged. This bag should contain the following items:
- Every portable toy
- Books (storybooks, coloring, and drawing books)
- Plenty of water and drinks
- Feeding sets
- Various snacks, foods, and supplements
- Milk or formula, and the feeding bottles
- Medical kits (containing essential drugs such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and inhalers)
- Tablets for a bit of screen time and games
Please consult your doctor for proper drug prescriptions and advice before traveling with the kids, and also to know what drugs to carry.
Apart from the three bags that must be packed for the trip, you’ll need other things such as:
- A car seat (which is especially useful with toddlers and when driving alone)
- Document wallet (This is where you keep your money, visa cards, travel documents, vaccination sheets, passports, driver’s license, tickets, shopping cards, and keys.
- Baby stroller
- Your personal bag
Apart from the kids, there is another important person on this trip, and that’s you. Do not forget to pack your own bag with your personal effects; it’s equally important as your comfort depends on it.
Most people dread traveling with toddlers because it can feel like carrying your entire home with you. Do not be like them and save this list for future reference whenever you plan a trip.
We are Elimuzazi, your trusted parental partner.