How to pack for kids: babies, toddlers and big kids

Principles that work at every age

Packing for children is less about quantity than about access. The things you need in a hurry, such as a spare outfit, wipes, snacks and medicine, should be in the bag you carry, not in the trunk (boot) or the hold.

• One spare outfit per child in your hand bag, and one for you if they are small.
• Pack by child, then by day, in separate packing cubes or bags, so you can find a full outfit quickly.
• Buy consumables there. Diapers (nappies), wipes and familiar snacks are sold almost everywhere; pack enough for the journey and the first day or two.
• Never forget the comfort item. A favorite (favourite) toy or blanket matters more than anything else on this list at bedtime.
• Label everything that might be left behind: water bottles, hats, jackets.

This packing list for kids is grouped by age band. Use the table for a quick check, and the sections below for detail.

What to pack, by age

Babies (0–12 months)

Babies need the most stuff, but most of it is predictable. Pack generously for the journey and the first day, then top up locally. Ask your accommodation whether it can provide a crib (cot) or high chair; it can save a great deal of space.

• Diapers (nappies): enough for the journey plus extra for delays, and swim diapers (swim nappies) for beach or pool trips
• Baby wipes, diaper cream and a portable changing mat
• Bottles & formula, or whatever feeding supplies you use, plus a way to clean bottles
• Pacifiers (dummies): at least two, because one will be dropped
• Baby outfits, two or three a day, plus a warm layer and a sun hat
• Sleep sacks or familiar bedding, and a blackout cover for the stroller (pushchair) if your baby naps in it
• Travel stroller (pushchair) and a baby carrier for places strollers cannot go
• Car seat if you will be driving

Toddlers (1–3 years)

Toddlers are mobile, curious and hungry. The travel day is the hardest part, so plan the bag you carry with care. Dress them in layers that are easy to change, and keep shoes simple to slip on and off.

• Snacks for the journey, more than you think, in small portions
• A sippy cup or water bottle
• Diapers (nappies) and wipes, or several spare sets of underwear and pants (trousers) if potty training
• A favorite (favourite) toy or comfort item, plus a backup if there is one
• New small toys or sticker books, brought out one at a time
• Sun hat, sunscreen (sun cream) and a light jacket
• Travel stroller (pushchair) for long days of walking

Toddlers do best with routine. Keep naps and bedtime close to normal where you can, and plan your days around them; our guide to planning a trip itinerary shows how to build in rest.

Big kids (4 and up)

From about four, children can carry a small backpack of their own and help pack it. This is where packing gets easier.

• One outfit a day plus a spare, or fewer with a laundry stop
• Comfortable walking shoes and a second pair for the beach or pool
• Swimsuit (swimming costume) and a rash guard (rash vest) for sunny beaches
• Books, games & coloring (colouring) for downtime
• Kid-safe headphones and a tablet for flights, loaded with downloads before you leave
• A reusable water bottle and their own snacks
• Passport for international trips: children need their own

For beach days, a beach vacation packing list covers the sun and water extras; for theme parks, comfortable shoes, a rain poncho and a refillable bottle matter more than outfits.

The travel-day bag

Whether you are flying or driving, one bag should hold everything you need until you reach your bed at the other end.

1. Spare outfit for each child, and a spare top for you
2. Diapers (nappies), wipes and a changing mat for little ones
3. Snacks, drinks and any allergy-safe food
4. Prescription medications and any EpiPen or allergy medicine
5. Comfort item and a few small activities
6. Zip-top bags (sandwich bags) for wet or dirty clothes
7. Hand sanitizer (sanitiser), tissues and a small first aid kit

If you are flying, cabin liquids limits apply, and rules for baby food and milk can differ, so check your departure airport’s rules before you fly. For a full baby list, see travelling with a baby.

Let older children help

Children who pack their own bag care more about what is in it and complain less about what is not. Give them a short list, with pictures for younger children, and let them choose within it: three T-shirts, two pairs of shorts, one book, one toy.

Check the bag afterwards, quietly. Children reliably forget socks and reliably remember a fourth stuffed animal. In Wayfold, each traveler gets their own list, so children can tick off their items while you keep an eye on the shared ones. The app is coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Frequently asked questions