Traveling with kids can be a thrilling experience, but it’s crucial to ensure you have all your essentials. Whether you’re visiting grandma and grandpa out of town or taking a family vacation to the beach, having everything you need for your little ones will make life much easier. From snacks to entertainment, here is a list of things to carry when traveling with kids:

Clothes

Preparing for every inevitable wardrobe malfunction while traveling with kids is a must. From last-minute unanticipated diaper blowouts to sudden spills and miscellaneous splatters, having extra sets of clothes is almost guaranteed when traveling with your little ones.

Make sure you have an abundance of shorts, t-shirts, socks, and even something warm packed away; the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure you also bring baby wipes, hand sanitizer, diaper cream, and any other essentials your little one needs. A small blanket can also come in handy in cold weather or air conditioning on the plane.

Toys

Toys are great at keeping your children company and engaged, even for hours especially if you are traveling by car. Keeping them safe with a car seat from Diono and occupied with toys can make your road trip a breeze.

However, don’t pack anything in the name of toys. Instead, go for travel toys explicitly tailored for traveling. Alternatively, you can carry inflatable toys as they take less space; pack your kid’s favorite. It is also important to avoid carrying toys that produce noise or any toy that can be changed into a weapon.

First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen anytime, regardless of how careful you and your children are. Packing a first aid kit is very important when traveling with kids. It should contain plasters, antiseptic cream, medication for allergies, insect bites or fevers, and antiseptic wipes.

Having a first aid kit will ensure that your little ones are safe and healthy throughout the trip, until you can get to a travel clinic. You can arrange the box or bag and fill it with essentials that you might need along the way or buy a prepared first aid kit.

Healthy Snacks

Kids can get hungry at any time of day, no matter how recently they’ve eaten. That’s why it’s wise to ensure healthy snacks are always on hand when traveling with kids. The key is to opt for simple snacks that travel well, such as cut-up fruit, trail mix, nuts, and granola bars. These will help keep their bellies full and their moods brighter, all while being healthy options your kids can munch on.

If you’d like to carry liquid snacks like fruit or vegetable pouches, yogurts, or applesauce, ensure they are 100ml/3.4 oz or below, according to TSA requirements. You may also want to carry formula milk if you have a baby who hasn’t weaned. Pack your formula in reusable or Ziploc storage bags to save on space, as standard formula containers consume lots of space. It’s also advisable to carry just enough formula and buy the rest or have it delivered on the road.

A Baby Pillow

A baby pillow can be a great addition to your luggage when traveling with kids. It provides children with the extra comfort needed for long journeys and helps them sleep when tired. It’s worth investing in one that is soft and light for your kid to sleep comfortably on the journey. The correct size of a baby pillow should cover at least half of the seat. Babies also love having something familiar, like their own pillow, which can help keep them calm during flights or other extended trips.

Traveling with kids can be an amazing experience if you have all the critical supplies and essentials. Make sure you have the right clothing, toys, first-aid kit, and snacks packed in your suitcase or travel bag. These items will help make your journey much smoother and ensure your little ones are happy and safe throughout the trip.