Planning on a family vacation and need help with packing for travel with a toddler?
This checklist for travelling with a toddler will show you everything you need to take for a stress-free journey and holiday so you have all the essentials.
My biggest tip for your travel checklist is to consider what their normal toddler routine looks like and what items are essential to them.
Then consider where you are going and what their routine will be like when you’re there.
Now consider what is practical to take with you and what you may need to purchase that’s more travel-friendly.
For example a travel booster seat for eating out or a travel crib, if they do not have one where you are going and your toddler still sleeps with the sides on their crib at home.
When travelling with a toddler there are two key areas to consider – the journeys to reach your destination and your actual time at the destination.
I’ve got a complete guide to what to take with you on vacation with a toddler – including a free printable checklist for you to download and print at home!
We’re going to look at both the toddler travel essentials for the journey and what you need for your actual vacation.
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Checklist for toddler’s carry on bag
Here’s a complete checklist for what to pack for the journey with your toddler.
This applies for the journey on a plane, but also for lengthy train or even car journeys.
Remember if you are travelling by car you’ll be able to fit a lot more in!
You can get a printable version of this list at the end of this article.
This is what you should pack in toddler’s carry on bag:
- Diapers – pack at least one for every hour you will be travelling, plus 10 extra.
- Wipes – x1 packs
- Changing mat
- Barrier cream
- Nappy sacks
- Ear defenders
- Blanket
- Snacks
- Bibs
- Toys and books
- Medication – If you are travelling on a plane with more than 100ml of medication you will need proof of prescription or a letter from a doctor due to the rules around liquids on airplanes
- Change of clothes – take at least one full change of clothes
- Hand sanitiser
- Water bottle – for flights take it empty and fill it at a water fountain after passing through airport security.
- Car seat – once your child turns two you’ll need to book them their own seat on a plane – before then they can travel on your lap if you like. You can bring a car seat on the plane, although this isn’t required by law.
Checklist for travel with toddler
Once you’ve reached your destination there’s a whole bunch of other items you will need!
These are the items to pack in your suitcase for a toddler.
Sleep and travel
- Travel cot
- Travel cot fitted sheets
- Blankets/sleep sacks
- Baby monitor – if you are staying in a house or aren’t sharing a room
- Lightweight stroller
- Car seat – optional on a plane with a child over two – under two they can sit on your lap. Kids under two can travel on planes on their parent’s lap. You will want a car seat if you’re hiring a car where you are going – however check to see if you can borrow one from the hire company to save lugging it with you.
- UV sun tent – absolutely essential for beach days!
- Backpack – you’ll need a decent backpack for day trips, beach trips and also as your carry on bag for the flight.
- Toys and books – don’t overpack these but a few things to keep them entertained is a good idea. Try simple sticker books to keep your toddler busy during meals out.
- Beach toys – a bucket and spade are a must-have! Try this collapsible one for easier packing!
Care
- Bath and hair wash and conditioner
- Moisturiser
- Bath towel and beach towel
- Wipes and nappies
- Nappy sacks
- First aid kit and medication
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Kids sunscreen
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Portable potty – if your vacation coincides with potty training then this is a must-have.
Clothing
- Outfits – enough for one per day
- Shoes – sneakers and sandals
- Hat – sun hat for a hot destination, cozy hat if going somewhere cold
- Sunglasses
- Cardigan/sweaters
- Coat – if where you’re going is cold
- Swim suit
- Swim nappies
- Baby clothes detergent
Feeding
- Travel booster seat
- Cutlery and bowls – if staying somewhere that won’t provide toddler-safe ones
- Sippy cup
- Snacks
What to pack for a long journey with a toddler
When packing for a trip with your toddler – whether by road, plane or train – you’ll need to stick with these categories:
- Comfort – ie clothes and warmth
- Hunger and thirst
- Entertainment – a bored toddler is what you want to avoid
- Practicality – medication and essential care items such as diapers/nappies
As long as you consider how you can fulfil every one of these categories, then you will be absolutely fine!
Drinks on a plane for your toddler
When it comes to drinks you’ll need to be a bit wary of the rules on taking liquids on board flights.
There are special rules for breastmilk and formula for babies, however there are no age definitions that come with this.
Breastmilk can be transported even if you are on your own, so if you are taking expressed breastmilk then you’ll be fine.
But a bottle with some water in (if it’s more than 100ml) may be an issue.
The best bet for ensuring your toddler has a drink on board is to take an empty water bottle and fill it at the airport fountains once you’re through security. Or buy a drink and decant it into the water bottle.
Ear popping
As adults we know about ear popping on planes and how to manage it.
But for a toddler this can be really confusing and distressing.
So be prepared with drinks they can sip on, and a lollipop to suck on can also help.
If your child uses a pacifier then take that with you as sucking on this can relieve the pain too.
What do you need to take for a holiday with a toddler?
What you pack for your toddler’s holiday will be influenced by:
- How long you are going for
- The weather at the place you are visiting
- How helpful your destination is in terms of providing key items – such as a toddler bed and eating utensils
Let’s look at the main things you need to consider.
Where will they sleep
If the place you are going does not have a bed for your toddler then you may need to consider bringing a travel cot with you.
You’ll probably find your toddler will be sleeping in a bed without sides from age two, however if your toddler is younger than this then taking a bed with sides will make them more comfortable.
The good news is that many hotels and rentals include cot beds for babies and toddlers so you don’t have to bring them! Check with the place you are going before you lug one along with you.
How they’ll get around during the day
Toddlers will probably be keen to explore wherever you are going on foot.
However they will get tired easily, so it’s a good idea to have somewhere they can rest.
This is especially the case if you’re visiting a city where you’ll be out and about a lot during your holiday.
Look for something ultra small and lightweight. Many of these also recline a little to allow your toddler to nap when on the go.
If you are flying it’s worth double checking with the airline what their policy is on taking strollers with you. Most let you store it in the hold in addition to your baggage allowance.
Feeding
If you are still nursing your baby then don’t forget to take any essentials that help you with comfort in that regard.
Potty training
Potty training can be challenging at home, but add in a trip away and you could be setting yourself up for stress you don’t need.
There’s nothing wrong with potty training while you’re on holiday, but consider having a pause for the week you are away if you would rather not deal with it.
If you do want to stick with potty training, or your toddler is already potty trained, then a portable potty is an absolute must-have. You will not regret buying one!
I used the Potette with my little ones. It folds up super slim and is so easy to transport. We took it everything – beaches, parks, towns etc.
Check out the Potette travel potty here.
Trips to the beach
If your vacation will involve trips to the beach then remember to take at least two swimsuits – so your toddler isn’t pulling on a wet costume.
A UV sun tent is absolutely essential for beach days with kids. They’re a place they can nap and cool down.
You can get tents that pack up super small such as this one, and then pop up easily too. This gives your toddler somewhere to escape the sun’s rays on the beach.
Sun cream and sunglasses are also crucial.
Don’t forget to throw in an inflatable beach ball too – although it’s highly likely you’ll be able to buy stuff like this where you are going.
Tips for packing for your toddler for holiday
Putting all of this together, these are my tips to remember when going through your toddler travel packing list.
- Take a look at the weather where you are going and pack clothes accordingly. Pack for the heat if going somewhere sunny, but remember nights can be cool and traveling on a plane may also be cold.
- Buy travel sized bottles of your favourite toddler bath and hair wash products.
- Consider what is already at your destination. This could save you packing lots of things – from bedding and a bed, to a high chair or booster seat.
- Take your toddler’s favourite comfort item. This will help soothe them on the long journey and for sleep in a strange place.
- Take a travel potty if your toddler is potty trained.
- Get suncream for kids, and be sure to buy a product that is SPF 50 and remember to check the UVA rating – this needs to be at least four star, preferably five.
- It may be a good idea to bring some of your toddler’s favourite snacks.
- Keep your toddler busy at meals out with sticker books.
- Buy a couple of new toys for the journey and holiday, as these will help distract them.
- Consider what your daily routine will be. Then work your way backward and think about what you’ll need a every stage of the day.
Your free travel checklist for toddler
You can download a free PDF of my travel checklist right here. Print off as many copies as you like!
Final thoughts
I hope this has made packing for your trip with your toddler much easier!
I can still remember our first trip with my first daughter so well. In many ways a holiday with a toddler is much easier than a baby, because you don’t have to worry about all the formula, steriliser and bottles.
However toddlers still need naps – and a safe place to do so – and may be fussy eaters, meaning you need to bring snacks along the way.
Best of luck!
