The flights are booked, the hotel is secured, and the itinerary has been planned. Now comes the part you’re dreading most — packing the bags. Packing can be a challenge when you’re traveling with kids, but with a little planning and a lot of strategy, you'll be ready to take off in no time.
Join us as we teach you how to pack like a pro, from a fail-safe family packing system, age-specific packing lists, and best of all, a printable travel checklist that’ll make family travel a breeze!
The Packing Framework Foundation
Don’t just go with the flow… Instead, embrace a pre-planned packing system! Streamline your family-packing process, from layering essentials to clever accessories, by learning these expert tips on how to avoid overpacking:
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The category method: Simplify packing by separating kid items into a brilliant four-category approach: Must-Haves, Situationals, Comfort Items, and Just-in-Case. Must-Haves include things like weather-appropriate clothes, toiletries, and travel documents. Situationals are tailored to specific environments or excursions, such as hiking, swimming, or going to the beach. Think of Comfort Items as things that bring happiness and reassurance, like your kids’ LS jammies, Lovey, or favorite book. Just-in-Case pieces are things like spare clothes, toddler-approved pain relievers, forehead thermometers — i.e. all the unexpected and crazy things that pop up when kids are far away from home!
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The layering method: If you’re unsure where to start, try the 1-2-3 layering method for clothes, meaning one base outfit per day, plus two extra and three mix-and-match pieces. With this tried-and-true system, you’ll have exactly what you need with room for a few surprises, thrills, or spills along the way — everything that’s bound to happen when you have kiddos on the go.
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Containers for the win: Planned packing is pointless if your items haphazardly spill out when you open your bags. That’s why we suggest investing in containers to keep the stress out of packing and traveling. Look into game-changing accessories like packing cubes, laundry bags, clear pouches, and even day-of-the-week bags for the ultra-organized. Whatever accessories will help you stay organized are worth the expense!
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One in, one out: Struggling with overpacking? Try the “one in, one out” rule! If your bag is extra stuffed, for every one item you want to add in, remove something else to make room for the new item. That way you won’t have to sacrifice space for those fun souvenirs or pay extra at the airport if your bag is over the weight limit.
Featured Styles: Around The World Two-Piece Pajama Set and Zippy
Age-Specific Essentials for Every Kiddo
You might struggle with knowing what to pack for everyone, especially if your kids are in various developmental stages. Consider the below guide when packing for all your kids:
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Infants: Indeed the most adorable, albeit needy, of the whole travel group are your littlest ones. Don’t overlook the following travel essentials for them: diapering (diapers, wipes, diaper cream), feeding (bottles, formula, bibs, snacks, small coolers for breastmilk), one-and-done outfits (Bodysuits, Zippies, and matching sets), and sleep essentials (play pens, Crib Sheets, Sleepy Bags, pacifiers, Infant Gowns, hats, socks).
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Toddlers: Travel organization with toddlers is similar to infants, especially if potty-training hasn’t happened. Here are the key categories to consider: clothing (versatile, easy-to-wear, Play clothes, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate layers), toiletries (haircare and toothbrush/toothpaste) snacks (to avoid those soul-crushing mid-day tantrums), potty-training essentials, sleep essentials (pull-on PJ sets), and entertainment (favorite reads, activity pads, etc.).
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Young Kids (4-7): These adorable travelers still need some help packing, so follow this general guideline when packing for them: clothing (go with favorite go-to's so there’s no fuss or fighting), snacks (1 to 2 snacks a day), entertainment (chapter books and travel games/activities), toiletries (toothbrush/toothpaste, hair detangler/gel, brushes/combs), sleep essentials (sound machines, favorite stuffed animals or Cloud Blankets®), and personal essentials (i.e. items they simply can’t live without).
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Older Kids (8+): If your kid is approaching pre-teen age, they may be able to pack a majority of what they’ll need, but it’s best to confirm they covered everything with these categories: clothing (weather-appropriate and comfortable), toiletries (consider specific hygiene needs like skincare, deodorant and feminine-care products if applicable), electronics (headphones, phone/charger, e-readers), and sleep essentials (retainers, comfy pajamas, etc.)
The Multi-Trip Capsule Wardrobe
While it’s tempting to pack every imaginable outfit for every possible occasion, keep things easy and efficient with minimalist packing for kids. Less is more as long as you have exactly what you need to get by with less clutter and more creativity. Let’s explore how to pack those core items that work across seasons and countless destinations, focusing on a capsule wardrobe for family trips!
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Versatility for the win: Consider those pieces your kid wears on the regular and build a capsule wardrobe around those items. If your kids’ pajamas also work as daywear separates, don’t be afraid to pack multiples of this two-in-one garment they already love. As you pack, ask your kid how they feel about different clothing, and use their feedback to guide the packing process.
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Laundry plan: Don’t want to come home to mountains of laundry? Pre-plan your laundry strategy! See if the accommodations you’ve secured feature on-site laundry machines or in-house laundry services. Plan to pack quick-drying, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant clothes, especially if the weather is poor or unpredictable. If laundry simply isn’t in the cards, pack extra laundry bags to keep your kids’ clean clothes separate from the dirty ones!
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Functional footwear: You might be surprised how much room those little kid shoes take up, so when it comes to footwear, focus on function over fashion. Stick with 3 pairs max, with a pair for walking, a pair for casual comfort, and a dressy pair for those elevated dinners and special events. Versatility is key, so don’t worry if matchy-matchy attire simply isn’t in the cards.
Featured Style: Around The World Two-Piece Pajama Set
The Parent Carry-On Strategy
A carry-on bag is a parent’s best friend on a family trip, so let’s discuss how you can pack this personal sidekick to perfection!
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Emergency documents: Always carry your passports, IDs, and essential travel documents, like health insurance cards, driver’s licenses, and photocopies of essential information. It’s important to have them within arm’s reach in an instant. Also, designate a specific folder or pouch to hold all those important documents so you’re not panicked digging around for them when you need them in a flash.
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Medical essentials and reference info: Pack prepared with a petite personalized medical kit, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, antihistamines, eye drops, etc.), Band-Aids, sanitizing wipes, and any medical supplies your child requires (EpiPens, inhalers, etc). Also, have medical reference material on-hand, such as their pediatrician’s contact information, contact information for your health insurance provider, and any emergency contact numbers.
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Personal survival kit: Consider what essentials and self-care tools *you* need to make it through traveling with kids, whether that’s the latest best-selling romantasy book you’ve been dying to read, a silk sleep mask, noise-cancelling headphones to help you catch some ZZZs, a journal for documenting and decompressing, or your own comforting stash of snacks! Think about what you need to get through the days ahead, and don’t be afraid to indulge.
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Tech organization for family devices: As much as we would like to unplug, electronics follow us wherever we go. From tablets to phones, you’ll want to efficiently pack your family’s go-to devices. Pack a portable charger to keep your devices charged on the go, water/shatter-proof travel cases to protect them, airplane-compatible headphones for each child, and country-specific adapters and chargers. If you want to keep track of what item belongs to which kid, designate specific pouches or label the items with names so there’s no confusion or calamity over electronics.
Featured Styles: Around The World Shorty Zippy
Packing Timeline System
It’s tempting to put off packing and planning when you’re dealing with school drop-offs, toddler tantrums, and meal-time prep, but the truth is, you need a packing timeline for your family vacation. You’ll conquer packing with absolute ease if you follow these simple prep steps!
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The 2-week preparation countdown: Two weeks ahead of time gives you some grace to check off the most important tasks and items. By this date, locate your travel documents (passport, visas, IDs), confirm travel arrangements and bookings, make sure you’ve planned for any pet-sitting/home-care needs, and go ahead and pack those non-essential fun items like books, plane activities, etc. so you can initiate the packing procedure!
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The 3-day pre-trip checklist: You’re so close to game-time, so pack those bags with clothing and essentials (referenced above) for each family member. If you don’t use them every day, pack the kids’ toiletries, medications, and then charge any devices you’ll want to reach for during travel (i.e. headphones, tablets, etc.). Also, pack the snacks and accessories your kids can’t live without as well!
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Day-before verification system: In less than 24 hours, you’ll be on your way! But first, don’t forget to check the weather forecast, confirm travel-related correspondence, and double-check all reservations, pet-sitters, and home-care is in place. If there are any unexpected changes, make adjustments accordingly. Do yourself a huge favor and confirm you have all your travel documents packed and ready to go one more time. Then, look over the itinerary so it’s fresh in your mind!
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Last-minute essentials list: You’re about to head out the door, but don’t forget those key must-haves for you and the kids! Sure, you charged your phone last night, but did you pack the charger? What about your toothbrush, wallet, diapers, formula, etc? Write down a list of last-minute items you’ll need, grab them, and then get going! If you forgot something, don’t stress — it happens to the best of us! Chances are you can buy it wherever you’re going if you really need it.
Creating Your Custom Checklist
We saved the best for last! Make your vacation super easy by customizing your own printable travel checklist for kids! Use our family travel checklist template below to magically turn packing into another one of your countless super powers!
Happy Travels Ahead
With these expert tips and tricks, you'll be on your way to becoming a packing pro! By embracing a fail-safe family-packing system, categorizing essentials like those LS matching family pajamas, and sourcing clever travel accessories, you'll be equipped to take on your next family adventure with confidence. So, grab your printable travel checklist, pack like a pro, and get ready to make some sweet family memories!
Got any packing tips of your own? Drop them in a comment below for a chance to win a $50 Little Sleepies gift card! We pick one lucky winner every month!
