Packing for a trip with kids

Packing for children is mostly packing twice. Once for the days of the trip, and once for the journey, when you will want a few things within reach and not at the bottom of a bag.

Count clothes by the day

Work out how many days you are away and pack kids’ clothes for each of them. Keep a spare outfit or two on top of that count. Our packing list generator counts clothes for you from the number of days.

Keep the journey items in reach

Some things are for the trip itself and not the destination. The packing list for a trip with kids separates them out. It has a spare set of clothes for the journey, wet wipes, snacks, headphones, books or activities and a favourite toy. Put these in the bag you will have beside you, not in the suitcase that goes into the hold or the boot.

Give each child a small pouch

A pouch for each child keeps their things together. Pyjamas, a favourite toy and anything they might need in the night go in one place, so you are not searching a whole bag in the dark.

Medicine needs a check

Pack any medicine your child takes where you can reach it. Rules for carrying medicine and liquids differ between airlines and countries, so check your airline’s page and the rules for where you are going before you fly.

Let them choose one thing

Letting a child choose one toy or book to carry themselves gives them a small job, and it keeps the number of things in the bag down.

Pack the rest as you would for yourself

Start from the Essentials list for your own things. The kids’ list is an add-on, so it sits next to the Essentials and does not replace them.