1. Pack less.
You are going to forgot something, no matter how much you pack. Shopping for these items at your new destination is a fun way to explore. Plus you’ll have some souvenirs (e.g. “hey, these are the socks we bought in Barbados!”)
2. The above rule does NOT apply to carry-on luggage.
Being stranded with a young child and no snacks, juice, entertainment, or clean shirt is a caper you must avoid.
- Separate your diaper stash between two different bags.
- I once left mine in an airport restroom and got stranded on a cross-country flight with NO DIAPERS.
- Take TWO extra outfits per child…or more.
- You can guarantee a major catastrophe the minute you use your only spare outfit!
- Also have spare clothes and essential toiletries for the adults in a carry-on bag.
- Have what you need just in case your bags wind up on the other side of the planet.
3. DO NOT pack items with emotional value in your checked luggage.
If your kids can’t asleep without their beat up old teddy-bear, don’t live dangerously - put it in a bag that never leaves your sight.
4. Say no to “fancy gear”.
If you’re a family that likes to travel, don’t get attached to a boatload of elaborate baby equipment. Bulky strollers, and portable cribs, are for people who stay home or travel with a fully loaded minivan.
- Unfortunately, the car seat is coming along.
- A hassle to haul, since you’re most likely carrying a kid too.
- Strap your car seat to a rolling suitcase so you can haul both at once.
- Many of these straps also turn your car seat into a stroller…very cool.
- Although the straps may be useful for some. I would really recommend carrying a young child in a pack like a Baby Bjorn
5. Versatile and comfortable clothing.
- Pack soft and comfy clothes that you’re ok with getting dirty.
- Make sure they mix and match and can layer too.
- Safe, durable, comfortable footwear.
- Break in the new shoes before you leave.
- If you need an outfit for a specific event - buy it there.
6. Snack Hacks
- Putting your own snacks in small Zip-locs is a money-saver.
- Put WATER in sippy cups to spare yourself spills, stains and sugar highs.
- Yes, even for kids old enough to not use sippy cups at home.
- No juice or milk in sippy cups.
- Hard to clean and you’ll arrive with food poisoning.
- If you must have juice boxes, consider investing in a “no squeeze” holder. Search Amazon for several options.
7. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is perfectly suited for feeding while traveling. It’s always available, the perfect temperature and you don’t have to take your child out of the pack or sling.
- It equalizing the pressure in your babies ears during air travel.
- Otherwise, make sure you have a drink, snack, or gum to help with popping ears.
- Airline regulations limit the liquids you can carry through security, so give yourself time to buy water, etc, before your flight.
8. The “Waiting Kit”.
When you travel, you will be eating in restaurants, which means - WAITING.
- Have crayons and paper.
- This will keep your kids quietly occupied between the ordering and the arrival of the food.
- This may be a good time to work on that stack of postcards.
- Avoid the electronic entertainment.
- No need to further depreciate our respect abroad!
9. Travel Day
Your child’s happiness is tied to your own, and, in this case, the other people on your flight. Don’t get so distracted with packing for your final destination that you forget the travel day.
- Making sure your kids aren’t hungry, uncomfortable or bored will go a long way toward getting your trip off to a good start.
- Pack treats you know they will like.
- Peanut butter sandwich, cheese crackers, fruit, etc.
- Dress them comfy and IN LAYERS.
- Slip-on shoes.
- This is essential for going through security, and it is also great to be able to take them off during a long flight.
- Surprise them with a few cheap NEW toys or books.
- They don’t need to be fancy. The novelty will really help them stay occupied.
- Don’t forget yourself.
- An audiobook and some good chocolates will help keep you in “good Mommy mode”.
10. Now, it’s your turn.
What do you think Rule #10 should be? Leave us a comment on FamilyHack.com. We’d love to hear it.
Hannah Russell-Davis is an Editor at Family Hack, a site that helps families travel the world, work from anywhere and home school their kids. Read more at FamilyHack.com
Tags: children, family, familyhack, packing, parenthacks, parenting, travel
