How to PACK FOR VACATION with kids
My Mental Checklist for Vacation with Kids
In this video, I'll share my mental checklist for packing for vacation with kids and highlight the most important points for packing.
0:00 - Intro
0:17 - Comfortable Flights
1:52 - Insurance
2:17 - Meals
3:58 - Clothing
4:57 - Activities
5:17 - Favorite Toys
5:50 - Carry-on Luggage
6:46 - Don't Forget About Yourself
1. Check for Comfortable Flights
I strongly recommend choosing only comfortable daytime flights with children.
I'm sure many will tell themselves and me that if the child sleeps at night, then we'll fly at night! And here's my question: What if he doesn't sleep? Then imagine the horror that awaits you throughout the flight: a crying child, nervousness, unfamiliar surroundings. Of course, you're starting to get nervous too, you can't calm your child down, you're getting irritated, and your child senses it.
2. Insurance - be sure to get it for the entire period with the maximum coverage for children, so that God forbid something bad happens on vacation.
As for medications, take one or two general remedies, like a fever reliever and a pain reliever.
3. Baby food.
If you have a breastfed baby, this isn't an issue.
But if you're using formula or supplements, check the availability of similar formulas in the country you're visiting.
To avoid lugging a duffel bag full of groceries, pack at least three days' worth of food in advance so you can buy it on site without any rush.
But if it turns out that the formula you're buying isn't available in the country, don't despair. Pack enough for three days in advance. And before you leave, check online for formulas with similar ingredients as much as possible.
4. Baby clothing.
Dear girls, we check the weather conditions in advance. This determines the amount of clothing we pack. If it's a cold country, we take warm seasonal clothing, closed-toe boots that will protect from the cold and rain or snow.
In a warm country, I think the choice is much wider. Light cotton items are recommended to keep the baby from sweating and from being restricted in movement. My favorite onesies are, of course, baby onesies.
5. Activities for children.
I prefer to plan children's leisure time during the trip in advance.
I check.
6. Gadgets/snacks/toys
Keep the child busy on the plane with their favorite games, toys, and treats. We all want a smooth and comfortable flight.
7. Carry-on luggage (we pack two sets of clothes suitable for the plane, in case they get dirty, etc.) Also, comfortable, used shoes for the child. And even if you're flying for a summer vacation, pack a warm sweater/pants and, if possible, a small blanket to keep the child comfortable.
8. Don't forget about yourself.