The crazy thing is you may actually need MORE stuff for older babies and young kids than you do for infants. It's just different stuff (you can't win, I've tried!).
But, like before, wish some practice (and a lot of "well, we didn't need this!" or "why didn't I bring that?!"), I've created some checklists that can help, because you'll need as many free hands as possible when you travel with your little ones.
Like before, Let's imagine you're going away for 3-4 days, and traveling by plane, with an eating baby roughly over 9 months to kids about 5 years old. You can modify this list based on length of age, stay, location, weather, special occasions, etc., but the basic structure should apply. Some things might be repetitive from my earlier list, so it may look familiar. For my post on packing for theme park vacations, click here.
What to Pack - Checked Baggage:
Clothes
Make outfits in advance. Line them up and double check. You'll be tempted to bring everything that's cute. Control yourself.
Find items that mix and match. For 4 days, you could have a total of 8 tops and 6 bottoms. Try not to pick outfits that require their own kit of accessories.
Pack maximum 2 pairs of shoes (not counting special occasion shoes if required), plus whatever they're wearing when they travel. Find shoes that match with everything and are multipurpose.
Pack 4-6 pairs of socks max. If they get dirty you can hand wash them, but small children socks really don't get dirty (unless they're walking).
1-2 sweaters/sweatshirts (if applicable). If anything, bring one with you when you travel.
One set of pajamas.
Head/hair - bring universally compatible hats/bows/ribbons to match your outfits. You really don't need a bow in every color.
If you have "fancy" occasions, bring 1 outfit per event. If this needs special shoes, try to get a single shoe style that works with every special occasion outfit.
At least 2 swimsuits (if applicable). For girls, I have discovered this brand Fasten that makes diaper changing or going potty with a swimsuit 100 times easier.
Bathroom
Bottle of baby wash - Travel size if possible (you can pour your favorite into a travel container to keep it light).
Baby lotion, if required. Most times, unless your baby has skin issues, they can forgo a few days without lotion.
Don't worry about baby towels, unless your baby has allergies. Hotels and family homes usually have clean towels.
Since your baby already sits up, just use a towel for a non-slip sitting surface in the tub/shower. Or, if you really want a bathtub, here's a great inflatable one that packs down. (This helped us on a cruise!)
Baby/toddler toothbrush and toothpaste.
Buy diapers locally if you can, or even on Amazon/other to arrive ahead of time (if applicable). Take a few more than you usually need on hand though. Or, if you want to take your own diapers and wipes, I usually stuff them into the car-seat or crib bag - there's always extra space in there.
Baby/child sunscreen (if applicable)
Hair brush
Travel potty (see below).
Sleep - Babies -2yo:
For babies-2yo: Most hotels have portable cribs. Be sure to ask for one when you make your booking.
If not, you have a few options:
1. If this is a family home you plan to visit with frequency, consider purchasing a portable crib to store locally and use for future visits.
2. If you need to buy your own travel crib, there are many options depending on age. Just be mindful you'll have to carry it. Here are a few different crib-styles to consider: Flisko, Graco PNP On the Go, and KidCo (we got the larger size when traveling with toddlers - they are also UV+ so great to take to the pool or beach!).
Pack extra pacifiers (if required).
Young babies usually don't sleep with toys under 12 months, so you don't need to bring anything extra.
There are some great low-cost travel monitors (audio or a/v) you can purchase for under $40. Here's a good video camera option.
A blackout shade - totally optional. Here's a fab one we found and use it for travel, overnighters, even for guests who stay over. Very easy to install.
Sleep - 2yo+:
If your child is already sleeping in a bed, they can use the guest bed at a hotel. If you're worried they'll roll out of the bed, you can slide some rolled up towels under the fitted sheet along the edges of the bed
If there is no guest bed, or they aren't ready to sleep in a big bed yet, you can buy a toddler travel bed. Just be mindful you'll have to carry it. Here are a few different styles to consider: The Shrunks, Kidco (my kids thought these were mini tents and loved them - again, UV+ so great for the pool or beach).
If this is a family home you plan to visit with frequency, consider purchasing a toddler bed to store locally and use for future visits if they don't have a spare bed for.
Pack extra pacifiers (if required).
One or two (max) lovies, cuddles, blankies, or whatever your kids call their favorite sleep toy/blanket.
You can bring a monitor if you want, but most of the time, these kids are big enough to communicate their issues. Even still, a two-way audio monitor might be good, or a low-cost travel monitor (audio or a/v) for under $40.
A blackout shade - totally optional. Here's a fab one we found and use it for travel, overnighters, even for guests who stay over. Very easy to install.
Food/Milk
You can usually get most food at your local destination. Unless there's something super special, don't bring a ton of food with you.
If your child still drinks from a bottle, bring a spare set of bottles, and baby bottle soap (in travel size containers). I personally like this travel brush/drying rack set from Oxo, but there are other comparable brands if you have the space. Otherwise, use your hands!
If you're pumping, bring at least one extra set of kit (and extra valves!).
If you use formula, take some extra on the plane with you (1-2 more bottles' worth than you need - just in case), but check the rest (or buy it locally).
If your child uses sippy cups, or other special spoons/forks, I'd bring one set along in your carry-on cooler or diaper bag.
Transportation:
This is a tough one. If you plan to lap sit baby and not buy a seat for their infant or convertible car-seat, it's 50/50 whether you want the car seat/stroller with you, or to check it.
Pros: You can put baby down or strap toddler in (helps keep them from running off), the stroller has baskets to carry stuff. You can avoid whining about walking too far.
Cons: You have to go through security, you have to planeside valet (both ways), you have to pay for bags (check airline rules).
Honestly, checking everything often worked best for me. Planeside valet is cumbersome and time-consuming. But, fear not, there are solutions to help you go stroller-free when baby/toddler is too big for a carrier but too small to walk (or walk fast).
This AMAZING life-changing travel hack for kids 2+ is called Lug-A-Bug. Get one.
Another option is to invest in a lightweight travel stroller. This is good if you don't need a heavy duty one at your destination (like a theme park or similar). You can get a traditional umbrella stroller, or one of these freaking cool ones from GB (Pockit and AllCity) or Delta.
If you are going to check your stroller or infant car seat, invest in a great padded carrier bag. You want to protect your investment. And don't do the backpack thing - you'll regret it. Get something with wheels.
There's almost always extra space in the car seat bag, so use this to carry your bathroom items, diapers (if you bring), extra bottles/food, wrapped sunscreens, etc.
If you plan to gate-check your convertible car seat, you could use this as a stroller in the airport. You can get one of these carriers, or a special strap that attaches to your carry on. You'll still need to gate-check, so get a protective bag like these for seat and stroller. This is a good solution if you don't need a stroller at your destination.
You could invest specifically in a lightweight travel car seat but I will write a separate entry about that since this section is getting too long. :-)
What to Pack - Hand Carry:
Diaper bag (as applicable) : include changing pad, wipes and diapers (2x more than usual), diaper cream, burp cloth, change of clothes for baby (universally compatible colors), pacifier, paci-wipes (these are life savers for wiping bottles, spoons and pacis if you don't want to carry soap), mini first aid kid, 1 toy, 1 book, spare bottle, baby fork/spoon set (if required), phone charger, large Ziploc bags x 2, hand sanitizer.
If you can put your own phone/wallet in the diaper bag, skip bringing a separate purse on-board.
Sweatshirt for child
I usually bring one small cooler with ice pack that can clip to my diaper bag when in the airport. Here's what I put in there:
1. If the baby is still drinking formula/milk, bring 1-2 more bottles' worth than you deem necessary for the time frame. This will help in case of delays (or hunger emergencies).
2. Bring snacks to travel, for you and child (if they eat).
**If you have formula, breastmilk, yogurt, etc., you will be stopped by TSA. They test it without touching it, but be prepared. TRAVEL HACK - If the breast milk is FROZEN SOLID they won't test it.
Breast pump (if applicable). Bring a clean set of kit, spare pump bottles/caps, milk storage bags (if necessary) and a Ziploc bag for used parts (if you plan to pump while traveling). Use the cooler and icepack mentioned above to store milk if necessary. This is a great travel sized soap to bring along if needed (you don't need brushes).
Cover-up for pumping/feeding (if applicable)
Travel potty. This is another of my favorite hacks. Much easier than trying to hold toddler over a toilet, or lay down paper or covers Also works as a potty seat at your destination. Keeps your kid clean, and you don't have to touch anything dirty. And your kid doesn't freak out in public bathrooms or airplane toilet closets. A miracle product!
Headphones for kids (if age appropriate). There are some that are decibel limited, so they don't hurt kids' ears. To maintain sanity, I recommend caving to the screentime rule, and letting kids watch the myriad of shows and movies they have on planes. Everyone is happier this way. Also, if you have a tablet with some great learning games, it's a great chance to have them sit and concentrate on learning something for a little while. There are the headband kind for the little ones and the soft ear piece ones for older kids.
OPTIONALS:
Airplane seat harness - optional. My firstborn was a wild animal on planes - crawling all over the seats and constantly removing her seatbelt. We found this great airline certified harness to keep her safely secured in her seat during flight time. Optional, but good for restless kids.
Hook-on high chair - optional (but amazing). Good for ages 6mo - 2yo. Not only good for traveling, these hook-on chairs are a great, clean and comfortable alternative to any restaurant high chairs for little ones. They can also serve as a feeding chair in a hotel room, airport, cruise ship, or anywhere without a high chair standing by. I like Inglesina because it comes with a tray, but there are lots of options.
So, like I said, a lot of different things. But all good stuff. Good luck and don't stress.
For traveling with an infant, check out my article "Travel like a Pro - Packing for Infants"
For traveling to a theme park destination, like Disney or Universal, check out my article "Travel like a Pro -Packing for Theme Park Vacations"
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