By Hustle Hack 
Traveling with preschoolers and young children can be an exciting adventure filled with memorable experiences. However, packing for young kids requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need to keep them comfortable, entertained, and happy. This article provides essential packing tips for parents traveling with preschoolers and young children, along with helpful examples and links to related resources to improve your packing strategy.
Packing Essentials for Preschoolers
1. Clothing and Comfort
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Pack enough outfits for daily changes, plus extras in case of spills or accidents. Include a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, pants, shorts, and a lightweight jacket.
- Comfortable Shoes: Bring a pair of sturdy shoes for walking and a pair of sandals or flip-flops.
- Pajamas: Include comfortable pajamas for a good night’s sleep.
- Blanket and Stuffed Animal: Bring their favorite blanket and stuffed animal for comfort.
2. Health and Hygiene
- Toiletries: Pack child-friendly shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a hairbrush.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Protect their skin with high-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
- First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, child-friendly pain reliever, a thermometer, and antiseptic wipes. The Red Cross First Aid Kit Checklist offers a comprehensive list.
- Hand Sanitizer and Wipes: Keep hand sanitizer and wipes handy for quick clean-ups.
3. Feeding and Snacks
- Healthy Snacks: Pack a variety of snacks such as fruit pouches, crackers, cheese sticks, and granola bars. Check out Healthy Little Foodies for more snack ideas.
- Water Bottle: Bring a spill-proof water bottle to keep them hydrated.
- Utensils and Plates: Pack child-friendly utensils, a sippy cup, and a travel plate.
4. Entertainment and Activities
- Toys and Games: Bring a few favorite toys, puzzles, and board games to keep them entertained. Avoid toys with small parts that could be lost easily.
- Books: Pack a few picture books or activity books.
- Tablet or Portable DVD Player: Load up with their favorite shows or movies for long car rides or flights. Common Sense Media offers recommendations for age-appropriate content.
- Coloring Supplies: Bring crayons, coloring books, and a drawing pad for creative activities.
Packing Essentials for Young Children
1. Clothing and Comfort
- Seasonal Clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the weather, including enough changes for daily wear and potential mishaps. Don’t forget swimwear if you’re headed to a beach or pool.
- Comfortable Footwear: Include sturdy walking shoes and easy-to-slip-on sandals.
- Nightwear: Comfortable pajamas and a sleep mask if they are used to one.
- Favorite Comfort Items: Bring along their favorite blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal to help them feel secure.
2. Health and Safety
- Personal Hygiene Items: Pack their own toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and a hairbrush.
- Sun Protection: Include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- First Aid Supplies: A well-stocked first aid kit with child-specific medications, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and insect repellent. Check WebMD’s First Aid Kit Essentials for more tips.
- Child Locator Device: Consider a child locator device or GPS tracker for crowded places.
3. Meals and Snacks
- Nutritious Snacks: Pack a mix of healthy snacks like fruit slices, yogurt, granola bars, and whole grain crackers. For more ideas, visit EatingWell’s Healthy Travel Snacks.
- Reusable Snack Bags: Use reusable snack bags or containers for easy access and portion control.
- Portable Cooler: A small cooler bag for perishable items like cheese sticks or yogurt.
- Reusable Water Bottles: Bring a spill-proof water bottle for each child to stay hydrated.
4. Entertainment and Activities
- Favorite Toys and Games: Bring a few favorite toys, action figures, and small games to keep them entertained.
- Books and Audiobooks: Pack some engaging books and consider downloading audiobooks for the trip.
- Electronic Devices: A tablet or portable DVD player loaded with their favorite educational apps, shows, and movies. Visit Common Sense Media for recommendations on age-appropriate content.
- Activity Kits: Coloring books, crayons, and sticker books can provide hours of entertainment.
Final Tips for Packing
- Create a Packing List: Write down everything you need and check items off as you pack.
- Start Early: Begin packing a few days before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
- Stay Organized: Use packing cubes or separate bags for different categories to keep items organized and easily accessible.
By packing thoughtfully and efficiently for your preschoolers and young children, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for the whole family. Preparation is key to handling any challenges that come your way and making the most of your travel experience.
Related Sites for Further Reading
- Healthy Little Foodies
- Common Sense Media
- Red Cross First Aid Kit Checklist
- WebMD First Aid Kit Essentials
- EatingWell Healthy Travel Snacks