Going on a Summer Holiday: 11 Essentials to Pack for Your Toddler

Summer holidays are an exciting time for the whole family, but packing for a trip with young children can be overwhelming. With so many items to consider, it can be difficult to make sure you have all you need without packing everything but the kitchen sink. To help make the process easier, we’ve put together some top tips to help you pack for your little one and ensure that your little traveller has all the necessities for a safe and enjoyable vacation.

Create a checklist for peace of mind

List-making is old school, but it works. When there are many things to consider, making a list and planning what you’ll need ahead of your holiday will massively help to get your thoughts in order and ensure nothing important gets left behind. While pen and paper still works, so can the ‘notes’ section on your phone, or even get savvy with a checklist app - there are plenty of free ones available. It’s never too early to start and in fact, the earlier you do, the more time you’ll have to source those bits that tend to pop up before falling asleep at night.

Top 11 essentials

Here’s a list of the top essentials to add to your holiday packing checklist…

1. Travel documents

It’s obvious but essential, so it’s first on our list but do make sure you check everyone’s passport expiry dates in advance!

Pack passports, any visa documents, car rental confirmations, medical/travel insurance and accommodation booking details along with your flight/train ticket confirmations.

Take photos of all your documents on your phone, so if the worst comes to the worst, and something gets lost, you have copies.

2. Know your baggage allowance

Before you start packing any bags, do check what baggage and weight allowance you have for yourself and your child as airlines vary. But whether you’re travelling by plane, train or car, it’s always a good idea to know what capacity you have to avoid over-packing.

If you’re taking a buggy, it may be worth getting a lightweight travel version.

3. Feeding equipment & snacks

There are few things worse than dealing with a hangry child while in transit, so bring more snacks than you think you’ll need – in case you hit any unplanned travel delays. Choose snack options that travel well like rice cakes, dried fruit, cereal bars and pouches. And obviously don’t forget drinks, bibs and plenty of wet to clear up any sticky fingers or spills.

4. Milk supplies

If you’re still breastfeeding, you may want to consider a feeding cover/ privacy muslin for feeding in airports or public spaces – and it’ll also help your little one focus in a busy space. For longer journeys, it may help to bring expressing equipment so both you and your partner (if applicable) can feed while travelling

5. Nappies and nappy-changing accessories

It’s up to you whether you’d like to pack all the nappies your little one will need (this will depend on how long you’ll be away) or if you’re planning on buying most of your nappies at your destination. Either way, pack a bulging change bag for the journey with plenty of wet wipes, creams, and nappy bags for used nappies in case of delays. You might also want to consider bringing a changing mat along.

6. Travel first aid kit

Having familiar first aid essentials with you while on holiday will help you to deal with minor mishaps or any mild illnesses. This way, you won’t have to try and locate a pharmacy in a new location. Along with any prescribed medication, some essentials include:

• A thermometer
• Children’s paracetamol
• Plasters & antiseptic
• Antihistamine (age appropriate)
• Anti-nausea/motion sickness tablets (age appropriate)

7. Toddler toiletries & sunscreen

Again, this will depend on your destination and whether or not you plan to purchase what you need upon arrival or bring along your own supplies. If your child has sensitivities, it may avoid adverse reactions to stick with your familiar products. Some essential toiletries include:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Baby bath wash
• Shampoo
• Lotion
• Some sponges or flannels
• Children’s sunscreen

8. Travel accessories

Having the right equipment with you on your travels can make such a difference when you’ve got a little one. These accessories can include baby carriers, a booster seat, and a good travel stroller and bassinet/cot. You may even want to consider a small, fold-up beach tent for sun protection and shade if you know you’ll be spending lots of time in the sun. Foldable UV umbrellas are brilliant if you’re going somewhere with outdoor queues, like amusement parks, as they work for rain or sunshine.

9. Comforters

Aside from travelling, which can prove to be a stressful experience for some young children, arriving at a new destination can be unsettling. It helps to bring along some comforting accessories to aid in providing some familiarity for your child. This can be their favourite blanket, toy, teddy bear, or book – if possible, it’s helpful to have two, so there’s a spare in case the treasured item gets lost.

10. Swimming gear

Given it’s a summer holiday, your child is likely to need some swimming gear. This can include swim diapers, buoyancy swimming costumes, swim cover-ups, hats, armbands/swim jackets, etc. This may also include inflatables, water toys and buckets and spades – however, it might be easier to grab some of these items once you arrive at your destination to avoid feeling like a pack horse.

11. Wardrobe

Packing a child’s wardrobe can feel overwhelming and there’s a fine line between over-packing and under-packing. A good way to aim for ‘just right’, is to factor in how many days you’ll be away, the weather (and its variations), and a couple extras here and there. Don’t forget to factor in travel clothes too. How much you pack will also depend on if you’ll be able to do any washing while you’re away.