Family Travel Tips l Kids Packing Items
Are you planning a family vacation with your little ones and feeling overwhelmed with what to pack? Don't worry, we've got you covered! We've compiled a list of essential packing items to make your family travel experience stress-free and enjoyable. From snacks that will keep your children fueled and happy to gadgets that will keep them entertained for hours, we've got it all. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover our top family travel tips and kids packing items.
1. Children's Headphones
In most cases, the headphones provided by flight attendants won't fit your child's ears, and typical in-ear headphones are not designed for children. To ensure your child can hear the movie or content on their device, it's a good idea to bring headphones specifically made for kids. CozyPhones are a great option as they are made of soft fleece material, wrap around the child's head like a headband, and limit the volume to a safe level for young ears. Additionally, they can double as ear warmers, allowing your child to sleep comfortably while wearing them.
2. Diaper Changing Equipment
One of the most challenging aspects of flying with a baby or toddler is changing their diaper in the cramped airplane bathroom. To make this experience more bearable, it's important to be prepared. Keep diapers and wipes in easily accessible zip-lock bags so you can quickly grab them when needed. Additionally, bring a portable changing pad to cover the changing table in the bathroom. If your child touches anything in the unsanitary airplane bathroom, ensure they wash their hands thoroughly after each diaper change.
3. Clothes To Change, (For You and Your Children!)
Mishaps are bound to happen during travel, from spills to unpleasant odors. To prepare for the unexpected, it's wise to pack extra clothes in your carry-on bag in case your clothes become soiled or damp. Remember, accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of age or experience. Even something as simple as an awkward movement can cause a glass of wine to spill onto your lap.
To make it easier to access your spare clothes, store them in separate zip-lock bags. This will allow you to quickly grab what you need and keep wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest of your belongings.
4. Something to Suck or Chew
Have you ever wondered why chewing gum is recommended during takeoff and landing? It's because chewing prompts you to swallow more often, which helps to keep your eustachian tubes open and maintain equal air pressure as the plane ascends or descends. The same principle applies to sucking, so don't hesitate to give your children some treats during the flight. For babies, offer a pacifier or bottle, or allow them to nurse, during takeoff and landing.
It's always a good idea to have some candy handy. They can be a lifesaver when it comes to calming down upset children, and you may even be able to share them with other parents whose children are having a tough time on the flight.
5. Snacks
Children always enjoy snacking, so be sure to have a variety of their favorite finger foods on hand during the trip. However, it is important to choose snacks that won't make a mess, such as fruit snacks rather than chocolate. Snacking on something during takeoff and landing can also help alleviate ear discomfort.
6. A Sippy Cup That Isn't Full
It's almost inevitable that the flimsy plastic cup your child receives during the in-flight beverage service will end up on the floor at some point. To avoid spills and messes, consider bringing a sippy cup or a water bottle that flight attendants can refill for your child. This way, you can prevent potential accidents and keep your child hydrated throughout the flight.
7. Wet Wipes and Tissues
Make sure to pack sufficient amounts of wipes and tissues to maintain cleanliness of your hands, noses, and faces throughout the entire flight.
8. Sanitizer for Hands, (& Sanitizing Wipes)
Frequent travelers are aware that airplane tray tables, armrests, remote controls, and touch screens harbor a plethora of germs. Protect your family from getting sick by frequently using hand sanitizer during the flight. In addition to hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes come in handy as they can be used to clean the area around your seat and the changing table in the bathroom.
9. Pain Relieving Medicine
Before takeoff, your child might be feeling great, but it's hard to predict how they'll feel once the plane is in the air. To be prepared for unexpected ear pain, motion sickness, or illness while flying, it's important to have a flight plan in place. Putting together a well-stocked medicine kit is a crucial step to ensure a smooth and comfortable flight for your child.
- Antihistamines can be administered to treat allergic reactions, but it's important to know the correct dosages ahead of time.
- You can safely give your child aged two and above motion sickness medications, like Dramamine, provided you buy tablets specifically formulated for children. Just be sure to check the appropriate dosage beforehand.
- It's important to bring any necessary prescription medications for your child on the flight, even if they don't need them during the trip. Avoid packing them in checked baggage, in case your luggage gets lost or delayed.
- If your child experiences an upset stomach, consider using anti-nausea medication such as Pepto or Nausene.
- Gas relief drops.
10. Electronic gadgets
It's easy to find educational apps that cater to preschoolers' creativity, curiosity, and playfulness. Some apps are open-ended, while others focus on numbers or reading skills. You can even load up your iPad with these educational apps for your child to use during the flight.
Make sure to pack a charger and a plug for your phone. Many airports and planes provide power outlets, so you can keep your child's device charged throughout the trip.
11. E-Books
Instead of carrying physical books, it's recommended that parents use their phones to access full-color picture books from their local library to read to their children during the flight. You can easily find out more information by visiting your local library's website or checking out apps like Hoopla or Overdrive to see if your library is available. Ensure that you download the books prior to boarding the plane, as you won't be able to do so once connected to in-flight Wi-Fi.
12. Small Surprises
Providing your children with some wrapped surprises can be a great way to keep them occupied and entertained during the flight. You can easily find these items at your local Dollar Store.
Here are some easy ideas, all of which can be found at Dollar Tree:
- Handheld marble mazes
- Stickers and a small pad to stick them
- Toy figures
- Mini dry erase board
- Magnetic drawing boards
- Activity books
- Play dough or clay
- Crayons
- Window clings, (they’ll love putting them on the airplane window)
- Themed “Play Packs“
- Mad Libs, (for older kids)
Summary
A comprehensive list of family travel tips that can help parents prepare for their next trip with their children. The tips cover various aspects of travel, including packing, entertainment, health, and safety, and suggest items such as snacks, books, electronics, and medicine that can make the journey more comfortable for both parents and kids. Overall, it aims to help parents have a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience with their families.
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