What to Pack in The Ultimate Toddler Carry-On

Remember those carefree days when you and your sweetheart could just hop in a car or on a plane and take some time off? Now, with one or more children or babies in tow, deciding what to pack for your trip can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to panic! Jennifer Lundy-Aguerre (MFT), from La Mesa, California-based Positive Change Counseling Center, stresses that it just takes a little planning to beat those what-to-pack blues. “By carefully considering your child’s favorite foods, toys, and games, you can pack to make the journey almost as enjoyable as the destination,” she says.


1. For infants up to toddler’s age, a diaper bag with essentials, such as diapers, wipes, a changing pad, rash cream, Ziploc bags for accidents or soiled clothing, toys, pacifiers, bibs, bottles and an extra change of clothes start off the list. Don’t forget to pack a beanie and sweater to accommodate temperature changes and potential accidents. Breast milk or formula and enough baby food to last the plane trip or road trip while you’ll be away from baby food sources is crucial. Bring a bit of honey or molasses that you can dip your finger into and pacify baby during takeoff and landing to help prevent ear pressure discomfort. Toddlers can enjoy their favorite snacks to achieve the same effect.


2. If Junior is school-aged, he can feel extra special and carry his carry-on. Make sure it’s labeled with your contact information in case it-or he gets lost. Pack it with his favorite video games (with headphones so he doesn’t annoy other passengers), books or puzzle books. Lundy-Aguerre adds, “Allowing your children to choose their snacks and toys helps them to look forward to the travel portion of your family vacation. You may need to provide appropriate options for them to choose from – tiny pieces can easily get lost on a plane.”


3. For your tweens and teenagers, give them the responsibility of carrying their identification, passports, itineraries, and cash as well as their own cellphones (with chargers) and travel tickets.


4. For all your children-babies to teens-make sure they have passports and paperwork that’s required for international travel. At the very least, all children should have an appropriate ID. Lundy-Aguerre advises, “Remember, just because the last airline you flew didn’t require ID for your child, doesn’t mean the same rules apply for this trip!”


5. Don’t forget to pack any prescribed medications as well as OTC remedies for motion sickness, fever or pain. It’s also a safety precaution to pack a first-aid kit.


And as far as insurance is concerned, it’s wise to have copies of your kids’ insurance information on hand as well as a signed and dated note permitting medical attention. This last tip is for when you leave the kids with friends or family. Lundy-Aguerre explains that “Introducing travel to your child at an early age teaches them the skills necessary for a lifetime of adventure and exploration. While it may seem like a lot of work the first time out the door, it only gets easier. Don’t forget to enjoy the ride!”

Shelley Moench-Kelly, MBA, is a New England-based writer and editor whose freelance clients include Google, L’Oreal Paris and TheWeek.com.