packing essentials when traveling with young kids is the reason my suitcase weighs 49.8 lbs every single time and tsa knows me by name. hi it’s me, the mom who once packed 47 pouches and zero underwear for myself. this is the list i copy-paste before every trip because my brain cells are currently made of goldfish crumbs.
the time i forgot diapers on a 4-hour flight and almost sold my soul in the denver airport
true story: 2019, two kids under three, i was SO proud of my “minimalist” carry-on. got to the gate, realized i packed zero diapers. spent $38 on six airport diapers and cried in the family bathroom while my toddler screamed “POOP AGAIN.” lesson learned. i now pack like i’m moving countries for a long weekend.
the non-negotiable packing essentials when traveling with young kids
snacks (quantity: offensive)
- at least 4 pouches per hour of travel (yes even if they “just ate”)
- individual goldfish/pretzel bags because dumping the family size = war crime
- lollipops for takeoff and landing (ears + bribery)
- something with protein so you can pretend you’re a good parent
clothes (for them AND you)
- two full outfits per kid per day + three extras because blowouts don’t send warnings
- zip-lock bag for the inevitable poopy clothes
- two extra shirts for YOU. trust me on the puke/spit-up/math
magic items i will fight you over
- painter’s tape (tape toys to tray tables, tape the window shade, tape their mouth—kidding… mostly)
- cheap amazon tablets loaded with bluey and zero guilt
- kid headphones (the volume-limiting kind so they don’t go deaf on cocomelon)
- portable charger the size of a brick because dying tablets = apocalypse
sleep survival
- lovey/blanket/stuffed animal they can’t live without (take a photo in case it gets lost)
- foldable travel potty seat if you’re potty training (saved us in europe)
- melatonin gummies (talk to ped first, obviously)
medical & random lifesavers
- pediatrician-approved meds (fever, allergy, tummy)
- band-aids because someone will dramatically bleed the second you land
- extra pacifiers taped inside the bag in three locations
- a tiny thing of laundry detergent pods because spills
carry-on only hacks
- backpack for you, rolling suitcase for kid stuff (they think pulling it is fun for exactly 4 minutes)
- change them into pajamas at the gate. instant sleep cue + everyone thinks you’re organized
- one “surprise” toy per hour of flight, wrapped in leftover christmas paper
things i always forget and then cry about
- my own toothbrush
- phone charger (i have 17 kid ones though)
- any semblance of dignity
next trip i’m manifesting a suitcase that packs itself. probably not happening.
anyway if you’re about to attempt packing essentials when traveling with young kids just know the bar is underground. overpack the snacks, underpack your expectations, and remember: you will lose at least one shoe but you’ll make it.
