Remember the days when toddling off on holiday meant throwing a few essentials together? It’s certainly a very different experience when it comes to travelling with kids. Whether you’re new to the game or you’ve done it all before, our handy holiday checklists make packing for a holiday with children that little bit simpler.
From things you shouldn’t forget to how to keep kids occupied on longer journeys, we believe in being prepared for whatever might come your way. So that family holidays mean you get to have almost as much time to play as your little ones.
Baby holiday essentials
Our baby packing list is here to help you pack what you need.
- Write a personal list of all the things you use for baby on a daily basis. These are the first and most important things you’ll need to pack, from nappies to wet wipes.
- Make sure you’ve got a baby carrier and travel cot that are suitable for the activities you will be doing on holiday and where you’ll be staying.
- If you’re travelling by plane, a compatible baby car seat can make you and your little one’s journey more comfortable. Some airlines will let you pack this outside of your hand luggage allowance, so double check before packing.
- Most airlines will allow passengers to take formula and milk onto the plane in bottles, so get ready for a flight by preparing these in advance.
- Not sure what type of blinds or curtains you’ll find in the bedrooms at your travel destination? Portable blackout blinds can be a great way to ensure baby isn’t woken up unnecessarily early.
- If you’re headed somewhere hot, make sure you’ve got lightweight clothes and a hat to keep all baby’s skin covered.
- Packing cubes can be a great way to organise baby’s things.
Toddler holiday essentials
Not sure what to take on holiday for a 1-year-old? Follow our fuss-free toddler holiday packing list and you’ll be ready to go in no time.
- Inquisitive little hands will love having a selection of toys to pick from and make an unfamiliar space feel more like home, so choose and pack some of their favourites.
- Put together a first aid kit with any medication your toddler might need.
- Pack a sunscreen that’s fun to apply such as a spray or sunblock stick. Pick a sun cream with a high factor such as SPF 50 to make sure your toddler is protected in the sun.
- If you’re heading somewhere hot, make sure you’ve got cool clothing, a sunhat and a full-body suit for splashing in the water that will also help protect your toddler from sunrays.
- Not sure how many items of clothing to pack for your toddler or want to pack light? Taking a small bottle of hand washing detergent can be a great way to reduce how many items of clothing you need to take.
- A lightweight, collapsible pram is great for taking on trips so you don’t have to carry your toddler for the whole trip. Or baby and toddler reins are useful for keeping them close by when on foot.
- Check whether your accommodation has a cot, otherwise it’s worth packing a travel cot.
What to pack for a child on holiday
Holidays are a great opportunity for kids to get creative and try out things they might not have done before.
- Activities that are easy to pack include art materials such as coloured pencils and pencils or small bats and balls.
- Put together a first aid kit with any medication your child might need.
- Pack shoes that are easy for your child to be active in. Holidays can be an exciting time to explore as a family so it’s good to have shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
- A couple of your child’s favourite books, as well as a few new ones, are a great way to get young readers inspired and round off the day before bed.
- When choosing which items of clothing to take, checking the weather forecast can be a great place to start. It’s also a good idea to pick items that can be mixed and matched or layered for sudden changes in temperature.
The two surprises to improve your holiday
If your child is old enough, talk to them about what to expect when on holiday, from where they might be paddling to what sort of activities you might be doing. With less surprises, this will help your child feel more prepared for the holiday before and when they arrive at your travel destination.
It’s also fun to include some treats and games. You can take little things to give your child that they can play with. This will help ease any stress your child may feel from the journey by distracting them with something new to enjoy.
Top picks for babies and kids
Whether you’re headed on a weekend away in the UK or flying abroad, travelling with children can be a challenge but with the right preparation it can feel a lot easier. Explore our holiday aisle for everything you need from sun cream to snacks and get packing for a family adventure to remember.