Packing in the most important thing when it comes to travelling. It is completely alright to feel lost about what to put in your travel bag and what to leave behind. If it is your first time packing the suitcase for your child then there are some things you need to keep in mind.
There are many restrictions on what you are allowed to bring so we have included them as well. You can print the guide and tick the items you are done packing so that you do forget anything important.
Here is a guide of what to bring according to your child’s age.
For Infants:
If you are travelling with an infant, the first and foremost thing you need to carry is diapers. It’s better if you carry a diaper bag, then you will be able to carry the items along with the diaper.
The items will include tissues, a changing pad, sanitary wipes, a plastic bag so that you can keep the dirty clothes there, pacifiers, teeth toys, a set of fresh clothes, warm clothes to keep the baby warm in case it gets cold.
You will also need to carry baby food, bottles with breast food or formula, nursing pads for the mom, some snacks, and baby toys. If your baby is sick then you will have to carry the necessary medications. You can also carry gas relief medications.
For Toddler:
You will need to find a backpack your toddler can carry by themselves. This way they can carry the things they need by themselves.
You will have to pack a change of clothes in case of emergency, diapers or pull-ups whichever your child feels comfortable in, a plastic bag in case the clothes get severely soiled, sanitary wipes, snacks, their favorite candy and drinks, small educational books.
You can also pack their favorite stuffed toy they sleep with so that they do not get anxious during the flight. You will need to keep a sanitizer, a small first aid kit, and necessary medications in case they get sick during the trip.
For School-aged Kids:
School age kids are old enough to carry their own things. You will not have to pack diapers anymore. Make sure you are providing enough liberty to the kids so that they can choose what they will pack on their own.
If they want, you can pack their homework and relevant books so they don’t fall behind on their studies. Also keep in mind that you are letting them pack their favorite toy, some crayons and their favorite video games so that they don’t get bored when you are travelling.
Pack some light snacks in case they get hungry during the trip. You can pack a raincoat or sweater depending on the weather in case it rains or gets chilly.
You will also need to keep some medicine in case they need it. Kids can get motion sickness very easily so make sure to pack some medicines and a plastic bag with you at all times.
For Teens:
Teens are completely capable of deciding what to pack to pack and carry for themselves. So let them pack by themselves but you have to check if they took everything they need.
Teenagers can have their rebel phases so make sure they are not packing anything that is not allowed. Teens will also have to take the responsibility of carrying their own IDs and Passports. You can give them a small bag where they will keep their important documents.
They will have to make sure they are packing their own medicines such as aspirin and other basics in case they need it. They should also have sunscreen with them at all times. They can take sunglasses, spare sets of contact lenses and spectacles in case they need it.
For Yourself:
If you are travelling with your child then it is important you are carrying everything you need. Make sure to carry your wallet, ID, passport, credit cards if you have it with you at all times. You also need to load glasses, sunglasses, camera, mobile, jewelry.
You can also take your favorite books with you in case you don’t get bored while travelling. If you have an infant or a toddler with you, you might need to take a change of clothes with you.
You will need to keep your necessary medication with you. You should also carry some warm clothes in case it gets very cold.
What you are allowed to pack:
Whether you are going through an airline or a train or any other vehicle, different places have different restrictions. Some places allow more than one carry-on while others don’t. So it is important to do proper research before deciding what to pack.
A good rule of thumb is to pick a carry-on that is flexible enough to fit in the small place in front of your seat. So say in the worst case scenario, you cannot carry two luggage, you can easily sacrifice your legroom and keep the luggage there while travelling.
Tips for packing:
Here are some tips for you so that you can have an effective packing experience:
Make a list of the things you will take with you and print it. After packing each element, cross it off your list. This way you will not forget anything beforehand. Make sure you have everything in your home after making the list.
This way you won’t need to make any last minute trips to the grocery store. Let your teenagers pack the bags themselves. This way they will learn to be more independent from a young age. Make sure the carry on is sturdy and lightweight.
The bag will have to be strong enough to endure the diverse weather conditions. Some bags have the liberty to expand the sizes which will be a lifesaver in case you want to bring home some souvenirs.
We hope you enjoyed our guide on packing a carry on for kids. We have put in a lot of effort to conduct a thorough research and provide you with the most useful information. If you follow this guide well then you will end up saving a lot of time and money as you won’t have to go to the drugstore to get the essentials you could have easily brought from home. May you have an excellent trip with your family.