What to Pack When Traveling with Kids (By Age & Stage)
The Essentials That Actually Made It Into Our Bags
Let’s be honest, packing for long-term travel with kids can feel like preparing for a minor expedition. The snacks. The “essentials.” The meltdowns over the wrong cuddly toy.
And if you’re like us, you’re probably Googling things like:
What to pack when traveling with a 1-year-old
What are the travel essentials for kids?
How do I not overpack but also… not forget something major?
This post breaks it down by age group, with gear that’s actually worked for us and other families and what we’re skipping this time around.
Whether you’re heading off for a week or a year (like we are), this should help.
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For Babies (Under 1 Year Old)
Babies need a lot… until they don’t. The goal here is comfort, containment, and calm.
Essentials:
For Toddlers (1–4 Years)
Bottles, formula, or breast pump
Travel crib (like the Guava Lotus)
Baby carrier and stroller (we like the Nuna or YoYo for light travel)
Diaper kit: 10–12 nappies, wipes, changing pad, nappy cream
Baby headphones (for flights or loud buses)
Familiar sleep toy or blanket
Baby meds (calpol, teething gel, sunscreen, saline spray)
Pro tip: The diaper bag is your carry-on. Use it wisely.
➡️ See our full baby gear picks in the Amazon Travel with Kids list
Toddlers are chaos in small shoes but a well-packed toddler bag can save your sanity.
Essentials:
Snacks. More than you think. Then double it.
Mini backpack (we love JetKids or Skip Hop options)
Headphones for cartoons on planes
Busy bag: colouring book, stickers, mini puzzles, reusable stickers
2 changes of clothes (yes, even for short trips)
Travel sleep setup: SlumberPod, blackout blind, sound machine
Travel potty or nappies (if mid-training)
Pack their favourite small toy or soft blanket — every meltdown prevention tool helps.
For School-Aged Kids (5–10 Years)
At this stage, you can involve them in packing, but still triple-check their choices.
Essentials:
A proper backpack (like Osprey Daylite or No Reception Club)
Small notebook or travel journal
Kindle, tablet or travel games (Uno, Spot It, card games)
Quick-dry clothing + swimsuit
Sunscreen, bug spray, child meds
Comfort item (still matters, even if they pretend it doesn’t)
Let them “own” part of their bag. But maybe don’t let them pack 11 rocks and a stuffed flamingo.
For All Ages: Flight & Travel Day Tips
Ziploc bags for trash, snacks, messes
First aid pouch with age-appropriate meds
Hydration: refillable water bottles for everyone
Wipes, sanitizer, tissues
Hoodie or blanket (planes are cold, even in the tropics)
Download shows/games in advance
Power bank + charging cables
Want our real-life, no-fluff family packing guide?
Drop your email below and we’ll send you our age-by-age checklist
Family Packing Tips for International Travel
This is where it all comes together, the family vacation packing list made travel-ready.
Travel wallet: passports, birth certificates, insurance, vax cards
Currency pouch + backup card
Screenshots of bookings and addresses
Each child has their own small bag (with comfort, snacks, entertainment)
Shared big suitcase with packing cubes (yes, they really help)
Global plug adapters + headlamp for dim hostels/Airbnbs
Final Thoughts: Pack for the Kid, Not the Fantasy Version of Travel
At every stage, packing for kids is less about bringing everything and more about bringing what helps them thrive, whether that’s a favorite stuffed animal, a snack pouch, or noise-canceling headphones for flights that feel like a test of the human spirit.
You won’t get it perfect every time (we didn’t). But the more you travel, the more you’ll know what your family actually needs and what can stay behind.
Want to see exactly what made the cut for us?
👉 Check out our Amazon storefront with all our kid travel essentials.
And if you’re prepping for a long-term trip like we are, stick around, we’re sharing everything we learn as we go (the wins, the chaos, and what we forget to pack next). Follow me on TikTok
