As a mother of two little ones, sometimes getting out of the house to run errands seems like an impossible task. You have to make sure you have a packed diaper bag, things to keep the kids entertained, bottles/food depending on timing, and whatever else you need to go out for just a few hours. Plus, getting a toddler out the door itself is at least a 15 minute ordeal. First, you have to take a bathroom break and then he insists that he has to put his own shoes on.
Running errands with kids, can make the thought of traveling with them even more daunting…they need a lot of stuff!!
I wanted to share some tips and some essential items that work for our family, and make packing and traveling with little ones easier (specifically road trips)
Tips
- Make a list – I write down how many days we will be there, and that helps me to figure out how many outfits, pjs, pairs of socks, and underwear everyone needs. Then I make sure to include all of our must haves for leaving the house; diapers, bath stuff, jackets, sound machine, make up for mom, etc.
- Pack kids outfits in gallon zip baggies – Because they are smaller, I can fit two outfits per bag. This keeps everything together and organized so you aren’t searching for tiny socks.
- Check the weather for your destination – This helps to make sure you are prepared with a jacket or rain boots.
- Don’t overpack dishes – We take dish soap and a silicon bottle brush and wash bottles and cups every night, and through out the day as we need them.
- Pack the car the night before – This saves you from having to rush in the morning. We have a last minute bag that we pack in the morning with things like my glasses, medicine, and phone chargers.
- Take lots of activities for in the car (or plane, or train) – We try to limit the iPad time even when traveling, so we take lots of things to keep Graham occupied to leave the iPad for when he is getting extra antsy.
- Plan for illnesses – Make sure to take things you would need if one of your kids get sick — ie. throwing up on the ride home (Graham brings this up every trip lol).
- Save money by taking lunches – I buy slider buns and make sandwiches for the week. We also take fruits, veggies, and snacks. We transport everything in a cooler and then keep it in the hotel fridge. We also take a lunch box and ice packs, so we can take lunch with us.
Must Haves
As an Amazon Associate, Simply Secen earns from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Car Essentials for Toddlers
Travel Tray for Carseat – Not only is it helpful to store things, but it can be used as a table
Mess Free Coloring Pages and Markers
Hotel Room Essentials for Babies
Silicone Bottle Brush – Dries right away, so you aren’t traveling with a wet brush
Portable Sound Machine – Use it in the hotel, in the car, in the stroller
Pack and Play Mattress – check sizing of your Pack and Play first!
Everyday Travel Essentials for Little Ones
Suction Cup Toy – Sticks to the table, so it can’t fall to the floor and get dirty
Mini Shaker Ball – Throw it in bottles to completely mix in the formula
Formula Container (updated version)
Double Stroller – We LOVE our Zoe Twin+
Carabiner – Big ones to hold shopping bags, and I use little ones to hold my diaper bag
Diaper Bag – I use the Mini Diaper bag, but they also have a larger version
Packing Cubes – I used them to keep my diaper bag organized. One bag for each kid, and the tiny one keeps bandaids, hand sanitizer, mini deodorant for me, and an extra binky
Happy Travels!
Do you have any tips or must have items for travel that aren’t on my list? I’d love to hear them!
Trackbacks/Pingbacks