• Pack important transportation essentials like car seats and make sure it is age-appropriate.

• Get familiar items from home and carry comfortable clothes. Consider travel insurance if you lose your luggage.

• Keep your little one engaged with snacks, toys, books, and activities to prevent boredom and tantrums.

Traveling with toddlers is an adventure filled with heartwarming moments and hilarious mishaps. You never know what new discovery will spark their curiosity, what impromptu dance party will erupt in a crowded airport terminal, or what meltdown might necessitate a strategic retreat to a quiet corner. But seeing the world through their curious eyes is a truly special experience.

However, the thought of packing for a trip with a little one might feel like an Everest-sized task. So, here's a streamlined list of travel essentials to keep your tiny explorer happy and comfortable, no matter the length of your journey.

Transportation Essentials for Toddlers

To get you and your little one around, we’ll begin your toddler packing list with the essentials for transportation:

Car Travel

• Age-Appropriate Car Seat: Safety first. Use an age-appropriate car seat for your child’s age, weight and height and have it installed by a professional.

• Car Seat Cover: Keep your car seat clean and protected from wear and tear on flights or while storing with a padded travel cover.

• Window Shade: Keep your little precious from the direct sun with a window shade that clips on the glass.

• A Few Travel Toys: Soft books, teether toys and other contained quiet toys that won’t slip under the seat.

• Car Seat Mirror: If your child faces the back, you can entertain him or her and keep an eye from the front with a car seat mirror.

Air Travel

• Car Seat or FAA Approved Child Harness: Most airlines let you bring your car seat on the plane. Your other option is an FAA approved child harness.

• Stroller: A light, compact stroller is essential for airports and containing your little one. There are many options that fold up to fit in the overhead compartments.

• Baby Carrier: For the younger toddler, a baby carrier is a convenient way to keep them on your back as you walk through busy airports and rest your arms.
   

General Transport Helpers

• Wheeled Luggage: Your toddler can wheel their own bag (that you’ll hold) (obviously) to feel big and responsible. Get a lightweight bag with handles that they can easily grasp.

• Toddler Backpack: A small backpack allows your toddler to carry a few of their favorite snacks, toys, or books, giving them a sense of independence and making your load a little lighter.

Diaper Bag Necessities

Next, let’s talk about the ever-important diaper bag. Let’s see what you must have in it.

Diapering

Pack enough for the entire outing, plus a few extra for unexpected delays. Consider using overnight diapers for longer trips or if your toddler tends to have overnight accidents. Choose gentle, fragrance-free wipes to avoid skin irritation. You can never have too many wipes.

Look for a waterproof, easy-to-clean changing pad that folds up compactly. Some even come with built-in pockets for storing wipes and diapers. A small travel-sized tube of diaper cream can soothe diaper rash and prevent further irritation.

Disposable diaper sacks are great for containing dirty diapers and keeping odors at bay. However, be prepared with extra onesies, shirts, pants, and socks in case of accidents. Store dirty clothes in a wet bag until you can wash them.

Health & Hygiene

A well-equipped diaper bag helps you tackle minor health issues on the go. Keep a hand sanitizer and some tissues. Travel essentials with toddlers must include a first kit and make sure it contains:

• Thermometer

• Infant/Toddler Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer

• Antihistamine for allergies

• Bandages (various sizes)

• Antiseptic wipes

• Tweezers

• Saline solution for cleaning wounds

Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30, and make sure it's safe for your child's age. If you're traveling to an area with mosquitoes or other insects, pack an insect repellent that's safe for children. Maintain good oral hygiene habits on the go with a travel-sized toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste.
 

Clothing & Sleep Requirements

Packing travel essentials for toddlers can feel like packing for a whole family, so let's make sure we're prepared and comfortable, day or night.

Backpack/Suitcase Items When Traveling with Toddlers

Bonus Tip: Pack a few extra outfits in your carry-on for those unexpected spills or accidents.
 

Entertainment Supplies

We are almost done with toddler travel essentials but to keep them engaged during the trip, here are some supplies you can carry with you. Pack a variety of snacks, spill-proof cups, toddler essentials, and bibs to make mealtime easier. Bring along familiar toys, books, and coloring supplies, as well as some new items to spark their interest. A tablet loaded with age-appropriate shows or games can also be helpful on long trips.

Some Helpful Travel Tips for Toddler Parents

Aside from the travel gear necessity for toddlers, these are some other helpful little things that can ensure your travel with toddler will be a breeze and worry-free:

• Weather Protection: Rain jacket, extra socks and weather appropriate accessories (hats, gloves, sunglasses) always got you covered in every weather.

• Identification: A label or bracelet with your contact numbers is another must have for travel with toddler in case you two get separated. You can also include any allergy or medical notes related to your child.

• Comfort: Extra pacifiers, stuffed toy or blanket are must haves for your child’s comfort. Toddlers tend to get comfort in unfamiliar places with things that they are familiar with. A simple sock can provide comfort to a toddler in a new place.

What If You Lose Your Bag Containing Your Toddler’s Travel Essentials?

When traveling with toddlers, the last thing you want is to lose their essential items, but sometimes unexpected events can occur. To minimize the disruption, stay calm, take action, and have a plan in place. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Protect Your Belongings: Before embarking on your trip, consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for baggage loss, delay, theft, or damage .
  

• Choose the Right Plan: Coverage limits can vary significantly, so select a plan that offers sufficient protection for your belongings. For example, AXA offers three types of travel protection plans. The Silver plan offers up to $750 in baggage loss coverage. The Gold plan offers up to $1,500 in baggage loss coverage, while the Platinum plan extends coverage up to $3,000. Assess the value of your belongings and choose a plan that offers adequate coverage of your belongings.

• Prepare for the Unexpected: Travelling with toddlers requires extra preparation. Your best bet is to carry toddler essentials in your carry- on luggage; items like diapers, formula, extra outfits, etc. are best kept in a carry-on to ensure you have ready access to them should the unexpected occur, such as flight delays or lost luggage.

• Stay Organized: Keep all important documents, such as your travel insurance policy and contact information, easily accessible in a designated folder or digital storage. This will help you quickly locate the necessary information if you need to file a claim.

• Stay Calm and Communicate: If you do encounter a situation where your luggage is lost or delayed, stay calm and communicate with the airline, train or cruise line. They can help you locate your luggage and offer assistance with any necessary claims.

If Your Bag Goes Missing While Traveling with Toddlers

If your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip, follow these steps to minimize the disruption:

FAQs
 

1. What are some tips for packing efficiently for a toddler?

Packing light is key:

• Make a list and pack versatile outfits (1-2 extras!). Roll clothes to save space.

• Utilize packing cubes and prioritize carry-on essentials for easy access.

• Pack for messes and entertainment - bring a first-aid kit and favorite toys/snacks.
   

2. Besides travel insurance, what else should I do to prepare for my trip with a toddler?

Pack essentials (diapers, wipes, familiar comfort items) and adjust expectations - prioritize flexibility and fun over following a rigid schedule.

3. What if my toddler gets sick while traveling?

Stay calm, assess symptoms (mild or severe). For mild illness, offer fluids, familiar foods, and medication (if appropriate). Consider consulting a doctor if severe.

4. How do I help my toddler adjust to sleep disruptions while traveling?

Maintain as much of a normal bedtime routine as possible. Bring familiar comfort objects from home (pajamas, lovey, favorite stuffed animal, black-out curtains, white noise machine, etc). Try to adjust nap/sleep times gradually, not all at once, to accommodate for the time difference. This can take days, or even weeks, especially for infants and toddlers.
Bottom line: Expect some disruption and get exposure to natural sunlight during the day.

Disclaimer: Welcome to the AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Blog by AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance! The Blog is intended to provide you with entertaining and educational information of a general nature. The articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Please contact AXA Assistance USA if you have any questions. AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2024 All Rights Reserved.