Travel is a big part of life — we all do it! Whether it’s a weekend to the lake, a visit to long distance friends and family or a jet-setting vacation to some far-away land.
Today, I am going to provide a check-list for what to pack for the mini vacationer in your life! My list is focused on traveling to the Caribbean, but can be tailored to any trip you are planning! With summer right around the corner, I hope you find this list helpful:
- Playpen
- Stroller (including insect net and uv protector)
- Carseat
- Carrier of some sort (makes touring easier if you can wear baby on you, rather than having to lug the stroller around)
- Diapers (including day/night and swim appropriate)
- Wipes and bum cream
- Toys and books (the types and numbers will depend on the age of the child and the length of the trip)
- Life Jacket/flotation device if the trip involves water
- Seat for child to sit and eat in (most places will have highchairs, but you never know…)
- Sunscreen (Be sure it is safe for the age of your child. I highly recommend Badger products sold at many health food stores. It can also be ordered on-line)
- Mosquito Repellant (Organic is best. West Coast Kids sells an amazing coconut and lime spray)
- Umbrella for the beach/rain
- Pajamas (depending on length of trip — I do one sleeper for every two nights)
- Shorts/pants (depending on length of trip — I tend to do one for every two days)
- T-shirts/onsies (depending on length of trip — I tend to do one for every two days)
- Swimming suits (Babies R’Us sells adorable and affordable swim shirts and one pieces that have UV protection built in)
- A sweater or coat (depending on destination — always good to have at least one)
- Socks and shoes (again, depending on destination)
- Baby food/snacks/formula
- Eating utensils (bottles, spoons, bowls, cups, and bibs)
- Travel bag (for the beach or pool)
- Soothers (if baby is still using one)
- Noise machine (to help baby sleep in a new place or on the go)
- Blankets/swaddlers/burp cloths/change pad
- Disinfecting wipes for surfaces, toys and soothers
- Vitamins or other medications
- Towel/face cloth
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Beach/pool toys
- Bath products (soaps, lotions, toys)
- Gum wipes/tooth brush/tooth paste
- Earphones (to keep noise out)
- Spare set of clothes in travel bag/carry-on (airplane or car) and extra diapers
- Baby Tylenol (or other pain medication)
- Thermometer
- Nasal aspirator/saline drops
*Always check the weather and travel notices for the destinations you are traveling to!
**Also ensure that you pack travel documents (passport, tickets, vaccination records (if necessary)), have vaccinations up-to-date and health/travel insurance in order).
AH! This list is exhausting… better to have too much than too little when traveling with your mini vacationer!
Happy packing and happy traveling!
M.J.
