10 Tiny Must-Haves for Kid-Friendly Travel

December 9, 2019 Christie Chu

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Last weekend, on a whim, we took the kids (including our 7-week-old) on quick trip to a beautiful mountain town here in Germany. We enjoyed sunny skies, crisp fall air, and inspiring views of snowy peaks. We didn't have much of an agenda. We just wanted to get used to traveling again, now as a family of six. We'd taken a travel hiatus during my third trimester and the first several weeks of our son's life, and we were excited to get back into the habit.

Things went pretty well, I'm happy to say. But in bed that night I kept thinking about the things I’d forgotten to pack that I’d wished we’d had with us.

I've read lots of online must-pack lists for families. My favorite lists include small, light items that make our trips easier for everyone. Even better if they’re cheap and easy to find!

In that spirit, I made my own must-pack list to keep handy for next time. I thought I'd share it here. I’ll check it before our next jaunt, and maybe then I'll get some sleep in between nighttime feedings, instead of kicking myself for forgetting things.

For the flight:

1. Headband headphones: Earbuds hurt little ears and the free headphones airlines offer do not fit on small heads. Trust me when I say that hell hath no fury like a preschooler promised an in-flight movie but can't hear it. Headband headphones lay flat in carry-ons, are more difficult to break than the plastic kind, and can be adjusted so the speakers are over kids' ears. Well-fitting headphones also mean parents don’t hear annoying, repetitive digital-game music.

2. Lots of gallon-sized Ziploc bags: Soiled clothes, dirty diapers, freshly-cleaned pacifiers, and important paperwork or electronic devices can all go in these. Always have at least one with you. You'll use it.

Health:

3. Allergy alert cards: Allergy alert cards: Use Google Translate to make your own. Type some form of "This child has a peanut allergy. Please, no food with peanuts or peanut oil" into the box, find the appropriate language, and print them out to show servers in restaurants. I "laminate" mine using clear packing tape so they won't get wet or dirty.

Another neat option for kids is this silicone bracelet with “charms” you can snap on, based on your child’s unique needs.

4. Chewable medicine: Bottles of liquid kids' medicine are bulky and sticky. If your kids are old enough for the chewable kind, switch over. No need to pull them out in security, and the pills are light and small. I always travel with chewable Tylenol and Benadryl.

5. Probiotic or fiber gummies: While traveling, you don't always have control of the menu—or how many fruits and vegetables kids are eating. If your trip is longer than a weekend, you might need some help to keep things…ahem…moving. These gummies are light (carry them in a labeled plastic bag) and their candy-like appeal kids enjoy taking them.

Out and about:

6. Permanent marker: Write emergency contact information, such as your mobile number or the name of the hotel you're staying at, on a child's upper arm in permanent marker. Teach him to find a mom with kids, explain he's lost, and show her the contact information. (Even with a language barrier, a mom will get what's going on.) Instant peace of mind for a mom with kids at a busy tourist attraction or traveling on public transportation.

7. Pack of baby wipes: Even if your kids are too old for diapers, these come in handy everywhere. Wipe down airplane trays, restaurant tables, and public restroom everything. Clean up spills, dirty hands, toys that have fallen on the floor, and even wash your face in a pinch.

For Sleeping:

8. White noise app: Download a free white noise app for your phone and you won't have to bring a noise machine along. White noise gives you a bit of a sound barrier so you can root around in a suitcase or tiptoe in and out of the room without fear of waking everyone up. No more lying completely still while trying to breathe silently until kids fall asleep!

9. Night light: It's small but gives big returns for the space it takes up in your luggage. Plug it in at night so kids and adults can find their way to the bathroom without turning on any big lights. It'll also soothe little ones who are frightened of an unfamiliar bedroom. You can use it to get the next day's clothes and things ready while kids are in bed. Don't forget to bring a plug adapter for it or find one that uses batteries if necessary!

For parents:

10. Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle eBook app (plus a library account): If you're sharing a room with kids who have an early bedtime or are trying to get a baby to sleep on an airplane, you'll be trying to stay quiet and still as possible while also having something to do. It's a must-bring for me, and most public library cards come with eBook borrowing privileges you can sync to the Kindle. If the Paperwhite's out of your budget, you can borrow eBooks and read them on the free Kindle app on your smartphone. I find the actual Kindle Paperwhite easier on my eyes, though, and it still lights up to be read in the dark.

Honorable mentions:

Sprout Cubby tablet: Ours is 5 years old and still going strong. It's been dropped numerous times and survived use by three different toddlers. It doesn't need WiFi, and has family-friendly videos and games for young toddlers through Kindergarteners.

Portable device charger: pretty much self-explanatory. If you're bringing electronics with you, it's nice to have a wallet-sized charger you can use anywhere.

Pack of playing cards: So many options for all ages.

Happy traveling!

What’s on your must-have packing list for children? Share with us in the comments!