Schools are back and holiday prices plummet, so parents of toddlers and babies get packing – it’s your turn!
So many people who have pre-school children take their holidays in September, and you can totally see why. No big kids anywhere not to mention the difference in what you’ll pay.
If your house is anything like mine, the packing of pretty much everything is left to just one person. Three guesses who that is? Combined with the fact you’re potentially also the one doing the majority of childcare, this can lead to a stressful few days (or weeks if you’re that way inclined) to get ready for a holiday you are ticking off your family travel bucket list.
Guess whose job the packing is…
Whilst the Other Half has the tricky task of packing a few pairs of pants and a phone charger, it’s me who has to pack all the holiday essentials for baby twins and a toddler into the hardside luggage. And if there’s time remember to chuck in my straighteners for myself. (Actually who am I trying to kid, I don’t have time to straighten my hair these days!)
So when you’ve only got an hour of child-free time to shove pretty much everything you own into a few bags, what you need is a packing list. I have a random one on my phone I’ve put together, and a friend suggested I should share it on my blog, so feel free to save the link ready for your next trip.
I’ve packed my last four holidays from this list, so these days I literally don’t even think about what I’m doing. If it’s on the list, it’s going in.
Obviously I adapt it to what time of year we’re going, and if you’re going abroad you might need to be packing different stuff than what you’d need in the UK, or things like a travel pillow or travel slippers if you’re kids are a little older. My list is generally for a self-catering break in the UK (I’ve not been brave enough to take a toddler and baby twins abroad yet!) So you basically have to pack up your entire house. But it’s tried, tested and not failed me yet. Famous last words.
I’ve added in a few extra bits for girls which aren’t usually on my list. I generally don’t put my three boys in tights or skirts… Or if you want to hear from the real travel experts check out Our Globetrotters’ 10 Baby Travel Essentials For Every Journey or read 10 Absolute Essentials for a Road Trip with Kids.
Toddler/pre-schooler clothes:
- Hoodies
- Long sleeved tops
- T.shirts
- Jumpers
- Trousers
- Shorts
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Socks
- Tights
- Pyjamas
- Shoes
- Wellies
- Sandals
- Coat
- Puddle suit
- Body warmer
- Hat
Baby clothes:
- Shortsleeved vests
- Longsleeved vests
- T.shirts
- Long sleeved tops
- Jumpers
- Hoodies
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Babygrows
- Socks
- Tights
- Shoes
- Coat
- Hat
- Snowsuit
Extras for toddlers and pre-schoolers:
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Moisturiser
- Bubble bath
- Shampoo
- Sponges
- Soap
- Toys for the bath
- Bath towels
- Toys
- Books
- Comforter or teddy
- Monitor
- Brush
- Thermometer
- Swimming costume
- Swimming towels
- Goggles
- Sun cream
- Inflatable ring
- Plastic cups
- Plastic plates/cutlery
- Lunchbox
- Bucket/spade
- Scooter
- Helmet
- Bike
- First aid kit
Extras for babies:
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Nappy bags
- Bottles
- Steriliser
- Sterilising tablets
- Formula
- Comforter
- Muslins
- Dummies
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Calpol
- Travel cot
- Sheets
- Sleeping bags plus extras
- Blankets
- Carrier or sling
- Teething remedies
- Swimming costume
- Swimming towel
- Swim nappies
- Dribble bibs
- Food bibs
- Coverall bibs
Some bits are only on one list but can obviously be doubled up. I mean, how many first aid kits do you need? And depending on where you’re staying, it’s always useful to take things such as teabags, coffee, sweeteners, dishwasher tablets or washing powder as you never know what is going to be left in any kind of welcome pack.
But remember THE MOST important thing to think about packing for a holiday with young children is ALCOHOL. And the fact whatever car you have, you’ll need a bigger one.
Happy Holiday!
What have I missed? Let me know your tips for packing – I need all the help I can get!
This post contains links I have been paid to include.
How did I do?
If you want to read some of my travel features, have a look at my Travel Section here. There’s plenty to choose from: Bluestone, Butlin’s, Isle of Wight, Camping with babies and a toddler, or if you fancy a giggle read Five ways a holiday is never the same after kids. And if you’re facing a flight with kids, read the Best Apps for Toddlers by Travelling with Boys so you know how to keep them occupied.
If you’re worried about a long car journey with kids, have a read of Mum of 2.5’s post How to Survive Long Journeys with Kids. And if you have autistic children, read What To Take On A Long Car Journey by Ben’s Autistic World.
And if you’re heading abroad and are worrying about what to pack in your hand luggage for the flight, read this posts from Tummy2Mummy Packing for a baby or toddler in your hand luggage – 10 essentials I have to take
If you like a bit of social media madness, pop over to my Facebook page where you’ll be able to have a laugh at what ridiculousness goes on in my house with three very small boys on a daily basis. Warning – there is often sarcasm, and usually swearing. There are also great travel reviews and some AWESOME giveaways. Feel free to join my Twins, Tantrums and Cold Coffee – Shits and Giggles Parenting Group too, where everyone shares their hilarious stories.
And if you want to work with me, feel free to give me a shout here or at helen@twinstantrumsandcoldcoffee.com and I’ll get back to you.