Tips for packing with babies 

Any parent will tell you the most stressful part of vacation is the prepping and the PACKING especially when little kids are involved. Navy was almost one last time we were at the beach, now with two under two we have TWICE as much baby stuff to remember! We packed beach toys and gear based on what we used on our last beach trip. Sharing what I learned packing for two under two for the beach, and my top packing tips for kids, no matter where you’re traveling! 

• Tip #1: PACKING CUBES!! We don’t travel without these. They make packing and staying organized SO easy, especially for all of the little odds and ends that kiddos need. I try to keep everything organized into categories so Mad and I both know where to find what we need:
  • Feeding Indie (bottles and nipples etc.)
  • Feeding Navy (plates, placemats, utensils, and bibs) 
  • Toiletries 
  • Medical bag (anything and everything we could possibly need just in case!) 
  • Beach needs (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, hair ties)
  • Bath time for the kiddos 
  • Toys and books for the car ride and beach downtime
• Tip #2: Kiddos get their own suitcase! Diapers, kids’ clothes and swimsuits, bottles, toys, books…everythinggg packed in one place. For being so little babies require SO much stuff and it’s nice to have it all together. Also pack the kids suitcase before packing your own – SO much easier to gather what you need once you know the kiddos are all set.     
• Tip #3: Overpack the essentials…but only the essentials! It’s easy to pack too much for the kids when thinking of EVERY scenario that could happen while you’re gone, but don’t get carried away…it’s just a week, it’ll be ok =)) However, since we’re constantly changing diapers and either running to the potty or cleaning up accidents, diapers, wipes, and extra underwear are the exception to over-packing. We can never have too many! 
• Tip #4: DOUBLE CHECK. This one might seem obvious but once you’re packed, check and check again that you have everything once you’re ready to pack the car. Before we left for the beach Navy had a field day digging in the luggage, taking things out, and hiding them around the house – ha! Mad and I were confident we had everything packed and thought we were losing our minds when we found toiletries, clothes and wipes around the house we knew we already packed…thank you toddler. Make sure you have eyes on everythinggg before zipping up the luggage.  

Since we drove we had space to pack extra, non-essential, just-in-case items. Whether you’re flying or driving I hope this list of packing must-haves for toddlers and babies, is helpful in prepping for your next trip. Also, any experienced, traveling mommas PLEASE share your tips below!

xx,

M