Family Travel
   
 
Smart packing for family holidays
 
From Aisling O’Donoghue at Baby Travel Shop
 
Packing for a family holiday can be the most stressful part of the planning process. The key to a stress-free holiday is to have the right gear, but to keep it light. Being organised is the best way to ensure a pleasant trip.

Always write a packing list beforehand and follow this list religiously. If it's not on your list, then don't pack it!

It's a really good idea to lay everything out on the bed or in the spare room and then half it.

Avoid taking pull-along bags as adult hand luggage and instead use a rucksack, it is more practical as your hands will be free to handle your ticket, passport and other essentials. It's easier to manage a number of lighter weight bags than one really heavy one.

Give each child their own bag to carry with their special belongings inside. The small kids' carry-on bag with wheels and the extendable handle is the easiest for kids to manage. They can always pull a bag they can't carry.
Packing checklist:
 
On the plane:
  • Baby (diaper) bag with everything you will need on the plane
  • Nappy bags
  • Baby wipes
  • Disposable nappies
  • Formula sachets or formula powder container
  • Formula mixer
  • Insulated bottle carrier
  • Babies bottles
  • Big bottle of water
  • Small bottom cream
  • Bibs and muslin squares for feeding on the go
  • Lightweight pushchair (Micralite) with travel bag for easy storage on the plane
  • Baby sleeping bag to help regulate temperature on the plane (grobag)
  • Change mat
  • Soother & soother saver
  • Favourite toy, blanket
  • Games & storybooks
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Bottle warmer
In your suitcase:
On the move:
Medical kit to include:
Calpol or similar, thermometer, rehydration salts e.g. Dioralite, water, cotton wool, natural insect repellant, plasters, bandages, safety pins, steri stips, teetha, decongestant, antihistimine, calamine lotion. This list is inexhaustible.

 
Visit Baby Travel Shop for more Travel Tips and Products!
 
In association with babytravelshop.ie
 
Family Travel Articles Archive
   
  House Swap Holidays - what are they all about?
Foreign Travel with small children - preparation & travel guide
Enjoying your holiday with children to the fullest!
Smart packing for family holidays
How to protect your child in the sun
Skiing with the family
Taking your baby away on holidays for the first time - examined