Packing list and tips for toddlers

[keely21]

I think I have everything pretty much covered for what we will need thanks to youtube BUT what are your must haves for travelling with toddlers. Everything I will need from travelling through the whole holiday to make it run as smooth as possible also any tips please! First time travelling with a 3 year old and my first time taking the kids abroad by myself so I'm very nervous!

[ziggyzag]

A nanny

[halloweenbaby2]

The flight is long so although mine weren't as young as yours when we first went I made a little wrapped pressies that they could choose and open, one every hour on the flight to keep them interested like colouring book with crayons, play doh, a book, stamp set, sticker book, snacks etc - things I picked up from pound land & home bargains.

Use back packs as hand luggage you'll need both hands free
Give them a lolly pop when taking off & landing to help with there ears popping.
Mine had never been on a plane before so I had a few trips to the airport to watch the planes take off and land so they got used to the noise.

[irnjaw]

My little girl was just under 3 when we first travelled with her. I had a Trunkie rammed with stuff and none of it was used except the headphones. BA had an excellent selection of stuff for the kids to watch. So I'd recommend a good set of headphones. I had noise reduction ones, but in my opinion they were too quiet to hear the movies over the noise of the aircraft. A little rucksack with sweets and treats won't go wrong either.

[Eeyore rocks]

When packing, put a complete outfit in baggies…one for each day of the holiday…unless you are planning on doing washing, then each day, pull one from the drawer/case and it good to go.

[tinkswish]

My boys were 3 and 4, I packed their backpacks full of activities and toys and they didn't even touch it at all, they were more interested in the tv and headphones. Make sure you take some lollipops or something for them to suck to ease ear pressure and spare clothes, my youngest had an accident but luckily we had pyjamas to hand. Just try to relax and go with the flow.

[pix70]

We took little sandwich bags with us that we filled up each day with non meltable snacks (fruit, goldfish crackers, nuts, cheerios). We found the kids didn't want to eat meals in the heat and just wanted to graze all day. Saved a lot of queuing up to get them something (and money) and it was easy to just grab a snackbag out of the backpack

[pix70]

When my daughter was 3 we took her buggy, even though she had not used it at home for a while. It was a life saver in the parks. The heat, humidity and long days wiped her out. She would have a nap in the afternoon (but not at home) and it was a lifesaver at park closing time when she was sometimes sleeping. Not much fun having to carry a sleeping 3 yr old all the way from Cinderella's castle to the car.

[r.mac]

For the flight, don’t be tempted to take too much. As others have said, headphones are a must and other things tend not to be looked at. That said, you know your children best.

Definitely take a buggy that’s comfortable.

Snacks and little bags for splitting larger packs are really useful.

A small refillable cup/water bottle that works for small hands.

Wet wipes

[fluffychicken]

Drink bottles and mini cordial. Saved time and money in the parks plus mine liked filling up at the water fountains.