Packing for kids, a travel list for babies to teenagers

November 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Travelling with children means packing for two things at once: the trip, and the things that go wrong on the way. A late train, a spilled drink, a tired toddler and a bag of snacks that has run out. The list below is built around those.

It is organised by what you need to have within reach and what can go in the hold or the big bag. Adjust it to the age of your children and the length of the journey.

Start with the journey

The travel day is often the hardest part. Pack a small bag per child, or one for the family, with what you need until you arrive. Everything else can wait in the main bags.

Think of the longest gap you may face without access to your luggage, add a few hours for delays, and pack for that.

Spare clothes for each child, and one spare top for you
A change of clothes in a bag that you can reach, since spills and sickness happen
Wipes and tissues
Snacks, more than you think you need, and a refillable bottle for each child. Airports usually need bottles empty at security, so fill them after.
Something to do: a book, a drawing pad, a small game, headphones for older children
A comfort item, such as a favourite toy or a blanket
Any medicines, in their original packaging, and a children's pain reliever
Documents for the whole family in one place

Airlines, airports and train operators set their own rules for what you can bring, including baby food, milk and the size of strollers. Check their pages before you go.

Babies and toddlers

The younger the child, the longer the list. Pack for the day, not the whole trip, and buy bulky items at your destination where you can.

Nappies for the journey and for the first day, plus wipes and a changing mat
Nappy bags, for the day and for dirty clothes
Bottles, formula or milk, a way to heat or prepare it, and a clean-up kit if you feed that way
A sling or carrier, which can be easier than a stroller on stairs, cobbles and crowded transport
A lightweight, folding stroller
Dummies, with spares
A sleep sack or a familiar blanket
A small, quiet toy for each hour of the journey
Sun hat, baby sunscreen suited to age, and a light cover for strollers
Baby-safe medicines and a thermometer
A car seat if you're renting a car and the rental company cannot supply the right one. Ask in advance.

For a longer stay, check what your accommodation can supply. Many offer cots, high chairs and baths for a small charge or none. A message beforehand saves you carrying them.

Young children

Children aged about three to eight can carry a little, and carrying their own small backpack gives them a role.

A small backpack of their own, with a toy, a book and a snack
Clothes for each day plus extras, in layers
Pyjamas, and a comfort item for sleep
A swimming costume and a towel if there is any water
Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Shoes that are comfortable and that they can put on themselves
A raincoat
Activity items: colouring pens, stickers, a small notebook, cards
A tablet or e-reader, with downloaded shows and games for flights and long journeys. Download before you leave, since airport wifi is unreliable. Travel offline explains how.
Headphones with volume limits
A pack of wipes and hand sanitiser

Pack a few small surprises, such as a new sticker book or a small toy, for a moment when patience runs thin.

Older children and teenagers

From about nine upwards, children can pack their own bag, with some help. It is a good habit and means they know where things are.

Give each a list, and let them pack. Check it, and add what is missing.
A day bag for each, for their phone, water and a layer
Clothes for the weather, and one smarter outfit if needed
Chargers, a power bank and an adapter, since teenagers seem to run on batteries
Books, headphones and downloaded entertainment
A refillable bottle
A copy of their passport or ID, and your contact details written down in case the phone dies
Their own medicines, if any

Involve them in the planning too. A teenager who has picked one thing to do each day is much more cheerful than one who has been told what to expect. Plan a trip with kids covers how.

Health and safety

A small first-aid kit, with plasters, antiseptic, a thermometer, children's pain relief and anything your doctor recommends
Allergy medicine or an emergency plan, if a child has allergies, and a note in the local language if you can
Insect repellent and sunscreen suitable for the child's age
Travel insurance that covers the whole family
The name of your accommodation and your phone number, written on a card or wristband for young children in crowds
An up-to-date list of medicines and allergies

Ask a doctor or travel clinic about vaccines and any health advice for the destination.

Share the load

Parents often carry everything. A few habits spread the work.

Split the family's gear into one bag per adult, so nothing hangs on one person
Give each child their own small bag
Keep a single list for the family, and tick things off as you go
Assign tasks: one adult is in charge of documents, the other of snacks and spare clothes
Travelling with other families? Share bulky items, such as a stroller, a travel cot or a first-aid kit. What a group should share explains how to split them.

What to leave at home

Too many toys. Two or three each is plenty, and the best ones are small.
Too many clothes. Plan to wash, or pick a stay with a washing machine.
Bulky equipment that your stay can supply
Anything you would be upset to lose, such as a favourite toy that has no spare. If you must bring it, take a photo and know where it is at all times.

Where to go next

Pack the journey bag last and put it at the top. Before you leave the house, count the children, the bags and the documents. Then see a packing list that knows where you're going to save your list for the next trip, when it will take five minutes.