It can be so overwhelming knowing what to pack or not pack when planning your family holiday. What do babies NEED, what do toddlers WANT, what MIGHT we need? Here's a list of things me & fellow FlyRide mums would put on our essentials list for an easier time when travelling with babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers (& husbands maybe?)
My secret is, you don't need as much as you think you do. Kids can be entertained by the mundane for longer than you think. On our recent holiday to Skiathos, I had packed a few things for the journey, not loads but we didn't use ANY of them on the flight out. The girls were happy looking at the safety card, the menu deciding what they might have later on, the exciting things in the duty free magazines & my favourite part - what can we see out of the window!
My holiday essentials for family holidays with babies, toddlers & beyond are:
Packing cubes for the adults & a hanging organiser for the kids stuff (where you can roll an outfit & pop it in a pouch) - by far the fastest I have ever packed using these. Check out my Instagram reel to see how simple it was!
Factor 50 suncream & Solar Buddies applicators!
Sun safe swimsuits
Sun safe/swim hats with neck cover & 'Floatsuits' by SplashAbout
Protective sunglasses with UVA/B filters from Decathlon
Hooded towels - Sib & Salt
A big structured beach bag for essentials - Marks & Spencer
Scrunch bucket, rake & fork (Bucket 'scrunches' up to be flat & take up minimal space in your case. Re-use for every holiday. No need for cheap plastic ones you have to leave behind. - The Toy Shop Robin Hoods Bay
Crayola no mess magic colouring sets - available last minute at the airport too - WHSmiths
Travel Pillow (we use our mid-sized squishmallows,) cellular blanket (fleecy ones are too warm for babies) & comfy outfit. Remember to pack a spare outfit for everyone plus an outfit for arriving back in the UK too!
MonopolyGo - our favourite card game (much quicker paced than the board game)
A familiar favourite toy is always a win with a little one, l also take something new & exciting
Busy Brains Activity Packs - the on the road games & plane version.
Snacks & drinks
Calpol/medicines/first aid kit
Extension lead(s) so you don't need lots of travel adapters to charge the basics
SnoozeShade for full protection from harmful rays & a darkened environment for nap times. (Available to rent now with your stroller!)
If you're at the stage where you need wipes, bibs, muslins, milk, formula, nappies etc - I'd recommend packing enough essentials to last you 24hrs & research where the nearest shop/supermarket is.
Not forgetting, FlyRide! We're a fantastic holiday essential, letting you have a stroller as soon as you step foot off the Plane! So you can breeze through the airport & not have to struggle until baggage reclaim. Rentals available from £31.99 a week.
If you liked these, find us on social media for weekly travel tips & stroller rentals.
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