Traveling with kids isn’t always fun as we hoped it would be. In fact, it’s always stressful. I remember a colleague saying “Going on a vacation with kids is NEVER relaxing.” which I found to be true. You would always question yourself why in the world did you ever plan a trip for the whole family; I know I always do. However, no matter how stressed out I get when traveling with my kids, I would gladly do it again; because I honestly think it’s a great time to spend quality time with my family. And it brings us closer too. So if you’re like me and want to travel with your kids as much as possible, I’ve rounded up some essentials to make your life easier when traveling with them.
Car Seat
This should be on top of everyone’s list when driving or flying anywhere with their kid – be it a short or long one. It’s up to you if you want to start with an infant car seat and switch to a toddler car seat when your baby has outgrown it; or if you want to start using a convertible one right from the start.
Check out quality car seats here if you’re still shopping for one or looking to replace your current one.
Interact With Them
Whenever we’re driving somewhere with my kids (either short or long), I always sit in between them. I don’t just give them toys or snacks to keep them busy. My first plan of action is always to talk to them, sing to them, and play with them. I make funny faces and sounds to keep them entertained. I only give them their toys or snacks when I need a break or I’ve done everything I could to entertain them but they’re still fussy. I honestly think this is a great way to utilize the hours you spend in the car or plane and bond with them.
Toys
It’s essential to bring some of their favorite toys (if you can’t bring them all) and other toys to keep them occupied during the trip. I always make sure to bring my daughter’s Minnie Mouse stuffed toys and her 2 babies, and my son’s plastic hand toy that makes a noise (as if clapping) whenever we’re traveling. It gives them comfort while they’re restrained to their car seat. I also bring books that they can flip through during the drive and some musical toys to keep my 1-year old busy. Worst comes to worst, I also let them watch an educational video during the drive to keep them from getting bored.
Check out this DIY Car Magnet Activity (from Turtle & Buddy’s) that you could do for your kid, some toy recommendations (from Shopaholic & a Baby), and books (from Marcie in Mommyland) that you could bring with you during your trip.
Snacks
Anyone who’s hungry gets grumpy, even myself; so I always make sure to pack A LOT of snack for my kids. I make sure that they never run out of their favorite snack and some others to make sure they have enough food to last them while traveling. I usually bring a combination of everything – cookies, crackers, fruits, water, juice, chips, veggie/fruit pouches, bread, etc – to make sure I have some when they ask for it.
Check out some great snack recommendations here (from Abroad Named Patrice), here (from Orgali), and here (from Days with Grey).
Diaper Bag
I never leave the house without their diaper bag with all the essentials even if we’re just running to the grocery store because you never know what might happen; so it’s always best to be prepared. And it’s more important to have all the essentials in their bag when you’re traveling – diapers, wipes, change of clothes, extra underwear (for my daughter), epipen (for my son), first aid kit, etc.
Check out some awesome diaper bag recommendations here – a backpack diaper bag (from Running with Stroller), another option for a backpack diaper bag (from Growing up Zee), and a hand-carry diaper bag with tips on what to pack in your diaper bag (from Marcie in Mommyland).
Storage Bags
Storage bags are a great way to keep my diaper bags organized while we travel – soiled clothes, unfinished snacks, clean clothes, etc. You can definitely use ziplock bags or the reusable ones if you want to be more practical. I’ve actually kept some of the crib sheet pouch from when I bought them and got some storage bags to organize my diaper bag. It makes it so much easier for me to find stuff in my diaper bag especially when I’m in a rush.
Check out this colorful reusable storage bags (from The Very Best Baby Stuff) which makes organizing your diaper bag more fun.
Patience
Patience; lots and lots of it! Things don’t go as planned when traveling, especially with kids, ALL THE TIME. Most of the time, it’s when they’re fussier, it’s when they throw more tantrums. It’s probably the fact that they have to be restrained to their car seats for long periods of time and they just simply don’t enjoy it. It’s wise to just let the little things go and not make a fuss over everything to keep your sanity.
If you’re driving, try to stop for a few minutes every 1-2 hours just to let them move and release their energy. I know it will take you longer to get where you need to be but it will definitely help make your drive more peaceful.
Check out these tips for traveling with a baby (from Tabitha Lane).
I’ve partnered with Nakturnal to give one lucky winner a $50 gift card which can be used towards your purchases at Diaper.com. Enter below by answering the question What’s the most memorable trip that you had with your kid/s? and by unlocking the other bonus entry options.
This giveaway is open until March 8th, 2017 at 11:59 PM EST and is open to US residents only. The winner will be notified through email within 24 hours after the giveaways closes. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize. If the prize is unclaimed after 48 hours, we will choose another winner.
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This article is published in partnership with Nakturnal.
What did you think of this post? Have you traveled with your kid before? What other things helped make your life easier that you’d like to share with us? Tell us what’s the most memorable trip that you had with your kid/s? Let us know in the comments. You know I always love to hear from you.
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your essentials were pretty bang on. I am so happy that my kids are out of the car seat phase. That was the most stressful part for me when travelling.
Thank you! Yes, that part was pretty stressful and especially when you’re in a hurry!
I get to travel a lot w the kids! Mine are a little older so they require less stuff which is nice! We went to Hawaii last year that was the best!
That sounds like a great trip!
Man, I wish I had read this prior to BOTH of my adventures the last two weekends! I actually did bring a lot of these things on our trip, but loved some of the suggestions you made. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you! I hope you had great trips!
I have very good memories of using special toys and activity books when we were kids going on LONG road trips across the country. That definitely made all the difference! Snacks help a lot, too! 🙂
Thank you! I’m glad these have worked for you!
We always pack a ton of snacks for the kids when we travel. Hungry kids are cranky kids in my experience.
That is so true! Thank you!
Great tips for sure! I usually pack a bunch of snacks that the kids don’t usually have at home.
Oh! That’s a great idea! I need to try that! Thank you!
We didn’t travel very far, but I loved taking my son to A-Maze-ing Acres, in Hillard, Fla. My relatives own it, and it’s a working farm with a corn maze. he loved the animals!
Oh! That sounds like a fun trip! My kids love animals too so we go to farms and zoos every once in a while.
Snacks and patience are key! Great post!
That is so true! Thank you!
All such smart ideas! Love that you sit in-between them to be engaged with them through singing and other cute things! And – storage containers are a must.
Thank you! I have to make sure that all their needs are taken care of during the drive. 🙂
What an awesome giveaway! We are traveling with our 1 year old this weekend and I have learned that taking snacks on the road are a must!
Thank you! They really are!
Good list! You should check out the Melissa & Doug Water Wow books – they use water pens to “color” with, so no mess!
I bought those for my daughter during our 24-hour flight to Manila. We loved it! Thank you!
Great list! I feel like you can never have enough storage bags and snacks are always a must-with adults and kids (haha!)
Thank you! I agree about snacks for adults too! Lol
This is a great list!
Thank you!
I love that you added patience to the list. It’s so true that any type of travel with kids requires loads of it. Sitting in the back with my daughter is something I have had to do on longer trips to keep happiness in the car.
Thank you! They really do require a lot of patience!
I always take some favourite toys plus some new ones to keep their interest
Thank you for sharing with us!
I don’t have kids yet but I am surround by friends and family who do and I will most definitely be sharing this fab list with them!
x -Leah
http://www.ellemaebloom.com
Thank you!
Snacks and our portable DVD player help us immensely when traveling! Love your picks too!
Thank you for sharing with us what has worked for you.
These tips are so helpful! I’ve shared this with my friends who have kids.
Thank you! I appreciate that!
Great tips! We have four kids and so entertaining, engaging and having fun is a must! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Great to know that these have worked for you as well.
I love those bags. I definitely need some!
Thank you! Aren’t they the cutest?
Great list! I agree vacations with kiddos are not relaxing. I love the toy ideas.
Thank you! They really aren’t!
These are great tips for traveling with kiddos! When my daughters were small we traveled a lot. We’d map out fun stops along the way to our final destination. It helped minimize the “our we there yet?” inquiries.
That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing it with us!
This is so great! I learned the hard way just how hard traveling with kids is…. PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE!!! Thank you for sharing this!
So sorry to hear that. But yes, patience is definitely key!
Those storage bags are always handy no matter what age! I also think patience and a good attitude is key for any road trip!!
That is so true! Thank you!
You’re so right. Travel can be so stressful with kiddos! Great tips!
Thank you!
This artical is so helpful. It’s been years since I have traveled with children however now i have grandchildren and I think I forgot even the basics.
Thank you! I’m glad you liked this!
Patience is probably the most important item on this list!! Haha great list btw – we don’t have kids but I could imagine how much extra planning needs to go into trips when the little ones are coming!
Haha! It really requires a lot of planning!
We travel but we always go by our car. There are some essential traveling things we definitely need, like patience.
Thank you!
These are some great traveling tips when bringing your little munchkins with you. I think I could even use some of these tips with my teenager
Lol! Thank you!
These essentials are so cute. No second thought, I’ll definitely buy all these stuff the moment I’ll have one of my own. 🙂
Joy | http://www.fatmoments.com
Thank you!
You are such a great mom to sit with your kids. Definitely having your big storage bag, your diapers and the good snacks will make any trip better and yes patience.
Awww! Thank you!
Our trip to San Francisco in January was pretty memorable. It was the first time my son was on a plane, so he got his first little set of wings. He was also a trooper through 8 + hours of flight delay. Thanks for hosting the giveaway Belle.
That sounds like a great trip! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Such a good travel list! We travel with kids often and snacks are such a huge deal and help!!
Thank you! Great to know these have worked for you too!
Love these little storage bags! And yes, snacks are key!
Thank you!
I’d add books too. Great list!
Yes, book are in the list. Thank you!
Great reminder! The storage bags are so important! You can never have enough!
Thank you! That is so true!
We love our MagnaDoodle for traveling! These are some great ideas 🙂
That’s awesome! Thank you!
These are great tips! I never considered the storage bags, but that is a phenomenal tip I will be using !
Thank you! Great to know you found it helpful!
Great list! I have been traveling with all my girls since they were infants and patience is a must. Not just with your kids, but with everyone else around you. Because no matter how much you plan or prepare, everything dose not always go according to plan. Having extra empty plastic shopping bags is a must for me.
Haha! That is so true! Patience for everyone!
This is a great list! We love traveling with our kids and have found that being prepared is def the proactive measure against how smooth our trips will go! 🙂
Thank you! That is so true!
These are great ideas! Storage bags are so important!!
Thank you!
great essentials for if i ever have kids!
http://www.layersofchic.com
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful!
These are great ideas! Toys are the most important thing for us. My son gets so bored in the car, even if we’re only gone for a few minutes!
Thank you! Toys really do keep them busy.
Patience really is the biggest thing that you need when traveling with a baby. We traveled from SF to the UK and I swear my patience ran thin from all of that.
That is so true! So sorry to hear that. I find that my patience is longer when traveling; I guess it’s because I’ve prepared myself for it. Lol
Diapers.com sure have an awesome variety of things! I need to let my new mom friends know! As for me, I’m glad I don’t have to do that kind of packing anymore 🙂
Thank you!
Some great tips over here…books and snacks always help us survive. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! They really are a life-saver!
This is so awesome! What a great list. One of my most memorable trips was a move from VA to TX with my first child, less than a year old at the time. My other most memorable was 2 years ago when my 5 children and I moved from TX to NJ. Major road trip! 🙂
Wow! Those are major road trips! I hope both went smooth.
These are great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
I need to share this info with my daughter and sister who are both pregnant! Thanks!
Thank you! I hope they’ll find this helpful.
Isn’t it funny how much stuff little people need! This is a great list and you’ve got everything covered!!
I’ve always wondered that. Thank you!
This whole post is probably the reason we didn’t vacation until my youngest was in four year old kindergarten…you just have to take too much stuff. We would go out of state to visit family, but that’s about it.
That is so true!
What great tips! Traveling with a little one is definitely different, I’m sure!
xoxo,
Amy
http://www.styleandsequins.com
That is so true! Thank you!
I have to say that a good car seat is the most important. Also snacks, all the snacks lol
Thank you! More snacks right? Lol
These are great tips. Snacks are a big one on our list. Without them the breakdowns are horrible.
I can totally relate! Thank you!
These are excellent tips! It can be very stressful to travel with young kids in the car. Thank you for this post!
That is so true! Thank you!
You have such great tips and picks! I love the car seats you chose!
Thank you!
These are all great tips. I have actually seen people try to take their baby out without a car seat. Can you imagine that? How ridiculous some people can be.
Oh wow! I can’t imagine!
These tips are AMAZING!!! All from experience, I can say these are all awesome!!
Thank you! I’m glad these have worked for you too!
Snacks are always a big one fore me, every time I forget the snack I am always so very very sorry.
Me too! Lol!
SNACKS! Yes! My kids go crazy without their snacks! Oh and you’re definitely on point about patience too 😉
Thank you!
These are great tips! I agree with using the toys and things as a last resort after trying to entertain them yourself! That’s what we try to do as well 🙂
Thank you! Glad to know these have worked for you too!
This is a very timely post for me because although I don’t have kids my best friend is currently in labor! I will be sure to pass these tips along:)
Thank you! I hope she finds this helpful!
Such great ideas here Belle. Thanks so much for sharing, I’m pinning for when we have to travel on a plane for 6 hours this summer!
Thank you! Good luck on your trip this summer!
We havent done a long trip with the both kids yet…. But this summer is coming… I am not ready for this lol
Lol! It is a bit scary to be honest but I’m sure you can do it! 🙂
I’m not a parent, but I love these tips. They cover most of the necessary things parents could deal when travel with their kids. Great recommendation for the items that might be needed by the kids while traveling.
Thank you!
This is so useful! Need to send it to my friend who’s having a baby soon, she’s going to appreciate this so much x
Thank you! I hope she finds this helpful!
I love the doodler idea! I can attest with 5 little ones and the military life having us travel a lot that these are great tips!
Thank you! I am glad to know that these have worked for you as well.
Our most memorable trip was when we took our oldest to Rome when he was 20 months old. We overslept the first morning and had to be in the lobby of our hotel about 5 minutes after we woke for a golf cart tour. I strapped my son in a baby carrier (still in his jammies) and we spent the next 4 hours zippy across Rome. Watching my son take it all in was so fulfilling!
Awww! That sounds like a fun trip!
Disney World! We went as a family honeymoon, to bond as a blended family.
That sounds like a great trip!
I love these all. You can never be too prepared when traveling with a toddler.
That is so true! Thank you!
These are the perfect picks! I’ve never travelled with kids myself but I can only imagine!
Thank you!
We will be traveling this summer so this was a very helpful list for me as i start trying to plan everything!
Thank you! Good luck on your summer trip!
Patience is the NUMBER one thing you need when traveling with kids! I’m so glad you put that in there!
That is so true! Thank you!
AHha snacks for sure!!! I totally get bummed out when I’m hungry and that’s all I can think about. These are great tips for my nephew! Thanks for sharing!
Lol! Me too! Thank you!
This is a great list. I did a twenty hour road trip, yes you read that right a couple months ago with my 3 year old and my 4 month old and it was challenging. We did the same thing with the activities. That Melissa and Doug sticker book saved our sanity. These are great tips. My other one is get a small car charger fridge or cooler for super long trips. This way all the produce stays fresh.
Oh that’s such a great tip! I’ve always worried about milk and fruits being spoiled during long drives. I’ll be sure to include that in my list the next time we’re traveling.
I don’t know where we would be without toys so they are definitely travelling essentials. Interacting with the kids is a good idea because they probably get bored as well x
That is so true! Thank you!
Patience! haha YES!! We are going on our first long road trip since having our third next month and I have been sort of nervous. I definitely will be taking lots of games and snacks!
Good luck on your upcoming trip. I hope it goes smooth!
Traveling with two kids is no joke! We do it every month and I am always scrambling last moment to figure out what I need. Thanks for sharing this is def very helpful!
I agree; it really isn’t! Thank you!
I was happy to see that you added patience. I think its the one thing that all parents and travelers need to not go insane.
Thank you! That is so true!
Toys and snacks are definitely a must have, kids or no kids! If I travel now without snacks I start getting hangry lol!
That is so true! Me too; lol! Thank you!
Ooh I love this! My kids and I travel a lot. I’m always looking for new things to keep my kids busy on the plane. I love sticker books and felt books!
Oh I have to look into felt books. Thank you for sharing!
Oh-em-gee! this post is so awesome! ?❤️??? thanks for sharing this Belle.
Agree with the snacks *wink kids and adults alike.
xx- Courtney Bentley || http://www.courtneyvioletbentley.com
Thank you! I agree, I get upset without snacks too. Lol!
Great tips mama! Thanks for the shoutout! I love the snack suggestions!
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
Love this post so much dear! Your kids are so adorable!!!
Xo, CHRISTIANNE
http://simplychristianne.com
Thank you!
I love how diaper bags are so stylish now! Such a great roundup
-xoxo, Azanique
LotsofSass.com
That is so true! Thank you!
I remember those days! Great tips. Who knew the diaper bags are so stylish now! You would never know!
They really are stylish now! Thank you!
Our most memorable trip was to Disneyland. Much easier than we thought, it’s only a ~2 hour drive down the coast.
That’s awesome! 2-hour drive to Disneyland? I wish we live that close!
Patience is vital when traveling with kids!! We love bringing along fruit and veggie pouches when we travel. It’s way less messy for my toddler to eat from the pouches on the go. Love the diaper bags in here!
That is so true! Fruit and veggie pouches are amazing! Thank you!
Couldn’t agree more with all of these. Having extra storage bags for us is a MUST. These are great tips!
Thank you! I am glad you liked this.
Our little girl’s first trip to the beach was great.
Awww! That’s so much fun!
I am loving all of these items! My kids are a little older now, but did a lot of traveling when they were young and this is a great list!!
Thank you! I am glad these have worked for you too!
The first trip to the beach is always the best!
That is so true! Although my daughter hated the beach and the sand. Lol
It’s so easy to entertain kids on the go nowadays. I’m absolutely crazy about travel kits they sell on amazon.
Oh, I have to check that out. Thank you for sharing!
Love all of these ideas, we have yet to take a major trip. I will definitely be saving this for our next vacation!
Thank you! I am glad you found this helpful.
GREAT products! I have two daughters – almost two and eight years old. It’s incredible how products changed between them.
Thank you!
I don’t have children myself, but these are great tips when I have! I’m a teacher though, so I know how important these things are, Great giveaway, wish I could enter!
Thank you! I am glad you found this helpful.
hahaha, patience is absolutely key! I keep travel bag in our jeep for road trips with many useful items and its great for even just us adults! Some of those diaper bags are super fab!
It really is. Thank you!
Oooo so many goodies!!!! We have a trip coming up in a few weeks. I will have to keep some of these things in mind
Thank you! Good luck with your trip!
Traveling with kids is always a little hard. Loved the tips and reminders. Patience is definitely a big one!
It really is! Thank you!
One of my most memorable trips was a trip to the Bahamas. – HilLesha
Oh! That sounds like a fun trip!
Oh Lord, patience should be number one! LOL! Great list of fun snacks and activities to keep the kiddos busy!
Lol! That is so true!
Parent have to have snacks for a happy road trip. You will be surprised how hungry they get and you dont want to make too many stops.
Yes, that is so true!
Flying to Myrtle Beach with a toddler. He did great!
That’s awesome!
My most memorable trip with my kids was to Niagara Falls.
That sounds like a fun trip. I can’t wait to take the kids to Niagara Falls.
Thank you!
Such a fun trip!
Oh! That sounds an amazing trip!
We took my daughter to France when she was a baby to visit her grandparents and though I know she won’t remember it getting to experience the culture with her and family was amazing!
That sounds like a great trip!
Great suggestions! Those diaper bags are lovely!
Thank you!
I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t taken my daughter on any interesting travels, even though she’s now 18 months 🙁 I just need to take the plunge!
Don’t be! You have to try though; I’m sure it would be awesome! 🙂
My daughter is only 2 months, so the most memorable trip probably is the ride home from the hospital 😀
Awww! That’s really memorable!
Planning our disneyland trip now! 🙂
That’s going to be so much fun!
We’re planning a trip to Ireland this summer.
That sounds so much fun!
My most memorable trip with my kids was to the Navajo National forest to camp on my son’s 2nd birthday.
That sounds like an awesome trip!
Thanks, it was a really awesome trip. We got to see the Betatakin and Keet Seel Cliff Dwellings (Navajo National Monument), got to watch the women weaving baskets, and we set up our tent among the cedar trees and sage brush so the warm evening wind smelled wonderful as it blew through our tent windows. It was a little oasis amidst a wild adventure we were on at the time. Also, camping is free there. =)
That sounds like a fun trip! Thank you for sharing it with us.
That is so true! Thank you!