The holiday season is fast approaching and families will likely be traveling to visit their loved ones. The CDC recommends limiting travel whenever possible to slow the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, families may choose to drive to their loved ones instead of flying. We are providing helpful travel tips and packing lists that can prepare you for family travel.

Ten Helpful Travel Tips

  1. Pre-book everything you can including transportation, lodging, entertainment, and activities for your family
  2. Bring any prescription medications and basic over-the-counter medicines for headaches, allergies, upset stomachs, and motion sickness.
  3. Pack an easily accessible change of clothes for yourself and all your children just in case they spill food or have an accident. You won’t want to be digging through their suitcase to find an outfit. Also, pack large ziplock bags for any soiled clothes.
  4. Pack plenty of wipes and hand sanitizer to use before eating and throughout traveling.
  5. Bring lots of healthy and hearty snacks. Hungry kids are not fun to travel with.
  6. Encourage each child to carry a small backpack with a few toys and small activities that they can do in the car or airplane.
  7. A digital device, such as an iPad, can entertain children during a long trip.
  8. Get on the road or to the airport early to avoid added stress
  9. Keep track of your child at all times and be especially vigilant in public places
  10. Accept that things will go wrong and try to be flexible

Roadtrip Essentials

Many people are weary about taking a flight because of the potential of contracting COVID-19. Therefore, many people and families are opting for longer road trips. It is important to pack all the essentials when you will be in the car for several hours. In addition, make sure your car seat is the right size and installed properly before getting in the car.

  • Travel toys and crafts
  • Outdoor toys for pit stops
  • Plastic bags
  • Playlist/music/audiobooks that you all enjoy
  • Snacks
  • Scissors
  • Roadside emergency kit
  • Tissues

Traveling with a Baby

Traveling with a baby requires more thoughtful planning and additional items. Children generally do not need as much “stuff.”

Baby Essentials

  • Diapers and wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Baby wash
  • Body lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Several pacifiers (if your baby uses one)
  • Infant nail clippers (if you’ll be away for more than a week)
  • A first-aid kit: Pack any medications your baby might need, bandages, an antibiotic ointment, your pediatrician’s number, and outlet covers for baby-proofing.
  • Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen, depending on the baby’s age
  • Ziplock bags

Feeding Essentials

  • Breast pump, plus storage for milk; or formula
  • Portable cooler and ice packs
  • Multiple bottles (if you use them)
  • Several jars of baby food and utensils
  • Two or three bibs

Clothing and Equipment

  • Clothes, socks, bottles, or shoes: Pack two outfits for each day you’ll be away, plus two extra ones.
  • Weather-Specific clothing items
  • Lightweight stroller or baby carrier
  • Car seat (Even if you’re not traveling by car!)
  • Changing pad
  • Several baby blankets and burp cloths
  • Portable feeding seat (if your baby is sitting up and eating solids)
  • Monitor (if your baby will be sleeping in another room)
  • Playmat or blanket and activities: a couple of favorite toys and books plus a few brand-new ones

Whether you decide to travel or not this holiday season these tips will prove helpful at some point. Traveling with babies and children requires additional time and effort and preparing properly will prevent unnecessary stress and worry.

Helpful Checklists

Baby and Toddler Airplane Kit

Kids Packing List with Visuals