Essentials To Pack When Travelling With Kids, According to Mums — From Pillow Sprays To Cleaning Essentials - 8days Skip to main content

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Essentials To Pack When Travelling With Kids, According to Mums — From Pillow Sprays To Cleaning Essentials

Travelling with kids requires a bit of extra planning, but with the right essentials packed, it can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.

Essentials To Pack When Travelling With Kids, According to Mums — From Pillow Sprays To Cleaning Essentials
Travelling with kids can be an adventure of its own, filled with excitement, curiosity, and, yes, sometimes a bit of chaos. To make your journey as smooth as possible, it's essential to be well-prepared with the right gear and essentials tailored to your child's age. Here’s a breakdown of the must-haves for travelling with kids of all ages, according to seasoned mums who’ve mastered the art of family travel.

For Ages 1 to 2: The Toddlers

At this stage, your little one is just beginning to explore the world around them. Keeping them comfortable and entertained during travel is key. Mothers Cam Khalid and Syndris Goh have travelled with their young children under two years old before and shared some of their essentials that run the gamut of feeding supplies, teething essentials, hygiene and body care and sleeping gear. 

Cam also said that she brings along a pillow mist which she uses for her baby. “A familiar scent can help your baby feel at home even while on the go. Bringing along a pillow mist can create a soothing environment in unfamiliar settings like airplanes or hotel rooms,” she shared. 

They both also agree on packing lots of snacks for kids under two years old. Syndris said, “Pack extra feeds, formula, or fresh milk, along with a thermal bottle for warm water. Don’t forget snacks, distilled water, and a collapsible travel kettle for added convenience.”

For Ages 3 to 4: The Curious Explorers

Children in this age group are full of energy and curiosity. Keeping them entertained and comfortable is crucial for a smooth journey. Researcher and mum Adlini Sjah recommends packing their favourite toys – but keep it travel-sized. “Toys like pop-its, spinners, stickers, and colouring books with water pens are great for keeping little hands busy,” she shares. 

Editor Kristen Soh has two children under the age of six also agrees with keeping the little ones busy in an “organic” way. She explains, “Personally, I don't really like to give my kids too much screen time because while it keeps them quiet and entertained, I find that too much of it actually makes them irritable and they'll also be less willing to enjoy the travelling because they keep thinking about their favourite programme.”

“So I pack a lot of non-screen entertainment like erasable colouring sheets, word search books, mini puzzles, stickering books and more,” she adds.

Being bigger than the ones and twos, Adlini also said a travel stroller is a must-have for naps and navigating long airport queues.

For Ages 5 and Up: The Independent Adventurers

By the time your child reaches age 5, they’re likely more independent and eager to participate in the travel experience. Here’s what you’ll need to keep them happy and occupied.

Edith Chua says that once they are past the “terrible two and threenager stage”, the fantastic five is when travelling with kids get a bit easier. “Now that they are older, I get them more involved in the travel process – and to be honest, they love to be involved too. I invested in wheelie bags for kids so they’d feel important too,” she explains. 

And being older means they are capable of eating meals themselves on the plane – so you definitely have to plan for any mess to come. Kristen says, “You really can't bring enough wet wipes! I'll have one in my handbag, one in the diaper bag, extras in the luggage, because we need it all the time.”

Must-Haves for All Ages

  • First Aid Kit: No matter your child's age, a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications is a must-have for dealing with minor injuries on the go.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your child’s skin from the sun with a kid-friendly, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Whether you’re hitting the beach or exploring a new city, sunscreen is a non-negotiable to avoid sunburns.
  • Comfort Item: Whether it’s a favourite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow, bringing along a comfort item can help your child feel more secure and calm, especially in unfamiliar environments.

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