8 Must have items for traveling with children
Have you ever gone on a trip with your children and realized that you are not fully prepared? Have you ever gone on a trip and left the house thinking you forgot something? This is me, mom of 3 just trying to keep my “stuff” together.
I recently took my kids on a trip to Alaska and I realized I did not have everything I needed to help me get through a flight with 3 kids.
I was not prepared for messes of this magnitude from a one year old. You guys, I’m not kidding, this guy is messy. I’m sure i’m not the only one who feels like they aren’t fully prepared for a trip. I definitely needed more essentials to keep the kids entertained for a multiple hour flight.
When I got home I whipped out my notes page on my iPhone and started making a list of items I would need for my next trip. I have noticed if I make lists when my ideas are fresh I don’t forget AS MUCH. I definitely still forget some things, don’t get me wrong, but it is at a much smaller scale.
Having 3 kids and a full time job with all the extra activities and sports is enough to make a mom forget her name. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have forgotten I am the snack mom for softball or I forgot to sign a permission slip or a fundraiser form wasn’t turned in on time. Needless to say I needed to get this documented as soon as possible before it left my brain.
Let the fingers to iPhone keyboard commence.
Here are the 8 things I came up with that are MUST haves for traveling with children.
1.
Travel Hand sanitizing wipes
I don’t know about you guys but hand sanitizer is a must in my book. For those empty bathroom soap dispenser moments to the dirty airplane arm wrests that seem to never be cleaned.
Hand sanitizing wipes are the easy compact way to go for traveling with children. For my next trip they will be in my carry on, diaper bag, every kids bag and probably my pocket too HAHA!
I also found these awesome soap sheets I really want to try. They are tiny little sheets of soap for when you just don’t have any type of soap readily available to you.
Aren’t the packages just adorable too? I really think i’m going to get some to have with me in my purse at all times. What a game changer.
2.
Headphones
Headphones are definitely a must. Have you ever been on a plane where a kid has their tablet way too loud. I sure have. These headphones are good for kids because they are a little smaller than adult size ones, so they fit pretty snug for a good seal around the ears and makes for a better sound.
I made sure I got them used to wearing them before our trip. Walking in the living room to pure silence is bliss. While 3 kids are watching tablets but not a peep is heard…it’s magical.
3.
Stain Remover Wipes
I know everyone could use these bad boys. I again recently have stock piled these nice little stain remover wipes. I honestly have used these more than the actual shout or another stain remover when doing my laundry. If I can prevent stains from setting or being on the clothes for a day I will.
I put a couple in my purse and some in my car also. Sometimes you need them for those late nights when you’re taxiing children from sport to sport and your dinner is enjoyed in the car.
I do like the Miss Mouth’s Stain Remover wipes also because they are free of a lot of chemicals and just seem safer for skin and clothes. They are the more clean version of stain remover. I added a photo below so you can see that one also and do your own research.
4.
Water bottle spout
This is just a personal must for me and my kids. These bottle tops are amazing! you can use them in any normal size lid hole to instantly turn it into a sippy cup. I don’t know about your kids but my kids are spillers. I swear they have holes in their lips most of the time.
I have decided I am going to have these in my purse at all times. I recently took my little one to my daughter’s sporting event and he spilled a whole gatorade on himself(shaking my head). I wish I had these with me then. I went straight home and ordered them up, no more avoidable messes for this mama.
5.
First Aid Kit
This Keep Going first aid kit is crucial in keeping my family safe. I like the set of 3 different sizes you can get. They have a ton of different patterns too. There is everything from band aids to a sewing kit. The only other things I wish it had was a disposable ice pack like this one:
I also wish it had some Tylenol or Ibuprofen for the kiddos if they have a head ache or fever. I always just add those things because if you don’t use them much they will expire the next time you use this kit for traveling.
6.
Card Games
I remember the first time I heard my daughter say sus, I was so blown away. I proceeded to ask her if she even knew what that meant. Surprisingly she did, I couldn’t even believe it. The things the kids learn on you tube or from kids at school these days is scary.
There are plenty of card games that can be packed and played on a trip but this one looks so fun. I can see my kids now just laughing so hard at what some of these questions are. My kids also love “would you rather” games so I know they would love this modern spin on that game.
7.
Mosquito repellant
I know this only applies depending on where you are traveling to. I just know that most places in the summer where I live have bugs and mosquitos. They are nasty and relentless. There are other options depending on what you like. There is another bracelet style I saw that would work also. It is a microfiber style bracelet that looks like it wouldn’t irritate your wrist.
Here is the mosquito repellent patches also. Plenty of options for you and your little ones. My kids like the bracelets but the patches seem pretty easy.
8.
Snack Spinner
This GoBe Kids snack spinner is AMAZING!!! My kiddos all love it, I had to upgrade to the larger one for my older kids but my toddler still uses the regular one. It’s such a fun design for the kids. Healthy snacks and a little fun with the button in the middle to push and move to the next snack.
My kids sometimes will play a game to see who gets what snack also. It’s pretty cute to see them playing together and getting along over healthy snacks. Doesn’t happen everyday.
This was perfect for our trip, We actually had this life saver with us the whole trip. It went to many parts of Alaska filled with yummy snacks.
I think with all of these new items on my must have list I will be set! Can’t wait to try it all out when we have our next adventure.
Don’t forget to check out my FREE printable packing checklist for your next trip! Happy planning!
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