What you pack and how much of it depends on the age of your child and your destination. If you’re confident that you can buy what you need when you get there, pack enough to get you through the first couple of days, so you’re not stressing out about finding a store and getting there straight away. To get older kids excited about the upcoming trip, Laura Martin of Calgary suggests allowing the children to pack their own travel kit/bag the night before. “That way you can check it to ensure that the essentials are there.” She warns to “not be critical about what they packed. It will cut down on the complaints …since they did the choosing.” This makes sense to me, though I might have a few surprises on hand, in case of ‘emergencies’.
My most valuable packing tip, and this goes for those without children as well, is to divide all your belongings into separate bags. This way, if a bag does get lost, it’s not THAT one. My poor friend had to spend a week in Cuba in her husband’s shorts and a borrowed swimsuit, since her suitcase didn’t show up for the entire week.
I have a very detailed carry-on packing list on Have Baby Will Travel, but Ginny Connon of Aurora, ON wisely suggests changing from your usual diaper bag. “I switched to a large knapsack. It gives me easy access to ‘sections’ -passports, documents & pens, wallet, candy, snacks, sippy cups, diapers, wipes, change pad, plastic bags, spare clothes & undies, books, toys, and magazines.”
