The Ultimate Toddler Travel Checklist: Packing Made Easy
Are you dreaming of a getaway but feeling overwhelmed at the thought of traveling with a toddler?
As a mom of four, I’ve been there! I know how stressful it can feel to pack for a little one while trying to remember all the essentials.
We’ve taken trips where I was less-than-organized and had to make multiple trips to the store while at our destination, and I’ve had others that went much more smoothly due to planning ahead.
That’s why I put together this toddler travel checklist–to take the guesswork out of packing and help you feel prepared. No more last-minute scrambling or forgotten must-haves!
With this list, you’ll be more confident leading up to your trip. Let’s leave the stress behind and see how doable it can be to successfully travel with toddlers!
We’ve got all of your toddler travel essentials organized for you by category to make packing for your next vacation a breeze!
📝 Keep reading for a printable version of this checklist!
Clothing
*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
First up on our toddler travel checklist is clothing. The clothing items you pack will vary greatly based on your destination. Check the weather a few days before your trip and adjust what clothing to bring if needed.
If you won’t have access to laundry, plan for enough outfits to last the whole trip (plus a couple extras).
💡Packing Tip: I recommend packing each day’s clothes in packing cubes or gallon ziplock bags to keep all those cute, tiny clothes organized.
- Tops and Bottoms – Pack comfortable, weather-appropriate outfits for each day, plus a few extras in case of spills or accidents.
- Pajamas – Consider lightweight pajamas for warm destinations and fleece or long-sleeved options for cooler climates.
- Socks and Shoes – Bring comfortable walking shoes and socks.
- Outerwear (Hat and Jacket) – Sun protection is key, and a light jacket is great for layering.
- Swimsuit and Swim Diapers – If water activities are on the agenda, these are must-haves.
- Hair Accessories – Keep your toddler’s hair tangle-free and out of their face.
- Diapers/Pull-ups/Underwear – Pack more than you think you’ll need in case of travel delays or mishaps.
Hygiene Essentials
Take it from me–you’ll want to bring along your child’s own personal hygiene items even if your hotel or vacation rental provides them.
Toddler skin is sensitive and we’ve had our kids break out in rashes when we’ve used soaps their skin isn’t used to. No one has time for that on vacation! 🙅🏼♀️
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste – Maintaining good dental hygiene is important even on vacation.
- Body Wash and Shampoo – Travel-sized options are great for saving space.
- Lotion – Keep your toddler’s skin hydrated, especially in dry climates.
- Wipes and Diaper Cream – Essential for diaper changes and quick clean-ups.
- Changing Pad – A must-have for diaper changes on the go.
- Nail Clippers and Comb – Keep your toddler comfortable with trimmed nails and tangle-free hair.
👇 Go ahead and enter your email address below to print a copy of this checklist! 👇
Mealtime Essentials
Toddlers need frequent snacks and meals, so having the right gear makes feeding them on the go easier.
- Sanitizing Wipes – Clean surfaces before meals when eating out. These are also great for wiping down stroller trays for snacks on-the-go.
- Bottle or Cup – Bring your toddler’s favorite sippy cup or bottle.
- Nursing Supplies – If you’re a nursing mama, don’t forget your breastfeeding essentials. These might include a nursing cover, pump, and cooler for breastmilk.
- Bibs and Child-Sized Utensils – Makes mealtime easier and less messy.
- Travel Highchair – Some restaurants or vacation rentals won’t have highchairs, so having a portable option can be a lifesaver.
Bedtime Necessities
From our many travels, I’ve learned that maintaining your bedtime routine on vacation is super important for helping your little one adjust to new surroundings and sleep soundly.
Think about anything your child needs for their bedtime routine and make sure to add it to your travel packing list!
One of the biggest challenges when traveling with a toddler is creating a dark, sleep-friendly space for naps, especially in a hotel or vacation rental.
➡️ A game-changer for solving this problem is bringing along a SlumberPod or portable blackout curtains. These will help block out excess light, making it easier for your little one to fall asleep.
Trust me, once you try one of these, you won’t want to travel without it!
- Swaddle/Blanket – Helps your child feel at home.
- Pacifier and Lovey/Stuffed Animal – Essential for helping your toddler sleep away from home.
- Toddler Pillow and Sheets – Make unfamiliar beds as comfortable as possible.
- Pack ‘n Play – First, check to see if your hotel or vacation rental provides a toddler crib or pack ‘n play. If not, you’ll want to bring your own.
- Sound Machine and Nightlight – Provides comfort and minimizes unfamiliar nighttime noises. (We have used this budget-friendly sound machine for years.)
- Baby Monitor – Useful if your toddler sleeps in a separate space.
- SlumberPod or Portable Blackout Curtains – To block out light at naptime.
Health and Wellness
Be prepared with a small medical kit.
- Thermometer and Medicines – Fever reducers and any prescription medications your toddler may need.
- Nose Frieda or Suction Tool – Helps clear stuffy noses. (We couldn’t live without the Nose Frieda!)
- First Aid Kit – Includes band-aids, antibiotic ointment, gauze, etc.
- Insurance Card and Documents – Have these on hand in case of medical emergencies.
Essentials for Travel Days
Keeping your toddler entertained and comfortable on travel days is key to a smooth trip.
Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying with your toddler, having a few things to entertain your kids is always a good idea.
Entertainment
- Books and Small Toys – Keep little hands busy on long trips.
- Snacks – A variety of snacks can help prevent meltdowns. (Consider packing a snackle box!)
- Art Supplies – We love bringing along mess-free art supplies such as water wow books and stickers.
- Tablet or DVD Player – A lifesaver for long travel days.
- Audiobook or Music Player – We love the Yoto Mini! Plus, it can grow with them. Our kids have used it up to age 13!
For Road Trips
- Window Sunshade – Helps block out bright sunlight.
- Travel Potty – A travel potty is a lifesaver if you’re on a long road trip.
- Our Coloring Pack – Did you know we created a free kids road trip coloring pack? ⬅️
Check out our tried-and-true road trip activities for toddlers!
For Flying
- Lollipop or Earplanes – Ear pressure can be miserable for little ones. We recently discovered Earplanes and they were a game-changer for our last flight!
- Carseat – If your child has their own seat on the plane, bring a carseat for added safety.
Other Toddler Travel Essentials
- Stroller – Choose one that is lightweight, has storage, and is easy to maneuver like this one.
- Baby Carrier – Perfect for places where a stroller isn’t practical. (I love the Tula baby carrier– it carries up to 45 pounds!)
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Staples for every trip.
- Passport/ Birth Certificate – Needed for travel identification.
Travel Hacks for Toddlers
Over the years, I’ve come up with tried-and-true hacks for making travel smoother with little ones! Steal these ideas for your next vacation:
- Use Packing Cubes – Organize clothing and essentials into separate cubes for easy access.
- Bring a Portable Fan – Helps keep toddlers cool in warm destinations.
- Create a Snackle Box – There are so many ideas for a snackle box that are perfect for keeping toddlers entertained and fed.
- Download Toddler-Friendly Apps or Audiobooks – A great backup for long travel days.
- Take Advantage of Public Library Resources – I always head to our local library a few days before a big trip to stock up on books, audiobooks, coloring sheets and DVDs. It’s the perfect budget-friendly travel hack!
- Use a Carabiner Clip – Attach toys and cups to strollers or car seats to prevent drops.
Printable Toddler Travel Checklist
Since every family’s needs are different, we’ve created a free printable checklist with space for additional items.
🎉 ⬇️ Simply enter your email below and print your copy! ⬇️ 🎉
What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag
There will be certain items you want to have with you at all times during your trip. Pack these items in your diaper bag for on-the-go convenience.
- Diapers or Pull-ups (or underwear)
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- Changing pad
- Sanitizing wipes
- Extra change of clothes
- Pacifier
- Feeding supplies
- Pumping or nursing supplies
- Bib
- Sunscreen
- Disposable bags
- Small toys or books
- Blanket
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
What to Pack for the Beach
There are a few extra items you’ll want to add if you’re headed on a tropical vacation. Here’s what to pack for going to the beach with a toddler.
- Diaper bag
- Beach towel
- Beach tent or umbrella
- Sand toys
- Snacks and Drinks
- Sunscreen
- Swim diapers
- Sun hat
- Life jacket
- Goggles
- Water shoes
Is Traveling With a Toddler Worth It?
Although traveling with little ones can feel overwhelming, I truly believe it’s always worth it. The memories aren’t just for them–they’re for you too!
Watching your child experience new places, taste new foods, and explore different environments is one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood.
Sure, there may be missed naps, a few meltdowns, and necessary itinerary changes, but the bonding, learning experiences, and pure joy far outweigh the challenges.
Travel teaches kids resilience, flexibility, compassion and curiosity–all invaluable life skills.
So don’t let fear of the unknown stop you. Start with a smaller trip and work your way up to farther destinations. With the right preparation (and this checklist!), you’ve got this!
