Traveling with Toddlers: Essentials, From Ziploc Bags to First-Aid Kits

Remember the days when we could just throw a pair of jeans and some clean underwear in a bag and be off on a trip? Five minutes was all it took to be ready to leave on a grand adventure. That all changes when you have toddlers. Now it takes weeks of planning and packing to be sure you have all you need when traveling with toddlers.

There are a few things you may want to remember to pack for the kids to make traveling a bit easier and more fun.

1. Flashlights -These make dark hotel rooms a bit less intimidating to the little ones. They can use them to find the bathroom at night or to read a book under the covers. It helps for each one to have their own flashlight. (Including at least one for the grown-ups, that is only used when needed, because you know the kids will use up their batteries quick!)

2. Ziploc Bags -There are so many uses for these bags when traveling with toddlers. You can put wet clothes in them. You can make individual snack bags for everyone (less spillage). They are great for storing suntan lotion or toothpaste. If the bottle comes open then it doesn't mess up your whole bag. You can even pack the kids' clothes in them. One outfit per bag (include socks, undies, matching hair bow), then you have an automatic dirty clothes bag at the end of the day.

3. Clothes Pins -Clothes pins have a variety of uses, the most important being to hang up wet clothes. Kids don't like putting on wet bathing suits or using damp towels. You can also use them to pin socks together in your suitcase or to keep clothes on the hangers. If you find you aren't using the clothes pins, give them to the kids to play with. They LOVE playing with clothes pins.

4. First-Aid Kit -Hopefully you won't need it, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have plenty of band-aids for the scraped knee or blistered heel. You'll also want to have some tweezers for splinter removal and some kind of antiseptic for cleaning wounds.

5. Fun, easy to pack and easy to play games. You are going to want to dig deep into your idea bank to entertain the kids without packing all the toys in the playroom. Make a list of games you can play that require nothing but your imagination. But also pack a few things that you know your kids like. (Crayons and paper, play-dough, little cars or baby dolls)

As you pack it is always helpful to make a list. That way when you repack at the end of the trip you won't forget anything. Traveling with toddlers can be fun and relaxing, as long as you have good planning!