Pre-Packing Planning

Involve the kids: Let them choose outfits (within limitations) and pack a small personal bag with their favorite toys, books, and electronics. Encourage them to take ownership of their belongings. Avoid packing too many new or never-worn items; the last thing you want to do is pack something they won’t like or refuse to wear.

Create a packing list: Create a detailed list categorized by age group and activity (e.g., swim clothes, hiking gear). Anything that I know cannot be packed until 24 hours before we leave, I make a separate list to check when we are on our way out the door.

When you work with Melted & Moved on a custom travel itinerary, you will receive a day-by-day itinerary that includes pre-booked activities as well as suggestions for your free time. Review the app or print the pdf of your trip while selecting outfits for each day to ensure you are comfortable based on your schedule. Personally, I lay out each child’s outfit and photograph it before saving it to an album labeled “Packing” on my phone. This way, when we arrive at our destination, I can check my phone to see what I want each of us to wear before digging through our luggage.

Packing Strategies

• Focus on versatility: Pack mix-and-match clothing in quick-drying, breathable fabrics. Opt for neutral colors and layering pieces for adaptability.
• Prioritize essentials: Pack enough underwear, socks, and pajamas for the entire trip, with extras for spills. Include a first-aid kit and essential medications.
• Don’t overpack “just in case:” Be realistic about your needs and avoid overstuffing luggage. Remember, laundry facilities are often available in Europe.
• Utilize space-saving techniques: Roll clothes instead of folding, pack shoes inside socks, and use compression bags for bulky items. Consider packing cubes for organization.
• Carry-on essentials: Pack a change of clothes and essential medications for each child in your carry-on. Liquid medications are exempt from TSA liquid limits. Be sure to keep them in their original packaging so they are easily identifiable. Include comfort items like a familiar blanket or stuffed animal.

Keep it Organized

• Packing cubes: Organize different categories like clothes, toys, and snacks in separate cubes for easy access. I love Calpack for their cube sets and Eagle Creek for their compression cubes.
• Small backpack: Let older children carry their own backpack with some belongings and entertainment.
• Label everything: Label luggage and individual items with your child’s name and contact information in case of loss.

Essentials Packing List for Kids

• Clothes:
  • 2-3 sets of quick-drying clothes (consider potential accidents)
  • Pajamas (our favorite pajamas for kids)
  • Underwear and socks (enough for the trip)
  • Dressy/Casual outfit(s) (we are big Zara fans for the whole family)
  • Jacket
  • Sweater
  • Rain jacket (optional, packable if possible)
  • Accessories (purse, watch, sunglasses, hat)
  • Comfortable shoes
• Toiletries:
  • Travel-sized essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, hand sanitizer)
  • Sunscreen (broad-spectrum SPF 30+)
  • Insect repellent
  • Lip balm
  • Hair (brush, ties, gel, detangler)
  • Any necessary medications
• Comfort Items:
  • Stuffed animal or lovey
  • Familiar blanket (optional)
  • Headphones for personal entertainment
  • Blackout Curtains & Sleep Sacks (Pack portable blackout curtains and familiar sleep sacks to ensure consistent sleep routines in unfamiliar environments. Consider slumberpod if still in a crib.)
• Entertainment:
  • Age-appropriate books, games, and toys (Ex. camera, magna-tiles, bananagrams, wikki-stix)
  • Downloaded movies/shows on a tablet (with travel charger)
  • Activity booklet or coloring book
  • Tour Guide Books
  • Cards/Travel Board Games
  • Notepad & Pen/ Travel Journal
• Medicine:
  • Constipation Medication (Ex: Miralax)
  • Antihistamine (Ex. Benadryl, new foods could mean an unknown allergy)
  • Acetaminophen (bring a small thermometer as well)
  • Daily Vitamins (Elderberry, Echinacea, Throat Spray for more preventative care)
• Other:
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Snacks (healthy and non-messy)
  • Wet wipes (boogie wipes for young kids)
  • First Aid Kit (because kids…)
  • Small backpack for older kids
  • Label everything with your child’s name and contact information
  • Pack a small flashlight for nighttime reading or bathroom trips
  • Stroller/Car Seat Travel Bags (Stroller Bag, Backpack Car Seat Bag)

Bonus: Personalization & Surprises

I want a travel day to be as magical for my kid as Christmas morning, so extra personalization and surprises go a long way. Learn more about how to Enhance your Travel Experience; toddlers in tow.

• Personalized Travel Essentials: Surprise your toddler with a personalized airport outfit, water bottle, or toiletry bag for a special touch.
• Portable Nightlight Projector: Create a calming bedtime routine with a portable nightlight projector like Hatch Rest Mini or Cloud b Guardian, offering soothing sounds and starry projections.
• In-Flight Comfort Kit: Assemble a luxurious in-flight comfort kit with travel-sized toiletries, cozy socks, eye masks, and healthy snacks for a pampering experience.
• Local Toys & Souvenirs: Encourage cultural immersion by purchasing age-appropriate toys or souvenirs during your travels. Opt for handcrafted or locally made items for a personalized touch.

Airplane Travel Diaper Bag Packing List (0-12 months) 

If you take away anything from the list, make it this: bring twice as much food, formula, diapers, and wipes as you think you’ll need! Flights are frequently delayed, and you don’t want to be stuck on the tarmac with an upset baby. Plus I swear babies drink more when traveling.

• Portable Sound Machine
• Blanket/Cover 
• Diapers & Wipes (Pack enough diapers for the entire trip, plus extras in case of delays or accidents.)
• Extra Pair of Clothes for Baby 
• Changing Pad (our gathre mat is easy to clean and has survived two babies)
• Burp Cloth (copper pearl clothes are so soft and stylish)
• Bibs (silicone is a must for easy to clean)
• Wet Bag
• Pacifiers / Teethers (lots of extras to make up for the ones sacrificed to the floor)
• Toys (a first flight favorite)
• Copy of Birth Certificate / Passport 
• Snacks 
• Baby Medicine 
• Nursing or Forumla Babies (consider pre-measured formula packets for convenience)
• Bottles /Bottle Cleaning Kit 
• Pump / Cover / Breast Pads 
• Zip-lock bags (dispose of dirty diapers and wipes discreetly)

Packing Timeline

• One Month Prior to Your Trip
  • The further or more exotic the trip, the further ahead you should begin packing. Start looking through your closet to determine what you have and what needs to be purchased.
  • Kids grow out of everything so fast so if you are unsure, have them try on that swimsuit from last summer or winter jacket.
• One Week Prior to Your Trip
  • Start arranging clothes, reading materials, and toiletries for all family members. This will give you enough time to wash or buy any last-minute necessities. Suspend any regular deliveries or subscriptions while you’re away.
• One Day Before Your Trip
  • Keep a list of anything left that will need to wait until your departure day to be packed.
  • Talk to your child about airport security procedures and what to expect.

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