Continuing from my last post, here’s the second installment, packing for preschoolers and grade schoolers. Traveling with this age group is actually a lot easier than with the younger ones. For one thing, they can carry their own bags (yay!) and they don’t need the cumbersome items like the bottles, formula, diapers, jars and so on. Phew!
If your kids are above age 3, then all you need are a few things for your carry-on. The rest, your kids can carry themselves. If you do have a baby or toddler, then see the previous post.
Your Carry-on
Aside from my stuff (toiletries, cosmetics, extra shirt, book) here’s what I usually take for the kids:
– 1 change of clothes for each child, including underwear (plus one extra top for preschoolers)
– 1 diaper for the preschooler (only for evening or longhaul flights)
– Ziplock bag of snacks
– Small plastic cutlery for each child (no knives in the plane)
– Baby wipes, tissues, small hair brush
– Small pack of crayons, markers and 2 pens – extras in case the kids lose/fight/need extra.
– small pad of paper
– 1 book
– Bottle of water (if flying, get this after the security check)
Kids Carry-on
– 2 small toys (boys tend to go for cars/trains, girls a “Polly Pocket” type of small doll)
– 1 “lovie” like a favorite doll, stuffed toy, mini-pillow or blanket
– 2 snacks – like a small box of raisins, biscuits
– 1 book
– 1 jacket or cardigan
– Small notebook/pad/ coloring book
– crayons / pen, pencil and eraser (neatly in a case)
– Video game (like a Gameboy or DS) – Useful for long airport waits, but keep it handy for airport security.
The Kids Suitcases
– 2 outfits for each day
– 1 “smart” outfit for a party or dinner out
– 1 pair of underwear for each day
– 1 pair or shoes, smart or closed
– Sandals or slippers depending on season
– Swimsuit, goggles, water wings (if needed)
– Winter essentials if needed, like gloves, thermal undies, boots etc.
– Hat or cap
– Cardigan or sweater (depending on season) – 1 every 3 days of trip
– 2 books
– 2 extra toys per child – puzzles, small action figure or car sets, barbie etc.
– Toiletries – 2-in 1 shampoo, 1 bar dove soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brush
And Don’t Forget In Your Luggage!
– Small bars or pack of laundry detergent and rubber gloves
– Medical Kit – digital thermometer, first-aid supplies, medicine for both kids and adults, moisturizer, rash cream, mosquito repellent (if needed).
-More snacks, food if necessary (I take a few boxes of organic macaroni cheese if we’re going to a place with cooking facilities. Easy to just add veg for a healthy and quick meal)
Photo via catd_mitchell
Originally posted on July 4, 2009 @ 7:40 am