How to pack light with toddlers
Packing can be such an overwhelming experience and when you add children to the mix it can really stress you out. Well, I am here to put you at ease. We just got back from an emergency family trip back to MI and these two kiddos were amazing. I have written about what I do when it comes to flying with toddlers you can check those tips out here. I have changed a few things. I am now able to not even worry about checking a bag. I am all about the carry on bag, especially if I am flying domestically.
When flying domestically we now there is a store where we are headed so we don't bother with backing shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, body wash etc. I don't even pack more than the diapers I need for the day because that leaves more room in the carry on for things you really need. Packing cubes save space. I can't believe I use to travel without these. When you have a family of four or more you can really save space by using packing cubes to save space. you can purchase them here. Each organizer set comes with three packing cubes and a dirty clothes bag.
You may wonder what you should put in those packing cubes. When it comes to visiting someplace warm it's very easy. The clothing I backed was very similar to when we took our cruise. I left the diapers and my bag of health care essentials out since we would be purching those when we got to our destination and we wanted the room in our carryon. I did bring two pairs of shoes for each of us. We wore one and then each one of our packing cubes had a pair in there.
When it came to getting through the airport with two toddlers we decided to purchase these awesome car seat stroller attachments. (the ones we purchased are sold out but you can purchase similar ones here) They were very easy to attach, you loop through the same hole you put the seatbelt in. Make sure car seats are upright when you attach.
When we went through TSA I unloaded all of our bags with my husband and the kids were still buckled in their seats. We were able to get to and unload our camera, laptops, take off shoes without the kids running aorund. After all, that was done I unbuckled both kids and I took care of them while my husband handed over the carseats to TSA. One agent said to us" You've done this before, I mean you are so organized I didn't have to tell you anything" the truth was this was our very first trip with BOTH kids but we knew if we remained calm, they would as well. We gate checked the car seats, we purchased these inexpensive covers. DO NOT buy these if you plan to check your car seat, that is not enough protection. When yu gate check it goes right under the plane and will be waiting at the gate for you to pick up when you get off your flight. We were able to put the gate check cover over the seats while the wheels were still attached.
Kids can be a little messy, where we stayed there was a washing machine and dryer, we just washed a load when we needed to. Packing only 3 pairs of pants is enough. If you are not staying on a property that has a washer and dryer you can always buy travel size detergent and wash the clothing by hand and hang to dry at night and it will be ready for you in the morning.
All in all, just have fun getting to your destination and being there.
Are you going anywhere this summer? What are some of your go-to travel tips? Let me know in the comments below.
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