have a smooth ride
Traveling with a young family can sometimes come with unexpected events. That explosive nappy in the car seat, the meltdown when leaving the playground, you know the ones I’m talking about. By packing wisely you can be prepared to meet these situations with this list of everything you need for a young family road trip.
Many of the things on this list will depend a lot on the weather, the length of your trip, the age of your children, and your type of accommodation. I try to cover as much as I can, and then you can pick and choose what will actually work for you.
FYI: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
baby and child equipment
- Stroller – our family has been through 5 different strollers (new and used) and this stroller has proven to be our best one yet!
- Baby carrier – we really like using this carrier, it fits well on my husband, myself and we used it from birth to when our daughter was 4 years old! (We used it as a front pack until she was around 3 years old and then we use it as a back carrier).
- Pac n play
- White noise machine – we love this white noise machine because it’s portable (uses 3xAAA batteries), and works like a charm with our kids!
food and drink
- Water bottles – our kids use these water bottles. Our toddler has thrown them on the hard tile floor countless times and they are still intact!
- Low sugar snacks (homemade granola bars, sandwiches, cut up fruit, or other age appropriate snacks)
- Garbage bags
- Napkins
- Hand sanitiser
- A knife (preferably with a protective sheathe)
- Cutlery
- Cups, plates, and bowls
- Baby wipes, lots and lots of baby wipes
- Cooler
- Dish Soap
- Extra containers to store leftovers or Ziplock bags
- Clothes pins to help keep opeend food bags closed
- Bibs
Clothing for the kids
- Diapers – enough plus an extra day or two
- Underwear – I usually pack what I will need plus 3 lol
- Socks – enough plus 3 pairs
- Sleep clothes – a variety of warmth and length as sometimes you don’t know what the temp will be like
- Play clothes – again a variety of short, long, cool and warm
- Sweaters
- Jackets
- Rain coat and gumboots
- Puff jacket
- Hat, gloves and scarf depending on where you are going
- Shoes – at least 2 pairs
- Bathing suits
- water shoes
Toiletries for kids
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Lotion
- Soap
- Washcloth
- Towels
- Shampoo
- Hair accessories
- Hair brush
- Bag for dirty laundry
- Lip balm
- Nail clippers
- Potty
outdoor essentials
- Sunblock
- Bug repelent
- Hats
- Sunnies – mostly for the photos
- Beach towels
- Pic nic blanket
Entertainment for kids
- DVDs
- Portable DVD player
- Portable speaker – we love this this wireless speaker. The sound is super amazing and it is also very portable and durable.
- Toys – the best toys are the ones that can be changed and manipulated like blocks. We also bring along a few plastic characters and some Barbies for our daughter. Don’t forget any bed time soft toys.
- Colouring books
- Crayons
- Stickers
- Child-safe Scissors
- Note-pad of paper
- Kids Books
- Cards
- Any sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball)
- Bubbles are always a hit and a great way to redirect any meltdowns!
health
- Prescribed medications
- First Aid Kit
- Pain Relief (acetaminophen, ibuprophen)
- Antihistamines
- Thermometer
- Calamine lotion
- Polysporin
- Hand Sanitiser
- Information regarding the closest medical centre or hospital to your accomodation
other Important Stuff
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Cell Phone – make sure you have enough data
- Cell phone charger
- Any ID needed to travel
- Travel insurance information
- Cash
- Road trip music
- Songs to sing with kids
Before you leave your home
- Turn off appliances
- Lock doors and windows
- Set alarm
- Shut blinds / curtains as needed
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return
- Have someone check on your home while you are gone
last tips
The list can look really intimidating and overwhelming. Sometimes I start packing 3-5 days in advance, by throwing things I will need into a pile or bag. I also recommend showing your spouse the list so that they can help in the process of packing.
I also recommend filling up with gas in your area if you know that the gas is more expensive where you are going.
Make sure to plan places to stop of a potty, playground, or places to stretch your legs.
Have a good trip!
There you have it. Everything you need for a young family road trip. Remember to add or take out as you need depending on your trip and your family. Enjoy the ride. Remember to create time for yourself to relax. This is your vacation too!
