What to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On

Posted on Mar 29, 2015 | 0 comments

Spring break is nearly here and the time to get packing is now!

If your children are over the age of 4, then they are ready for their own carry-on and parents – this is awesome!! The children get to be a little more independent and we have one less thing to carry! It’s a win-win.

What Kind of Carry-On Bag Should They Have?

For the younger ones I recommend the roller backpacks, here are some on Amazon – Rockland Luggage 19 Inch Rolling Backpack Printed, Black Dot, Medium. Most of them come in various prints with adjustable handles and they have loads of space and compartments. This way they can roll around their stuff easily.

What to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On:

1^st thing to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On

An extra set of clothes, a pair of pajamas and a bathing suit! Always bring an extra set of clothes in case of spills, accidents or lost luggage. Better to have than not to. I never leave the house without our bathing suits and a pair of PJ’s in our carry-on, just in case our luggage gets lost I know we can swim and get the kids in bed at least! I like to put this in first to give some extra padding for what comes next.

2^nd thing to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On

Electronics. I know everyone says not to let them play for too long, but when you are on a flight or train/bus ride, stuck in your seat anything goes! If there is a game that keeps them happy – let them play! Mine love the extra game time as I usually don’t let them just play for a long period of time. We bring their Nabi’s and headphones for if there is an in-flight movie. If they bring something battery operated, throw some extra batteries in a Ziploc and store them in your carry-on for an easy find and switch.

3^rd thing to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On

The blanky or special lovey. Never, never, never check this onto the plane, ALWAYS carry-on. It will help keep your child calm and comfortable on the plane plus there is no sense in risking the chance of lost luggage with the blanky in it!! You can also use the blanky to keep the electronics cushioned and safe.

4^th thing to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On

An empty sippy cup. This will save spills. It will allow you to let them have a drink without hovering nervously waiting for them to spill! The flight attendants will gladly fill them up for you with the requested drink and the people sitting behind you will rest easier!!

5^th thing to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On

Snacks! For a great list of travel-friendly snacks click and check tip 4. When we are on a flight, I let them eat as much as they would like. We will go to the market the day before and I let them each choose a few things they would like to bring to eat on the plane – and then I always slip one or two surprise things in to for a little excitement!!

6^th thing to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On

2 books to read, a coloring and activity book, and a bag of crayons/markers/stamps/stickers. Michael’s has great craft kits that I like to pick up and sneak into their bags. There is nothing like a sticker or clay project to save a very antsy child!

7^th thing to Pack in Your Child’s Carry-On

Attach some moisturizing hand sanitizer to their bag and encourage them to use it often! You can buy the hand sanitizer at any drug store, market or shop you prefer, pretty much everyone carries them now! Germs are everywhere in airports so best to keep the hand sanitizer handy!

What do you like to pack in your child’s carry-on?

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

#FamilyTravel