Travelling with Kids: What To Pack In Your Carry On

Travel can be such a wonderful experience for kids. It opens a lot of opportunities for them to see new places, new things and new people. But, traveling with kids is not without challenges. Kids may do crazy things beyond your expectations while traveling. Not to mention the headaches that you will have to go through when they start being cranky on board a plane. The good news is that there are many ways to make traveling more like a breeze than a storm. One way to make this possible is to make sure that your carry-on bag has all your  kids’ essentials such as the following:

Gadgets or books

Kids can be noisy even when they’re on board the plane. One way to keep them quiet and entertained is to bring their gadgets or favorite books in their carry on luggage. So, make sure your carry on luggage has enough compartments for your kids’ gadgets or books. Keep in mind that keeping your kids entertained all throughout the duration of the flight is important not only for reducing your stress. It would also mean a relaxing flight for your fellow plane passengers. So, make sure your carry-on bag has travel toys that will keep the kids preoccupied especially during downtime or long airport layovers. 

Medications

Your children’s prescription medications should be placed in both bags, that is, your carry-on luggage and checked bag. This way, in case your checked bag is delayed, you won’t have to find yourself in a rigamarole of trying to figure out where to possibly obtain the same medicines that your child needs. Don’t forget as well those over-the-counter meds and chewables for motion sickness. 

Stuffed toy

Your child’s stuffed toy can be a real source of comfort during travel. If your child refuses to part with her favorite teddy or doll, the next best thing to do is to make sure that she is aware of the process that her teddy has to go through while the TSA agents check it. In most cases, the TSA agents will take a picture of it and return it soon. So, let her child know that her teddy will return soon. This way, you won’t have to find your child crying out loud at the airport during security checks. 

Antibacterial wipes

Kids love to hold their food with their bare hands and such a habit can be a recipe for disaster knowing that E.coli and SARS can be contracted while inside an airplane.  This is why it is best to bring some antibacterial wipes. This will make it easier for you to wipe your child’s hands before noshing on her snacks. As soon as you’re on board the plane, wipe the tray table, arm rests, overhead air vent and seat belt buckle.  Do not forget to wipe those lavatory flush button and bathroom stall locks whenever you and your child need to use it. Note that these are a few of the many germiest areas inside the plane. 

Being a parent would mean learning to say goodbye to your carefree travel days where you often find yourself sipping a glass of pre-flight rosé. Now that you will be traveling with your kids, prevent it from turning into a stressful travel by making sure that all of the essentials mentioned above are in your carry-on bag.