Sorting out your own packing is easy (just go easy on the shoes and wet weather gear), but knowing what to pack for kids can be so much harder. That’s why we’ve put together the best travel packing checklist for kids that covers everything from the flight to the holiday itself, and all the little moments in between.

What things should I pack for kids on a flight?

1. A kid’s backpack

Kids’ luggage can be a bit of a nuisance if your little ones are young. They may love it at first, but they will get bored lugging their bags around (and we can sympathise). The easier option is to carry their clothes in a packing cube safely tucked away in your bag and give them a backpack with all their essentials for their travel days (and day trips for when you get to your destination). Just double-check before you leave home that they haven’t snuck in anything likely to set off airport security.

2. Favourite cuddly toy or comfort item

Few things cause more drama mid-trip than a missing cuddly toy. You don’t need to bring a whole toy box on the flight, but their favourite comfort item is one of the best things to pack for a holiday for a smooth trip. And if that happens to be a dummy, pack more than one.

3. Warm socks

Children like to kick off their shoes, so warm socks are great for when it gets a little chilly on the flight.

4. Digital tablet for entertainment

Nowadays, most flag-carrying airlines provide excellent onboard entertainment for kids, and almost all long-haul flights will too. However, if you’ve booked a no-frills airline or are anticipating a long wait at the airport, a digital tablet loaded with a few games and movies can be a real peacemaker. Don’t forget the charger!

5. Wet wipes and hand gel

Wet wipes and tissues for… well, everything! Antibacterial hand wash gel will always be handy during travels, to use before and after meals, and generally through your trip.

6. Snacks

A few familiar snacks are worth having on hand, especially if your child has allergies or specific likes and dislikes. Also, bring lollipops – brilliant for take-off and landing, as they help with ear pain caused by the change in air pressure.

7. Any feeding equipment you may need

Think bibs, spoons and sippy cups. Sometimes it’s the most familiar things that can be calming to a little tot when in new environments.

8. A change of clothes

With kids, you just never know when you might need a complete change of clothes, right? Go ahead and pack spare clothes for yourself just in case you're in the splash zone of a spill.

What things should I pack for kids on holiday?

1. Travel first aid kit

A must for family trips is your very own first aid kit, complete with bandaids, antiseptic cream, antihistamines, pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen), motion sickness medication and any prescribed medicine for your little ones, just in case. Paw Paw is another parents’ favourite go-to for minor cuts and insect bites.

2. Clothes travel packing list for kids

How you pack can vary depending on whether you’re embarking on a warm-weather holiday or a winter break, but the basics are generally the same. For a two-week vacation, your checklist should look something like this:

• 4-5 outfits (incl. shorts, t-shirts, trousers, dresses, skirts, leggings, tights)

• 1-2 long-sleeved shirt

• 1 jacket (warm and preferably waterproof)

• 2 pairs of pajamas

• 1 hat

• 5 pairs of socks

• 7-10 undies

• 1 pair of runners/day shoes

• 1 pair of sandals

Summer additions:

• 1-2 swimming costumes

• 1 pair of sunglasses

• 1 lightweight beach towel

• 1 swimming cover-up

• 1 pair of goggles

Winter additions:

• 1 pair of gloves

• 1 scarf

• 2-3 undershirts

3. Toiletries travel packing list for kids

Some of these may seem obvious, but it is so easy to forget important toiletries, and it can be a big nuisance to have to try and secure them abroad. Having these essentials on hand can save you a lot of hassle.

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Deodorant (for older kids)

• Sun cream

• Hand sanitizer

• Baby wipes

• Lip balm

• Tweezers

• Nail clippers

• Hairbrush

• Hair ties

• Band-aids

• Antiseptic cream

• Kids’ paracetamol and ibuprofen

• Antihistamines

• Motion sickness medication

• Any prescribed medication

Summer additions

• Bug repellent

Winter additions

• Moisturizing cream

4. Entertainment travel packing list for kids

Our entertainment travel checklist is totally discretionary, and you can amend or add to it as you see fit. We do recommend packing a few entertainment items, as these are great in the evening after a long day playing at the beach or sightseeing and can bring your child a little comfort if it’s their first trip away.

• Digital tablet

• Books

• Colouring book and pencils

• Soft toy

• Small travel games, like UNO

• Earphones

• Workbooks

5. Document travel packing list for kids

Before you book, it is essential to double-check check all your documents are valid and in date, especially if you are travelling abroad. You can see our list of worldwide visa requirements and go to the Australian government’s Smart Traveller website for important up-to-date information. Don’t forget babies need passports too.

• Passports

• Photocopies of all your passports

• Visas if required

• Written permission from another parent, if required

• Immunisation documentation, if required

Also, adults will need to make sure they’realso carrying:

• Flight booking information

• Some cash in the relevant currency

• Credit/debit cards

• Travel insurance documentation

Keep all travel documents together in a safe place, from passports, tickets, travel insurance and any accommodation and car hire bookings.

6. Miscellaneous travel packing checklist for kids

This is just extra stuff that you may want to pack, just in case!

• Travel stroller

• Travel pillows

• Small blanket

• Reusable water bottles

• Travel adaptors

• Snack boxes

7. Packing list for babies

If your wee one is still a bub, there are a few more things you need to consider. It’s actually startling how many extra things you need for such little people, here are the infant travel essentials:

• Nappies

• Nappy sacks

• Nappy cream

• Wet wipes

• Changing mat

• Bottles

• Bottlebrush

• Sterilizer/sterilizer tablets/sterilizer bags

• Dummies

• Formula

• Breast pump and breastmilk storage bags

• Sippy cups

• Kids cutlery

• Bibs

It might be worth bringing a portable high chair if you'll be going somewhere where high chairs aren't common.

Packing tips for kids

Nominate one packer

Nominate one packer to do all the packing for your kids. Having one packer means you won’t get duplicate items, which could count for a lot if you are close to exceeding the weight limit and being charged extra fees. Work off a list, lay everything out, and do the final pack all at once.

Pack light with light luggage

Older luggage can weigh a tonne, so consider upgrading to lighter luggage and save on your overall weight. It all adds up!

Roll, don’t fold

Rolling your luggage, as opposed to folding, will save you time and space, and you’ll fit more in.

Know the rule on powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels

Good news, the 100ml liquid restriction doesn’t apply to items for babies, such as baby food and water, breast milk, and formula, but best to check on the latest information before you head off.

Want more packing tips for kids and adults alike? Read our best ever packing tips straight from the travel pros.