Carry on bag packing list with Children

For me, this is probably the single most important thing to get right when traveling with children. It can make or break how well the journey goes. It is something we have carefully honed, adjusted and added to over the years. Thanks for coming to read our Carry-on bag packing list with Children.

Top Tips:

• Have your children carry their own bag. We’ve been doing this since our daughters were about 4 and it really helps! And it means we have 4 carry-on bags between us. Which allows us to take quite a lot of stuff onto the plane. I try to ensure that our bags are of a good size to go under the seat in front (there is actually quite a lot of space under there) so that we have access to them the whole flight.
• Sort what you pack in each carry-on logically. I usually have things like wipes and snacks in mine. The girls generally have their activities and toys and Dave carries the electronics. Dave also carries all the important documents so we always know where they are.

Essentials to pack in your carry on bag

• Biodegradable wipes. Essential for the odd spill, the chocolaty fingers, the cleaning of the tray tables. Despite my daughters being past the baby years I still carry a pack of these with me everywhere.
• Change of clothes. Something lightweight and easy to roll.
• Activity books – I try to pack ones that they can do for themselves without too much help. I do this because no one wants to do anything too tricky on a plane and helping them out can be hard with the noise and space available.
• Pencil case – I make sure to pack a good range of pens and pencils that all work and are sharpened.
• Empty water bottle – I then refill these once we’re through airport security.
• Kids Headphones – there is little more irritating than having to listen to someone else’s tablet or phone on the plane. Plus with a decent pair of headphones the children can hear what they are watching clearly.
• Tablet/Phone – we take our old phones for the girls with downloaded games and tv shows (BBC I-player allows you to download in advance).
• Small blanket – both the girls always use the blankets I take for them, regardless of how short the flight. They can also double up as a pillow if needs be!

• Small books – these are usually simple books for them to read or for me to read with them.
• Snacks – I always take more snacks than I imagine we’ll need and usually the girls get through them all! These can include crackers, sweets, biscuits, crisps. The only thing I don’t advise is anything that can melt – chocolate being the main one! Sucky sweets can be good for ear pressure (for all family members!) A really key tip is to remember to do the same for the return flight – I find its harder to remember to prepare for the flight home but it is equally as important to ensure you have a good travel day.
• Simple first aid kit – plasters, paracetamol and anti-hystamine are usually staples in my carry-on luggage. It is also wise to carry on any prescription medications that you may need on the other side (bearing in mind if your checked bag goes amiss).
• For long haul flights we take a travel pillow and foot pillow for the girls. These allow then to turn their seats into a little bed and get some rest during the flight.

Any other tips?

• It can be good to get children a new toy or new activity book for the flight. This pleases kids of all ages and will keep them occupied for a good period of the flight. If you are on a long flight maybe pack two or three things. These don’t have to come at much extra cost, I usually go to B&M or Home Bargains to get activity books or toys. My 7 year old really enjoyed doing a drawing on a small cheap canvas that I picked up before one trip.

Summary

Thank you for coming to read this post on Carry on bag packing list with Children. I hope you found this helpful not just for young children but older kids too. As I said it has been tried and tested by us and we find our hand luggage has enough in it to keep the entire family happy. If you are travelling this winter, then check out our Winter packing list here.

What are your best tips for your carry on luggage?