Guide
Packing list for families with kids
The anxiety of family travel is forgetting the one thing your child needs to sleep. This guide breaks packing into age groups so nothing critical gets left behind.
Infants (0–12 months)
More diapers than you think you need, formula or nursing supplies, a travel swaddle, and a small white-noise source (a phone app works). Bring a change of clothes for yourself too — spit-up travels. A baby carrier frees your hands in airports.
Toddlers (1–3 years)
Snacks they already like, the comfort item, a portable potty seat, and two distraction backups (one sticker book, one audio option). Label their shoes — toddlers remove them in unexpected places. Sunscreen and a wide-brim hat go in every bag.
Children (4–11 years)
Let them pack their own small daypack with one book, one small toy, and a refillable water bottle. Pack sunscreen, motion-sickness chews, and kid-friendly bandages. Age-appropriate footwear matters — sandals for the beach, sneakers for cities.
Teens (12+)
They manage their own bag. You pack their phone charger (they will forget), personal hygiene supplies, and any medication. Give them a printed copy of the itinerary so they can find their way back if separated.
Build your family's list
Add each child's age in Additional details. Stow returns a list with a Kids category split by age — medical and comfort items flagged essential — tailored to your climate and trip length.
Build my packing list →Common questions
- What's the most forgotten item when traveling with kids?
- Comfort items — the specific stuffed animal, blanket, or pacifier that helps a child sleep. Pack these in a carry-on, not a checked bag. Medicine for fever and motion sickness is a close second.
- How should I split luggage across a family of four?
- One bag of shared items (toiletries, documents, chargers), one per parent, and small backpacks for kids with their own comfort items. Pack a labeled first-night pouch with PJs and toothbrushes so bedtime doesn't become a treasure hunt.
- Can Stow generate a packing list per child's age?
- Yes. Add each child's age group in Additional details (infant, toddler, child, teen) and Stow returns a Kids category split by age — diapers and formula for infants, snacks and a portable potty for toddlers, entertainment and sunscreen for kids, and their own charger and daypack for teens.