Philippines Trip Series: Packing and Preparing for the Trip with Toddler - Part 4
Packing for a Toddler: The Ultimate Guide
After weeks of planning, researching, and getting excited about our trip to the Philippines, it was finally time to pack. As a parent traveling with a toddler, packing is always an adventure in itself. There are so many things to consider, from keeping your toddler entertained during the flight to making sure you have all the essentials for the trip, especially when travelling halfway around the world. In this post, I’ll walk you through the items I packed for my little adventurer and how we prepared for the journey.
Clothing: Packing for Comfort and Weather
When packing, I focused on comfort and the tropical climate of the Philippines. We had to think about what would keep him cool and comfortable and be prepared for any changes in weather.
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Lightweight, Breathable Clothes: We packed several sets of lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton. The heat in the Philippines can be intense, so I made sure he had plenty of short-sleeve shirts, shorts, and hats to protect him from the sun.
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Extra Layers for the Plane: Since planes can get chilly, I made sure to pack a lightweight jacket and some comfy socks for the little ones for the flight.
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Swimwear: We were planning to hit the beach, so swimwear was a must! I also included a pair of water shoes to protect Lincoln’s feet on rocky beaches or during poolside activities.
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Rain Gear: While the Philippines is mostly sunny in April, there can still be sudden downpours. I packed a small travel umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket just in case.
Travel Comforts: Making the Flight Comfortable
The long flight to the Philippines could be exhausting, especially with a toddler. To make the flight easier for all of us, I focused on a few key comfort items for Lincoln.
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Snacks: I packed a variety of snacks that my son loved, from crackers to fruit pouches. Having familiar snacks on hand made the long flight more bearable. I also went ahead and checked my booking to personally choose a child meal for each set of flight. Make sure to check yours too and see if they have it available.
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Tablet & Entertainment: To keep Lincoln entertained during the flight, I loaded up a tablet with his favorite shows, games, and educational videos. I also packed a small bag of toys, coloring books, and a favorite stuffed animal for him to snuggle. Philippine Airlines provided a mini backpack complete with activity books, toy, bag tag, and stackable crayon which my son definitely lovees.
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Travel Pillow & Blanket: For sleeping on the plane, I packed a travel pillow and a small, soft blanket to make my son more comfortable. He used it to rest and nap during the flight, which was a lifesaver. I got this inflatable travel foot rest pillow, which I use so my son can lie down like its a first class. I'll bring this everywhere as it is such an amazing item.
Essentials for the Trip: The Must-Haves
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Wipes: Wipes were a must-have for messes, spills, and cleaning up after meals.
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First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, a thermometer, and baby-safe pain reliever was essential. It gave me peace of mind knowing we were prepared for any minor injuries or sicknesses.
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Medications: I packed any regular medications, along with a few travel-size bottles of children’s Tylenol and antihistamines for any unexpected reactions.
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Travel Documentation: We made sure to have all the necessary documents for the trip, including a passport, e-travel document, and a printed copy of our flight itinerary.
Preparing for the Flight: Tips for Traveling with a Toddler
Traveling internationally with a toddler can be a challenge, but with a little preparation, it can also be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips I found helpful:
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Plan for Delays: Always account for potential flight delays, especially when traveling with a toddler. Pack extra snacks, toys, and entertainment to keep them busy during longer-than-expected waits.
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Keep It Flexible: While it’s great to have a plan, be prepared to adjust as needed. If your toddler needs a break, don’t hesitate to take a walk around the airport or switch up the entertainment to keep things fresh.
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Stay Calm: Kids can pick up on our stress, so staying calm and relaxed helped Lincoln feel more at ease during the flight.
What’s Next: The Journey Begins
In Part 5, I’ll take you through our flight experience, our arrival in the Philippines, and how we settled in once we landed.
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