When you think about it, it is fairly simple math. One baby requires three packed bags. Does that sound about right? Considering that a simple trip outside with a baby needs a backpack that you probably used to trek around Europe in your 20s, this math works.

Traveling can be stressful for the child and the parents. More often, on the parent, who might or might not have forgotten to pack the child’s favorite toy, the current favorite PJs to sleep in, and the innumerable important things for a child’s wellbeing.

While traveling, the biggest problem is the pesky luggage limit that most airlines have. But we have some secrets for you that will help you pack smart, save you from tantrums, and of course, reduce stress.

Let’s start with a bit of a questionnaire.

Who is traveling? Is it just you and your child? Is your spouse with you? How many children are with you?
Where are you going? Is it a family’s place? Is it a vacation?

How long is the trip? What are the things that your child refuses to live without? Now, let’s make a list

Lists save sanity. Packing for children especially needs lists. If your child is three years or older, let them add to the list as well. Give a copy to the children, which makes them feel responsible for their things! List clothing and accessories/personal things in separate lists since these items are specific for each one. Books and games for children, for example, should be included on this list so that they remember to bring them along with them. And if they’re tiny, the parents are responsible for it, but the habit of making a list and encouraging them to be responsible could be a good idea to teach from a young age.

Don’t pack too much

Children want to pack everything from their favorite unicorn toy to PJs to their blanket as well. But travel is about learning new things, about new experiences. Children need to slowly move out of their comfort zone to try new things, and this is a perfect time. Pack the essentials and firmly squash that urge to pack every favorite item the child likes. Yes, there might be a tantrum, but traveling has enough distractions to help them adjust.

Remember to pack your Gadgets!

No journey is complete until you take pictures of the locations you see. At least a ten is required, especially with little ones; by ten, it means ten on a single day, not the entire trip, which involves using a phone or a camera. Chargers and adapters, as well as spare memory cards, should never be forgotten. So, remember to have those in your luggage. Having at least one family picture to add to your memo album is a must.

Let the child have a bag

Children need to understand what is necessary for them, and it is up to the parents to make them feel like they are responsible for their things during the travel. Bags are an essential part of any journey. Explain the trip to the child and choose the essentials to take on the trip together. The rule is that anything they want to take should fit into their little suitcase.

Make time for delays & plan ahead

Planning out something is never an easy task, especially when planning a trip. And while traveling with babies or children requires a lot of time, practically all parents plan a trip roughly a week to a couple of months in advance. Several factors like the child’s school schedule, holidays, season, and airline fares, are accounted for during this process and can help in a smooth travel experience. Planning ahead of time also allows you to arrange items that you will need to buy online or pick up before the trip. The extra time will make you choose suitable bags, sort out what isn’t required, wash and organize the clothing from the laundry on time, and rest when everything is done.

Remember your child will forget something

This is something that all parents learn to do once they begin traveling with their children regularly. Children get distracted easily. It is essential to have a backup plan for all the essentials. A phone charger, an extra sweatshirt, or an extra pair of socks. Additional batteries. Put the extras in a separate bag to be fished out when required.

Traveling with children means a couple of extra bags. It can get stressful to keep track of it all and lug it through the airport. CarterX helps you port these bags to the airport and cuts your check-in time by more than half, helping reduce the immense stress of travel.