Get Set for Summer: Your Family Holiday Checklist
Holidays are one of the most exciting things about summer, but deciding what to pack can be a bit stressful, especially when there are little ones to think about!
If you’re packing for your summer holiday and are worried you’ll miss something important, we’re here to help. This family holiday checklist includes everything you need for a happy, successful and stress-free trip!
The Journey
Sometimes, we get so worked up planning what to pack for a summer holiday, we forget that we need things for the journey as well.
Here’s a list of all the things you might need for your journey, but don’t panic if you’ve got limited space – it might be that you don’t need everything on here!
Car window shade
These are handy for cars that don’t have tinted windows, as they keep the sun out of your little one’s eyes! Car window shades are a good idea if you’re travelling a long distance on a sunny day.
Snacks
Nobody wants a rumbly tummy on a long journey! Pack enough snacks to last until you reach your holiday spot, and if you’re flying with children, take some boiled sweets. These will be helpful in stopping little ears from popping!
Changing bag and nappies
Bring more nappies than you think you’ll need for the journey, just in case!
Bringing your changing bag means you can keep all those changing essentials (like wipes, nappies and spare clothes) in one place, rather than having to rummage through your other luggage to find them.
While you’re packing your changing essentials, it’s also a good idea to put your changing mat to one side too, as you’ll need this for your holiday.
Important documents
These are those items that you double, triple, even quadruple-check that you’ve remembered to pack before you leave! Before you set off from home, make sure you’ve got the following in your hand luggage:
● Passports – don’t get so concerned with remembering the kids’ passports that you forget your own!
● Travel documents, tickets and hotel information
● Maps and directions (to your holiday accommodation, for example)
● Currency if you’re travelling abroad
Clothes
Obviously, the type of clothes you pack for your family holiday will depend entirely on where you’re going, but this list covers all climates, so you’ve got a good idea of exactly what to bring with you.
Cool clothes
If you’re travelling somewhere hot on your holiday, you’ll need to pack plenty of cool clothes for your kids. Think short sleeves, thin materials and light colours that reflect the sun, and be sure to pack enough to last the entire holiday - plus a couple of extras besides, just in case.
Vertbaudet recommends:
Clothes to sleep in
The type of pyjamas your little ones will need to bring will obviously depend on where your family holiday is, but nevertheless it’s important to pack a couple of pairs for the night-time. Pyjamas with shorts are a great holiday option and are easy to pack too.
Sun hats
It’s important to keep those little heads protected from harmful UV rays! Sun hats are your first line of defence against sunburn and sun stroke, and protect your little one’s scalp from getting burnt. They also help to protect your child’s eyes from the glaring sunshine, so it’s highly recommended that you pop one in your suitcase.
Sunglasses
Like sun hats, sunglasses are essential for summer holidays. According to the World Health Organisation, 80% of the eye’s lifetime exposure to harmful UV light happens before the age of 18, so it’s essential to keep those little peepers protected from the sun’s harsh rays.
Swimming clothes
Kids love nothing more than splashing around in the pool or the sea and it’s a great form of exercise, so make sure you pack that all-important swimming gear. Don’t forget to chuck in a pair of goggles, too!
Smart clothes
If you’re planning a meal out whilst on holiday, it’s a good idea to pack some smart apparel for your little ones. Hotels often have family entertainment nights, and who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up? Pack their glad rags and get ready for a family party in the sunshine!
Warm clothes
Not all summer holidays are sunny! If you’re staying in the UK for your holiday, it’s worth packing some warmer clothes to account for unpredictable weather changes. Warm clothes are a good idea for holidays abroad too, as it can get chilly in the evenings in some locations.
Shoes
The exact style of shoe you need to pack for your little one will depend on the type of holiday you’re going on; if you’re off on a beach holiday, you’ll need sandals. If it’s a theme park vacation, your little ones will be better of with sturdy trainers.
If you’re going camping, you might need to pack their wellies!
We recommend packing one to three pairs of shoes per week of your holiday.
Coat
Again, coats are a must if you’re travelling to a destination with unpredictable weather! If it’s going to be windy, rainy or just a little cold, make sure you pack a coat for your little one to wear on the trip.
What your baby or toddler will need on holiday
As well as clothes (which we’ll get to shortly), there are loads of equipment bits and bobs you’ll need to bring with you if you’re taking a little one on holiday.
Again, you might not need all of these items depending on where you’re going, so don’t worry if the list looks really long!
Dummies
These are prone to getting lost or dropping onto the floor, so be sure to pack a few spares.
Toddler reins
If you’re out and about on your holiday, your little one will be very excited at the new surroundings and will want to see just about everything.
Toddler reins will help you keep an eye on them at all times, although prepare to be pulled in every direction possible!
Sun cream
This is one of the most important items on the list!
Children need a very high factor sun cream to protect their skin, and it should always be reapplied liberally after swimming and paddling, even if the bottle says waterproof.
Pop-up tent
In case you can’t find a shady spot on the beach, it’s a good idea to pack a pop-up tent. This will help keep your little ones protected from the sun, and is a great place to have a seaside picnic if you want to keep the sand out of your sandwiches!
Baby wash, baby lotion and a sponge
Just in case these aren’t accessible at your holiday location, always pack your baby wash, lotion and a sponge so you can bathe your little one without hassle.
Travel cot
If your holiday accommodation doesn’t have a cot for baby to sleep in, you will need to bring a travel cot so they have a safe and cosy place to snooze during your trip.
Talcum powder
Not only is talcum powder an after-bath essential, it’s great for getting rid of sand from the beach, too!.