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Home>Get Set for Summer - Your Family Holiday Checklist

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
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
CLOTHES
WHAT YOUR BABY /TODDLER NEED
INSPIRATION WITH VERTBAUDET

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 seat

Whether you’re travelling by car, plane or train, a securely fitted car seat is essential for travelling with your little one.

Presumably your car seat will already be set up and ready to go before you even start packing, but it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right one to support your baby’s size and weight, to give you peace of mind that they’re safe and comfortable during the long journey.

Baby carrier or sling

A baby carrier will come in very useful if you’re going to be moving from car to airport to plane, as it keeps baby safe and secure as you walk.

Using a baby sling carrier is an ideal way to keep a close eye on your little one in a busy airport.

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.

Blankets

Not only will a blanket keep your baby warm if it’s a little chilly on the journey, but if it smells like your home it might bring them comfort when they’re in unfamiliar surroundings.

Breastfeeding and food supplies

If you breastfeed, it’s a good idea to bring a muslin square or shawl so you can have some privacy for feeding during your journey, especially if there are lots of people about (on a flight, for example). If you want to express milk on your holiday, pack a breast pump and storage cups as well.

If you bottle feed your baby, bring enough formula to last for the entire trip, taking journey time into account, just in case it isn’t available at your destination. You’ll also need to pack plenty of bottles and a bottle warmer.

For babies who are on solid food, don’t forget to pack jars or tubs of food for the journey, as well as bibs, spoons, beakers and wipes. If you’re flying, the usual liquid limits won’t apply to baby food.

Check out all of our breastfeeding accessories.

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.

Journée Changing Bag with Several Pockets

Toys and games

Toys and games are a must for travelling, as they stop your little ones from getting bored and restless!

Be sure to pack their favourites to make the journey to your holiday destination as smooth (and fun!) as possible.

Change of baby clothes

This is in case of spillages at feeding times or accidents during changing time. It’s always best to be over-prepared to account for these little mishaps!

We recommend something that’s light to pack and easy to change into, like our lovely short-sleeved bodysuits. These come in a pack of three, so you’ve always got a spare on hand for emergencies.

Pack of 3 Short-Sleeved Bodysuits for Newborns

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:

For boys,

we love this mint green polo shirt, which has a super cool surfer motif, perfect for beach holidays!

Girls

will adore this pretty yellow summer dress, which has elegant, loose-fitting material and a summery floral pattern that will look lovely in the sunshine.

For babies,

pack short-sleeved clothes like this cheeky monkey bodysuit with press studs for quick nappy changing.

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.

Vertbaudet recommends:

Boys

These stylish mix and match pyjamas, which give your little boy four summery looks to sleep in!

Girls

This multipack of matching pyjamas, which gives your little lady the option of either shorts or long pyjama bottoms, offers two great nightwear options for indoor family games before bed.

Babies

These short pyjamas are perfect for baby’s first holiday. Made from soft cotton, these adorable PJs are cosy and comfortable but will still keep your little treasure cool on warm evenings.

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.

Vertbaudet recommends:

Boys

This reversible bucket hat is ideal for keeping your little boy’s head protected. The best part is, he can flip it inside out if he gets bored of wearing one style!

Girls

There’s a reversible hat for girls too! Perfect for little ladies who want to have twice the style this summer.

Babies

We love the vibrant colour of this UV-protection flat cap, which will keep your baby’s head, neck and eyes protected from the sun’s rays.

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.

Vertbaudet recommends:

Girls

This super-stylish pair of sunglasses is decorated with cute flowers, guaranteed to make your little one the belle of the beach!

Babies

These baby sunglasses have an adjustable strap for your little one’s comfort, and are suitable for tots aged between 6 and 18 months.

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!

Vertbaudet recommends:

Boys

These Shark Printed Swim Shorts are perfect for swimming in the sea or the pool, and are comfortable as well as stylish.

Girls

This fashionable fuchsia swimsuit is salt and chlorine resistant, so your little lady can swim in the sea or pool to her heart’s content.

Babies

This practical baby swimsuit protects your little one’s delicate skin from the sun thanks to UV protective material, and covers those sensitive little areas such as the back and shoulders.

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!

Vertbaudet recommends:

Mandarin Collar Shirt, in Linen and Cotton

Boys

The cool linen material of this mandarin collar shirt is perfect for special events in warm weather; your little boy will feel comfortable and look effortlessly stylish too!

Girls

This charming polka dot dress has a lovely cut-out design on the back and is perfect for special occasions on holiday. Your little lady will love it just as much as we do.

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.

Vertbaudet recommends:

Boys

This grey and blue zip-up hoodie is comfortable and stylish, perfect for little trendsetters on their holidays!

Girls

Your little lady will look chic and feel cosy in this lovely fancy knit jumper, complete with gold heart motif. A great outfit idea for a chilly seaside stroll.

Babies

This adorable knitted jumpsuit will keep baby feeling warm and cosy on cooler evenings, and is made from organically grown cotton that is soft against their precious skin.

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.

Vertbaudet recommends:

Boys

This 3-in-1 parka is ideal for holidays in rainy locations, as it’s made from high-quality, water-resistant material. If the weather is still warm, you can always remove the bodywarmer inside to make sure your little one remains comfortable.

Girls

If the sun is feeling shy on your family holiday, your little lady will appreciate this warm and comfy fleece-lined parka, complete with a hood in case of summer showers.

Babies

This ultra-cute lightweight baby jacket will keep your baby comfy in adverse weather conditions, and has adorable little ears on the hood!

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.

Towels

Depending on your accommodation, you might need to bring your own baby towels for bathing and the beach.

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!.

Still in need of those holiday essentials?

If you need inspiration for your little one’s holiday gear, check out our baby, girls’ and boys’ clothes for gorgeous summery garments at affordable prices.

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