“Help! I need your best packing tips for holidaying with toddlers”

A mum asks our #AskTheVillage community for advice on travelling light with twins. 

Setting off for holidays with a toddler in tow, let alone twin toddlers, requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need without taking, erm, everything.

With plans to embark on a beach road trip, a mum has asked our #AskTheVillage community for advice on how to pack light.

“I’m hoping you can help with your best tips for travelling light with toddlers (x2!).”

“My in-laws are paying for us to go on a family beach holiday, and I am grateful but panicking a little because we have toddler twins,” the mum explained.

“My main worry is that we are hiring a van and travelling together so space will be limited for what we can bring. It’s our first ever holiday and I’m hoping you can help with your best tips for travelling light with toddlers (x2!).”

A holiday with twin toddlers needs some meticulous planning. No doubt, the first step is to create a comprehensive packing list that includes essentials such as clothing, toiletries, snacks, and comfort items. 

Travelling with little kids can be so much fun – and even better when you plan ahead. (Image: Getty)

“Whatever you think you will need, remove half … remove half again … and again …”

Our #AskTheVillage community all agreed, careful planning is key for holidaying with little ones. 

“We’ve travelled a fair bit as a family and my tip is to keep things as simple as possible,” advised one commenter. “Pack versatile clothing that can be layered depending on if it’s warm or cold. Make sure you have a lightweight collapsible double stroller too. Focus on creating memories rather than stressing about having too much stuff and have fun!”

Another suggested the mum be ruthless when it comes to culling items on the packing list.

“How awesome! Whatever you think you will need, remove half… remove half again… and again… and you will probably still have too much,” they wrote. “Find out ahead of time what shops are close by (and their trading times). Whether there are washing facilities, cooking facilities etc. Then take only what you REALLY need to survive. It’s your holiday too and you don’t want to spend the whole time managing ‘stuff’.”

“Can you chat to the in-laws and make a meal prep plan?” asked another who also had some great space-saving tips for the poster. “Take things out of boxes and containers to save space in the kitchen, like cereals, and use if your kids have nighttime drinks etc, look at sachets or ready-to-drink milk – depending on how long you’re going for. Take washing powder so you can quickly/easily hand wash clothes that get dirty, so you can recycle a bunch of clothes instead of packing heaps.” 

Holidaying in a camper van takes extra planning because space is limited. (Image: Getty)

How do you pack light for holidaying with a toddler?

With some thoughtful planning, parents can embrace the adventure of travelling with toddlers without the stress of excessive gear and unnecessary belongings. Here’s some more tips…

Make a list: Write down what you need to take so you don’t forget any essential items. Pack travel-sized toiletries and condensed versions of baby gear further reduces the overall load, and you can always re-stock while you’re travelling. 

Clothing: Select versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched and layered depending on the weather.

Comfort items: Pack their favourite stuffed animals and blanket for comfort and better sleep in an unfamiliar environment. 

Snacks and drinks: Carry a variety of snacks and a spill-proof sippy cup. Familiar snacks and your toddler’s favourite milk drink, like Aptamil Gold+ Toddler* can help fill tummies as well helping them receive vitamins and minerals while they adapt to a new routine or environment.

Aptamil Gold+ Toddler is not only convenient, but the scientifically tailored formulation provides nutrition to support the immune system** with 16 essential vitamins and minerals for normal growth and development, when prepared as directed and consumed as part of a healthy varied diet.

Entertainment: Bring a few small toys, books, and some colour-in supplies to keep your toddler busy. 

First aid kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, thermometer, and any prescribed medications. 

Travel gear: If using a stroller, baby carrier, or portable crib, make sure they are lightweight, compact and easy to set up. 

*When intake of energy and nutrients may not be adequate **Vitamin B6 and B12 for normal immune function. When prepared as directed and consumed as part of a healthy varied diet”

Brought to you by Aptamil Toddler

Important notice: Any advice on #AskTheVillage is general only and should not be substituted for medical advice. Always seek and follow advice from a medical professional in relation to any health issues or concerns you may have.