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Kids Carry On Tips

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Essential Tips for Packing Kids' Carry-On Luggage

Are you flying with your kids? Then it is really important to think about what to pack and what not to pack in your carry-on luggage. You must take the essentials goods for your children without making the bag too heavy for you to carry.

Therefore, it is imperative to have the right supplies when traveling with kids. You can go through the tips given below for having perfect carry-on luggage for your kid.

Activities to Keep Kids Entertained

If you want to make your child busy and entertained throughout the journey, then you can carry some interesting activities. Consider packing the following:

  • Stickers: Reusable stickers are a great option as they are lightweight and can keep your child occupied for long hours.
  • Drawing materials: A sketchbook with twistable crayons can be engaging. Choose drawing books that your child loves to color.
  • One-player travel games: Ideal for kids over five, these games can be a great way to keep them engaged.
  • Digital tablet or iPod: Pre-load these devices with games and movies your child enjoys.
  • Workbooks: Educational workbooks can be both fun and informative, making the flight an opportunity for learning.
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Essential Medications and Health Supplies

When you are traveling with your kid, always take necessary medications in your carry-on luggage. You may not be able to get the same prescription at your destination. Additionally, carrying child-specific motion sickness medications can be crucial if your child feels unwell during the flight. Having the right medications on hand ensures peace of mind and a smoother journey.

Important Documents and Travel Essentials

Make sure that you have easy access to all the important personal documents and travel essentials. These include:

  • Passports and other ID cards
  • Boarding passes and travel itineraries
  • Wallets and any other necessary items

Once, we nearly missed our flight because I couldn't find our boarding passes buried in the bottom of my bag. Now, I keep all important documents in a dedicated travel wallet.

Little girl with a suitcase at the airport

Nutritious Snacks and Drinks

Try to pack some healthy and favorite snacks for your child. Do not rely on the snacks offered by airlines as your child may not like them. Packing sufficient food is especially important for longer flights.

If you are carrying milk or other liquids, review the TSA guidelines beforehand. Generally, you cannot carry more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in your carry-on luggage. It is best to purchase liquids after passing through security. For small planes without refrigeration, consider using a thermos to keep milk cool. Bring extra cups, such as Sippy cups, and straws to make drinking easier. I learned the hard way about the TSA liquid rules when I had to throw away my daughter's favorite milk at security. Now, I always buy liquids after passing through the checkpoint.

Extra Clothing and Diaper Needs

Do carry some extra diapers as well as clothes in the kid’s carry-on luggage. Don’t forget baby wipes, lotions, diaper rash creams, and blankets for long journeys. Also, carry extra plastic bags for dirty diapers, keeping them organized for ease of access.

Comfort Items and Favorite Toys

Carry a favorite toy of your child in the carry-on luggage, but opt for small, non-noisy items. Avoid toys with sharp edges that could be harmful during the flight. My daughter's small stuffed bunny has been her travel companion since she was a baby. It provides her with comfort and familiarity, especially during takeoff and landing. For older children, consider packing their own backpacks with homework, books, an MP3 player, handheld video games, and brain-teaser games.

Managing Ear Pressure and Discomfort

Bring earplugs to help your child cope with air pressure changes during the flight. If your child has a cold or ear infection, it can cause discomfort. Practicing breathing exercises during ascent and descent can also help alleviate ear pressure issues. My youngest used to cry every time the plane descended because of ear pressure. We started using earplugs and practicing yawning techniques, which made a huge difference.

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Additional Resources and Travel Tips

For more detailed advice and resources on traveling with children, check out these links:

Planning and organizing your carry-on luggage with these tips can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child. After several trips with my three kids, I've compiled a checklist that I always refer to before packing. It saves me from last-minute stress and ensures we have everything we need.

FAQ: Packing Kids' Carry-On Luggage

Consider packing reusable stickers, drawing materials, one-player travel games, a digital tablet or iPod pre-loaded with games and movies, and educational workbooks.
Always carry necessary medications, including child-specific motion sickness medications, as you may not be able to get the same prescription at your destination.
Ensure you have passports, ID cards, boarding passes, travel itineraries, and wallets in a dedicated travel wallet for easy access.
Pack healthy and favorite snacks for your child. For liquids, review TSA guidelines and consider purchasing liquids after passing through security. Use a thermos for milk and bring extra cups and straws.
Pack extra diapers, clothes, baby wipes, lotions, diaper rash creams, blankets, and plastic bags for dirty diapers.
Yes, bring a small, non-noisy favorite toy for comfort. Avoid toys with sharp edges. For older children, consider packing their own backpacks with homework, books, an MP3 player, handheld video games, and brain-teaser games.
Bring earplugs and practice breathing exercises during ascent and descent. This can help alleviate ear pressure issues, especially if your child has a cold or ear infection.
Yes, check out links such as Rules for Traveling with Children and TSA Guidelines for more detailed advice and resources.
Create a checklist based on the tips provided and refer to it before packing to save yourself from last-minute stress and ensure you have everything you need.
Carry child-specific motion sickness medications and ensure you have any necessary prescriptions on hand to manage any health issues during the flight.

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