Checklist of Things to Bring When Going out of Town with A Toddler

Whether it's summertime or not, families always have an excuse to get away every once in a while for some relaxing time together. What with more and more parents getting caught up with work-related stress, or kids having to spend more hours in school, or small, cramped condominium units feeling stuffier and more crowded, it won't hurt if we sometimes get out of our way to bond with our kids in some quiet place like the beach, or a hotel room, or a nearby resort.

Packing for these trips may be a lot simpler for singles. But for moms like me, there are a thousand other things to include in the bag… ok, the bags… and mostly, these thousand other things are not even for me. They’re mostly for the baby

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It’s a lot wiser if you draw up a list first before packing away. You wouldn’t want to spoil your family vacation just because you left your toddler’s diapers, or your infant’s can of formula.

For those of you planning to spend a few days away from the city, I hope this list helps!



Diapers. The number will depend on how many days you will be away. Better check/research if there are stores selling diapers nearby. But personally, I’d rather pack from home and not risk running out of diapers while on vacation. My one and a half-month old daughter consumes an average of 5 diapers a day. For a 3-day stay, I think I’d pack a total of 20 diapers to be safe.

Formula. Based on experience, the largest can of Gain Plus Advance (1.8kg) lasts only eleven days with my daughter. If you are exclusively breastfeeding however, make sure you bring along a Breastpump, Breastmilk Storage Bottles, Breastmilk Storage Bottle Liners, a Portable Cooler, or make sure you book a room with its own Refrigerator/Freezer.

Formula Dispenser. You wouldn’t want to dig into the large can everytime your child wants milk.

Water. If your baby is still using distilled bottled water like Wilkins or Nestle Pure Life, better bring along a 6L container. My child consumes 6 liters in 4 days. Unless you’re okay with boiled water.

Feeding Bottles. When my family went out of town for 4 days, we bought 10 of my baby’s bottles and sterilized every day.

Infant Cup. The one with the spout, or the one that comes with its own peak-a-boo straw.

Sterilizer. The Chicco Electric Sterilizer is a good choice because it’s very portable and slimmer than the stove-top variety.

Bottle Cleaner. Or anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid. Make sure you also bring the Bottle Brush.

Baby’s Plate, Fork and Spoon. Make sure to bring the one with the lid.

Baby Food. For infants who are yet to be introduced to table food, pre-chilled, mashed potatoes, carrots, bananas stored in tightly sealed containers will do. To avoid spoilage, place in tiny separate containers. Ice trays with covers are good ideas, too. Don’t forget their Cookies, Cereal Bars and Juice for snacks.

Toiletries. Baby lotion, powder against prickly heat, cologne, sunblock (my pediatrician recommends the one with very high SPF), baby wipes, baby soap and shampoo, cotton buds, cotton balls, hand sanitizer, off-lotion.\

Toothbrush/Silicone Finger Toothbrush and Toothpaste. For children who still do not know how not to swallow toothpaste, I recommend Sansflou.



Teething Ointment, Teether. If applicable.



Hat/ Cap. Never a bonnet on the beach! Too hot!



Clothes. Lots and lots of shirts, shorts, skorts and sundresses for girls, onesies for infants, underwear, sleepwear (choice of shorts and pj’s especially if it either gets too warm or too cold at night), sweater or jacket (hooded ones preferably), a set or two of dressier outfits especially if you’re visiting some relatives or intend to eat in posh restaurants.

Footwear. Rubber slippers, or if your child is not used to the thong-type yet, sandals with Velcro. Socks and dressy shoes that go with the dressy outfit.

Swimwear. Two is ideal so he/she will always have a dry one.

Floaties. Rental rates in resorts are unbelievable. Better bring your own.

Beach Toys. Shovels, pails, sand toys, rubber ducky

Your child’s playthings. Toys, picture books, activity books, sketch pad, crayons (the fat ones because they don’t break easily), favorite teddy or doll or blankie or bolster/pillow, favorite DVDs.

Bling. Necklaces, bracelets, anklets, sunglasses. Except for the last two, I do not recommend necklaces and bracelets especially those made of beads as they pose choking hazards.

Towels. Of all sizes. Face towels, bath towels, beach towels, cover-ups, sweat wipes.

Baby Wipes.

Burp cloths and Bibs. Lots of them!

Medical Record and Daily Vitamins. Depends on what your pedia is giving your child. My daughter takes 5ml each of Appebon, Ferlin, Pedzinc, and .75ml of Infaflor.

A list of to-avoid food and drugs for your child, if applicable.

ID Bracelet. With your child’s name, address, person to contact and contact numbers. Water-proof highly recommended. You may also want to note food and drugs your child is allergic to.

First Aid Kit. Paracetamol, thermometer, nasal aspirator, diaper rash ointment, Salinase Nasal Drops, your child’s pediatrician’s contact information.

Comb, Hair Brush.

Hair Accessories, for girls

Citronella candles/incense. To ward off bugs

Fan. The pinoy abaniko is still the best.

Stroller, Changing Pad, Baby Sling or Carrier, Pacifier, if applicable.and most importantly, your child. Enjoy the summer everyone!