Sometimes after a long week you just need to pack a bag, grab the toddlers and have an overnight adventure. We call them staycations. Often, we opt to stay the night at a local hotel or sleep over with family to shake that weekly case of the blues.
We all know how stressful packing a family for a long vacation can be, but packing up two toddlers is a dream. Our overnight travel bag includes MUST HAVES ONLY. That keeps it simple and makes the joy of escaping for a night stress free.
Our must haves for an overnight trip are:
-Pajamas.
-Next day outfit.
-Bathing Suits (ALWAYS if you are staying in a hotel).
-Necessary toddler toiletries (Toothbrush/Diapers/Wipes)
-Favorite blankie/stuffed animal.
-Snacks/drinks.
Clothes:
Obviously your children will need to wear clothes. Hotels are often cold so we pack warm PJ’s and an outfit appropriate for activities we will be doing the next day.
Bathing suits, especially when staying at a hotel, are an ABSOLUTE must. We love to take our children down to the pool and let them swim and splash their hearts out. It’s the perfect before bedtime activity to tire those little ones out. Don’t worry about towels if you’re staying at a hotel but be sure to grab one if your staycation includes a beach or waterpark. If your kiddos aren’t swim safe yet be sure to pack their lifejackets.
Toddler Toiletries:
It always amazes me the maintenance my toddlers need with the constant diaper changing, teeth brushing, eczema cream, bath scrubbing and hair brushing. To minimize packing and forgotten details, we have a small “kids toiletries bag” that stays ready for any last minute overnighters.
Our bag includes; Diapers, wipes, Desitin, baby shampoo, lotion, Q-tips, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Favorites:
Our toddlers are not terribly picky but we know what makes them happy, when we are out of our own environment, staying happy is a priority. Each toddler packs their favorite blankie and stuffed animal to sleep with on our overnighters.
We also have found that packing a handful of snacks and drinks we know the kids like to eat is helpful. Hotels usually have fridges in the room that your snacks can be stored in and can easily be accessed if you child is hungry or thirsty or whiny during your trip.
This list is simple and can easily be adjusted if you have a child with specific needs (specific medicines or foods), a child potty training (extra outfits/undies) or other age appropriate needs (sleeping bag, pack ‘n play, noise machines, lifejackets, sunscreen, etc…)
The best part about a staycation is that you can a) send your hubby back for anything your forgot or b) realize you'll be home in less than 24 hours and your kids will PROBABLY survive without whatever you left behind.
Great article. I have three kids and let me let you that packing a bag for them is not easy. As they get older, it also offers many different challenges. One of the things that we always struggled with was pillows! Our kids are so accustomed to their own things that when leaving the house overnight they would want their pillows, This was a problem since they are so big and clumsy to carry. This is one of the many use our Amiba Monster pillows…easy to carry and great for sleeping. Let me know what you think, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. 🙂 http://www.amibamonsters.com