Top 10 Packing Tips for Travelling with a Toddler
I’m very luck to have travelled to Florida with children of all ages – I’ve three children myself so I’ve been lots of times with toddler age. You might feel overwhelmed with all the things you might need. So I’ve written a post with my top ten tips in mind. Things that I’ve learnt over the years that will hopefully make your lives easier too!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a small commission if you buy through my links, at no extra cost to you. However I only ever link products I’ve bought, used and loved myself.
1. Pack Smart, Not Heavy!
Toddlers need lots of little things, but you don’t need to bring the whole nursery. Use packing cubes or zip up pouches to group essentials together — one for nappies, one for snacks, one for clothes. It keeps your bag organised and magical‑moment ready.
Read my post about packing for travelling with a baby here.
2. Keep Essentials Within Reach
Your changing mat, wipes, and spare outfit should live in your day bag, not your suitcase. A fold‑out travel changing mat makes quick changes easy anywhere in the parks or during travel. My favourite is to use an on-the-go all in one to carry inside a ‘park bag’ .
3. Outfit Planning is Everything
Pack outfits in zip bags labelled by day — it saves time and keeps you from rummaging through your suitcase at 6 a.m. before you head to the parks for rope drop.
4. Weather‑Proof Your Bag and Buggy
Florida weather can flip from sunshine to showers in minutes. Add a lightweight poncho, sun hat, and a small towel for shade or spills. You may also want to consider bringing a backpack waterproof cover to cover the bag itself. If you’ve got things in a bag that need to be kept dry then its a great idea. I have previously used one like this to ensure my bag stays dry – please believe me when I say it can go from hot to very wet in moments!!
If you’re using a buggy then make sure you leave it covered with a rain cover whenever you leave it – even if its bright sunshine…..honestly you never know!
5. Snacks Save the Day!
Bring toddler‑friendly snacks in reusable containers to the parks. It keeps hunger tantrums away and saves money on park treats.
You are permitted to bring food into the US so long as its not meat, dairy, fresh fruit, fresh veg, seeds etc. You must always declare any food as you enter the country – even if its a simple toddler snack. You may be asked for what you are bringing in so keep a list with you and ensure you are sticking to the laws – but make sure you declare everything!
You can check the rules for entry here. It is up to you to check what is and isn’t allowed. I usually bring lots of cereal bars to carry with us for the first few days before we are able to stock up from the supermarket. As well as other handy to carry snacks like biscuit packs, oat bars or protein bars.
6. Comfort Items Count (so don’t forget them!)
A favourite blanket or plush toy helps your little one nap on the go. Choose something small and washable — Disney magic can get messy!
7. Hydration Station
Pack a refillable water bottle for everyone in your party and your toddler. Staying hydrated keeps everyone happy in the Florida heat. You can ask for free cups of iced water at quick service food outlet to refill your bottle with and everytime you order food I’d recommend doing this. I highly recommend a well insulated water bottle (keeps ice as ice) that has a handle to easily clip on to bags or buggies. Theres loads of styles available but this is one of my favourite as it keep ice and water cold all day and you can clip it on to the pushchair/buggy or bag!
8. Hygiene on the Go
Hand sanitiser, hand/face wipes, and a mini first‑aid kit are must‑haves. You’ll thank yourself after sticky snack breaks or riding rides. If you forget a mini first aid kit and need a plaster or need a painkiller (or a bandaid as its known in the US) then call by the park ‘First Aid’ they can help with lots of things for free which include headache tablets. We’ve been plenty of times for various bumps, scraps or minor illnesses!
9. Entertainment for Queues
Small toys, sticker books, or handheld card games make waiting in line much easier. Disney queues can be long, even for magical families so having something to play is a good idea. There are lots of little card games availbable now to play on the go.
Disney also have a ‘Play Disney’ app which has mini games with some related to ride queues which can entertain young ones for a good while. And while we are on the subject – don’t forget a compact powerbank to recharge on the go! I have this one from amazon but there are lots available depending on your needs – just be aware of carrying extra weight so don’t go too big!
10. Night‑Time Essentials
After a long day, you’ll want bedtime to be smooth. Pack pyjamas, a travel toothbrush, and a small nightlight to recreate your toddler’s bedtime routine. Or whatever you usually do. Know exactly where these are for your arrival day as it’s likely to be bedtime upon arriving. And do not foget their favourite stuffy! My top tip would be to get a tracker for that too for when you travel – I use an airtag in a dog collar on my smallest favourite stuffy – we’d be lost without Stitch!
—
Bonus Tip: Leave Room for Magic – Always keep a little space in your bag for souvenirs — because your toddler will fall in love with something sparkly or a new stuffy.
