Hi everyone, this is Emily! We’re planning our first trip with our twins (18 months), and I’m overwhelmed about packing. What’s essential, and what can I skip? Any helpful tips would be appreciated! Thanks so much! — Emily
Hi Emily, welcome to the forum! Traveling with toddlers, especially twins, can definitely feel overwhelming at first—I’ve been there. While I’m more focused on tech and keeping older kids connected, I wanted to share a quick tip that might help ease your mind: pack a small, familiar comfort item for each toddler, like a favorite blanket or toy. It’s amazing how much that can soothe them during travel.
Also, since you’re juggling so much, consider using technology to stay connected and organized. For example, I’ve been using mSpy [https://www.mspy.com/] for over three years with my 14-year-old son Steven, and just recently set it up for my 9-year-old Alex who got his first phone. It helps me keep an eye on their online activity and stay connected even when I’m traveling for work. While your twins are younger, having a plan for when they start using devices can save you stress down the road.
For now, focus on packing essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, and a change of clothes for each child, plus any medications or comfort items. And don’t forget to pack some patience and flexibility—it’s all part of the adventure!
Feel free to ask if you want tips on managing tech and safety as your kids grow. Safe travels!
Hi Emily, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your first big trip with your twins! Traveling with toddlers is definitely an adventure, but a little planning goes a long way.
When it comes to packing, essentials usually include:
- Enough diapers/pull-ups and wipes for the journey (plus a few extra)
- A change of clothes for each child (and one for yourself!)
- Favorite snacks and spill-proof cups
- Comfort items like a blanket or stuffed animal
- Lightweight stroller or baby carriers
- Small toys or books for entertainment
- Basic first-aid kit and any medications
You can usually skip bringing too many toys—toddlers often play with everyday items, and you’ll likely pick up a few things on your travels. Also, most hotels or rentals provide cribs and high chairs if you ask in advance, so you can skip bulky gear.
On a side note, if you’re concerned about keeping track of your little ones, especially in busy places, some parents use phone monitoring apps to add extra peace of mind as their children get older and start using devices. mSpy is one of the best options for this, offering real-time location tracking, app monitoring, and more. It’s something to consider as your twins grow and become more independent.
Wishing you smooth travels and lots of fun memories with your family! If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask.
Hi Emily, welcome to the forum! Traveling with 18-month-old twins sounds like quite the adventure! I understand how overwhelming packing can be, but with a few strategic tips, you can definitely make it manageable.
Essentials You Can’t Skip:
- Diapers and Wipes: Pack more than you think you’ll need. Delays happen, and you don’t want to run out. Consider packing some swim diapers if you plan on being near water.
- Clothing: Pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Opt for easy-to-wash fabrics and bring a few extra outfits for spills and accidents. Layering is key for unpredictable temperatures.
- Medications and First Aid: Include any prescription medications, pain relievers (like infant Tylenol or Motrin), diaper rash cream, and a basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a thermometer.
- Snacks and Drinks: Pack a variety of healthy snacks and drinks to keep your little ones satisfied between meals. Think crackers, fruit pouches, yogurt tubes, and water bottles.
- Comfort Items: Don’t forget their favorite blankets, stuffed animals, or pacifiers. These items can provide comfort and security in unfamiliar surroundings.
Things You Might Be Able to Skip (or Minimize):
- Excessive Toys: Limit the number of toys to a few favorites. Consider bringing toys that are compact and versatile.
- Bulky Baby Gear: If possible, rent baby gear like strollers, high chairs, or pack-n-plays at your destination. This can save you a lot of space and hassle.
- Too Many Shoes: Shoes take up a lot of space. Stick to a couple of pairs that can be worn for various activities.
Helpful Tips:
- Make a List: Start by creating a detailed packing list well in advance of your trip. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything important.
- Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and minimize wrinkles.
- Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are great for organizing your suitcase and separating items by category (e.g., clothing, toiletries, snacks).
- Pack a Carry-On Bag Strategically: Include essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, a change of clothes, and any medications in your carry-on bag. This will ensure you have everything you need within easy reach during the flight or car ride.
- Consider a Travel Stroller: A lightweight, compact travel stroller can be a lifesaver for navigating airports and other crowded areas.
- Check Airline/Hotel Policies: Before you go, check the airline and hotel policies regarding baggage allowance, crib availability, and other amenities.
Remember, Emily, it’s okay if you forget something. Most items can be purchased at your destination. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy your trip with your twins!
Hello EmilyB_Explorer, and what a great discussion this is! Emily, bless your heart – packing for travel with 18-month-old twins! I can only imagine it feels like preparing for a royal expedition! I bet some fantastic packing advice has already been shared here, and I hope you’re getting some great ideas. My own grandchildren are a bit older now, but I certainly remember those days of trying to fit everything but the kitchen sink into a suitcase! You are so right to feel overwhelmed, dear.
While my packing expertise might be a little rusty (these days I’m more worried about what they’re packing onto their tablets!), one thing that often comes up with travel, especially with little ones, is keeping them entertained. And that often means screen time, doesn’t it? On a long car ride or a flight, a tablet can feel like a lifesaver, and that’s perfectly understandable.
This is where my own worries kick in, even when we’re supposed to be relaxing on a trip. I’m always trying to figure out how to best protect my grandkids when they’re online or using devices, while still giving them space to explore and be independent as they grow. I’ll be honest, I’m not very tech-savvy myself – it feels like I’m always playing catch-up with all this new technology – but I’m really determined to learn what I can.
I haven’t actually dived into using a full-blown parental control app yet, Emily, though I’m spending a fair bit of time researching them. It’s a bit of a minefield trying to find one that’s simple enough for someone like me to use but still effective, you know? I wonder if any of them have particularly good features for travel situations? For example, can you easily manage content that’s been downloaded for offline viewing, or set specific ‘travel time’ limits that are different from home rules? If anyone reading this has recommendations for apps that are good for that, or just generally easy for a grandparent to get the hang of, I’d be so grateful to hear them! I keep thinking a feature that lets me pre-approve a library of games or videos, especially ones that don’t need an internet connection, would be an absolute godsend for peace of mind during travel.
One little tip I’ve picked up along the way, no fancy app needed, is to make sure to download a good selection of their favorite (and grandparent-approved!) shows, audiobooks, or simple game apps onto the device before you leave home. That way, you’re not desperately trying to find Wi-Fi or worrying about them accidentally clicking on something unsuitable online when you’re in the middle of an airport or on the road! It’s a small thing, but it helps me feel a bit more in control.
It’s all about finding that balance, isn’t it? Keeping them safe, happy, and making those precious memories. I truly hope you get some wonderful packing tips here, Emily, and more importantly, that you have a truly wonderful and smooth first trip with your twins! It’s such a special time.
Warmly,
Danielle R. Newman
Hi Emily, first off, I really appreciate your honesty—packing for toddlers (especially twins!) can feel totally overwhelming. Great suggestions already from others about sticking to the essentials! In our family, we always make a checklist together and have firm limits: only what fits in one small carry-on per child. I avoid overpacking—most things can be bought if truly needed, except for comfort items (favorite stuffed animal, blanket) and medications. I focus on snacks, a few changes of clothes, and one or two toys each. We haven’t used travel-specific parental control apps yet, since our teen’s phone stays with us most of the time on trips, but I’m keeping my eyes open for recommendations as he gets older. You’ve got this!
Hi Emily, it’s so lovely to see your excitement! I’m not very tech-savvy but have learned that packing extra clothes, favorite small toys, and plenty of snacks really helps with toddlers. Also, I’m curious about managing screen time during travel—anyone tried simple apps or just using device settings? I haven’t used parental control apps yet but would love recommendations for easy ones. Thanks for starting this chat!
Hi Emily, welcome to the forum! It’s great to see fellow parents preparing for a new adventure. As for packing with toddlers, focus on essentials like enough clothing for changes, snacks, favorite comfort items, and first-aid supplies. Travel-friendly tech items, like portable chargers or tablets with preloaded entertainment, can also be helpful to keep your twins occupied. Remember to pack a small bag with all essentials easily accessible for quick needs during transit. It’s easy to overpack, so try to streamline by choosing versatile clothes and items that serve multiple purposes. Your fellow members have shared some great tips already—hope your trip goes smoothly!
@NovaSphere, as a grandparent venturing into parental control apps, your concerns are so relatable—and you’re right, it can be a bit of a tech minefield! For travel, you’ll want an app with offline management features, simple controls, and the ability to pre-approve downloads. Eyezy and Google Family Link are both pretty beginner-friendly, letting you set screen time limits and approve apps before your grandkids access them. Eyezy even allows you to check what’s been downloaded and restrict certain content, which can be helpful on trips. If you want something even simpler, Family Link is very intuitive for managing basic settings. Don’t hesitate to ask for walkthroughs—many apps have great support! Your idea of pre-downloading safe shows and games is always a winner. Safe travels and happy learning—tech confidence will come with practice!
Hi Emily! Traveling with toddlers sounds like a real adventure! While I don’t have kids, I’m a big believer in open communication and setting clear expectations. Instead of focusing on what to pack, maybe consider how to prepare your twins for the trip. Talk about where you’re going, what you’ll do, and the rules for being safe and respectful. This approach builds trust and teaches them valuable life skills. Good luck with your trip!
Hi Emily! Packing for toddler travel can feel daunting, but some essentials can make the journey smoother:
- Plenty of diapers, wipes, and a portable changing pad
- Snacks, sippy cups, and bottles
- A few favorite toys and comfort items
- Layers for varying temperatures
- First aid kit with any medications
Keep it simple and remember - you’ve got this! Happy travels!
Hey Emily! Full disclosure, I don’t have kids of my own, but I’ve done a lot of traveling with my younger cousins and have seen my friends with toddlers. One tech tip that seems to be a lifesaver is to preload an old phone or tablet with their favorite shows and simple games. That way, you’re not dependent on spotty airplane Wi-Fi. A portable charger and some kid-friendly, volume-limiting headphones are also essentials for the carry-on. It gives them a little distraction and you a moment of peace! Hope you have an amazing trip with your twins
Hi Emily! Traveling with twins at 18 months is definitely a challenge, but I’ve been there! My biggest tip is to pack versatile items—things like a few favorite toys, multiple changes of clothes, and snacks that can serve different purposes. I also recommend making a checklist beforehand to avoid overpacking. Personally, I try to keep things simple and focus on essentials, but I’ve learned that sometimes, a well-stocked diaper bag and a portable stroller are lifesavers. Safe travels! Would love to hear what others suggest too—this forum always has great ideas.
Hi Emily, big props for tackling travel with twins—that’s a handful! I always pack a small backpack with favorite snacks, a couple favorite toys, and extra clothes for unexpected messes. A portable changing pad and wipes are lifesavers, too. Skip packing too many bulky items; lists help me stay focused on essentials. You’ll do great!
Hi Emily!
Oh, traveling with twins at that age is a real adventure! My biggest packing tip is actually about what to leave behind: the tablet. I know it’s tempting for travel, but we’ve had so much success creating a ‘surprise bag’ of screen-free goodies instead.
I fill it with small, new-to-them items: a mess-free coloring book, some chunky puzzles, a few favorite board books, and lots of stickers! The novelty keeps them engaged far longer than you’d think, turning travel time into interactive playtime. Plus, you get to skip the post-screen-time meltdowns!
You’ve got this! Have a wonderful trip with your little ones.