Family holidays are all about making memories – building sandcastles, collecting seashells, enjoying the occasional ice cream before lunch and watching little ones fall asleep the moment their heads hit the buggy.
Getting there, however, is another story. Before a single passport is checked, parents face the ultimate challenge: packing for kids. It’s the only time one small person can require more luggage than the rest of the family combined and somehow still ask, ‘Did you pack my favourite teddy?’ just as you’re locking the front door.
The secret? Pack smarter, not heavier. Think essentials first: travel documents, weather-appropriate clothing, toiletries, snacks, entertainment, a mini first-aid kit and anything that helps little ones sleep away from home.
Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s all about choosing products that genuinely make family travel easier.
Keep Sensitive Skin Happy Wherever You Go
Whether you’re heading for the beach, a camping trip or a city break, holidays can be surprisingly tough on children’s skin. Hot weather, chlorine, salty sea air, sunscreen, unfamiliar water and long travel days can all leave delicate skin feeling dry or irritated.
That’s why many parents never travel without a trusted skincare routine, and Elave has become a holiday hero for families with babies and children who have sensitive skin.
Elave Apothecary Skincare has spent more than 90 years developing gentle, dermatologist-led skincare designed to protect the skin barrier without compromising on performance.
It’s made in Ireland to the highest pharmaceutical standards, every formulation is paediatrician approved from newborn and free from soap, sulphates, perfume, alcohol and artificial colours, helping reduce the risk of irritation while still providing effective everyday care.
From keeping little faces hydrated after a day in the sunshine to soothing skin after swimming or frequent hand washing while travelling, Elave products slot effortlessly into any family’s holiday wash bag.
Parents also love that the range covers babies, children and adults, meaning fewer products need to be packed… Winning!
When you’re away from home, routines often go out the window. Having familiar skincare that you know works can make bedtime easier and help avoid holiday discomfort caused by dry or sensitive skin.
And let’s face it, when children’s skin is comfortable, everyone sleeps better – and that’s something every travelling parent can appreciate.
Never Underestimate the Power of Snacks
If there’s one universal parenting truth, it’s this: hungry kids are rarely happy travellers.
Whether you’re stuck in airport security, facing motorway traffic or exploring a theme park, having snacks within arm’s reach can be the difference between a relaxed family adventure and a full-scale toddler negotiation.
Ella’s Kitchen has long been a favourite for families on the go, and their travel-friendly range feels practically designed for summer adventures.
Their fruity smoothie pouches, creamy yoghurt drinks, melty sticks and mini puffs are perfectly portioned for little hands and incredibly easy to throw into a changing bag, backpack or picnic basket.
Parents love that they’re convenient without compromising on goodness, while kids just love the taste. Better still, there’s very little mess, which is a huge win when you’re trying to clean sticky fingers somewhere between the plane and baggage reclaim.
The brand’s playful philosophy of helping children grow up happy, healthy and never hungry fits perfectly with family holidays, where routines become more relaxed but good nutrition still matters.
Having a variety of familiar snacks on hand can also be reassuring for picky eaters adjusting to different foods while abroad.
While parents spend weeks planning the perfect itinerary, kids usually remember the simple things like playing outside, discovering somewhere new and enjoying their favourite snacks along the way.
How to Prepare Formula When You’re Out and About
Travelling with little ones always feels like packing for a mini expedition. Between snacks, spare clothes and favourite toys, anything that makes feeding simpler is a win. If you’re using follow-on milk, planning ahead can make outings much less stressful.
For powdered formula, you’ll need sterilised feeding equipment, freshly boiled water that’s been cooled for no more than 30 minutes, and the correct number of level scoops.
Measure carefully, prepare according to the pack instructions and use immediately. It takes a little organisation, but being prepared helps feeding time run smoothly wherever you are.
For an even easier option, Aptamil Ready To Feed Follow-On Milk is designed for busy family life. This ready to drink baby milk is ready to feed anytime, anywhere – just shake and pour into a sterilised beaker.
With no mixing, boiling or cooling water, it’s a convenient choice for days out, holidays and family adventures. Plus, it contains vitamins A, C & D and GOS/FOS, and is made with high-quality ingredients with no added palm oil or artificial preservatives.
Backed by over 50 years of breastmilk research, Aptamil Ready To Feed Follow-On Milk helps make baby feeding made easy when you’re on the go.
Important notice: Aptamil says that breastfeeding is best. Follow-on milk should only be used as part of a mixed diet from 6 months. Talk to your healthcare professional. Always follow preparation instructions and storage advice. Easier compared to powdered formulations. Contains Vitamin D to support the normal function of the immune system.
Happy Packing!
No family holiday will ever be completely stress-free. Someone will almost certainly forget a sunhat or insist they packed their favourite teddy when they definitely didn’t.
But with a little preparation, plenty of snacks, trusted skincare and a practical packing list, you’ll spend less time worrying about what you’ve forgotten and more time making memories together.
After all, the best family holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about the adventures you share, the laughs along the way and enjoying every moment – sticky fingers, sandy feet and all!
