Packing for Kids

We've traveled a lot lately, mostly long-distance road trips.  Really long distance.  Like 3 days in the car with 2 nights in hotels on the road long distance.  Since I am packing three people's clothes in one bag (thank goodness hubby takes care of himself), I need to stay organized.  Ha, ha, did I just use the word "organized" on my blog?  When talking about me?  Traveling???  OK, so I am not the most organized person, and things get pretty jumbled when we travel, but really and truly, this is a great tip...Ziplock bags!  This isn't my idea, but I am so glad my old college friend passed it on.

I pack the kids clothes together, one outfit per day, complete with any underwear, socks, etc in a Ziplock bag.  That way, when it's time to get dressed, their clothes are right there and we aren't scrambling for lost undies.  I also pack pjs the same way, complete with nighttime diaper and pull-up, and it makes post-bath time so much easier when Daddy knows exactly where things are.  We recently spent ten days with my sister, and as I folded laundry I packed those clothes back into the Ziplocks.  Then, when we loaded the car up for the long trip back home, I pulled out a few baggies and put those in C's suitcase, so we had a smaller load to take in and out of the hotel.

We also used the Ziplock method for the "emergency" items for the flight.  Safely stowed in the bottom of C's backpack, just in case someone puked.  This idea is from my international-traveling mom friend.  (She flies overseas with two kids by herself!)

C loved having her own rolling suitcase and carried it and her backpack for our flight.  She was a such an amazing helper, since I ended up carrying sleeping S in his car seat, above my head, from the back of the plane to the front.  My kids have an amazing ability to stay awake for the entire flight, only to fall asleep upon landing.