What to pack for Europe with a toddler

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Europe! The land of cobblestone streets, fairy-tale castles and delicious gelato. Dreaming of a European vacation with a toddler? Fantastic! But before you picture yourself sipping espresso in a Roman piazza, let’s talk about the first hurdle of traveling with a toddler: what to pack for Europe with a toddler.

Europe offers incredible experiences for families, from exploring ancient ruins to indulging in delicious cuisine. However, figuring out what to pack for Europe with a toddler can feel overwhelming.

Not to worry – this comprehensive toddler packing guide will ensure you’re prepared for every cobblestone street, sudden weather change and gelato spill (of which there will be many, of all 3).

With a little planning and the right gear, you can have a successful European vacation with your little travelers. Here’s a complete Europe packing list with a toddler to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:

Essential toddler travel items

Make sure these essentials are in your carry-on. If you’re bringing more of an item than what’s allowed by TSA (like sunscreen), have a travel-size in your carry-on just in case you have luggage trouble.

Documents & essentials

• Passport and travel documents: don’t forget your visa, if required, and a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
• Flight/Train/Accommodation Confirmations: keep them organized in TripIt, my favorite travel app.
• Travel insurance documents: I recommend travel insurance for every. single. trip. You really can’t be too prepared with toddlers.
  • Read more on why you should always have travel insurance.
• Copies of important documents: keep digital and physical copies.
• Currency & credit cards: it’s typically easiest to get cash at an ATM in your destination. This will give you the best exchange rate and won’t charge conversion fees. Make sure your bank allows transactions in other countries, and confirm if they reimburse ATM fees abroad.
• Data plans: you will want to have data while in Europe, if only to use your maps. I always use Airalo when traveling as they have coverage in 190+ countries.
• Outlet adapter/converter: European outlets are different from those in North America. I’ve been using this international power strip for years (a decade already?!).
• Luggage trackers: like Apple AirTags or the Android-compatible Tile by Life360.
• Clear TSA bags: these clear TSA bags with handles are perfect for toiletries and organizing your toddler’s snacks and toys on the go.

Health items

• Health information: travel insurance, immunization records, and any necessary medications.
• First-aid kit: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever tablets like Tylenol or Motrin and any necessary medications.
  • It can be very handy to travel with a thermometer that has temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. That way you know what temp you’re looking at and can relay the Celsius number to the doctor (if it comes to that).

Keeping your toddler happy in flight or on the train

• Snacks, snacks and more snacks: think puree pouches (which don’t follow the TSA 3.4 oz rule), crackers, probiotic dried fruit to help tummies with foreign foods… anything that will keep them happy during travel.
• Entertainment: books, small toys (think suction cups), and reusable stickers (that won’t get stuck forever somewhere they shouldn’t).
  • Screen time rules don’t apply when traveling (I use as a last resort), so come prepared with a tablet with downloaded shows, and don’t forget toddler headphones!
• Comfort items: a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or pacifier (which can also help with ear pressure).
• Change of clothes (for both of you): spills and accidents are inevitable. Bring a reusable wet bag for soiled clothes until you can wash them.

Diapering and potty-time

• Diapers and wipes: you’ll need more than you think! Pack enough for 1 diaper change in a reusable wet bag so you don’t have to bring your entire diaper bag into the tiny bathrooms on planes and trains. Bring your own washable changing pad.
• Travel potty: especially helpful for potty-trained toddlers when regular toilets just don’t fit little butts.
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes: to wipe down every surface.
• Travel-sized toiletries: diaper cream, sunscreen, and any other essentials.

Read next: Essential gear for flying with a toddler

Essential clothing for toddlers

The only thing predictable about European weather is that it’s unpredictable. Pack clothes that can be easily layered for the most versatility.

The goal when packing clothes for toddlers is to get through 5-7 days, then plan to wash laundry (either with your hotel or at a laundromat). This will help to pack like a minimalist, even though there’s nothing really minimal about traveling with a toddler.

Tops

• 4−5 long-sleeved shirts/dresses
• 4−5 short-sleeved shirts/dresses
• 2−3 sweaters or fleece jackets
• 1 waterproof/windproof jacket

Bottoms

• 4−5 pairs of comfortable pants/leggings
• 2−3 pairs of shorts/skirts (depending on the season)

Sleepwear

• 2−3 sets of pajamas

Underwear & socks

• Plenty! Accidents happen… I still pack for myself like I’m going to wet my pants 3x a day.

Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals/water shoes (for warmer climates or beaches)

Swimwear

• Bring a swimsuit if you’ll be sticking to indoor pools and water parks
• Bring a zipper rash guard if you’ll be out in the sun to help protect your little traveler from sunburn
  • Go for bright colors that are easy to spot. Blues and greens blend in (a little too well) with the water.

Hats & sun protection

• Sun hat, warm hat (depending on season)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen: I’m very particular about what sunscreen my toddler (and I) use, so I always bring my own.
• Bug spray: double check the mosquito situation in your destination, and bring if necessary. You will likely not be able to find your preferred brand abroad.

Laundry

• Travel-sized laundry detergent: I’m also very particular about what detergent I use on my toddler’s clothes and always bring my own for laundry.

Essential travel gear for toddlers

These items can go in your checked luggage or your carry-on, depending on their size.

Getting around with your toddler

• Travel stroller: a lightweight, compact stroller is essential for navigating narrow streets and public transportation. Consider a stroller that reclines for naps and can easily fold for restaurants or public transportation.
  • Did you know most major airlines allow you to check your stroller for free?
• Baby carrier: great for crowded areas or when your toddler wants to be close.

Bed time

• Travel crib/sleep solution: many hotels will offer cribs, but having your own can be reassuring. I like this budget-friendly travel crib, or this highly rated inflatable toddler bed if you’ve already transitioned to a big kid bed.
• Portable sound machine: to help your toddler sleep in unfamiliar environments.
• Blackout curtains: while many hotels have these, some don’t. This is great for afternoon naps when the sun is blazing, or for northern destinations that have sunshine well into the night.

Eating

• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated on the go. This leak-proof water bottle is my absolute favorite.
• Portable high chair: sometimes restaurants don’t have high chairs, they’re all being used, or they’re absolutely disgusting. Bring a washable, packable high chair just in case.
• Bibs: the best bibs have the pouch to catch spillage (and help keep clothes clean-ish).
• Snack containers: these Munchkin cups are a tried and true favorite, and we break out the snack spinners on planes and trains.

Tips for Packing

• Roll your clothes: this saves space. I like to roll outfits together for ease.
• Use packing cubes: to organize your belongings. Also great for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean clothes!
• Pack light: as I said, there’s nothing minimalist about traveling with a toddler, but do try not to overpack. If you leave something at home that you end up really needing, you will almost surely be able to purchase it in your destination.
• Plan to use laundry facilities: I suggest bringing 5-7 days worth of clothes for each person you’re traveling with. Many hotels have laundry service or coin laundry machines, or you can seek out a laundromat or a laundry service near your hotel.
• Bring a backpack: for carrying essentials during the day.
• Don’t forget the entertainment: download shows and movies, pack books, and bring small toys to keep your toddler entertained during travel and downtime.
  • I keep toys in a few different categories, to help prevent boredom-induced fits: toys for the hotel room, toys for traveling (trains, planes, buses) and toys for restaurants.
• Purchase essentials in your destination: diapers, wipes and food can be purchased at your destination to save luggage space. Bring enough to get through the first few days so you’re not scrambling to find things when you arrive.

Remember to…

• Check the weather forecast for your specific destinations.
• Bring any familiar comfort items from home. We started our toddler with a Warmies dog that she sleeps with every night, which was unfortunately the heaviest comfort item possible. Can’t change it now!
• Be flexible! Toddlers are unpredictable, and plans may change. I recommend you set your expectations, then lower them. You can really only go up from there.
• Enjoy the adventure! Traveling with a toddler can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’re gonna parent no matter where you are, so you might as well be enjoying your time island hopping in Greece, chasing the Northern Lights in Norway or visiting all the museums London has to offer!

Wrapping it up

By packing thoughtfully and prioritizing comfort and convenience, you can create lasting memories with your toddler in Europe. Remember to be flexible, embrace the adventure and enjoy every moment!

What are your must-have items for traveling with a toddler? Share your tips in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post with other parents planning a European vacation.

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