It's summer, the season of family vacations, especially with kids. Now that the older kids are off from school, it's an opportune time to whisk them a way for some fun. Ideally, a trip should be fun for everyone involved, but when traveling with kids is involved, things get weird. It's hard to prep and pack as an adult, but anticipating what children may need is another ball game. There's extra sets of clothes to consider, because kids. Toys are needed to occupy them in the car or on a plane, because kids. Get the idea? But what is a mom to pack when traveling to the happiest place on Earth? Wait — what is a mom to pack when traveling to the happiest place on Earth with a baby or toddler?
This age group will love all that Disney has to offer. The babies may be a harder sell, but it's overall a wonderful family vacation. It's like an American right-of passage and tons of Disney fans have dedicated lots of time putting together hacks and tips to best enjoy all the parks have to offer. OK but back to the packing. How can one pack for a baby or toddler who may just walk off or can't eat solid foods?
The key is to think about the everyday routine at home and try to apply that to the trip. We did that here and scoured some Disney blogs, too, to try and compile a list of the things moms should pack for littler kids. Things like travel cribs and pack-and-plays are important for sleeping, and then there's stroller recommendations.
Whatever happens, just make sure baby's butt isn't hanging out. Though, it could make a hilarious photo.
Disney Backpack Diaper Bag
Backpacks are key for traveling with kids, but they're a must for day spent in a crowded park. This diaper bag has space for the essentials while also keeping the Disney spirit front and center. The best part? It also functions as a dining booster seat for toddlers.
Disney Backpack Diaper Bag ($64, Bluebird Baby)
Meeno Absorbent Protector
If taking a road trip is how the family gets to Disney, make the trip as comfortable as possible. This seat liner, made for children ages 1 to 4 years old, functions as a leak-proof cover and cooling system.
Meeno Absorbent Protector ($20, Amazon)
Disney Travel Packing Organizer Pouch
Most folks don't usually enjoy packing, but with kids? It can get even more stressful. Make things more organized with Disney-themed packing cubes.
Disney Travel Packing Organizer Pouch ($18, FunLots/Etsy)
aden + anais Silky Soft Swaddle Baby Blanket
Swaddling can happen anywhere and with a lightweight blanket, traveling with it is easy. It can also be used over beds or other surfaces to place baby on for a quick change.
aden + anais Silky Soft Swaddle Baby Blanket ($45, Amazon)
Disney Baby Comfort Height Umbrella Stroller
Parks can get crowded, and little legs get tired. Use a small stroller in these moments to make getting around the park easier. It comes with a Winnie the Pooh umbrella pull-over as well, in case of rain showers.
Disney Baby Comfort Height Umbrella Stroller (from $21, Walmart)
BOB Revolution Flex 2.0 Jogging Stroller
On more heavy-duty park days, many Disney experts recommend this BOB Revolution jogging stroller. The seat can lay back for nap time while the rest of the family enjoys their day.
BOB Revolution Flex 2.0 Jogging Stroller ($390, Amazon)
Baby Boys' Sharks Pull-Up Reusable Swim Diaper
Checking out the hotel pool or nearby water park? There's a swim diaper for that. Make sure to include in the baby bag so the little one can enjoy some splash time, too.
Baby Boys' Sharks Pull-up Reusable Swim Diaper ($10, Target)
Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib
Travel pack-and-plays are lifesavers. Baby can sleep or play in the travel crib while parents rest up for the festivities ahead.
Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib ($200, Guava Family)
USB Portable Bottle Warmer
Disney is a place where eating on the go or in the park happens a lot. If a bottle needs to be warmed, this USB portable warmer will get the job done.
USB Portable Bottle Warmer ($25, Daily Mother)
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Sunscreen is a must for adults and children alike. For baby, this ThinkBaby Safe Sunscreen doesn't have any harmful chemicals and is vegan and cruelty-free.
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($20, Amazon)
Bumkins Disney Mickey Mouse Bowl & Spoon
Remember that eating-on-the-go thing? With a portable utensil set, baby or toddler can eat anywhere where the adults do. Or in the room at a random time, because kids.
Bumkins Disney Mickey Mouse Bowl and Spoon ($15, BuyBuyBaby)
Nuby 2 Handle Stainless Steel Cup with No Spill Soft Spout
Disney is amazing, but expensive and hot. Skip the part where families buy tons of plastic water bottles and just pack the water bottles and, yes, sippy cups, too.
Nuby 2 Handle Stainless Steel Cup with No Spill Soft Spout ($12, Walmart)
Borje Safety Child Anti Lost Wrist Link Harness
If the whole "leash" thing isn't the direction moms want to go in, this wrist-link makes a great alternative. Crowds get pretty busy during peak season at Disney, keep kids close by.
Borje Safety Child Anti Lost Wrist Link Harness ($7, Amazon)
Disney Minnie Mouse Baseball Cap for Toddler Girls
OK, so sunscreen is a must, but the sun is strong. Provide double protection for a baby or toddler with a Minnie Mouse cap or hat.
Disney Minnie Mouse Baseball Cap For Toddler Girls ($10, Old Navy)
Kids' Discovery Rain Jacket
For toddlers who aren't under the safety of an umbrella or umbrella-stroller, a raincoat is an easy and useful item to pack. This one from L.L. Bean packs itself in its own pocket.
Kids' Discovery Rain Jacket ($40, L.L. Bean)
Nuby Travel System Weather Shield
For little babies, this weather shield will keep them nice a dry should a rain shower happen. It will also keep the stroller and all the stuff being carried in it dry.
Nuby Travel System Weather Shield ($13, Bed, Bath & Beyond)
Morden Fort Wearable Multifunction Backpack Carrier
If mom or dad want more of a hands-free option for child transport, or getting through airports, packing a wearable is a great option. This one also features plenty of storage. Wipes pocket included.
Morden Fort Wearable Multifunction Backpack Carrier ($47, Amazon)
Dreambaby L229 Clip-On Stroller Fan in White
On the super hot days, clip-on stroller fans can provide an added layer of protection. It's baby safe with it's "foam fins."
Dreambaby L229 Clip-On Stroller Fan in White ($12, BuyBuyBaby)
Portable & Stackable 4-Piece Twist Lock Panda Storage Jars
Park food isn't usually baby friendly. In addition to any baby food, bringing a stackable snack container can keep kids satisfied throughout the day (and makes for easy storing for mom).
Portable and Stackable 4-Piece Twist Lock Panda Storage Jars ($14, Amazon)
Jasmine Costume for Kids
And last but not least, kids may want to go to Disney in the costume of their favorite character. Remember to pack it along with the sunscreen and stroller! Remember: Adults and older kids may not wear costumes in Disney parks.
Jasmine Costume for Kids ($45, Disney Store)
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