Thanks to our Bub Hub Facebook friends who helped us compile this list!
- Jamming things under seats works well as do those seat pockets for all the kid's knick-knacks.
- When you're packing clothes roll not fold!
- Pack light, layer clothing, and use space-saver bags, decide if you really need a pram or if a carrier will be OK! Use soft bags not hard cases.
- Place blankets and sheets in the travel cot before you fold it. Also put a plastic bag inside each nappy so that you don't have to search for them when needed to get rid of smelly ones.
- Put as much as you can into suitcases, or things that you can stack, so you can play Tetris when packing it!
- Pack specifically and strategically. It's like a jigsaw puzzle when packing the car, but remember to pack the things you might need the most along the way, last, so they are easily accessed.
- If it doesn't fit ... too bad.
- Put your pyjamas and a change of clothes in separate bag so if you are staying somewhere for one night as you travel, you only have to grab that bag plus the nappy bag.
- It doesn't hurt to practice playing Tetris for a few hours beforehand.
- Set your priorities before you pack. If it isn't absolutely necessary then it stays behind. Stuck with the basics!!
- Pretend you're traveling by plane with a baggage limit, helps to weed out the excess items.
- Buy a cheap stroller that folds very compact for the car and holidays.
- Make up a separate little bag with a few changes of clothes, nappies, wipes etc and put it in last in a spot where you can easily get to it for stops along the way.
More useful links:
Read our article on Car Games for Kids
Read our article on Road Trips with Babies and Children
Read our tips on Flying with Babies and Young Children
Chat to parents on our forum about travelling with babies and young children