How do you pack for your kids?

[RUDisney]

I've been tossing around ideas about how to pack for our kids. When we went to Maine this summer, we drove, so we packed their clothes in the Buzz Lightyear and Cinderella suitcases. Since we're flying to WDW, I #1 want to combine clothes in different bags so if one gets lost, someone is not without their entire wardrobe, and #2 I want it to be easily toted.

What's your advice? I thought about packing them in their individual suitcases and carrying them on the plane with us, but what if one or both of them gets searched.... oh the hassle of having to repack after the security agent messes everything up. Then, I thought about using them and combining clothes in them and checking them, but does anyone have experience with Disney suitcases making it through baggage check safely. It certainly wouldn't make for a pleasant start of our vacation if Buzz or Cindy got destroyed.

This will be our first time flying with the kids that they actually have their own luggage even if it does stay at home.

P.S. I wanted to take a "bag of tricks" in one of their backpacks for on the plane, too, so I guess we could get away with our carry on, their suitcases and with one "backpack of tricks."

 

[bananiem]

I don't know how old your kids are but the Buzz and Cinderella suitcases makes me think they're still young. When ours were 4 1/2 and 6 we went and I got the best tip off from one of these boaards. Put their outfits in zioploc bags!! Socks, underwear, hair clips, the works! I think it saved space and it certainly saved time 'cause we didn't spend each morning searching for lost socks.

 

[Sandi]

Yes, the ziplock bags are the way to go. I also got that tip from these boards a few years ago. It is perfect. I put a day's outfit (shorts, shirt, underwear and socks) in each bag. Squeeze out all the air and zip it shut. While I've not had a bag searched at the airport, I have read others' experiences. Those with the ziplock bags are easy to repack and easy to search.

The less your kids have to carry on, the better. I always just have my DD bring a backpack with stuff for her to do. I also bring a backpack with changes of clothes for the kids. Children tire easily, so the less they have to schlepp around, the better.

 

[magical4u]

OK... This is a subject on which I am an expert!

HA!
Just as mentioned above... The zip lock bag thing is great! I use Hefty Slide Locs!! ALOT! A whole outfit in every bag! Gotta love it!

I also invested in LLBean traveller "Universal Packer" bags. (Best decision! I use them for quite a bit...easy packing, then laundry bag, then dirty laundry packer!), They are color coordinated and in three different sizes with a mesh covering. My DD (4) and my DS (5) each have their own color.
this is the URL to look at them:
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...oryId=30014&storeId=1&catalogId=1&deptNum=203

In their rolling suitcases, I use the smallest packer to pack one extra outfit and their toiletries and put in the bottom on their own suitcase... similar to your buzz and cinderella ones I'm sure. Example: a change of clothes (especially for the under 4 set), and swimsuits so they can jump in the pool upon arrival—while you check in and wait for luggage.

On top of that in the suitcase are... snacks, baggies of car or airplane appropriate "busy hands" toys, & their ever so needed blankets and sleeping pillows.

Each childs suitcase has a bottom zipper that I place wipes, a compact first-aid kit, medication, chewing gum (it relieves painful inner-ear pressure), & extra snacks or fruit bars for when they can't wait a moment longer until that snack cart rolls by!

Remember Surprises: Children love the unexpected so stock up and keep secret: miniature playing cards, funny games and other distractions such as calculators—which will let them try to answer "How many more miles till we get there?"

Over the years it has changed as they have grown up:
koosh balls (easy for a toddler to hold)
Wooden beads and strings,
Trace and lace cards,
Cards with alphabet & pictures on them
Magnets
hot wheels (just 5, otherwise... they slide off the trays!)
Barbie & two outfits
*Small things that fit into a baggie. I only allow one baggie at a time. It keeps it fresher.

As far as the rest of their clothes... I pack into our regular suitcases. The child's cloth ones tend to be eaten in the airports. Because we travel quite often... We limit the whole family to TWO hard sided suitcases. We also each take one carry on with a change of clothes, toothbrush & swim suit. I makes it sooooo much easier not having to wheel more than that around.

In order to do this... we limit all of us... even DH & Me to 3-4 days of clothes. We always tend to be near a washer so that we may refresh our supply. And as you mentioned... mix them up. I made that mistake once and was without clothes for 4 days until our suitcase found us! BUT>>> PLEASE don't pack one shoe in one suitcase and one in the other! Makes for difficult walking! hA!
I use the Universal Packers and ROLL our clothes to fit them in the packers tightly. Then the packers fit right into the suitcases. It is like placing small blocks into a square!


NOTE: After 9-11 we flew and were searched. I had to open my suitcase with a mile long of people behind me. When they said they were going to search me, some man behind said "Oh Great... a mother of two! We're going to be here forever!" The suitcase opened easily, and NOTHING fell out! It was all very neatly organised and easy for them to search! Afterwards... the agent commented that usually they can't get the suitcases closed again... but with the packers... it closed with ease!

I hope this was a help... the packers are an investment... but if you travel often... even on a weekend trip... they are great! The bigger ones even have handles!

Good Luck and have a great time with the mouse!

Melissa

 

[magical4u]

I just realized that we are going to be there at the same time!

COOL!

59 days and counting!