OK Toddler moms - Show me your lists!

[camdensmom]

I am a diehard list maker. Yet, I always feel I am overlooking something. Let's share our lists: to-lists, packing lists, trips with a toddler tip lists. You name it.

 

[Steph9072]

Another toddler Mommy wanting suggestions also

TIA

 

[northriver]

I haven't gotten all my lists made, still picking up things here and there and tossing them in the suitcase as I go. My problem is overpacking. One thing I won't leave home without - WetOnes antibacterial wipes! I'm packing one package for each day of our trip. I wipe hands, high chairs and tables. I might wipe down the hotel bathroom if I get a chance! Disposable bibs is high on my list. Silverware? Those disposable plastic ones don't really work all that well but I guess I better get those too since DD can't handle full size silverware yet.

DD is a super slow eater and these are the in-park snacks I have selected - for nutritional quality and packability: Kids Cliff Bars are healthy and organic plus they are small, Little boxes of rasins, Individual packages of pretzels, Dried Apples, Fig Newtons, Cheese sticks (to eat first thing obviously)

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

I just got back from WDW with a 2 and 4 year old. I think the best thing we brought was the sippy cups I bought at Shopko. It came with 4 cups and 4 sippy cup lids BUT also 2 lids that did not have any opening. We used these to store grapes or drinks we didn't want to spill from lunches we bought. They were great.

I also am glad we brought more diapers then I thought I would need. We went through a ton more then normal.

Also one of the best things we did was give the kids their own disposable cameras. The pictures were pretty bad BUT they kept so involved with them that they were really well behaved.

 

[suffolkprincess]

Tried and true after two trips to Disney and several m,ore to the Jersey Shore, Busch Gardens, etc. This list is for my DD when she was just-turned 3.

A large ziploc bag with two extra panties, an extra bottom, and extra top, and extra socks. (when they pee their pants their socks get wet!)

A large ziploc bag with a two piece bathing suit and water shoes (optional items depending on the park you are visiting and the weather)

A large ziploc bag with a pull up. (I was not dealing with diapers. If I had been, I would have probably utilized a second, dedicated bag for diapers and left it on the stroller most of the time)

A travel package of face and hand wipes

A travel package of flushable wipes

Several individually wrapped wet wipes

A "travel" roll of TP

A purse pack of tissues

A small bottle of antibacterial hand gel

A hairbrush with some ponytail bands wrapped around the handle

A travel tube of aquaphor

A princess chapstick (dude, we go NOWHERE without this)

Mommy's lip balm, face powder, blotting papers, (I'm a silky girl-- I wear makeup for the parks)

A little plastic box thing with some of each med that we might need for the grownups (gas x, ibuprofen, my migraine pills)

Tampons. Trust me. Murphy's Law of the Period is in full effect at Disney, too-- if I am within a week of "Day 1" I'll get my period at Disney. Usually on the day I wear something light colored, of course!

Sunscreen: a spray bottle of 15 or so and a small high octane tube (of 30 plus) AND a "face stick"

Sunglasses for everybody including Daddy (even though he is wearing a pair already)

Crayons and a pad of postits (instant stickers! that you can customize!)

A bottle of children's tylenol or motrin and a dosing syringe

Your ID and your park passes (and Daddy's, and Daughter's)

The autograph book and inevitable marabou topped light up pen (and some extra sharpies)

The camera: at least three rolls of film and extra batteries

A snack pack of crackers/ a couple granola bars/ some raisins/ etc-- at least three little items for a full day, and preferably a little variety

A hat (even if the darling child is wearing one leaving the room-- bring the extra)

An empty sippy cup that does NOT require valves.

Water

OK: Now, here is some reasoning:

I just always use the travel packs instead of buying big containers of the wipes and repackaging them because I have found that they stay wetter and fresher better and are more convenient in the travel packaging from the manufacturer. They take up less space, too. So normally at home I have my wipes and such in ziplocs but not for the themepark bag. I buy at home and take with me one pack of each per day plus an extra. When she was 3, I used every last one. This year, at 4, we didn't use them all but we came close! The individually wrapped wet wipes are the best thing when you are really on the fly and they can be stashed easily in Daddy's pockets as needed.

I like the flushable wipes. They REALLY help so much for everyone. I also take the TP because its a convenient back up to the tissues and other wipes. (I likes how its packaged) Generally, at Disney the bathrooms ALWAYS have plenty of TP and seat covers, but you NEVER KNOW.


I LOVE Aquaphor because it is so multi-use. Its diaper rash cream! Its for chapped lips! Its for chapped skin! It lubricates zippers! You get it.

Sunscreen sticks are very convenient, and very easy to use on the run and VERY easy for Daddies/ toddlers to operate themselves.

I know that its not the best thing child safety wise to repackage meds. But practically speaking, it works well for me to put pills in a plastic pill box. I just always keep it in a zippered pocket that is not immediately obvious and I treat my entire bag as an off-limits area. (In the room at night its on the highest shelf.) I have NEVER had a problem.

I take the Tylenol/ Motrin as a defense against Murphy's Law. I have only actually needed it once: but I was SO GLAD I had it.



Here is how I pack it:

I have a neoprene-y stretchy backpack I got from Lillian Vernon
(http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalo...lder+Bag&parentCatId=6&catId=365&subCatId=368)

I pack things as organized as I possibly can, grouping DD''s stuff in their own internal pouches and mine and DH's in our own internal pouches. I also use the outside pockets for water bottles, sunglasses as needed (when on a dark ride) and for those inidividually wrapped wipes. There is a zippered pocket that is against your back and that is where valuables and meds hang out. UInfortunately the "ID pocket" on the inside of the top flap doesn't work on mine, but I just keep individually wrapped wipes there instead of park passes.

Utilize nesting-- if something (a cup) is empty-- nest something else (bottle of tylenol) inside it!

The main big body of the bag is where the clothes and hat fit--- wrapped as tightly as possible, with ALL the air pressed out of the baggie. I actually pretty often packed a sundress as the backup outfit because one of those simple tie on the shoulder sundresses takes up NO space at all. Even in size 4T. The autograph book should slide into that main part of the bag.

I found the stretch quality of the bag to be a lifesaver! DH could never believe how much stuff I got in there-- and it was still pretty lightweight.

I did not actually keep the camera IN there, I had the camera in its bag, attached to the strap of the backpack or else in my pocket or DH's. We never had any problems with that.

Hope this helps!

 

[emmismom05]

You've just saved my life! I'm printing out your list!

 

[suffolkprincess]

You've just saved my life! I'm printing out your list!

Happy to help!

While you are getting ready for the trip-- take a look at the cute terry cloth sundresses at Old Navy. They are the kind with the smocked elastic bodice and simple straps. I LOVE them for theme parks. They work over t shirts or without anything under them, they work as a bathing suit cover up... they are just very multiuse, don't wrinkle, and don't take up lots of space. For Busch Gardens we always start the day in her two piece swimsuit under that dress. Then, later, we can change her into panties WITHOUT TAKING ALL HER CLOTHES OFF. If her simsuit top isn't wet, we leav it on underneath the sundress, and it looks ok (not super stylin, but fine!) Seriously-- they are great to have.

 

[stacy6552]

"Toddler" is a bit vague....

For a younger one, I'd bring a front carrier for rides and places the stroller cant go. I'd stopped using mine months before, but at 21 mos in WDW it was still very useful.

Otherwise be sure the stroller has a front tray that snaps off, so your child can in and out easily. Table Toppers are great for fingerfoods at meal time.

Potty trained? Bring a full change of clothing in a big ziplock bag into the parks each day. Accidents can be very expensive.

 

[katiesmom2]

Here's my never-ending list. I have a 2 yr old son and 4 yr old daughter. We're staying in a rental house, so we're bringing more than we might for a traditional hotel room.

For the kids:

clothing – shorts, t’s, pants, sweaters, jackets, shoes,
socks
pajamas
diapers/pull-ups
wipes
changing pad
fans (our kids sleep with these)
medicines – diaper rash, Tylenol, teething, vitamins
bed toys
blankets
nightlights
bed rails
brush/barrettes
toothbrush/toothpaste
shampoo/soap
sunscreen
bathing suits/towels/swim diapers/bags for wet clothes
snacks/sippy cups
potty seat/stool
outlet covers
bibs
baby monitor
nail clippers

Miscellaneous:

camera
adult meds
bandaids /bodyglide/moleskin
passports/ID/rental house info
maps/directions/triptik
hotel cards
Toys
travel insurance
walkie talkies
umbrellas/ponchos
extra backpack
ID labels for the kids
collapsible cooler – ice in baggies – bring water to parks
pool toys
cameras/camera batteries/plugs/film
cell phone/plugs
laptop
beach bag
misc. ziplock bags
sunscreen
stain stick
pennies for pressing/container to keep in (m & m tube?)
books/magazines
addresses for post cards
email addresses to take to parks (there are some places where you can email a picture of your family)
toys/box for car
flashlight for car
wipes/Kleenex/garbage bag for car
DVD player/movies
laundry soap/dish soap/laundry bag
autograph book/fat pen

For the backpack to take to the parks:

Disney dining phone #
tickets
cameras/film/batteries
walkie talkies
sunglasses
water
collapsible cooler
snacks
autograph book
fat pen
rain ponchos/umbrella
moleskin/bandaids
sunscreen
Kleenex/wipes
diapers
change of clothes for the kids
jackets/sweaters/blankets
hats
kid’s ID tags
antibacterial soap


Hope this helped!

 

[megan4777]

When we took our first trip as a family DD#1 was 2.5 and DD#2 was 3m. We weren't sure how dd#1 would react to the characters so we took her to a SixFlags and had her interact with Bugs, Tweety, etc.

We also took her on the rides to see what she would like and wouldn't like.

We plan to do the same thing this summer with dd's b/c DD#2 will be 2.5 on this trip and she hasn't interacted with the characters, yet.

We also took her to a fair where there were fireworks so we could see how she'd react (badly ). This gave us a heads up when we went to Disney and we could plan to be by the kid stations to hide with her.


As far as things we don't leave home without....I just bought a kid's nalgene H20 bottle from LL bean for DD#1. It has a pull up top and doesn't leak!!! It's great and I'm buying several more when we go to Maine next week.

Also, if you're going to be around sand, bring baby powder. We spent many hours at the ocean this past summer and I got all the sand off dd's by covering them with baby powder. It just falls off of them.

Anyway, I'm sure this isn't all that helpful but I wanted to throw a few ideas out there.

 

[suffolkprincess]

For the backpack to take to the parks:

Disney dining phone #
rain ponchos/umbrella
moleskin/bandaids



Hope this helped!

I forgot those three items-- and I do take them, too, although I only take the rain gear when there is a chance of rain (since the ponchos are not that expensive in the parks.)

For bandaids-- i actually have one of those purse first aid kits

 

[suffolkprincess]

For the backpack to take to the parks:

Disney dining phone #
rain ponchos/umbrella
moleskin/bandaids



Hope this helped!

I forgot those three items-- and I do take them, too, although I only take the rain gear when there is a chance of rain (since the ponchos are not that expensive in the parks.)

For bandaids-- i actually have one of those purse first aid kits

 

[NemoMOm]

I think my lists are the same as others I think the only thing that may be different is that I take throw away changing pads. So, if we are not near the baby center we can change in the bathroom.

Also we take small toys like Thomas and small cans of play-doh for TS meals.

 

[PrincessasMommy]

My essential item...stroller rain cover!!

 

[Taylor'sMom]

great list!!! I alos, get a small bottle of anti-bacterial gel that comes with a little loop-thing, so i can hang it on the zipper-pull of our backpack. We ALWAYS seemed to get sick on vacations until I started pushing the frequent use of anti-bacterial gel. Your hands my feel Ok, but the little ones run their hands along every railing, wall, etc. and then inevitable go in their mouth the second you turn around! The clip-on loop it the best! I get them at the cehck-out area of Wal-Marts. Usually come with 2 mini-bottles and the loop thing. Staples also carries them.

 

[Marshay]

Just wanted to say a very big thanks for these lists. I've been to WDW many times solo or with DH but this will be a first with our 2 year old and I was (and still am) beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed about the number of things to bring along.

Guess a toddler means no more going through the "no bags" line...

 

[rmjkharrisfam]

What about beach towels for the resort? We are staying at All Star Music - I've been there before but can't remember - do they supply towels at the pool or do we need to bring our own? That will definetly change the size of my suitcase!

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I am a diehard list maker. Yet, I always feel I am overlooking something. Let's share our lists: to-lists, packing lists, trips with a toddler tip lists. You name it.

Breasts (he's still nursing, lol), enough clothing for half the days we'll be there (we do laundry on-site), his toothbrush and shampoo bar, 10 cloth diapers, mini-Ziplocs of favorite snacks, sippy cup, hat, California Baby sunblock, Disney coloring book and a fresh box of crayons, and some other small Disney toys purchased at home and smuggled into the hotel room without his knowledge. Those are really the only things we need for him when on vacation, in addition to the items we'll have for the entire family.

 

[suffolkprincess]

What about beach towels for the resort? We are staying at All Star Music - I've been there before but can't remember - do they supply towels at the pool or do we need to bring our own? That will definetly change the size of my suitcase!

At the Mods and Deluxes they have towels by the pool. I have only been to WDW in November, and the usual poolside dramas (no chairs, etc) have never affected us (even at the Polynesian.) So, I don't know if maybe they run out of towels sometimes. Rather than packing a beach towel, pack a good coverup with hood for your little one and water shoes. That way there is no shoe changing to contend with (can wear them to the pool, around and in, and back from the pool) and the hooded coverup will keep them both decent and warm. I like the poncho style ones, which can usually be found for good prices at Land's End, Old Navy, and even on sale at the Disney website.

Oh-- and the first time we went to the pool at POR I didn't know if there would be towels there so I took them from the room. I called mousekeeping before we headed to the pool to ask for more towels. They brought them in the three hours while we were gone. So that worked out well.

 

[hcmommy]

I'm reading all of the toddler packing lists and getting lots of great ideas for our upcoming trp, but I had a question. Why do some of you prefer the individually wrapped Wet Ones wipes over the little packages of them? Just curious.