Packing For a Toddler

[mcgrawfan]

We will be going to WDW Feb 28-March 9. Can everyone please list some toddler packing ideas. Our DD will be 28 months on the trip. TIA!

 

[bjakmom]

Just returned from a trip with 3 yo DGrD - it's been a loooong time since I've travelled alone with a 3 yo ! My best tip is to pack each day's outift in a ziplock bag - I also packed extra outfits in ziplock bags and threw one in the bottom of the stroller or in my bag when we would head out each day or night (in case she needed a whole change during the day). It was a bit more difficult to pack for winter weather, so I also included a coordinating pair of pants, capris, short sleeve and long sleeve shirts for each day - good thing I did because I was not expecting the weather to be as warm as it was - I was very happy I had included a few pairs of shorts/summer skirts!

 

[monorailsilver]

I'd pack 2 outfits per day.

If you do laundry you can pack less then you need (I do laundry when I go).

I bring zip lock bags & a soft side cooler for the water/milk & in the bags, I put the leftover meal (we eat Counter service so I can do that) in it this way my kids have a meal ready & I am not wasteing food/money on yet another meal they won't eat.

Don't pack alot of toys. I packed a ton when I took my dd, then 15 mo old & she didn't play with any of them because we were only in our room to sleep at night, for breakfast & her nap in the afternoon.

When I went in 2005, I did pack coloring books & crayons, markers & pencils for my 2 kids. I packed sticker books too-basically flat things.

I also packed some beach toys too since we were at the Poly.

 

[mom2aredhead]

My general advice is to have realistic expectations. My DS was just shy of his 3rd birthday when we went. You absolutely will not and can not see and do everything...If your DD insists on going on small world 4 times in a row rather than go to the last Philharmagic show of the night...hakuna matata - you're on vacation...just go with it. You'll catch whatever you miss (hopefully) next time around.

As far as packing - As prev posters said, don't pack any (or many) toys - only what you may need for plane/car rides and while waiting in line. The best one we brought was a travel size Magna Doodle - light, flat, no issue if it got wet. And a flashlight (from the dollar store) - some rides and park areas can be a little dark and spooky at night, so the flashlight made him feel a little better. I also gave him his own disposable camera - the pictures were hysterical and he felt very important when he took them.
Make sure your stroller is light weight if you bring your own...there is a lot of folding/unfolding involved. I would definitely try to coordinate outfits so that you have long/short sleeves and pants/shorts that can all match together so you can just change part of it if the weather changes. (Did that make sense??)

SIDE BAR - My DS was mid-potty training when we went. In the event that you're doing the same, pack POST-IT Notes (DO NOT LAUGH) to cover the sensor thingy on the auto-flush toilets. I swear by the time I got the paper seat cover on and my son ready to go, the thing flushed 3 times...I had read about someone suggesting that on a prev thread and thought it was crazy, but wished I had the darn things while I was in there.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

We went in Sept when DS was 25 months and DD4. I packed 2 outfits a day for DS and came home with only 2 clean outfits. I didn't do laundry for a 5 day visit. But, what I did was pre-coordinate outfits and put them in ziplocs and tossed them in the suitcase. Every morning I pulled out a bag and dressed DS, no worries about what goes with what. That was the best tip from the boards.
I made the mistake of not packing any toys for DS and we really needed some. Ended up spending a small fortune on some from the various parks. I only packed the DVD player for the plane and some small snacks. He slept the whole 5 hour flight, so that was easy.
I did take my Maclaren stroller and it was perfect. Lightweight and comfy for DS.
Hope that helps!

 

[nancy drew]

good tips from the others.

additional things we brought, mostly for the plane ride and restaurants (if we had to wait):

travel magna doodle
disney themed color wonder coloring book packs (ive seen these at target)
stickers (giving my 27 month old a few stickers on her hands somehow kept her entertained in lines)

other good things to have when traveling:

first aid kit
hand sanitizer and some anti-bacterial wipes for wiping tables and/or hands
change of clothes for your child
healthy snacks (dried fruit, bagels, etc)

 

[1Prince2Princesses]

My daughter is about that age. We go to the parks pretty regularly, and I usually pack extra clothes for her (because diapers WILL leak). That time of year, you will definitely want to prepare for any kind of weather. Take light jackets or sweaters.

For a day in the park, I pack a bag with extra clothes... tons of diaper wipes for cleaning sticky hands and faces... a light blanket for when she falls asleep in the stroller, or to sit on in the stroller... snacks, like a ziplock bag full of pretzels or raisins... a small toy or two, just don't take a favorite toy, because it may get lost.. a sippy cup to fill with water... juice boxes... a hat... a small flashlight for the dark rides (like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Carribean)... and I'd say that about covers what she needs inside the park. I've also found that Parmalat individual serving size milk boxes can be kept at room temp all day and added to a little ice in a cup.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[pbharris4]

Defintely pack 2 outfits per day!

Gallon Size Freezer Ziplock bags (for the outfits and also for dirty diapers unless PT)

Dum Dum Lollipops (I don't condone this for every day use, but sometimes a little bribery doesn't hurt)

Snacks

Little can of Playdough (for waits at restaurants or to keep occupied while waiting for food)

-Those Blue Melon Splash scented Huggies Travel wipes. My DD loves those and wipes her own faces/hands with them.

-A blankie or other comfy object from home.

-Don't pack alot of toys. They don't play with them.

-Sneakers, Sweater, shorts-etc. that time of year could be chilly and warm.

-Finally, if your DD is either potty trained or in the process...a fold up potty seat. You can get them at Toys R US. We keep it folded in a freezer Ziploc bag and we use it when DD goes to the bathroom. Then we wash wipe it down with a anti-bacterial wipe and wash it with hot water/soap and put it back in the bag. TO me...that is the most important thing. When she's sitting there's small "wings" she can hold onto so her hands aren't all over the toilet. Yuck! Of course she still washes her hands though!

 

[lynetteSC]

great ideas! we are headed down with a 30 month onld next month and these are all perfect!