Tackling the Packing: what to bring for toddlers

Im writing this post because like any other momma, (you know if your here).. you want some fresh or new ideas when attempting traveling with your little. 
Its wonderful to take tips and find out how other mommas are making it happen in their world. I had a hard time finding previews of what other moms were doing specifically for this type of vacation, all inclusive. So here is mine- but it would also work for many other week long getaways with littles ages 0-well, your husband... 

We travelled to Mexico for my BFF's wedding this past May and it was our first All Inclusive trip with a toddler in tow. 
I didn't really know where to begin as previous trips have been 'condo like' vacations where we can wash clothes and go out and easily buy anything we may need. This was a bit different as we were bringing what we would need and use. 

I only wanted to be lugging 2 suitcases through the airport as we would also have a stroller and carryon.. we realistically could have packed in one for the family but i was also bring down things for the wedding. 

Packing for most people is a balancing act between needs and wants, blues or blacks... or maybe i just over think it. Regardless i enjoy packing, even more when its not for me and i don't have to worry how that fits, how much skin I have to show (we are talking mexico here) or what would fit my buffet belly, it is all inclusive after all... 

We would be gone 7 days and 2 travel days (keep fresh outfits for those days) 

The key is to make sure everything goes together- it doesn't have to match but work all coordinating colors if you can. They look pulled together even when Dad dresses them..

I utilized everything I packed (applause here!!) which gives me a huge sense of completion (how weird) so nothing was wasted - even though their clothes are little, when sharing a suitcase with the family even inches factor into weight limits. 

TODDLER PACKING LIST 

CLOTHES: Mix and match

• 7 T shirts (2 for travel) 
• 1 light long sleeve T 
• 1 short sleeve dress shirt 
• 1 tank 
• 5 shorts 
• 1 pair light chambray pants 
• 1 pair lounge pants (travel days)
• 4 pairs of jammies (think A/C is blasting so bring a variety of legging & shorts types)
• 1 pair of sandals 
• 1 pair of water shoes, kids pools are often slick on the bottom from UV cautious parentals
• 1 pair of slip-on canvas shoes (travel days) 
• 1 hoodie 
• 3 swim sets (rash guard & shorts) 
• 1 swim hat, waterproof & uv resistant
• 1 hat for everyday  
• 4 pairs of socks 

EXTRAS & Essentials   

• Potty seat & rewards if applicable- see my potty training review for my recommendations on a travel potty : 3 tips for potty training & reviews 
• All meds you can think of including sunscreen & thermometer 
• Cheap pool floaty device so you can be without holding them the whole time, plan on leaving it there
• Light snacks for the room you know your child will eat. I packed raisins & animal crackers
• Backpack for carry on or day trips to help them feel 'important & independent'
• Light books for bedtime
• Monitor (this was awesome as our room was main floor, a 4 meter shot to the pool & swim up bar!!!
• Small snack cup (can be used on way down) for little snacks from the buffet for later in the day/day trips 
• Small dish soap to wash sippy cups and any accidentals
• Travel stroller. Airports do big trauma to little slow legs & patience
• Wipes & Diapers 
• 1 crib sheet or sheet from home, colourful/pattern proffered
• *disclaimer; colourful ones let the hotel know they aren't theirs and won't get taken & reapplied with harsh hotel bleach leaving baby unrecognizably swollen in allergic reaction*

CARRY ON : Keep it light!!! 

I like to pack this in a backpack, as it is the height of fashion (not) but hands free and daddy approved.

ALSO I love ziplock bags for organizing, they keep things contained and separated all while easily found and appreciated by border patrol 

• Change of clothes (including socks)
• Small bag of meds-just incase
• Extra diapers 
• Silicone reusable dining mat for tray table, restaurants, everywhere!!(link here: GERMSAVER! Portable dining mat) 
• SNACKS! HELLO!!! obviously...yes, those squeeze pouches are A-OK 
• Headphones for child that are comfortable and fit them well (if applicable) if there is no way to hear their entertainment, its not going to be very entertaining and people will appreciate you be courteous. 
• Something to help with altitude, soother, suckers- whatever is appropriate for them.
• Empty travel cup/sippy cup (fill past security) 
• Favourite toy/blanket
• A few new & fun toys (think new hot wheels/stickers- my favourites are below) 
• ipad, favourite shows or a new movie go a loooong way when you have delays and meltdowns! 
• doggie poo bags, when a blowout strikes-be prepared (and considerate)
• WIPES. you can never have enough. 
• Don't forget to save some surprises for the way home! 

melissa & doug 'water wow' pen/coloring set 

summer infant 'portable dining mat'

As you know, you always feel like you forget something the moment your bottom hits the seat but with this list you should feel pretty darn prepared. Hope this helps and above all, make memories, take pictures with your littles, wear sunscreen & enjoy!!!! 

Dont cry over dirty underpants (its only potty training)

there comes a messy and tumultuous time in every mommas life when they attempt and see to it..potty training! 

My little and i started this journey a few months ago and i am happy to report we have not had to buy new wardrobes, do bathroom renos, or bleach the entire house. 

We have had accidents and thats ok (and thats what none tells you). Here are some things that have been truer than true for us...

1 its going to take awhile 

When you see those pins, ads, books, hear THOSE stories, do as any 'Realistic' mother would and turn your head, block your ears and listen to your gut and your kid. 

There is NO, i repeat NO formula for your situation and your child. Just be patient. Your going to have setbacks- but thats ok. just be patient, just be patient.... 

We started because my little was interested and we thought 'Lets do this!'. What i didn't realize was that its not an overnight, weekend, heck even month long process- like all good things in life- it comes with sweet time... 

We have been at it for 3 months now and 99% of the time we are doing our business in the potty directed by my little. I guess i hadn't thought much about it (more below) but i didn't know what to expect as this was my first and so i was surprised that it can on average take 6 months to a year, or longer to complete the switch a roo from diapers to underwear full time 

(Disclaminer: we do wear pull-ups at nighttime and on long road trips for now- i think I'm more nervous than my kid to pull the plug on this one) 

 its not as bad as you think its going to be...

I remember the moment when my little went to the potty his first time, and i wasn't ready for it. Sure on the outside i was all (WOO! YEA! PROUD OF YOU! AWESOME DUDE!) but on the inside i wanted to cling to those cute little baby powder scented diapers and stay within the confines of what i knew. But like the rest of motherhood i was thrown headfirst (no pun intended) into the next phase in my toddlers bathroom career...

Sure we have had a tiny poop on the carpet, a little pee on the floor but these things are less of a cause for concern when you have previously owned pets. (if you don't have a pet- a toddler is a close enough comparison)

But people get scary and try to install the fear about it- but its ok, just be prepared - always prepared! 

2 go BIG on rewards

I believe each kid is different when it comes to what they feel excited by and what rewards them. For my little, aside from the happy dance, that is treats, the kind you eat. 

He loves to eat and have something new and you know what- thats ok in our house. We like mini m & m`s! If you prefer stickers, toys, trips whatever but cater it to your little, they are doing (some) of the hard work and its a big milestone- so celebrate in a way that is meaningful to them 

3 don't waste your money 

Potty training is a money trap. There are lots of things you don't need but then there are a few you do. Spend wisley. 

Here are my suggestions: 

POTTY SEAT: MUNCHKIN ARM & HAMMER SECURE COMFORT 

Potty Seat is a must- we bought actually quite a few different ones, but after MUCH research (your welcome) this is my vote. 
We opted for the seat vs potty as longterm they will be using the toilet and not those cutesy disney versions- I'm going with the real throne.

I love this one, Its easy to clean, easy to use, simple for decor (cuteness matters) and is fuss free. It must be good cause i couldn't find it anywhere - i did end up ordering it on amazon but grandma got one at ikea, its pretty close in comparison and offers great value for a second seat at grandmas house - $10 ish?

This seat comes in blue and green and there is a small freshener that clips into the back, thats not whats awesome about it, i could care less really. Its the simplest, easy to clean seat i could find on the market. It is one piece plastic construction and the undercarriage is all easily accessible to be cleaned and washed. 

UNLIKE those plush character ones littering every potty training section from here to timbuck too.

(Those are straight nasty, unsanitary wastes of money- google it, too gross to mention) 

PORTABLE POTTY SEAT 

Ok this one isn't really a necessity but its proven to be a pretty great investment and will be on my gift list for every 2 year old in the near future. Its a portable potty seat that can be used free standing or on any pottyseat. We use this bad boy in the trailer for camping, road trips, hotels, restaurants, it lives in the car and we love it! Its less bulky than carrying around one of these full size bad boys (even though we know your bag is big enough) and somehow seems less dirty. 

Munchkin Arm & Hammer secure comfort potty seat 

http://www.amazon.ca/Munchkin-11442-Hammer-Comfort-Assorted/dp/B00674S1Y0

IKEA version with step stool 

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10272788/

Kalencom 2 in 1 Potette Plus Portable potty seat 

http://www.amazon.ca/Kalencom-2-in-1-Potette-Plus-Red/dp/B0016KV73W

STEP STOOL

Self explanatory and not as fussy- but pick one thats easy to clean, that your littles can move and that you like, this treasure will be living in your home for years to come. 

WIPES: DISINFECTING & FLUSHABLES 

This is where you will spend your hard earned dollars. Wipes my friend. 

I leave lysol disinfecting wipes in the bathroom at all times for potty wiping, floor wiping, counter wiping, seat wiping, step stool wiping- well you get the idea...

Also I found flushable wipes work best for #2 and are safe(er) for the sewers. 

Of course there is a time and place for baby wipes but in-between- these are lifesavers 

These can both be purchased in bulk at your local costco. 

And girl, your gunna wanna stock up. 

GOOD 'UNDEROO'S' (as we call them in my house) 

Well fitting & comfort is what your after here. 

We like (although very pricey) the underwear from Gymboree. Its is a great cotton, washes well and is a great fit for his little body. 

It was hard finding small enough underwear for my little (sz 2) but these are great and the fun prints make them exciting to him. 

I have had to throw out 1 pair due to 'unfortunate happenings' but thats gunna happen... let it go and don't cry over dirty underoos.

http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_category.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374303047969

McToddlers

how wonderful you have joined me – today going to dive into the world of toddlers. What to do with them, how to keep them alive and strive to keep their happiness before tantrum hood…You are the keeper of a fragile balance and you better have snacks.

Looking backwards i can see a trail of exhaustion, an overwhelming sense of doom and confusion that followed me like little messy feet . Thus confusion has now lifted into what i like to call experience, no I’m not an expert but i do have a few things that really stick out…

1) FEED, SLEEP, COMMUNICATE

FEED- Don’t go ANYWHERE without SNACKS. You have a toddler, it is now a right of passage that snacks live in every car you own, every purse you carry, diaper bags, glove boxes, snack trays, wagons.. you get the idea. Snacks have 2 functions, to nourish your kid and keep them busy. Try your best to make healthy choices but more often than not- stale cheerios will do just fine.

I was blessed with a toddler, (like his father) seems to be allergic to vegetables in their natural state. So -i camouflage . Zucchini muffins, Green smoothies, those overpriced squeezes (yea yea i know i can make it but really..) but it all works, and then there is weekly mcdonalds; que gasping mothers everywhere. Only kidding but it is a good value, break from the boredom of repititious (that a word?) toddler meals. Also can’t beat that its conveniently located inside the neighbourhood walmart during grocery getaways. They get a toy and I don’t have to prep, clean and referee lunchtime.

But Serious, fed toddlers are happier toddlers. Invest in as many little ziplock/tupperware/dollar store containers as you can and keep them well stocked momma. 

SLEEP-Kids need rest. You do too… so get them to sleep/nap/quiet time as many times as they will take. (Of course within reason, life happened and there are going to be things, events, dates you don’t want to miss but I’m talking about the other 99% of the time).. Looking back i think that i made this a priority and although i had to miss a few playdates and scheduled appointments later or earlier in the day – we both ended up a little happier because of it. I had a chance to rest, catch up on life, pin… it all worked out and i still think nap times & bedtimes are uber important because those little rascals are growing and need the downtime.

COMMUNICATE- Toddlers may be tiny but they are smart and understand far more than we give them credit for. I have learnt this on many of occasions… I find that the times where i have communicated clearly with my little about what will be going on, what we have planned, why we are doing this, when we are doing this, etc.. things have gone FAR more smoothly!!! Littles brains take in so much stimui and are constantly learning cause and reaction so why not apply that lesson here. ‘Momma doesn’t want you to do that because you could get hurt and then momma would be sad..’, ‘We need to get groceries so we can make supper and fill our tummies and be healthy, and we are blessed to be able to do so’, ‘don’t lick your shoes because you walk on the floor and there are germs’. Of course they don’t need a textbook explanation but a cause and effect (in my experience) has prepared my little with understanding about what is happening. If we break it down to the simplicity of that- ‘WHAT IS HAPPENING??’ more than likely they don’t have a clue WHY or often WHAT.