How to Pack a Child's Bag for an Overnight Stay

Whether your child is going over to your ex’s or for on a trip with a schoomate's family, you will need to pack an overnight bag for him. If you want to make sure your child has all he needs while on his overnight, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Backpack
• Underwear
• Socks
• Pants
• Shorts
• Shirts
• Toiletries
• Pajamas
• Sweatshirt
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Money
• Camera
• Cell phone

1. 

   Purchase a good backpack. Make sure it is durable so you won’t have to keep replacing it. Usually the better quality backpacks are higher in cost but you can pick up a durable one usually at a reasonable cost at discount department stores.

2. 

   Pack as many underwear and socks as there are days in the overnight. Pack an extra pair in case of an accident or the child gets dirty.

3. 

   Pack at least two pairs of pants or shorts depending on the weather.

4. 

   Pack at least three or four different shirts, including an extra one. You never know when a spill may happen. Most spills end up on the shirt.

5. 

   Pack some nightclothes for sleeping. Both for cold weather and for warm. You never know what the temperature will be these days, so be prepared.

6. 

   Include toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, and a small towel.

7. 

   Pack a sweatshirt for cold days. In some parts of the country the weather changes quite quickly. Plus you can’t tell if your child will feel cold and want the comfort of his sweatshirt.

8. 

   Pack a small first aid kit which includes a few Band-Aids, alcohol wipes and antibiotic. This way if the child is not around an adult at any point during his overnight stay he can take care of a cut if he gets one. Most kids even down to age six can take care of a simple cut.

9. 

   Pack a book that the child is interested in. If the boy wants some quiet time during his overnight stay he can go back to his backpack and pull out his book.

10. 

    Pack a flashlight and extra batteries. Kids love having a flashlight. In the middle of the night when he stays overnight and he has to go to the bathroom she will have a light to find her way. When she gets scared his light will be a comfort.

11. 

    Pack a small amount of money in case the child wants to go to a corner store. It is always good to give the child money to make his overnight time more fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Pack a small disposable camera and a cell phone.
• Don’t worry about your child, or at least don’t let it show. Tell your child to call you once a day to ease your mind that he is all right.

Resources

• How to Pick a Backpack for a Child