How to Pack a Child's Suitcase

Preschool and school-aged children are fairly easy to pack for, as long as you let them join in the process. Follow these few simple ground rules.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Child's Backpack
• Children's Luggage
• Luggage Sets
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Pillows
• Headphones
• Personal Stereos
• Portable CD Players
• Inflatable Pillows
• Plastic Freezer Bags
• Permanent Markers
• Permanent markers

1. Let your child help choose which clothes to take along ' explain what the weather will be like where you are going. Retain veto power over the choices, though.

2. Try to plan coordinated outfits in advance for each day of your trip, so there will be no fuss about what to wear each day. Bring a few extra outfits in case of spills or damage.

3. If possible, store each outfit in a large zipper-close plastic bag, or a store bag for older children. This makes it easy for your child to pick a matching set of clothes each day, and provides you with a handy container for snacks or garbage while you are sightseeing.

4. Give your child a small backpack or carry-on bag of his own, and explain that he can take favorite toys or books that will fit in the bag, but that he must carry it himself.

5. Sew or print (with a permanent fabric marker) your child's name and emergency contact information inside all his clothes.

6. Pack a few extra snacks and surprises to keep your child happy during the journey ' if you're flying, include some hard candy or gum to relieve pressure during takeoffs and landings.

Tips & Warnings

• If you bring electronic toys, make sure you can turn the sound off, or that your child can use them with earphones.
• For older children, pack a Walkman or personal CD player, and some of their favorite tunes.
• Try to bring toys and games that will hold your child's attention for as long as possible ' avoid heavy toys or toys with small parts that can get lost.
• If your destination offers exotic or spicy food, bring some extra snacks to please fussy kids.
• Never put a child's name on the outside of his clothing or backpack, since children tend to trust people who call them by name.
• It's not healthy for a child to carry a heavy backpack ' make sure you check the weight and contents of any bag he packs for himself.

on 11/22/2005 Make a list of everything that you want to bring while at camp. Try packing it all in the luggage that you're taking. Take things off the list that can't fit in the luggage. If the camp allows you to, pack things in milk crates. Once you are at camp it will be easier to keep things in order.

on 11/22/2005 Don't forget your child's favourite blanket/pillow/ stuffed toy etc. It will make them feel more comfortable in a strange place - like a little piece of home.