Kids staying with grandparents: what to pack
When children stay with grandparents, the clothes are the easy part. The important things are the routine, the medicines and the small comforts that aren’t written anywhere. This list covers the bag and the page of notes that goes with it.
Check these first
The things people forget most. Everything else can be bought, borrowed or worked around.
- Medicines and doses
- Allergy information
- Comfort toy (and a spare)
- A page of notes with phone numbers
- Car seats, if needed
Clothes (per child)
Comforts and routine
Health
Babies and toddlers
You can usually buy these there: Fresh food and milk, Snacks. Leave room in the case.
Tips
- Write a one-page note: routines, naps, bedtimes, favourite foods, what they won’t eat, and your phone numbers.
- Show the grandparents how any gear works, such as the car seat or the travel cot, before you leave.
- Put each child’s things in their own bag, with outfits in daily bundles.
- Send your list of what’s in the bag so they can check it all comes home.
Common questions
What should I pack for children staying with grandparents?
Clothes, comforts, their sleep things, medicines with doses, and a page of notes about routines and allergies. For little ones, add nappies, feeding things and any car seat or cot the grandparents don’t own.
What should I write in the notes?
Meal and nap times, bedtime routine, what soothes them, foods they can’t have, medicines and doses, your contact numbers and the doctor’s details.
What about car seats?
If the grandparents will drive the children, they need a suitable car seat for each child. Check it fits their car and show them how to fit it.