A vacation enjoyed with your family can create some of your best memories together. However, your core memory potential greatly decreases when things get chaotic. Make the most of your time together by thinking strategically about how you pack for your family. 

While you may be able to pack an overnight bag in minutes, traveling with children requires more gear and consideration. Check out these four essentials as you prepare for your next family trip to ensure you’re ready for anything.

When you’re traveling with kids, the name of the game is consistency. Pack what you need to facilitate the same sleep environment your kids are accustomed to at home. First, review your lodging to determine if you need to account for room darkening. You may be able to use additional blankets from your hotel, so packing shades isn’t always necessary. 

If your kids are used to a sound machine, bring yours or download a playlist that matches their go-to soundtrack. A mini Bluetooth speaker can amplify the sound from your phone, so see if an in-room unit may be available. Whenever possible, use what’s provided to reduce your packing load. 

Don’t skimp on sleep support for yourself, too. While you may not need an ocean soundtrack, you will need to prepare for a new environment and potentially a new time zone. Use a jet lag supplement throughout your trip so you’re at your best for yourself and your family. When you do, you’ll be better rested and can stay calm when family travel undoubtedly throws you some surprises.

The last thing you want to do is dig through your luggage for the item your kid needs right now. Pack a day bag of top-tier items that you and your kids need. What’s in your bag will depend on the ages and preferences of your children, so assess your habits before packing. Smaller children will need wipes, snacks, and comfort items. Older children might need entertainment or a fidget toy. 

Pack a carry-on-approved backpack with plenty of pockets and expandable sections to get the most out of your plus-one. Keep an extra day of compact travel clothes, toiletries, and medications in your bag. Depending on your travel method, each child may be allotted a carry-on. 

Outfit capable travelers with a carry-on to maximize their allowance and maintain essentials if their checked bags are lost. Stash chargers and battery packs in exterior pockets for easy access, and use packing cubes and zip pouches to consolidate like items. This way, you’re not digging through your carefully packed bag and undoing your hard work. 

What’s a trip with kids without entertainment? Blend your kids’ digital favorites along with packable analog entertainment from your youth. Younger kids will love water pens and magic ink coloring books. Older kids can get hours of play from sticker art, puzzles, and compact quiz games for every grade level. Magnetic puzzles and playsets in tins are popular options thanks to their portability and entertainment factor. 

Prepare your digital devices and update software and app versions before your departure. Download movies instead of episodes to extend the entertainment factor of your streaming services. Move apps and games to the front screen to encourage kids to self-navigate. Pack corded headphones to preserve the sanctity of your travel space and keep devices charged while in use. 

Start kids off with analog entertainment, as it’s hard to fight the dopamine rush of their screens. When your kids have a range of entertainment options, they can stick it out through a long flight or a cross-country road trip and fight the travel jitters.

One of the biggest worries for many parents is keeping their children safe while traveling. The world can be a scary place, but with a plan, you can mitigate risk and create peace of mind. First, obtain safety identification for your children, including an updated photo, fingerprints, and height and weight. Create an identification card that you can keep with you and a digital version in your cell phone. 

Next, consider your expectations for navigating travel and time spent at your destination. Smaller children may need to be held or use a stroller to get around. Coordinate with your airline and final destination for how to handle additional carry-on allowances for car seats and strollers. 

Pack identification bracelets with your phone number on them in the event you become separated. Some parents utilize AirTag bracelets and clip-on units to keep tabs on their children. If you have the associated technology, this can provide some autonomy while keeping tabs on them for safety’s sake. 

Finally, consider how you’ll keep your luggage and lodging area secure, especially when traveling in an unfamiliar area. Luggage locks can deter others from taking your bag. Finally, pack additional locks for your hotel door to increase their effectiveness. While some of these items may seem like overkill, they can give you a sense of security while traveling.

Involve your kids in the packing process, and get their buy-in on a few key items. Your child may not understand why they can’t bring their most precious stuffed animal, but don’t hide this surprise until you set out on your trip. Get the meltdown out of the way before you leave, as a mid-flight ordeal can be the stuff of nightmares. 

Reserve a few surprises for your flight to keep them engaged and sustain the novelty factor of their travel game. If you get overwhelmed, take a moment to reset yourself. Focus on the positive and do your best to stay calm, as your demeanor will transfer to your kids. With these four essentials and the right mindset, your family can embark on an adventure that’s enjoyable for everyone.