Since I started a group on facebook called “Cruising Carnival with Kids” I get asked a lot about what to pack on a cruise when taking little ones along. Well, since it comes up so frequently I decided to put together a list. Feel free to print it out and add to it to personalize for your own cruise/vacation!!!
PACKING LIST FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS
Packing for a cruise can be very stressful, especially when it is your 1st with a little one, so here is a packing list put together by some of our members in my “Cruising Carnival With Kids” Facebook group along with a few extra ideas people came up with. It is a basic list you can print out and add to and personalize…..
Diapers – bring the amount you would use if you were home then add 20 more!
Swim diapers – Can’t use onboard but can use in port
Wipes
Diaper rash cream
Baby soap/Wash/Shampoo/Lotion/Hair brush/and any other bath necessities
Blow up infant tub
Sunscreen and after sun Aloe gel for sunburns (just in case)
Infant Tylenol/Motrin/Oragel if teething/any other medications needed
Bottles/Bottle brush/Sippy cups/Burp cloths/Bibs (disposable one’s work great)
Formula/Breast Pump if needed and supplies
Baby food/Baby cereal/Baby juice/Baby snacks (as they get older may have some things on the ship they can eat)
Small Dish soap to wash bottles, sippy cups, etc…
Binkies (Pacifiers) – Bring extra ones if they are very attached
A few small toys to play with in cabin
A couple Sand/Beach toys (Can also play with these in the cabin)
Umbrella stroller with underneath storage, Carrier, OR Both!
Favorite Blankie/Stuffed toy/ or Music device they are used to sleeping with
A couple Blankets for sleeping at night
Laundry pods and a few dryer sheets
They do provide a small crib upon request, although if you prefer to use your own, you can bring a Pack N Play. Also 2 sheets for it. Just in case you need to change it.
Now for the clothes…….
Dress clothes/shoes for formal nights (there are 2 on 6+ night cruises & 1 on 3-5 night cruises)
A couple swimsuits
Pajamas (bring as many as you would use at home and add one extra pair)
One outfit for each day you’re on the ship or in port AND another outfit for dinner each day if you plan to eat in the Main Dining Room.
Bring approx. 3 extra outfits for any necessary changes if you do not plan to do laundry on the ship.
Shoes (Sandals, Sneakers, and water shoes)
CLOTHING TIP>>>>>> Comfy clothing works best. Knits are great, they are soft and wrinkle free.
A few extra tips our members came up with…….
- Bring a shower curtain with magnetic hooks to go around the crib if they are used to sleeping alone in their own room.
- Find out when free/open play times are at Camp Ocean/Carnival and take them to play. Parents must stay with them, but it’s a good time to spend time together and let them play and tire them out.
- Bring a laptop and DVD’s to watch or and ipad for games
- Don’t forget to take plenty of pics (especially on formal nights) you don’t have to buy them all.
- Always pack all baby formula, foods, drinks in your carry on luggage to board the ship.
From my personal experience you will still pack more than needed on your 1st cruise, although the more you cruise with little ones you will slowly start packing less and less. I think it’s always better to have a little extra when out at sea than not enough. Especially DIAPERS!!!
Personally I have never done laundry on a cruise, only used their ironing board in laundry room.
ONE FINAL TIP>>>>>>
Try to keep eating times as close to what they are at home and don’t forget to let them nap, even if it’s in the stroller or carrier. It will prevent them from getting over tired and having a “melt down”. I experienced this once and learned quickly!!! This is especially true when it comes to toddlers.
LAST ADVICE>>>> Don’t stress, go with the flow each day, and enjoy making those family memories!!!!!
