Date of publication 07/05/2026
Traveling with children: the perfect suitcase
Packing for children, no matter their age, is always one of those parts of vacation planning that brings plenty of questions and uncertainty. Here are some answers to help make it easier. But first, one of the best decisions you can make is choosing an all-inclusive family hotel. You’ll quickly see how much simpler everything becomes.
As soon as vacation time arrives, many parents head off with their children to enjoy a few well-deserved days of rest. Kids are eager for the beach, swimming in the sea, and having fun, so it’s worth taking advantage of that excitement to involve them in one of the most important pre-trip tasks: packing their suitcase.
When they are very young, the responsibility for making sure they have everything they need for a few days at the beach or in the mountains falls entirely on us, as expected. But from around three or four years old, they can become great little helpers, turning packing into an activity that is both fun and educational. That’s why it’s important to adapt preparations to their age and, above all, their needs.
Ages 0 to 2: the full arsenal
Babies get messy frequently, so you’ll always need to pack more outfit changes than usual. If you’re heading to the beach, short-sleeve cotton bodysuits will be a lifesaver. They’re lightweight and keep babies cool, even when they’re resting in their stroller. T-shirts, polos, shorts, and dresses should also be part of their luggage.
It’s also a good idea to bring something warm, like light jackets or sweaters, for summer evenings that can feel cooler in some coastal areas. The number of outfits you pack will depend on whether you plan to use the hotel’s laundry service. With children, “just in case” tends to multiply, although there’s no need to bring their entire wardrobe.
In a young child’s suitcase, you should include cotton hats, essential for sun protection, diapers, swim diapers, and swimsuits. When it comes to diapers, it’s worth checking in advance whether your hotel is near a store that carries the brand you use, so you can buy more there if needed. Even so, it’s always wise to bring extras to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Parents should always carry their children’s identification and health insurance cards in their bags, in case they need to call the hotel doctor or visit a nearby medical center. It’s also advisable to pack as much clothing as possible in your carry-on in case there are issues with checked luggage, along with plastic bags for dirty clothes.
As for footwear, children who are already walking, usually from around one year old, should have breathable shoes suitable for walking hand in hand with their parents, comfortable shoes for the hotel, and sandals for the beach or pool. Kids will also want toys to enjoy on the sand, so a beach kit with an approved float or arm bands, a bucket, shovel, and molds for making shapes should either go in your luggage or be purchased at your destination. If you choose the latter, remember to leave space in your suitcase for the return trip.
It’s important to protect children’s skin from the sun from the moment you leave the hotel until sunset, reapplying sunscreen several times a day. High-protection sunscreen is essential in any well-packed suitcase. While parents should also take care of their skin, babies’ skin is especially sensitive, making sunscreen a must. Some pediatricians even recommend avoiding sun exposure entirely during the first months of life, so you’ll need to be especially mindful to keep your baby in the shade.
In your child’s toiletry bag, include after-sun lotion or a baby-specific moisturizer, a comb, alcohol-free cologne, mosquito repellent, after consulting your pediatrician, diaper rash cream, wet wipes, with a pack always in your carry-on, and their special bath soap. Parents of young children should also pack extra clothes for themselves, since babies can easily cause stains.
When it comes to feeding, keep bottles, bibs, milk, cereal, and a few jars of baby food on hand, as they can always come in handy. Hotels are prepared to welcome young children, and many will blend food if your baby is not yet chewing. In addition, many offer promotions where kids stay free, so it’s worth taking advantage of them.
Between the ages of two and three, children typically stop using diapers, although some may do so earlier. From around age three, their suitcase will include underwear, along with a few diapers, just in case of nighttime accidents. It’s also important not to forget their favorite stuffed toy or comfort item if they need it to fall asleep.
Ages 3 to 7: excellent little helpers
From the age of three, children can start getting involved in packing their suitcase, helping them become more accustomed to participating and contributing. You can turn this into a fun family activity, since everyone enjoys going on vacation. Small gestures like this encourage independence and confidence.
In terms of clothing, pack comfortable items such as T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and similar pieces. They can even choose their favorite outfits. Parents should supervise everything and remind them of the importance of applying sunscreen and always listening to adults when at the pool or in the sea. At this age, most children still don’t know how to swim and should always be accompanied by an adult in the water. It’s also worth explaining that bringing a couple of warmer items is a good idea in case evenings are cooler. If mosquitoes tend to bite them, they’ll be the first to remind you to pack their repellent.
The biggest debate will likely come when you tell them they can bring a few toys, because they’ll want to pack everything in their room. You’ll need to remind them that suitcase space is limited and they can only bring two or three small items. Plus, hotels are great places to make new friends and build social connections, so toys will probably stay in the room anyway.
One last recommendation for parents: children, especially boys, still get quite messy at this age, so it’s worth packing a few extra outfits. And don’t forget the family’s documentation.
Ages 8 to 10: the ball is in their court
From age eight, children can pack their own suitcase. Leave it open on their bed and, while you prepare your things, let them think about what they’ll need for their vacation. Of course, parents should still check their packing, since they might have included every Star Wars spaceship or Frozen doll and forgotten essentials like underwear or sunscreen. If they do a great job, it’s a good opportunity to acknowledge it, as it will boost their confidence. If they forget something important, encourage them to do better next time.
From age 11 onward, they take full responsibility
There comes a time when children, now preteens, should take full responsibility for packing their own suitcase. Every child is different, and parents are best placed to decide when they’re ready to do this without help or supervision. Even so, it’s always wise to double-check their luggage, because if they forget something essential, you’ll end up buying it at your destination. By this stage, they’ve learned that packing is an essential part of travel and that they are responsible for bringing what they need. Now it’s their turn to follow that example.
Turning packing into part of the adventure at Iberostar hotels
Choosing the right destination is just as important as what goes into the suitcase. To ensure a complete experience, Iberostar offers some of the best family hotels in prime locations where entertainment is guaranteed. For example, if you’re looking for family-friendly hotels in Tenerife, Iberostar Selection Anthelia is a reliable choice, considered one of the best thanks to its Star Camp program and its spectacular oceanfront facilities.
For those who prefer the Balearic Islands, Mallorca offers family hotels with pools such as Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village, ideal for combining the convenience of all-inclusive stays with a beachfront setting where children can play safely. If water-based fun is the priority, hotels with pools and slides in Andalusia reach their peak at Iberostar Royal Andalus, located on the iconic La Barrosa Beach in Cádiz, known for its pirate ship and water games.
Across the Atlantic, tropical destinations also offer exceptional options. In Mexico, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo stands out as one of the most complete all-inclusive family hotels in the Riviera Maya, famous for its wave pool and lazy river. Likewise, for family stays in the Dominican Republic, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites is one of the top hotels in Punta Cana, offering spacious bungalows and a wide range of activities designed so parents can relax while children explore and have fun. Whatever the choice, these destinations make the effort of packing worthwhile from the very first moment.
