Packing Essentials and Tips for Cruising with a Toddler

Cruising with a toddler does not have to be all work. As long as you have a plan and are fully prepared, it can be fun for the whole family. I’ve cruised several times with my toddler and have had a wonderful experience each time. In my opinion, the following tips are essential to ensure a stress free and enjoyable cruise family vacation.

How much clothes to pack?

I recommend packing two outfits per day, plus an additional two outfits total.  However, if your toddler is prone to blowouts, plan additional outfits. During sea days, you’re going to be busy exploring the ship, attending shows, and eating till your heart’s desire. You may want to clean up and wear fresh clothes for dinner. During port days, you’ll definitely changed clothes when you returned to the ship. Toddler clothes are tiny and take up less space. Packing cubes or gallon zip lock bags are great for packing an entire outfit. As far as night clothes, I recommend packing one piece pajamas sets. Kelsey wears the footed pajamas so her entire body is covered. I love the idea of not having to worry about her being cold by kicking off her blanket. I also suggest packing one pajama for every two days.

Do I Need to Bring a Crib or Pack n Play?

As soon as you check into your cabin and meet your room steward, request a crib. Typically, all cruise lines carry portable cribs for their guests. Although they are limited in the amount of cribs they maintain, I’ve never been denied a crib due to unavailability. The crib comes with a mattress and regular sheets. If you prefer to bring your own portable crib sized sheets you are welcome to. But keep in mind the room stewards are not going to clean them. I’ve never had any problems simply folding the large sheets under the mattress.

Will there be High Chairs Available?

Yes, high chairs will be available for your child in all eating areas and specialty restaurants.

What if my Toddler Gets Sick?

Should I Pack Medicine?

The ship’s store will have very limited, if any children’s medicine. It is best to pack for any and all sicknesses your child may have. Don’t forget to pack medicines for the following symptoms: cold, fever, upset stomach, diaper rash, insect bites, first aid ointments, Band-Aids, etc. Toddlers typically do not experience seasickness. Medicines such as Dramamine are not recommended for children under 2. If you believe your child may be experiencing sea sickness, use your best judgement and give him/her upset stomach or pain reliever as you deem necessary.

Disposable and/or Cloth Diapers

I cannot express the importance of packing enough diapers. You do not want to be the parent running around the ship asking to borrow diapers from the other parents. I always pack 10 diapers per day, plus an extra 10. In the event, you’re stuck at sea due to a storm or power outage, you’ll want to be prepared.

Also keep in mind, your little one will be eating new and different foods. It may affect their bowel movements differently. During Kelsey’s first cruise, she ate different and more fresh fruit and vegetables then she had before. In the end (pun intended) It didn’t agree with her, so she experience her first diaper rash. I was so thankful to have packed enough diapers and diaper rash cream.

I’m not a cloth diaper user, but I can tell you that there are washers and dryers on ships. If you want to wash your cloth diapers, you have the opportunity of using the ships self-laundry facility or even its paid option.

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Snacks

One of my favorite things about being on a cruise is all of the different foods you can eat. Although it’s probably impossible to eat everything, we still bring our own snacks. If your little ones love a particular snack item, I suggest you bring plenty for the cruise and port days. You won’t be able to find those goldfish or vanilla wafers in the ship’s store.

Got Milk?

Breast Milk: If you are still breastfeeding, I commend you. You are able to breastfeed anywhere on the ship at any time. However, the refrigerator in your cabin may not be cold enough to store your pumped milk. They are more like chillers. You can request special assistance though the ship to accommodate your milk storage needs.

Formula: Ready to feed or powdered milk is fine. If you’re using powdered milk, you may not want to bring on tons Nursery Water. If you feel comfortable using regular bottled water, you can order bottled water from the ship to be delivered to your stateroom in advance. Personally, I used the 8-oz. ready to feed jars of formula. When Kelsey was 9 months, she basically drank about 8 oz. at a time. It was so easy to just open the individual jar and pour it in her bottle.

Whole D / 2% Milk: Regular milk is available for your child. You can get the small individual cartons from room service or at the lido deck. I do not recommend getting a lot one time because it may spoil. I only got milk as often as needed. During our most recent cruise, I pre-ordered a carton of milk and hot tea each morning. After I poured the carton of milk in her bottle, I warmed it by putting the hot water (for the tea) in the ice bucket.

How Do You Clean Bottles?

Speaking of bottles, I have always used the Playtex Disposable Bottles. Those are super easy and convenient. Instead of having to wash the whole bottle, the only thing you really have to wash is the nipple and ring. This is super easy. The water in the bathroom gets pretty hot and you can always order hot tea from room service (or the lido deck) and use the hot water to clean the nipples and ring. Simply use regular soap and water from the sink to wash the outside of the bottle. Be sure to remember to pack a small bottle of dishwashing soap and a small nipple brush.

Toys, Toys, Toys!!

The kids club has plenty of toys that the kids can play with. In addition to regular day care hours, you are normally able to take your kids there during certain hours to let them play with toys. I always pack a few items that my kids love. My son normally takes a few hot wheels and the baby has her doll, a new book, and large Lego blocks.

Lightweight Toddler Stroller

Most cruise lines have strollers for you to rent. I have never rented a stroller. It is always more convenient for me to just pack my own lightweight stroller. I use it during embarkation, around the ship, and some ports. I recently purchased the Zoe (XL1 Best V2) and I am completely in love. My children are 20, 12, and 1 years old and the Zoe is the best stroller I have ever used for a toddler. It is lightweight and can be folded and put into a backpack. I love the large basket and the ability to recline back. Being able to recline makes it easy for diaper changes and nap times. The large umbrella is also great for the protection of the sun and rain.

Baby Carrier

I opt to baby wear for tender ports or excursions where a stroller may be inconvenient. Due to my not so young back, I have to use a carrier that will provide me with the stability needed to carry my toddler. I recently found the Ergo 360 Baby Carrier. It is perfect and the lumbar support is just what I needed. Using this carrier, I am able to carry my daughter in 5 different positions.

RELATED POST: Ergo 360 Baby Carrier Review

Should you pack a car seat?

I know several people ask this question. In theory, packing a car seat sounds like the only reasonable plan. In reality, most of the cars and van you will travel in at the ports do not even have seat belts. It will be much easier to just hold your child in your lap in the back seat of a taxi or on a tour bus. While riding, just remind yourself that millions of tourists do this every day without any incidents. Repeat it over and over.

Dinnerware

I recommend packing at least one or two of your own sippie/toddler cup or even these disposable take and toss cups. There are small thick plastic cups on the lido deck, however, in the main dining room, you’ll find glass cups. I also pack a few plastic disposable forks and spoons. Although my Kelsey loves to grab the big forks, I don’t feel comfortable with her using them. As mentioned before, you can wash these items in your sink at night using the small bottle of dishwashing detergent.

I hope you found these tips useful. I would love to hear about your experiences of cruising with a toddler. What were some of your wins. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below.

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