What to Pack for Your Prep Trips (Without Overpacking or Stressing Out)

When you’re easing into travel—whether it’s a trip to the park, a quick overnight, or a small weekend adventure—packing can feel like an entire event. What if you forget something important? What if your child needs a comfort item you didn’t bring? What if you end up stuffing half the house into one bag?

Take a breath. You don’t need perfection. You just need preparedness that matches your family.

This guide is designed to help you pack intentionally, calmly, and confidently for those early “practice trips” that ease you into bigger adventures.

Start With the Basics

These essentials keep any outing running smoothly:

  • Snacks your child actually will eat

  • A refillable water bottle

  • A change of clothes (bonus: toss in an extra shirt for you!)

  • Wipes + hand sanitizer

  • A small first-aid kit (band-aids, meds, motion-support items)

Keeping these in a ready-to-go bag saves mental energy and makes spontaneous practice easier.

Comfort Items Matter More Than You Think

Comfort supports regulation—and a regulated child travels better. Pack:

  • A favorite stuffed animal, fidget, or sensory toy

  • Noise-canceling headphones

  • A familiar blanket or small pillow

  • A charged iPad/phone with downloaded apps, music, or shows

If it helps at home, it will help on the go.

Visuals and Tools to Support Transitions

Predictability is powerful. These can make transitions smoother:

  • A portable visual schedule

  • A small timer

  • Social stories (printed or digital)

  • Sunglasses or a hat for sensory-friendly outings

These simple tools help your child navigate new spaces with more confidence.

Keep Meals Predictable

Food stress can derail a good day fast. To help:

  • Bring a “safe food” kit

  • Pack a lunchbox even for short trips

  • Carry utensils your child prefers

  • Keep a backup snack for yourself (regulated parent = regulated adventure)

Familiar foods create a sense of safety.

Pack for You, Too

Caregivers deserve comfort just as much:

  • A light jacket or layer

  • Portable charger

  • Water + snacks

  • A reminder that you’re doing an amazing job

Your comfort affects the entire tone of the trip.

Leave Room for Learning

Practice trips aren’t about perfection—they’re about gathering information. With each outing, you’ll learn:

  • What you actually use

  • What you don’t need to bring next time

  • What helps your child feel grounded

  • What helps you feel confident

Every little adventure is data. And every bit of data helps guide you toward bigger trips with less overwhelm.