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Last Updated on June 15, 2021 by Natalie

Our first international trip with kids came when set out to go house hunting in Mexico. Once the plans were made, I started packing. It was our first international trip with kids and my very first trip there. I was worried about forgetting something. Which I did, but more on that later! Let’s get on with what to pack when traveling to Mexico with kids.

What to pack for Mexico?

I wondered what to bring when traveling to Mexico. It was suggested to bring layers, because it can and does get chilly in the mountains of central Mexico. We were house hunting and beginning our adventures as an expat family!

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Packing for Mexico trip: carry-on only

My husband recently traveled to Mexico with only carry-on luggage. He suggested we do carry-on only for our family trip, as well. I’d already planned to do that, so it’s nice to be on the same page! I also decided to invest in packing cubes. I’m packing for 3 people and that seemed like the easiest way to keep things organized. My husband uses space storage bags.

How I pack

First, I do laundry.

Then, I do more laundry.

Inevitably, something important will be missed and I’ll do even more laundry. This is  just for me and the kids. My husband has his own packing ritual and often does his own laundry.

Since we are heading to a warmer destination, shorts and t-shirts are the first thing in the packing cubes. However, since its also in the mountains, the nights and early mornings are surprisingly cold.  Everyone says, “wear layers!”

I thought I was done packing, but my backpack feels way too heavy! I started going through my clothing to see what I could eliminate.  The kids have just the right amount of items, but I could probably pare down what I’m bringing. Until it turns out that I can’t.  Since this isn’t exactly a vacation, I have to have enough clothes for no repeats.

 

What really happened

The packing cubes were a huge success*. Each child had their own cube and that kept things pretty neat and easy for me. I actually used the drawers in our hotel room!  The kids have one outfit for each day and it was easy to pull out everything they needed without making a mess.

However, the cubes wouldn’t all fit into my backpack. Luckily, my husband had plenty of room in his backpack for both cubes for the kids. His space saver bags are a much better option in a backpack than are the packing cubes!

I also didn’t pack quite enough clothes for myself and had to wear repeats. It isn’t the end of the world, but I wish I’d had one additional outfit or been able to do laundry.

*After many international trips, I’ve found regular packing cubes just don’t work for us when trying to fly carry on only. While I still often use 1-2 of the smaller bags, I now always use a space saver bag for my clothing. Since the kids are no longer toddlers, their clothes are larger, too.

Travel necessities for kids

I brought some first aid items because we have children. Those things included children’s ibuprofen (which I ended using on the plane because my daughter had a fever), anti-itch cream in case of bug bites, hello kitty band-aids, and Vaseline. I also brought snacks. I had planned to bring their tablets and we forgot them. Always charge and pack those the night before. Don’t be like us!

I also brought two baby carriers (actually I brought toddler sized carriers), which were perfect for traveling. My daughter slept through most of our Houston Airport layover in a carrier on my husband’s back. We also used them a lot while house hunting and sightseeing in Queretaro.

Normally, I pack some extra toys. I didn’t do that this time and I ended up buying an off-brand lego airplane for my son to assemble during the layover.

Packing for Mexico vacation with kids

I like to bring a small first aid kit when I travel with my kids. Why? Even though you can get medicine for kids here in Mexico (and other countries), there are three reasons I prefer to bring ours from the USA. First, I often need it during a time it’s a little more difficult to go out. There have been several times I’ve been on an airplane with a kid who is miserable from a fever that came out of nowhere. The other time we tend to have fevers are at night. I don’t like to go out at 2 am looking for medicine. It doesn’t matter if I’m in Ohio or Mexico.

Second, and perhaps more important with babies and toddlers, I want to make sure I have the dosing information correct. My Spanish reading skills are a lot better now, but if I’m unsure, I might mess up. I don’t ever want to give my children too much medicine because I misunderstood the directions.

Third, I prefer to give my children the dye-free version of medicines when available. I haven’t been able to find any in Mexico yet. Also, I prefer to use ibuprofen for fevers and I’ve traipsed through the Cabo airport unable to find it.

Here’s a list of the things to pack for Mexico:

• Children’s fever reducer (we use Children’s ibuprofen).
• Children’s Benedryl – just in case of a minor allergic reaction
• Anti itch cream – the mosquito bites can be brutally itchy
• Neosporin – for cuts and scrapes (while most resorts will have doctors and medical personnel on site to help with minor cuts and scrapes, seeing a doctor will also cost extra)
• Bandaids
• Pepto Bismul
• Eye drops
• Thermometer
• Ibuprofen for adults

Yes, I really do always travel with these items. We have gotten colds on 4 of our trips in 2 years, so it’s absolutely worth it to have everything with you when you need it. If you’re traveling to Mexico with a toddler, baby, or kids, I recommend traveling with your tried and true and pediatrician recommended remedies.

Mexico travel packing list for Central Mexico

If you’re planning to head to central Mexico with your family, you probably are heading to Mexico City or Queretaro areas. The climate is different than the weather in Cancun. In the winter, it can get cold. While both rarely hit freezing temperatures, cold, dry air just feels cold. The coldest months in Mexico City and Queretaro are December and January. November and February are also cold. In these months, it is a great idea to wear layers. It can get up to 80° F (26.6° C) during the day, but when nights falls, so does the temperature. In the coldest months, visitors are likely to need a jacket in the evenings.

April and May are the hottest months in Queretaro and Mexico City. It’s a lovely, dry heat. Shorts and dresses are excellent options for this weather.

Electronics

• Phone
• Phone charger & cable
• Portable charger
• Tablet(s)
• Tablet charger
• Laptop
• Laptop charger
• Camera
• Camera accessories
• Headphones

Personal Items

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Face wash
• Lotion
• Makeup
• Makeup remover
• Body wash
• Menstrual cup (or other)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Hair gel/mousse
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Nail file and nail clippers
• Dental Floss
• Contact cases and solution
• Hair clips and ties

First Aid/Medicines Kids

• Children’s fever reducer
• Children’s Benedryl
• Anti-itch cream
• Neosporin
• Bandaids
• Thermometer
• Eye drops

First Aid/Medicines Adults

• Ibuprofen
• Pepto-Bismol
• Eye drops
• Immodium
• Medications
• Antibacterial wipes
• Antibacterial gel

Clothing

• Shorts
• Skirts
• Tops
• Dresses
• Pants
• Sweater/Sweatshirt
• Swimsuit
• Rash guard
• Swimsuit cover up
• Pajamas
• Walking shoes
• Hiking shoes
• Underwear
• Socks

Outdoor Basics

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Aloe

Miscellaneous

• Ear Plugs
• Travel games

Documents

• Passports
• License
• Health insurance card
• Travel insurance documents
• Hotel reservation information
• Car rental documents
• Your itinerary
• Ink pen

Security

• Anti theft backpack
• Anti theft purse
• Travel scarf
• Travel safe

What did I forget?

My toothbrush. I also left one pair of my daughter’s shoes in the hotel room. Oops.

Do you have feedback on what to pack for Mexico with kids? My best feedback comes from readers like you! Please leave a comment.

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