How to Pack Your Kids for a Cruise

“Travel not to escape life, but so life doesn’t escape you.”

It’s no secret that we are going on a cruise at the end of this summer. You can read all about how I surprised my hubby with this gift for his 40th birthday here. This will be our first big vacation with the kids and we couldn’t be more excited. Of course I am already planning our attire, especially since we will have to pack as light as possible due to baggage restraints.

My husband and I spent a month traveling through Europe before kids, so this is a whole new ball game. But I do have a pretty good idea how to pack light, yet still have plenty of options for outfits so it doesn’t seem like you are wearing the same thing every day.

First, start off with a color palate. I choose 3 main colors and 2 accent colors. This way everything you bring you can mix & match and wear in many different ways. Once you have your main colors you can decide how many items of each you need to bring. Obviously if you are headed to the Caribbean you may only need one pair of pants, but if you are headed to Alaska you may need 2-3 pairs of pants and only 1 pair of shorts for the pool. Think minimally but also don’t be afraid to mix patterns within your color scheme.

Next, make sure everything is comfortable. Yes, looking cute is important, but especially with kids they will not wear something if it is itchy, too tight or hard to put on. Try to choose fabrics that are light weight and can be layered for different weather. This goes for shoes too, they may look cute, but will your kids be able to wear them all day if you are out exploring? Ideally, each child should have a maximum of 3 pairs of shoes; a good tennis/walking shoe, a sandal and possibly a dressier shoe. Have them wear the shoes before you go to make sure they don’t complain about them!!

Lastly, does it pack well? You know what I mean, will it take up a ton of room in your suitcase? Or will it compact nicely if you have to stuff it in a shoe? Bonus points if it doesn’t get wrinkled!

These were all questions that I asked myself and realized I had all my answers when I looked at the outfits from Janie and Jack and their summertime collection. This company just stands out to me when it comes to children’s attire. Their clothing line offers head to toe looks that turn life’s smallest moments into treasures. Even if you are not headed on a cruise, these new summer looks are perfect for any fun in the sun.

I had the opportunity to select two outfits from head to toe for both kids and I had such a hard time deciding what to pick. I knew I couldn’t go wrong with anything I chose because all the clothes hit my three requirements for our trip; matching color palates for boys and girls, super comfortable (and stylish) and easy to pack up.

For our Rosie girl we decided to go with the button ponte pant matched with the super sweet striped sateen top. For cooler weather we can layer it with the quilted jacket, that has the cutest button and pocket details. For the finishing touches we chose the scalloped bow headband and the scalloped flat.

For our Colton boy we picked a simple but super soft anchor knit short with their boat essentials tee. To layer if he gets cold the hooded striped anorak jacket is perfect. To finish off the look we picked the linen blend boat shoe and of course the “captain” hat.

Janie and Jack even has “A Summer to Treasure” sweepstakes for the chance to win over $700 in getaway essentials from Janie & Jack, Polaroid, Aveeno Baby, Annie’s Homegrown and Crane & Canopy. Sweepstakes runs until 7-19-17. Head over to enter to win!

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These clothes were gifted to me, but as ALWAYS, all opinions are MY OWN!;)