I think you’ll agree that vacationing with short-term rentals like AirBnB is pretty much a slam-dunk for families: They’re usually cheaper than reserving multiple hotel rooms. You can find AirBnBs with enough bedrooms for the whole family. And all the conveniences of staying at a house makes family vacations easier. But what to pack when staying at an AirBnB can leave you confused—or worse, frustrated when you start your vacation and don’t have what you need.

I’ve been there: We usually stay at short-term rentals like AirBnB on family vacations. And I’ve also started a family trip in a huff because we didn’t pack the family essentials the kids and I needed to have a comfortable stay at an AirBnB.

Because I’ve been there, done that, I’m able to share these AirBnB packing tips for families. By knowing what to pack on a family vacation, you’ll be confident you brought everything you need—and didn’t forget anything.

Even better, you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation knowing you have everything to relax, explore, play and make lasting memories as a family.

AirBnB packing tips for families on vacation

When you go on vacation, you don’t want to worry about dawn light waking up your kids at 5:30am or your curious crawler sticking her finger in an uncovered electrical outlet. You just want to soak up the family time—because that’s what vacations are all about.

To take some of the stress out of packing for a family vacation, I put together this list of AirBnB packing tips for families. So just take what you need, leave the rest, and enjoy your trip!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a few cents when you click and buy—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

AirBnB packing tips for the kitchen

• Sippy cups. Our kids still drink out of sippy cups most of the time, but I’ve yet to stay at an AirBnB that has them stocked. BYOSC! (Bring Your Own Sippy Cup!)
• Kids’ silverware. When my younger daughter was born, the first thing the nurse said was, “Wow, she sure has big hands!” Nevertheless, she uses kid utensils (I love this set of kids’ silverware), so we bring ours from home.

Level 10 travel tip: For some reason, my kids won’t use regular silverware—but will use the disposable ones you get with takeout. So if you forget your kids’ silverware, grab a few extra plastic spoons and forks from a restaurant or fast food joint.

• Favorite foods. 100% of the time, we bring food staples I absolutely know the kids will eat. In our family, that means we bring bananas, peanut butter, cereal and macaroni and cheese. That way I know the kids won’t starve. #parentingwin
  (If you need more tips for picky eaters, read my post on getting kids to eat on vacation!)
• Essential condiments. Does your kid put ketchup on everything? Bring a bottle. The AirBnB will have a kitchen, but it might not have cooking basics, including ketchup.
• Travel high chair. If your kids still need help reaching the table, consider buying and packing a travel high chair that’s easy to transport and install.

AirBnB packing tips for the bathroom

The bathroom is one spot where we’re super picky: Our family doesn’t use many conventional bath products because I’m wary of the chemicals. We all have super-sensitive skin, too, which makes these bath essentials to pack for an AirBnB so crucial for my family.

• Baby shampoo. The shampoo and soap AirBnB hosts provide may be harsher than your kids are used to, so bring their usual toiletries to avoid irritated skin.
• Bath toys. We bring a couple of bath toys to make bath time more like home—and to avoid any bathing strikes.
• Baby tub. If your baby is still using a baby tub, consider bringing yours. When my kids were tiny, we used and loved this insanely compact travel baby tub—it folds flat, and you can use it to bathe your munchkin in the sink!

Level 10 travel tip: Even if your kids don’t use a baby tub, they could slip on the AirBnB tub (which might be more slick than they’re used to, especially since it was cleaned right before you arrived). Hack a no-slip bath mat by putting a towel on the bottom of the tub. It’ll be comfortable and slip-free.

AirBnB packing tips for the bedroom

Ah, peaceful sleep! Right? Or not? Well, your kids are approximately a zillion times more likely to sleep well on vacation if you’ve packed what they need for a good night’s sleep. (Or to totally goof off on a new bed—I’m looking at you, Maxine!!!)

Add these to your AirBnB packing list for a family vacation:

• White noise machine. The gentle whooshing sound a noise machine makes will mask unfamiliar sounds that could wake your kids. (We have used this white noise machine for more than 5 years and I love it!)
• Lovey and blankie. Bringing your child’s security blanket or favorite stuffed animal will make her feel at home and safe.
• Sheets and pillowcase. If your kids have allergies or skin sensitivities, bring bedding from home and make the bed or pack n play when you arrive. That way you don’t risk them having a reaction to the detergent the home owner uses.
• Tin foil. Covering the windows in your kids’ bedroom blacks out all sunlight—and helps them sleep in on vacation.
• Baby monitor. Especially if your kids are babies or toddlers, bring a video baby monitor so you can make sure they’re ok, even if you’re on a different floor. (If you don’t use a video monitor at home, you can buy this great budget sound-only baby monitor—that’s what we did, and now we bring this monitor with us when we travel.)
• Pack n play. If your little one still sleeps in a crib, bring a pack n play—or at least ask to ensure the AirBnB has one. (Many do.)

If you want even more ways to get some shut eye, read my post with mom-tested and pediatric sleep expert-approved ways to get your kids to sleep on vacation.

More AirBnB packing tips

There are other bits and bobs you’ll want to add to an AirBnB packing list for family vacations. Here are the ones we don’t leave home without.

• Laundry detergent. My kids have eczema and skin sensitivities, so we bring a laundry pod or sample of hypoallergenic laundry detergent (like the samples we get from our pediatrician’s office) for the kids’ laundry at the AirBnB.
• Cabinet locks. Bringing easy-to-install cabinet locks (like these ones, which you can put on and take off in seconds) can give you peace of mind—and protect curious crawlers—from getting into kitchen or bathroom cabinets that may contain cleaning equipment or garbage cans.
• Plug outlet covers. For the same reason, small and easily packable outlet covers are an easy fix to quickly childproof an AirBnB.
• Painter’s tape. You can use this to tape up the tin foil on bedroom windows (see above), tape drapery cords out of reach and even cover automatic flush sensors when you’re out exploring on your family vacation.
• Toys. We always pack a small bag of toys that can be used in multiple ways so the kids won’t get bored with them as quickly. Some of our go-to toys to pack on vacation: blocks, watercolor paints, bristle blocks, stickers, toy cars, dolls, and play dough.
• A changing pad. If your kids are still in diapers, bring a changing pad (or at least a towel you don’t care about so you don’t accidentally stain the home’s linens).

If you came to this post wondering what to bring to an AirBnB with kids, I’m certain you now have a better idea of what to pack! With these AirBnB packing tips for families, you’ll be able to vacation without stressing about what to bring. Never forget the essentials for kids again—and don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll be able to find it before your next family vacation!