What to pack for London with kids in the Spring
Wondering what to pack to for London with kids in the Spring? I have got you covered with a complete packing list for the family and a few tips on what you can easily buy/rent in London to save on luggage space.
visiting London in spring
The weather in London during Spring time can vary wildly between 45° to 65°F. It can bounce between “I can’t believe I’m still wearing a winter coat” scenario to “I can’t believe it’s so warm out, I have nothing to wear” 😜.
London in the Spring is a wonderful time to visit. The magnolias and cherry blossoms start to bloom in early March. Londoners moods are vastly improved and my favorite London scene of big groups of people standing outside pubs with pints in hand start to emerge throughout the city.
For a family visiting London during Spring, it means you will be able to experience more of the capital whether it is being to take advantage of the outdoor spaces like playgrounds and food markets or walk more to take in the sights.
pack the essentials
Packing the essentials for a family trip to London might look a little different for some but this list has served me well from when we travelled abroad with the girls when they were babies to now. I now have it all packed in one bag for our trips so I can just grab and go. I am all for relieving that mental load.
- first aid travel kit – my kids love this fun Welly kit
- thermometer – I did not bring one to Florence and of course our youngest caught a fever. The hotel provided us with one but it was a mercury-in-glass thermometer which took us a while to figure out how to use. I’ve learned that lesson.
- kid’s ibuprofen or paracetamol – the popular brands in the UK are Nurofen (ibuprofen) and Calpol (paracetamol) and can be found at Boots, pharmacies or most mini supermarkets like Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s if you’re looking to buy in London.
- antihistamine – to help manage the hayfever and allergy symptoms. If you are in need of a trusted brand while in London, we use Piriton for the kids. It has served us well and is non-drowsy.
- sunscreen
What to wear in London in the Spring
Is it cold in London in Spring? It can be!
The temperature can vary wildly so you do not want to be caught in a chilly/rainy London underdressed. Pack layers for the family with t-shirts as base layers to cardigans/sweaters and a light jacket/raincoat. I am a big fan of sleeveless puffer vests for the kids like this one from Petit Bateau for its versatility.
Here is what to pack for the family for London in Spring time:
✔️ raincoats
✔️short & long sleeve tees
✔️cardigans/sweaters
✔️trousers/leggings/tights
✔️comfortable walking shoes
✔️extra socks in case the weather turns soggy
✔️undergarments
✔️sleeveless jackets
✔️hat
✔️sunglasses
electronics
There are a few electronics that will come in handy for your family travels. I will always have a quick charge magnetic power bank (no need for cords!) for my iPhone, which I rely on for navigating the city and for quick snapshots and videos. I also pack my Canon camera with the intention of printing better quality photos for our travel albums.
For the kids we pack their iPads and are considering adding the mini Yoto player into the mix for longer haul flights. Don’t forget the headphones!
Here is a list of the electronics that we usually travel with:
⚡️ Smartphone
⚡️ Universal travel adapter
⚡️ Magnetic Power Bank charger
⚡️ AirTag or Tile
⚡️ Camera
⚡️ iPads
⚡️ Wireless headphones
⚡️ Yoto mini
⚡️ INSTAX mini instant camera
Packing tips for babies & toddlers
It seems like only yesterday when diapers took up all the space in our luggage when we were packing for our first post lockdown family trip.
We are free from diapers now but for those traveling with babies or toddlers I recommend packing 2 days worth of diapers and purchasing the rest while you’re in London. They can be easily found in pharmacies, Boots and local supermarkets with a range of sizes.
car seat in London
There is no need to pack your child’s car seat for your trip to London unless you plan to drive to other parts of the UK. I do not recommend driving in the city. You can read the reasons why in this Getting Around London post.
If you plan to get around in London, Black Cabs or Ubers your child can legally travel in the vehicle or on your lap if under 3 without a car seat. You can refer to the UK child car seats law on this government website.
I know it can be a weird idea to wrap your head around. How does one keep the kid safe?! Keep in mind the average speed limit in Central London is under 15 mph. Cars are not driving fast in the city. I just make sure the kids are always wearing a seat belt.
stroller / buggy
If you are traveling to London with a baby or toddler you will need a stroller. Not only will it come in handy when experiencing the city and sights, it will also be a godsend when waiting in that dreaded customs line when going through the airport.
We used the GB travel stroller <LINK> collapsible enough to fit in the overhead cabin on a plane. It has been on countless trips with us, lived through two toddler aged kids and was even in a good enough condition for me to pass on to a friend.
We also used the GB travel stroller when out and about in central London sometimes because it was easier to fit in the buses and trains. It is very light so can be easily carried up and down the stairs if need be. I can highly recommend it.
Instead of bringing your own stroller to London, another option is to rent one. Tiny Explorers has a fleet of strollers to choose from which is helpful if you can find a brand or model you are used to. They also deliver to and pick up from your hotel/accommodation which is super convenient.
What to pack in the Carry On Bag
Before the girls were potty trained I would pack extra diapers, toys, toddler snacks, books and an extra change of clothes for the plane. I thought I had everything all covered until one of them had an explosive diaper situation that got all over my jeans!
Something similar happened to a friend of mine. Her kid threw up all over her as the plane was landing. As parents we are adept at making contingency plans for the kids but neglect to do it for ourselves. Take my advice, do not forget to pack an extra change of clothes for yourself in the carry on bag.
Other items to add in the carry on bag:
🎒 London-themed activity books like this one by Usborne or Peppa’s London Day Out
🎒 Small Lego set for them to build
🎒 Essentials like baby wipes or tissues
final thoughts: what to pack for London with kids
I love to pack for trips. I love anticipating the fun we’ll have in a destination as a family and the outfits that will match the occasion.
I hope this post on what to pack for London with kids in the Spring will do the same for you and alleviate any uncertainty. As long as you have a few good layers for potentially chilly weather, especially in the evenings, the rest (like an umbrella) you can pretty much sort out while in London.
Happy planning!
