Packing a bag for your family can feel like a puzzle that changes with every outing. One day you need snacks and wipes for the playground; another day you need a full change of clothes and travel documents. And when an emergency strikes, having the right supplies ready to grab can make a stressful situation more manageable. A well-thought-out family go bag pulls together the essentials for daily trips, longer travel, and unexpected events, all while keeping children’s safety at the center.
Building an Emergency Go-Bag for Your Family
Ready.gov’s disaster supply kit checklist is a practical starting point for any family go bag. The agency recommends storing items in airtight plastic bags and placing everything in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A basic kit, according to Ready.gov, should include one gallon of water per person per day for several days, a several-day supply of non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a whistle to signal for help, a dust mask, plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape for sheltering in place, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation, a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, a manual can opener, local maps, and a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
For families with babies and young children, Ready.gov suggests adding infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream. The agency also recommends including books, games, puzzles, or other activities to keep children occupied. Prescription medications, non-prescription pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and prescription eyeglasses or contact lens solution are on the additional supplies list. Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes help with hygiene, while a complete change of clothing and sturdy shoes for each person prepare you for different weather. Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies and identification, should be saved electronically or stored in a waterproof, portable container.
Ready.gov’s Ready Kids program encourages the whole family to participate in preparedness. The site offers games, activities, and resources that help children understand what to do before, during, and after a disaster. Involving kids in packing their own small bag of comfort items or helping to check expiration dates can build their confidence without adding fear. For more on creating family checklists that everyone can follow, see our Family Checklists section.
Packing for Travel with Little Ones
When you are flying or going through security checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules that make traveling with children smoother. According to the TSA, formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food, including puree pouches, are allowed in carry-on bags in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). These items are considered medically necessary liquids, so they do not need to fit inside a quart-sized bag. Cooling accessories such as ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs and liquid-filled teethers are also allowed in carry-ons.
The TSA advises parents to remove these items from carry-on luggage for separate screening at the checkpoint. Officers may screen liquids for explosives, but the process will not involve placing anything into the liquid. If you prefer that your items not be X-rayed or opened, you can notify the TSA officer, and additional screening procedures will be used. Using clear, translucent bottles when possible can speed up the process. For more on navigating airports with children, read our Travel with Children guide.
Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening, the TSA notes. Strollers, car seats, and baby carriers must be placed on the X-ray belt; if equipment is too large to fit, a TSA officer will perform a visual and physical inspection. Infants should be removed from strollers and carried through the walk-through metal detector. The TSA states that children will not be separated from their parent or guardian during the process, and modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the need for a pat-down.
Child Safety Inside Every Bag
Bags that travel with families, whether a diaper bag, a carry-on, or an emergency kit, can contain hidden hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that button cell or coin batteries pose a serious risk to young children. The CPSC advises keeping products with accessible batteries away from children if the battery compartments do not have a screw closure or if the compartment is damaged. Parents should check toys and other items to make sure battery compartments are secured, and they should not allow children to play with or handle button batteries.
The National Capital Poison Center reports that more than 3,500 people of all ages swallow button batteries each year in the United States, and an estimated 3,000 to 8,000 people worldwide have serious complications or die from ingested batteries. A battery stuck in the esophagus can cause severe tissue damage in as little as two hours. If a battery is swallowed, the Poison Center says to immediately call the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666 or a poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Do not induce vomiting, and other than honey, do not eat or drink until an x-ray shows the battery is beyond the esophagus. If the battery was swallowed within the prior 12 hours and the child can swallow, the Poison Center suggests giving two teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes while heading to the emergency room, but without delaying the trip.
Medications require the same level of caution. The CPSC recommends keeping all medicines, including over-the-counter products, in a locked cabinet or box and out of a child’s sight and reach. Medicines should stay in their original child-resistant containers and never be transferred to unsecured containers. Unused or expired medications should be properly discarded. When packing a family bag, store any medicines in a separate, secure pouch that a child cannot open. For everyday outings, our Family Outings page offers ideas for organizing supplies so that safety items are always easy to grab but out of little hands.
Keeping Bags Ready and Up to Date
Ready.gov emphasizes that an emergency kit needs regular maintenance. Canned food should be kept in a cool, dry place, and boxed food should be stored in tightly closed plastic or metal containers. Expired items should be replaced as needed, and the agency suggests re-thinking your family’s needs every year and updating the kit accordingly. The same habit works for travel and outing bags: swap out outgrown clothes, refresh snacks, and check that first aid supplies are still sealed and current.
Ready.gov also recommends storing kits in multiple locations: at home in a designated spot that all family members know, at work in a “grab and go” case with at least 24 hours of supplies, and in the car in case you become stranded. For families, a smaller version of the go bag can live in the trunk, while a pared-down diaper bag or backpack handles daily trips. The right containers and organizers make a big difference; explore our Organization Products section and the pillar article Family Organization Products: What Actually Helps for systems that keep everything accessible.
When you are packing for a child with specific medical needs, always follow the guidance of your pediatrician. The sources here provide general safety information, but every child is different. If you have questions about medications, allergies, or special equipment, ask your child’s doctor before assembling a go bag.
Frequently asked questions
What should I put in a family go bag for a baby?
Ready.gov’s additional emergency supplies list includes infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream. For travel, the TSA allows formula, breast milk, and baby food in quantities over 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags. Always include a change of clothes, a blanket, and any prescription medications your baby needs, stored securely according to CPSC guidelines.
How do I keep button batteries safe in a family bag?
The CPSC advises keeping products with accessible batteries away from children unless the battery compartment has a screw closure and is undamaged. Check toys and devices before packing them, and never let children handle loose button batteries. If a battery is swallowed, call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, as the National Capital Poison Center instructs.
Can I bring ice packs for breast milk through airport security?
Yes. According to the TSA, ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs and liquid-filled teethers are allowed in carry-on bags. These cooling accessories should be removed from your bag for separate screening. Partially frozen or slushy items are subject to the same screening as other liquids.
For more ideas on organizing family bags, visit our Bags and Everyday Carry category.
