Baby and Kids
Paris Packing List for Girls: What to Wear in the Spring
Paris is always a good idea, and a Paris trip in the spring with my 5 year-old sounded like the best idea ever. I’ve never been to Paris this time of year and can’t wait to see my favorite city in the spring. We’re traveling to Paris to see the ERAS tour. It’s a place we’ve talked about visiting for years, and she loves Taylor Swift. I had so much fun choosing her Paris outfits which were all approved by Margot, and over the last week, realized I should figure out my Paris outfits, too. I really embraced French fashion for this trip. To ensure she’s fully prepared for this magical adventure, let’s curate a comprehensive packing list tailored just for her.
Paris Packing List for Girls: What to Wear in the Spring
One of the highlights of visiting Paris with a young child is exploring its world-famous landmarks. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, these iconic sights are sure to capture their imagination. Explore the whimsical gardens of Luxembourg or the Tuileries, where playgrounds, carousels, and little boats await young adventurers. And don’t forget to indulge in Parisian treats like croissants, macarons, and hot chocolate at cafés and patisseries scattered throughout the city.
Navigating Paris with a 5-year-old seems like it will be surprisingly easy. I’ve been to Paris 3 times, so I feel comfortable there. And to make things more comfortable for her, I’m bringing a travel stroller. Paris has an efficient public transportation system and pedestrian-friendly streets. Whether you’re hopping on the metro, taking a leisurely stroll along the Seine, or hopping aboard a charming carousel in a picturesque square, getting around the city is part of the adventure. I can’t wait to walk the streets of Paris with my tiny best friend. Or one of them, really. I have 3 kids, after all.
Here’s the ultimate Paris packing list for little girls.
Packing Tip:
Always (always) bring at least one outfit, a pair of pajamas, and everything you need for a day or two in your carry-on bag. This is essential in the event that your luggage is lost or delayed.
The Outfits
Dressing a 5-year-old girl for springtime in Paris requires a balance of style, comfort, and practicality to ensure she’s ready for all the adventures the city has to offer. With the weather transitioning from cool mornings to mild afternoons, versatility is key when selecting her wardrobe. Be sure to look at the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Embrace Parisian fashion and have some fun with it! Opt for lightweight layers in a neutral color palette that can be easily mixed and matched. I have visited the city of lights in the fall and summer, and encountered some chilly and rainy days while I was there. Summer was surprisingly cold and rainy, so always be prepared.
Packing cubes are the best way to organize outfits by type. Keep outfits in one packing cube and pajamas in another.
Paris Packing List for Girls
Start with a selection of lightweight and breathable clothing pieces that can be layered for comfort and adaptability. Dresses in soft fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect for warmer days, allowing her to stay cool while exploring the city’s enchanting streets and parks. Opt for fun prints and vibrant colors that reflect the joyful spirit of spring.
Opt for versatile pieces that can easily transition from day to night. For example, a cute sundress paired with leggings and a denim jacket can be dressed up with ballet flats for a daytime outing or dressed down with sneakers for a casual dinner.
Dresses: Pack a selection of dresses in comfortable fabrics for warmer days. I had some fun with this one and included a classic little black dress. Had to.
Cardigans: Cardigans and sweaters are a great layering piece for chilly days and nights, and are easy to carry around with you without taking up too much space. Choose a light sweater or two in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched with various outfits.
T-shirts and Tops: Choose a variety of tops that can be paired with skirts, shorts, or jeans. Don’t forget some long sleeve tees for chilly days.
Pants: Versatile and comfortable pants are perfect for exploring the city and will keep legs warm on chilly days. We’ll be in Paris for 4 full days, and are bringing 2 pairs of pants, plus leggings.
Leggings: Pair her dresses with leggings or lightweight tights to provide warmth on cooler mornings or evenings. Leggings also offer flexibility and protection for her knees as she kneels down to explore Parisian gardens or play in the parks.
Jackets: Pack a light jacket like a light jacket, trench coat, or light wool coat.
Comfortable Footwear
Paris is a city made for walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Choose sturdy yet stylish shoes that provide support and stability, such as sneakers or comfortable sandals. Closed-toe shoes are preferable to protect her feet from uneven terrain and unexpected weather. If you buy new shoes for the trip, be sure she wears them before her first day in the city so they’ll already be broken in.
Sneakers: A comfortable pair of sneakers will keep her feet happy during sightseeing adventures.
Mary Janes: Bring a pair of shoes for evening. We are bringing Mary Janes for dinner and when she wants to dress up a little bit.
Accessories
Accessories add the finishing touches to her ensemble while also providing practical benefits. A sunhat will shield her from the sun’s rays during outdoor activities, while sunglasses will protect her eyes and add a touch of glamour to her look. Lightweight scarves can be layered for warmth or used as a stylish accessory to elevate her outfits.
Sunglasses: Protect her eyes and add a dash of glamour with a pair of sunglasses.
Bag: A travel backpack, fanny pack, or crossbody bag essentials and keep her hands free while exploring.
Rain Gear: Spring showers are common in Paris, so be prepared with rain gear to keep your little one dry and comfortable. A compact umbrella featuring her favorite characters or patterns adds a playful touch, while a waterproof jacket with a hood provides protection from the elements.
Essential Travel Document
All children, including infants, must have their own Passport to enter the U.S If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they will need a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say that the other parent acknowledges that you are traveling outside of the country with your child, and ideally signed by both parents. Don’t forget a copy of their birth certificate showing that you are the parent.
Travel Essentials
When packing for a trip to Paris, certain travel essentials ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience amidst the city’s charm and unpredictability. Here are indispensable items to include in your travel kit.
Travel-sized Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash: Compact and convenient, travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are essential for maintaining cleanliness and freshness throughout your Parisian adventures. Opt for products with gentle formulas to cater to varying skin and hair types, ensuring everyone feels rejuvenated after a day of exploration.
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Dental Floss: Maintain oral hygiene with a compact toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Keeping your smile bright and healthy is essential, especially when indulging in delicious Parisian delicacies. These items are compact and easy to pack, ensuring you’re always prepared for a refreshing oral care routine.
Hair brush: Tame unruly locks and keep hair looking neat with a lightweight hairbrush. Whether you’re exploring cobblestone streets or enjoying a breezy boat ride along the Seine, a hairbrush ensures everyone’s locks stay tidy and presentable throughout the day.
Sunscreen: Shield delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays with a high SPF sunscreen. Parisian springtime can bring unexpected sunshine, making sunscreen a crucial addition to your travel essentials. Protect your skin and enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about sunburn or skin damage.
Hand Sanitizer: Stay germ-free while navigating bustling Parisian streets with hand sanitizer. Compact and portable, hand sanitizer provides on-the-go hygiene, offering peace of mind during your travels.
A Good Umbrella: Be prepared for Parisian showers with a sturdy umbrella that fits in your backpack. Compact yet reliable, a good umbrella ensures you stay dry and comfortable while exploring the city, even amidst unexpected rainfall.
Entertainment and Activities
Travel entertainment for five-year-olds should be engaging, educational, and, most importantly, fun! One option is interactive storytelling, where parents or guardians narrate tales tailored to the child’s interests, incorporating their favorite characters or themes. This not only entertains but also stimulates their imagination during the journey. Keep her entertained during downtime with a selection of activities and entertainment options.
Coloring books and gel pens: This is all my girls need to be entertained. They can draw and write all day. Encourage her creativity with coloring books featuring Parisian landmarks or scenes.
Books: Pack a few of her favorite books or introduce her to stories set in Paris to spark her imagination.
Travel journal: Inspire her to document her adventures with a travel journal where she can write, draw, or paste mementos like tickets or postcards.
iPad (for the flight): For a tech-savvy option, educational apps or games on a tablet can provide entertainment while also offering learning opportunities. There are plenty of age-appropriate apps designed to teach basic math, language skills, and problem-solving in an engaging way. Audio books or podcasts designed for children can also be a great way to pass the time during travel. Whether it’s a classic fairy tale or an educational podcast about animals or science, listening to stories or informative content can keep them entertained while stimulating their curiosity.
Ooly
Glitter Gel Pens
Mini Notebooks
Snacks and Refreshments
Exploring Paris can work up quite an appetite, so be sure to pack some snacks and refreshments to keep her energized between meals. I’m going to pick up some bananas since they’re a favorite and are easy to keep on our hotel room. I’ll also bring a few favorite bars and snacks to keep with us when we’re on the go. And don’t forget a reusable water bottle.
Emergency Essentials
While it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any emergencies, it’s always best to be prepared. Pack a small first aid kit with essentials. I’m bringing a mini first-aid kit, emergency contact card, and Motrin, just in case. Know where you’ll need to go in the event of an emergency. While it’s unlikely, it’s best to have a plan.
Make sure your child knows what to do in the event that they get lost. Make sure they know both parent’s phone numbers, and the name and address of your hotel.
Optional Extras
Depending on your little girl’s interests and preferences, you may want to include some optional extras to enhance her Parisian experience:
Camera: Let her capture her favorite moments with a child-friendly camera or disposable camera. She has a Fuji, but I am surprising her with this one since you can see the photo before deciding to print. You can also send photos to your cell phone, or from your cell phone to print!
Travel guidebook or map: Choose a kid-friendly travel guidebook featuring fun facts, activities, and recommendations for exploring Paris with children.
Souvenir money: Give her a small amount of money to spend on souvenirs like postcards, keychains, or trinkets from her favorite sights.
Above all, encourage your daughter to express her personal style and individuality through her clothing choices. Whether she prefers playful prints, bold colors, or classic silhouettes, let her personality shine through her outfits as she explores the streets of Paris in the springtime.
Dressing a 5-year-old girl for springtime in Paris is all about creating a versatile and comfortable wardrobe. It should allow her to fully enjoy all the magic and adventures that the City of Light has to offer. With the right clothing and accessories, she’ll be ready to explore Paris in style and make unforgettable memories along the way. With this comprehensive packing list, your little girl will be fully prepared to embark on a springtime adventure in Paris.
From exploring iconic landmarks to indulging in delicious French pastries, her Parisian experience is sure to be filled with joy, discovery, and unforgettable memories that she’ll cherish for a lifetime. Bon voyage!
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