air travel accessories for toddlers

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The Top Airplane and Car Toys for Toddlers on the Go

Whether you’re journeying across the state or across the country, traveling with little ones can be stressful—which is where airplane and car toys for toddlers come in handy. The right mix of gizmos and gadgets will do wonders for keeping kids entertained and well-behaved along the way. The best travel toys for toddlers are lightweight and mess-free, and can be easily packed into a carry-on bag or the backseat.

Need some suggestions? We’ve curated a list of our favorite toddler travel toys and trinkets that are almost guaranteed to get your next vacation started on the right note. Shop our top picks below.

Best Airplane Toys for Toddlers

There isn’t much wiggle room on airplanes, no matter which airline you fly. So, you’ll want to keep your kiddo’s entertainment a bit streamlined so you aren’t spending half the flight reaching under the seat in front of you for missing pieces. Below, we’ve included some fantastic airplane toy options for self-contained play.

Textured cube toy

• Shapes are attached so they can’t get lost
• Fosters fine motor skills
• Some reviewers say it’s a bit tricky to fit some shapes in

On the hunt for an airplane toy for toddlers? This dynamic cube will have you covered. The textured toy is full of sorting fun. Better yet, all six textured, rubbery shapes are tethered to the cube, so they won’t get lost along the way.

Age rating: 10+ months | Dimensions: 4.3" (L) x 4.3" (W) x 4.3" (H) | Weight: 12.2 oz.

Montessori travel toy for toddlers

• Made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone
• Can be hung from a stroller
• Lots of sensory options
• Best for younger toddlers

Keep your child engaged while you’re out and about with this fun travel toy for toddlers. The UFO-shaped design is full of textures, colors and shapes for your kiddo to explore. What’s more, as they grasp, hold and pull at this toy, they’ll develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Age rating: 18+ months | Dimensions: 8.3" (L) x 4.7" (W) x 4.7" (H) | Weight: 7 oz.

Foil scratch pictures for kids

• Mess-free way to draw and color
• Each pack comes with five printed art boards
• One-time use
• Wooden stylus isn’t attached
• Best suited for older tots and little kids

Searching for an airplane toy for toddlers who love arts and crafts? This two-pack of scratch-away foil pictures would be a great fit. Simply use the wooden stylus provided to reveal colorful scenes of doggies, dinos and more! And if your little one prefers sugar and spice, don’t worry: A sweet fairy bundle is available as well.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 7.5" (L) x 0.3" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 4 oz.

Screen-free audio player

Looking for travel-friendly entertainment that doesn’t involve screens? Turn to the Yoto Mini—a compact audio player designed with tots and kiddos in mind. While on the go, your little one can insert a content card, turn the large dials and listen to an array of best-selling audiobooks, music, children’s podcasts, radio and more. And—thanks to the audio jack—they can plug in their own headphones . Better yet, no WiFi is needed for it to operate and you can count on its all-day battery to withstand small and large outings alike.

Age rating: 4 to 12 years | Dimensions: 2.8" (L) x 1.6" (W) x 2.8" (H) | Weight: 4.5 oz.

Portable doodle board

• Mess-free way to draw
• Rubber clip for easy portability
• Pen is attached so it can’t get lost
• Requires a button-cell battery

Next up on our list of the best travel toys for toddlers is this portable doodle board. Your kiddo can draw to their heart’s content (without any of the mess!) while you’re out and about. When they’re ready to create a new masterpiece, simply press the character’s nose to erase the canvas. This excellent airplane toy comes in a cute ladybug shape, but there are several others to choose from as well (like a puppy or dinosaur ) and the rubber clip allows it to easily attach to backpacks or suitcases .

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 8.3" (L) x 5" (W) x 0.5" (H) | Weight: 6.4 oz.

Travel-friendly stuffed animal

• Various textures to inspire sensory play
• Clips on to car seats, strollers and more
• Lightweight design
• Intended for younger infants

Searching for a stuffed animal that will keep your kiddo entertained and comforted whether you’re on a roadtrip or a longhaul flight? Look no further than this friendly moose. The super-soft toy is made up of several textures and interactive elements for your little one to explore—like its satin, knotted legs, crinkly hooves and squeaker belly. Ensure it’s always within arm’s reach by clipping it to your tot’s car seat , travel stroller or even their airplane seatbelt.

Age rating: 0+ months | Dimensions: 11.5" (L) x 5.3" (W) x 2.8" (H) | Weight: 1 oz.

Water-based drawing pads

• Easy for even the youngest of tots to use
• Super lightweight
• Pen has a small fill opening
• Pages may take longer to dry if your child uses a lot of water

You can count on these reusable water activity pads to keep your tot entertained through long wait times at the airport gate. Your little artist can color in fun scenes and practice writing, counting and shape recognition without the stress of a potential mess. Just fill up the included water pen and let your child learn and explore!

Age rating: 3 to 5 years | Dimensions: 3.9" (L) x 7.3" (W) x 11" (H) | Weight: 0.8 oz.

Sensory travel toy for toddlers

• Inspires open-ended, sensory play
• Made of BPA-free, food-grade silicone
• Compact design
• Rubber may pick up hair and fuzz

The best airplane toys for toddlers are those that are simple, portable and provide endless fun. This sensory toy from Fat Brain Toys is no exception. Your little one will love popping the colorful, silicone bubbles, and you’ll love how easy it is to tote in your diaper bag or carry-on luggage.

Age rating: 10+ months | Dimensions: 5.5" (L) x 1" (W) x 5" (H) | Weight: 4.8 oz.

Magnetic drawing kit

• Comes with 25 double-sided activity cards
• Pen storage slot and carrying handle
• Suitable for toddlers and kids alike
• The plastic panel scratches easily, according to reviewers

One of the best entertainment options for travel are magnetic toys ] ( https://www.thebump.com/a/magnetic-toys-for-toddlers). .) Take this art kit, for instance. The dot art board comes with 25 double-sided activity boards that easily slide in behind the plastic panel. Then, your kiddo can use the magnetic pen to drag and drop colorful circles into place, allowing them to create an array of vibrant patterns and illustrations.

Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 9" (L) x 1.2" (W) x 9" (H) | Weight: N/A

Puffy sticker pack set

• Reusable stickers for endless fun
• Colorful, detailed backgrounds
• Carrying handle
• Stickers may pick up hair and fuzz

Your little explorer will love creating animal-filled adventure scenes with this travel toy for toddlers. The play set consists of 42 reusable puffy stickers and a fold-out, double-sided background of jungle and savannah landscapes. What’s more, the activity set has a handle so it can be transported by you or your toddler.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 8.2" (L) x 0.2" (W) x 11" (H) | Weight: 3.2 oz.

Best Car Toys for Toddlers

Car rides just aren’t a whole lot of fun for anyone, no matter the age. But while older kids can bring a book or a portable video game to stay entertained, little ones can struggle to keep busy, which often spells trouble. These car toys will stave off the boredom, even for the youngest set.

Imaginative magnetic play set

• Pieces can be stored in the tin for easy portability
• Inspires creative thinking
• Several themed sets available
• Best suited for older tots and kids
• Magnets have to be punched out before use

Engage your tot with imaginative play on the go, thanks to this portable play set. It includes two illustrated backgrounds and three sheets of magnets that your little one can mix and match to create fun, veterinarian-inspired scenes. Chef- , scientist- and space-themed magnet sets are also available.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 6.3" (L) x 1" (W) x 8.8" (H) | Weight: 13.5 oz.

Educational travel toy for toddlers

• Suitable for a wide range of ages
• Offers an array of activities in one set
• Teaches kids everyday skills
• According to some reviewers, the zippers break easily

Have a long travel day ahead? This 25-in-1 montessori toy is sure to keep your little one busy. The board features a variety of activities that will teach your child about everyday skills, like tying shoes and telling time as they play. The lightweight, compact design also easily folds closed and has a carrying handle—score!

Age rating: 1 to 6 years | Dimensions: 3.9" (L) x 0.8" (W) x 1" (H) | Weight: 9.9 oz.

Shape-sorting carrying case

• Bright colors stimulate younger tots
• Two-sided for added fun and learning
• Heavier than other options on our list
• Some say the shapes fall out of the holes at times

Is your tot fascinated by colors and shapes? Then this toddler travel toy is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. It comes with a convenient carrying case that doubles as a two-sided activity bag. Your child will love exploring the nine different shapes included and discovering the crinkly, illustrated flaps on the back.

Age rating: 9+ months | Dimensions: 13.5" (L) x 3.8" (W) x 9.8" (H) | Weight: 1.5 lbs.

Pretend play steering wheel

• Encourages imaginative play
• Includes a variety of interactive elements
• Bulky design
• Requires batteries

Beep beep! Have a mini backseat driver? Then your little one is bound to love this steering wheel toy for the car. Your toddler will have a ball imitating you while you’re driving—plus, they’ll learn about animals, vehicles, colors, numbers, opposites and more as they play.

Age rating: 6 months to 3 years | Dimensions: 10.8" (L) x 4.3" (W) x 4.7" (H) | Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Buckle toddler learning toy

• Nurtures fine motor skills
• Decorated with colors, numbers and shapes
• Suitable for toddlers of all ages
• Some reviewers say they wish the straps were longer

Some of the best car toys for toddler are those that seamlessly combine learning and entertainment—just like this plush turtle. Its shell features several colorful buckles for your little one to clip and unclip, strengthening their fine motor and color-matching skills on the go. This plush plaything even has a zipper on its back for your kiddo to store mini treasures and trinkets they find on their travels.

Age rating: 1 to 4 years | Dimensions: 7" (L) x 5" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 6 oz.

Kid-friendly camera

• Durable design
• Features a selfie function and games
• Comes with SD card
• Battery only lasts one to two hours

This adorable camera is a must-have for any tots who love to take pictures on their parents’ phones! Made with durable plastic, this colorful device takes real pictures, and comes with an SD card that can store thousands of photos. And when you arrive at your destination, your little photographer can continue exploring all the new sights through their very own lens.

Age rating: 3 to 10 years | Dimensions: N/A | Weight: 6.7 oz.

Lace-and-trace boards

• Parents say these keep their kids entertained for a long time
• Strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Encourages lacing practice
• Edges of the holes aren’t smooth, according to reviewers

Arts and crafts don’t have to be off limits just because you’re on the move. Case in point: These lace-and-trace boards. This set of car toys for toddlers includes five double-sided animals, color-coordinated laces and a storage box. While your kiddo practices their hand-eye coordination, they’ll be able to thread vibrant strings through several wooden pets, like a puppy and a goldfish. A farmyard-themed bundle is also available for extra fun!

Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 8.4" (L) x 1.2" (W) x 6.6" (H) | Weight: 9.6 oz.

Portable nursery play set

• Convenient carrying case doubles as a playset
• Great for young travelers who can’t read or draw
• Carrying case features a hole in the back

This sweet car toy for toddlers is perfect for kiddos who love imitating their parents. The set comes with mini twin dolls that your tot can feed, bounce and put down for naps. Then, when playtime (or the ride!) is over, simply zip up the pieces inside the convenient carrying case.

Age rating: 1 to 5 years | Dimensions: 12.3" (L) x 4.5" (W) x 9.9" (H) | Weight: 1.4 lbs.

How We Chose the Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

We get it—choosing the best toys for your little one isn’t always the easiest, especially with so many options out there. To simplify your search, we browsed dozens of toddler travel toys from leading brands and trusted online retailers, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. We considered several factors when sourcing playthings, including size, weight, age rating, quality and durability, ease of use and value. We also read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products have worked for families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here .

Plus, more from The Bump:

The 9 Best Travel Strollers for Stress-Free Trips

13 Best Toddler Suitcases of 2023

6 Best Travel Car Seats for Your Next Trip

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8 Best Accessories for Airplane Travel with Toddlers

By: Author Elizabeth Ciobanu

Posted on 08/25/2022

When flying on a plane with toddlers, the accessories you choose can lead to a peaceful trip or a nightmarish one.

This article will recommend some of the best accessories for toddlers when on a flight. I’ll also share some tips to help you and your baby enjoy a smooth plane ride.

Let’s get started!

1. Montessori Busy Board for Toddlers

The Montessori busy board for toddlers tops this list of the best airplane accessories for young ones.

The best thing about the board is that it boasts lots of activities that will keep your toddler engaged for a long while. They will love the color and shape pages especially.

2. Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection

Excess noise when flying affects kids and may later lead to hearing problems. You need to safeguard your kids’ ears, and Alpine Muffy ear protection will do just that.

The Alpine Muffy baby protection is safely designed and has no hard parts.

Worried about the sensitive skin of your toddler? This ear protection is made with hypoallergic material with no silicone so you don’t have to think twice about an unwanted allergic reaction thousands of feet up!

3. Lulyboo Toddler Car/Airplane Travel Activity Tray

Keep your young child engaged with this adorable activity tray from Lulyboo.

The airplane tray is convenient because its surface is firm; your child can draw, craft, or eat on it.

Additionally, this tray has many compartments where the little ones can keep their crayons and markers. It also has a see-through tablet and seven storage pockets.

I recommend the Lulyboo Toddler airplane activity tray for your next trip because it’s the perfect size for toddlers.

4. NTBAY Plush Flannel Baby Blanket

Travel blankets are a necessity not only for adults but also for kids.

The NTBAY plush flannel blanket is an excellent choice for sustainable and enjoyable air travel. It will offer your baby a cozy feeling of being home despite being many miles away.

Additionally, the NTBAY flannel blanket for toddlers is lightweight yet also warm, offering your kid the right sleep temperature whether it’s winter, summer, or autumn.

What I like most about this blanket is its versatility. Besides air travel, you can use it as a cuddle blanket at home.

6. Whiskware Star Wars Snack Containers

When traveling with kids, rule number one is not to forget the snacks.

Toddlers get hungry often, and the last thing you want to deal with is a hungry baby on a flight.

The Whiskware Star Wars snack containers have separate compartments that are perfect for storing different types of snacks.

This container is easy to twist and lock and has a good removable handle that makes it convenient to carry in your suitcase.

7. Blue Snail Changing Pad Cover for Toddlers

This list of the best air travel accessories for toddlers can’t be complete without a changing pad.

This is a must-have if you want your kid to be clean and comfortable during your flight.

The Bluensail Changing pad is made of cotton and it’s super soft for baby’s comfort. It is also elastic and flexible to cover a large surface.

The pad is also easy to clean since you can wipe it down fast. Once done, you can fold the cover and store it in a bag.

8. Tula Adjustable Baby Carrier

The Tula adjustable baby carrier offers multiple baby-carrying options that will come in handy during airplane travel. This baby carrier also boasts extra ventilation and enough breathability to keep your baby cool.

It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and adjustable. You can change the fit as the baby grows.

The generously padded shoulder straps provide neck and shoulder support. The waistband is also made to distribute the baby’s weight evenly.

Moreover, the leg openings are padded to ensure your baby is comfortable as you walk around the airport.

These carriers also feature an adjustable neck pillow to support the baby’s neck and head.

How To Choose a Travel Accessory For Your Toddler

This handy buying guide will help you select a good air travel accessory for your kid. You’ll be able to preserve their comfort and your sanity!

• Compactness: There are luggage limitations when flying; therefore, you need to carry items that save space. Bring toddler accessories that you can easily stow or fold away when space is limited.
• Independent Usability: Avoid bringing accessories that require your constant interaction or operation. Otherwise, your kid will be drained and exhausted, and so will you! For instance, if it’s a toy, ensure you pick one that allows your kid to take a meal break.
• Low Weight: Being the parent, you will inevitably carry your luggage and your child’s accessories. Be considerate of your back and pack lightweight accessories. Multi-use items in this case would be ideal because the kid will use them on the plane and on arrival.
• Avoid accessories that use batteries or require charging: Your trip can be messed up if your toddler’s toy runs out of power or its charging portal breaks. You will be safer if you carry toys that don’t need batteries or charging.
• Mess-free: You may frustrate the plane cleaners or crew if you carry accessories that mess up the plane. You could delay other flights as they clean up your mess. That’s why Play-Doh should be left at home.

Tips when flying with a toddler

Traveling with a toddler is admittedly challenging. Toddlers want to move around, but containing them on a plane is a must.

Here are some practical flying tips to help you on your travels.

Choose a Night Flight For Long-Distance Travel

Traveling with kids on long flights can be frustrating since the toddler stage is tricky. It’s best if you schedule a night flight so that you and the kids can sleep for the better part of the journey.

However, making the baby fall asleep on the plane may take time because it’s a different environment, and they may be anxious. Eventually, exhaustion will win out and they will sleep.

Carefully Choose Your Seat

Your choice of seat is so much more important with a toddler in tow.

If you are on a short flight, your baby may be okay in an aisle seat. The longer the fight, the more you need a window seat so your baby can look outside once in a while.

Know The Baggage Rules For Traveling With a Toddler

Traveling with toddlers demands that you carry plenty of accessories, as mentioned. Find out how much weight is allowed before packing your suitcases!

Keep The Toddler Comfortable

Finding a way to settle your little one when flying is important. Consider bringing comfort items like the NTBAY Plush Flannel Baby Blankets I recommended above to keep them warm and a travel pillow on which they can rest their neck.

Always Keep Your Toddler Buckled

Buckling your baby in their car seat or in the approved airline’s restraint is essential. In case of turbulence, they will be safe.

If you travel frequently, your child may be used to being restrained, and you won’t have a hard time. Otherwise, this will take some getting used to for your young child.

Traveling with toddlers doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right accessories, your experience and that of your child will be comfortable and pleasant, especially with the accessories I recommended!

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• Packing Lists

The Ultimate Packing List for Flying With Kids

From activity books to wipes galore, everything you need for your next flight with kids.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

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Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

The trick to flying with young kids? Careful preparation. Our writer has traveled the world with twins, and she knows that flying with children can be miserable if you don't bring the right items on board with you. But with the right tools, a flight with your youngsters is not just feasible but can even be fun. We've rounded up all the supplies you’ll need for feeding, cleaning, soothing, and entertaining little ones — plus transporting all that cargo. So use this guide to prepare properly for your next family flight .

Packing Checklist for Flying With Kids

We've broken down all categories of things you’ll need to pack when flying with children and included the exact items we’d recommend.

Read more about our specific recommendations below and start your own checklist, too.

Entertainment 

• Best Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet
• Best Headphones: Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones
• Best Tech Stand: Airglo Cell Phone and Tablet Holder
• Best Coloring Book: Unicorn Imagine Ink Magic Ink Book
• Best Book: "Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey"
• Best Activity Book: On the Plane Activity Book
• Best Craft: Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks
• Best Game: Magnetic Travel Games
• Best Set: Mini Voyager 4-7 Jetsetter Travel Kit
• Best Sound Machine: Frida Baby Portable 2-in-1 Sound Machine
• Best Pillow and Blanket: Roamwild Kids Travel Pillow and Travel Blanket Set
• Best Portable Bed: Flyaway Kids Bed

Food and Drink

• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Yeti 12-ounce Kids Water Bottle
• Best Lollipops: Ring Pops (20 Count)
• Best Snacks: Healthy Snacks Variety Pack
• Best Snack Activity: Fred Match Up Memory Snack Tray
• Best Changing Pad: SkipHop Portable Baby Changing Pad
• Best Multi-purpose Wipes: Hello Bello Unscented Baby Wipes
• Best Face Wipes: Baby Wipes by Boogie Wipes
• Best Surface Wipes: Lysol Disinfecting Surface Wipes
• Best Hand Sanitizer: Kinia 8-pack Hand Sanitizer Holders
• Best Diaper Bag: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
• Best Crossbody Bag: Kibou Vegan Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
• Best Kids Backpack: Herschel Backpack Kids 9L
• Best Wheeled Backpack: Jansport Driver 8 Backpack
• Best Carry-on Suitcase: Rockland London Hardside 20-inch Spinner
• Best Ride-on Suitcase: Jetkids by Stokke Bedbox 19-inch Ride-on Carry-on

Accessories

• Best Luggage Trackers: Apple AirTags
• Best First Aid Kit: PreparaKit Take Along First-aid Kit
• Best Storage Bags: Hefty Slider Storage Bags

T+L's Top Picks and Tips

Entertaining kids is absolutely critical to keeping the peace on any flight. For babies and younger kids, one rule of thumb is to think of entertainment in 15-minute increments; bring enough options to rotate activities often. For older or generally tech-minded kids? Well, the magic power of screens sure comes in handy.

Best Tablet

Amazon fire hd 10 kids edition.

Why We Love It: This tablet has plenty of storage space and comes in a virtually indestructible case.

What to Consider: This isn’t as full-featured as, say, an iPad, so kids will outgrow it eventually.

Tablets are great for long-stretch occupation — just be sure to download your child's favorite shows and movies ahead of time rather than relying on airplane wifi to stream. Amazon’s Fire for kids simpler and less expensive than standard adult versions, and it comes with an indestructible, kid-friendly case with a stand. The Fire HD 10 also includes a two-year guarantee and a yearlong subscription to Amazon Kids+. We find this to be a great investment to keep children from ages 3 to 5 occupied.

Best Headphones

Puro sound labs bt2200s volume limited kids headphones.

Why We Love It: These Bluetooth headphones have a safe maximum volume for kids.

What to Consider: They are pricier than some alternative kids' headphones.

In the same way that you’ll likely lean hard on that tablet to keep kids occupied, you'll depend on quality kids' headphones to go with it. This compact but powerful pair is made to protect early hearing damage by following the World Health Organization’s recommendation of an 85dB-limited volume range. The Bluetooth capability has a 30-foot range of movement so the child can feel free to move about the cabin, too.The lightweight, durable headphones come in nine fun colors.

Best Tech Stand

Airglo airplane travel essentials.

Why We Love It: This universal tech holder is a great hands-free solution for use in planes, cars, and more.

What to Consider: It might not be the most secure stand for larger phones or tablets.

This nifty gadget is the brainchild of a flight attendant who saw a need for a phone stand that would allow passengers to watch movies and TV shows on long flights. Now kids can also watch on your devices hands-free with this tool that fits any brand’s gadgets. It folds fairly flat when not in use, and this lightweight stand could also be repurposed to hang a bag on a chair or tray table.

Best Coloring Book

Bendon unicorn imagine ink magic ink book.

Why We Love It: This compact book is small, self-contained, and mess-free.

What to Consider: The cover is slightly misleading: This book isn’t actually full of unicorn themes.

These invisible ink activity books are self-contained — no crayon collection to roll under plane seats — and guaranteed mess-free. Kids just use the Imagine Ink marker to stay busy with 16 pages of games, all in a portable-size book just right for tossing in a travel bag. We've found invisible ink books particularly effective for children aged 3 to 6.

Where's Waldo? The Fantastic Journey Paperback

Why We Love It: This book is challenging for kids of all ages (including pre-readers) and delivers on a healthy dose of nostalgia for parents as well.

What to Consider: A book will never be as tempting as a tablet for tech-addled kids.

Books that challenge little ones keep them entertained. And Where’s Waldo does just that — even for kids who aren’t reading yet. The paperback book is not only small and lightweight for travel, but its journey motif fits in nicely with vacation adventures, too.

Best Activity Book

On the plane activity book.

Why We Love It: This lightweight book gets kids excited about their flight, with plane-themed games and activities.

What to Consider: You’ll need to bring and keep track of your own coloring implements.

Engage kids in the excitement of travel with this activity book that has an airplane journey theme. Think: spot the identical pilots on their way through the airport, true-or-false airplane and flying facts, and more. Just pack a pencil (or probably two).

Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks for Kids

Why We Love It: This generously stocked wax stick kit has plenty of sticks to share between or among siblings.

What to Consider: You'll probably leave some sticks on the floor and in the seats.

This set of wax craft sticks will be a novelty for most kids, and waxy sticks won’t roll away as easily as crayons or markers. This kit comes with 300 sticks in 15 colors and two different lengths, plenty for multiple siblings to have a go. Kids can endlessly shape and reshape them with no noise and no mess.

The Purple Cow Magnetic Animal Homes Matching Puzzle

Why We Love It: Magnetic pieces keep this tin game set together for play on the go.

What to Consider: Pieces are only magnetic on one side.

Nothing’s more frustrating than trying to travel with a game that’s rendered immediately useless after some essential piece slides irretrievably under an airplane or car seat. This compact game set provides a frustration-free alternative with magnets that keep everything together. We recommend it for children over 2.

Mini Voyager 4-7y Jetsetter Travel Kit

Mini Voyage

Why We Love It: This kit combines a customized array of kids entertainment items into one grab-and-go bundle.

What to Consider: You may save money by finding and buying all of these items separately (if you have the time and inclination).

If creating a DIY bag of entertainment ideas for every flight seems like a lot of work, buy this kit, which compiles it all for you in one convenient bundle. Choose from multiple items to build your own customized pack based on your kid’s interests and ages, including stickers, books, toys, and games.

When kids don’t get adequate rest, the whole thing goes off the rails in a hurry — for everyone. In addition to comfy clothes and layers, these packable items help keep children warm, soothed, and rested on the plane.

Best Sound Machine

Fridababy 2-in-1 portable sound machine.

Why We Love It: This portable sound machine also has a nightlight, and it hooks onto a tray table hinge or arm rest.

What to Consider: It can be hard to differentiate the buttons in the dark.

This little machine produces five soothing sounds for kids, including shushing and a heartbeat. It has an adjustable strap, so you can hook it onto an arm rest or or tray table hinge, or a car seat or stroller once off the plane. During your flight, just but be mindful of using anything beyond pink noise in flight out of respect to your fellow passengers. Conveniently, it also has a nightlight with three glow levels which could help you locate items in a dimmed cabin, too.

Best Pillow and Blanket

Roamwild kids travel pillow.

Why We Love It: This cute and cuddly set is a pillow, blanket, and toy all in one.

What to Consider: While the sleeve-style cover adds comfort to an armrest, it’s still an armrest — so it may be too firm for some kids’ tastes.

A travel pillow and blanket are always useful tools in keeping children cozy for long flights. This one has a niche feature: After you remove the blanket, the sleeve-style toy slides over any armrest to transform it into a kids’ pillow. So, it’s a penguin toy, a comfy pillow, and a warm blanket, all in one cute and compact package.

Best Portable Bed

Flyaway kids bed.

Why We Love It: Not just a place to sleep, this comfy surface also keeps toys and accessories from rolling onto the floor.

What to Consider: You’ll be happy to have it on the plane, but then you’ll be committed to traveling with it for the duration of your trip.

When kids are overtired, everyone loses. And a tool like this can be just the ticket for helping them sleep on long flights. The bed for babies, toddlers, and little kids inflates in 90 seconds and deflates quickly, too. It comes in a carry bag with a pump included, and it can be wiped clean.

When it comes to traveling with kids, you’ll always need more snacks than you think. Think you’ve packed enough? Great, now double it. And don’t forget a refillable water bottle to kep your kiddo hydrated.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Yeti rambler jr. kids bottle.

Why We Love It: This water bottle is impressively leakproof and made to withstand a beating.

What to Consider: The bottle itself is heavy, especially compared to its relatively small 12-ounce payload.

Staying hydrated with kids while traveling is a must, and this water bottle means business. The Yeti is durable, spill proof, and double-wall insulated to keep drinks cold (or warm) for hours. Plus, a straw cap makes it easy for kids to sip on the go.

Best Lollipops

Ring pop individually wrapped bulk lollipop variety party pack.

Why We Love It: It acts as both a snack and a bribe — er, reward , that is — and can help reduce ear discomfort on planes.

What to Consider: Nope, there’s no nutritional value here!

Lollipops and their ilk are a multifunction tool for traveling with kids: It’s a snack! It’s a reward! It keeps them busy! And the act of swallowing while sucking on them can also ease ear pressure on takeoff and landing. Even better, Ring Pops are a smart, toy-like alternative to stick lollies for hands-free holding.

Best Snacks

Stuff your sack healthy snacks variety pack organic care package.

Why We Love It: This variety pack includes 18 different flavors to keep kids interested.

What to Consider: The packaged snacks may be organic, but they are still processed food.

Having kids means having snacks handy at all times; traveling makes it all the more necessary to keep kids fed and comfortable to combat whining. This variety pack includes 25 organic packaged snacks from 19 different brands; 18 different flavors keep them intrigued as little surprises unfold throughout a long journey.

Best Snack Activity

Fred match up memory snack tray.

Why We Love It: Dispensing snacks this way keeps the experience fun for kids — and prolongs the process to keep them busy, too.

What to Consider: Make sure your child is able to push buttons.

Snacks serve two important functions: nutrition and amusement. For that reason, try to prolong these food breaks as a way to keep kids busy and amused. Try putting different snacks into this fun tray with compartments; it’s fun for littles to discover treats behind each door, and it adds time to the whole process. For slightly older toddlers and children, you can make a memory game out of it.

Keeping kids clean — and cleaning up after them — has long been a top concern among traveling parents. A global pandemic only underscored the importance of traveling with wipes and sanitizer.

Best Changing Pad

Skip hop pronto changing station.

Why We Love It: When you travel with your own changing pad, you’re guaranteed a non-public surface no matter where you are.

What to Consider: A separate changing pad may not be necessary if you have a diaper bag that comes with one.

Change a diaper on the go without fear of exposing baby to gross, public surfaces. This changing pad takes the form of a clutch, with a large mesh pocket that holds four diapers and accessories, plus a translucent wipes case. A front zipper pocket holds essentials like keys and cash. Drop it in any bag, or clip it on a travel stroller or luggage handle instead.

Best Multi-purpose Wipes

Hello bello unscented baby wipes.

Why We Love It: You can use these extra-soft baby wipes on just about everything.

What to Consider: These full-size packs aren’t tiny.

Is there nothing a baby wipe can't do? From diaper changes to on-the-go hand cleaning to wiping up half-eaten miscellany, traveling with baby wipes is a must. These are super soft with aloe and chamomile extract — and no alcohol, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or parabens.

Best Face Wipes

Boogie wipes.

Why We Love It: These hypoallergenic, ultra-soft saline wipes are great for cleaning snotty faces and even clearing airways.

What to Consider: If you don’t want to pack a bag full of different wipe options, this specialty product might be the first to go.

With kids, runny noses are just about guaranteed for chunks of the year, and they're even more likely when you add in the fatigue and exposure from traveling. These hypoallergenic and alcohol-free cloths are designed expressly for nose-wiping, with gentle saline, vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile to soothe sensitive skin.

Best Surface Wipes

Lysol disinfecting wipes to-go pack.

Why We Love It: You’ll find tons of uses for this travel-sized package of wipes when traveling through public spaces with (or without) kids.

What to Consider: These are ideal for surfaces, but they are not for use on kids’ faces.

These germ-busting wipes are ideal for cleaning nonporous surfaces like a tray tables or seatback entertainment screens, and they're a must for both safety and peace of mind when traveling with littles known to touch everything.

Best Hand Sanitizer

Kinia 8 pack empty mixed kids hand sanitizer.

Why We Love It: These cute and colorful hand sanitizer holders keep gel easy to access for frequent cleanups.

What to Consider: Be advised these containers come empty, so you’ll need to fill with your favorite brand.

In addition to wipes, hand sanitizer is a must for quick cleaning on the go. Keep your gel handy by filling these colorful jelly wrap silicone carriers. The 1-ounce, flip-top-cap bottles attach with adjustable silicone cords to backpacks, diaper bags, and just about anywhere else.

Depending on kids’ ages and sizes, they may be candidates to tote their own cargo. Backpacks, rolling bags, and even ride-on options help keep the process moving smoothly. Adults, on the other hand, can benefit from bags that keep hands free in case they need to carry tired children or hold little hands along the way.

Best Diaper Bag

Dagne dover indi diaper backpack.

Why We Love It: This bag is sleek, chic, and unisex, and it delivers on functionality with tons of specialized compartments.

What to Consider: It's spacious and deep, so smaller items can be hard to spot in a hurry (and when are you not in a hurry when traveling with kids?).

Traveling with kids means prioritizing performance in a diaper bag ; we're huge fans of Dagne Dover because the brand fuses functionality with style so well. Done in chic, 100-percent vegan neoprene, this backpack-style diaper bag also clips to a stroller upon arrival. It includes a mini changing mat and extra pouches, with an extra zipper opening for easy access to wipes.

Best Crossbody Bag

Kibou diaper bag.

Why We Love It: This crossbody doubles as a compact diaper bag for hands-free convenience.

What to Consider: A diaper bag this small obviously isn’t a feasible option for longer outings or multiple babies, so consider your usage.

This vegan-leather waist pack, which extends into a crossbody, is a great choice for traveling through airports and wearing on the plane. The ultra-compact diaper bag has tons of features so you can travel hands free: A built-in waterproof pocket holds 20 wipes wet for up to a week, a detachable changing pad unfolds from the back flap, a hook holds a pacifier or key, slots secure credit cards or cash, and the nylon lining is wipeable and stain resistant. It's even possible to use this as a regular bag once your little ones are out of diapers, too.

Best Kids Backpack

Herschel heritage backpack | kids.

Why We Love It: Encouraging kids to carry their own backpack builds independence while keeping the family’s cargo moving.

What to Consider: This kid-size version is best for ages 3 to 7; move up to youth size for older kids.

Herschel has just the right size backpack for children preschool age and up to carry their own gear — both to help out the family and to develop a bit of self reliance. This kid-proportioned version is just 13 inches high and has a removable sternum support strap. The next size up is right for youths ages 8 to 12 and, at 15 inches high, it also features a 13-inch laptop or tablet sleeve.

Best Wheeled Backpack

Jansport driver 8 core series wheeled backpack.

Why We Love It: A rolling backpack keeps the weight off kids’ backs and holds a solid amount of cargo.

What to Consider: This well-equipped pack is substantially sized and a better bet for grade school ages and up.

This 21-inch rolling backpack is packed with features for bigger kids. It has two spacious main compartments plus skate wheels and a telescoping handle for a smooth ride. An exterior mesh bottle pocket stretches to fit large bottles, and a 15-inch laptop sleeve has a buckle to keep technology extra secure. It comes in an array of solid colors and appealing prints, and you can easily tuck away the shoulder straps when not in use.

Best Kids' Carry-on Suitcase

Rockland london hardside spinner wheel luggage carry-on.

Why We Love It: Kids can grow with this 20-inch spinner, small enough to manage but large enough to hold proper cargo.

What to Consider: A 20-inch spinner will be too large for preschoolers to easily maneuver.

When it comes to kids’ roller bags, we advocate for choosing a piece small enough for them to manage but large enough to hold a meaningful amount of cargo. To be worthwhile, it must be an efficient use of hands and bin space, not just a character-shaped gimmick that holds very little. Our writer's twins have these durable hardside cases, which they’ve carried independently since age 6 (going on three years and many miles and still going!).

Best Ride-on Suitcase

​​stokke jetkids bedbox.

Why We Love It: This wheeled ride-on suitcase transforms into a leg rest or bed in flight.

What to Consider: Not all carriers permit the use of items like these as leg rests while in the air.

This ride-on rolling suitcase has hidden talents beyond scooting through the airport: It transforms into a leg rest, or an in-plane bed, to help keep kids comfy and rested during the flight, too. Bonus: It even includes two sheets of stickers for kids to personalize their own luggage.

It may seem overwhelming to keep track of all the things you need to bring, especially after you've left home. GPS trackers can be lifesavers for locating your items during the journey, and a small first aid kit and plastic slider bags prepare for just-in-case moments and help clean up mid-flight messes, too.

Best Luggage Tracker

Apple airtag 4-pack.

Why We Love It: Track your kids’ stuff — or even your kids themselves — amid hectic environments like airports.

What to Consider: These tiny trackers are made to interface with Apple devices only.

In crowded, chaotic environments — especially when the dependability of baggage handling could use improvement — a small GPS tracking device tucked into a bag can make all the difference in reuniting with it after, say, a kid blithely walks away from their belongings after being distracted by a candy display. You can also use these tags on children themselves, with an array of specialty wristbands, keychains, and necklaces designed to incorporate the tags for wearability.

Best First Aid Kit

Preparakit small compact first aid kit for kids.

Why We Love It: This well-stocked first aid kit covers the basics in a compact, highly portable package.

What to Consider: You can save money if you choose to compile your own kit with customized supplies.

This TSA-approved mini first aid kit contains all the essentials for babies and toddlers in a package just about the size of a wallet. The curated array of 50 items includes bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, thermometer strips, and more. There’s also additional room to add your own prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Best Storage Bags

Hefty slider storage bags.

Why We Love It: They have a stand-up bottom for convenience.

What to Consider: They're less durable than sturdier bags made for freezer storage,

There are so many uses for slider storage bags while flying with kids: Use them within backpacks to organize cables, toys, and snacks. Or, use them to separate wet or soiled items, and to collect trash tidily. Plus, they’re super lightweight and waterproof.

Prioritize new or special items

When it comes to keeping kids entertained during a long flight, they’re most likely to stay engaged when playing with something that is new to them. Now’s the time to choose new or rarely used games, books, toys, and technology to pack in your kit for maximum novelty value.

Consider portability

You may be accustomed to your full arsenal of supplies at home, but carefully consider how portable and necessary each of these items is before committing to travel with it. Luggage fees add up, arms and hands quickly fill, and only the truly portable items are usually worthwhile to bring along on travels with kids.

Children over the age of two must have their own ticket, and therefore are entitled to the same baggage privileges of other ticketed passengers in the category. Check your airline and ticket class for the specific baggage allowances.

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food (including purée pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on baggage, according to the TSA regulations ; these are considered medically necessary liquids. Just make sure to take these items out of your carry-on bag to be screened separately.

The same permission applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, like ice packs and freezer packs.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Alesandra Dubin is a career travel and lifestyle writer and a frequent traveler. She’s also a twin mom with plenty of hard-earned experience from world travels with kids.

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12 Toddler Essentials for Air Travel

Last month, Eliza took her first trip on a plane. We headed to Texas to visit Dave’s mom and full disclosure — I had a lot of anxiety about the visit. Even without COVID, I would have had nerves about traveling with a toddler, but with safety concerns, those feelings were multiplied. In addition to the standard thoughts of “I hope she doesn’t get upset during the flight”, “what will getting through security be like with all. the. things?!”, and “what if there’s a diaper emergency?”, this trip also brought worries regarding sanitation and prayers she wouldn’t find a way to touch everything. When it comes to air traveling with small kids, we are far from experts. But, I think the nerves I have — while wanting Eliza to have as many practical comforts as possible — is more common and typical than seasoned pros with regular jet-setting toddlers. I planned, packed, and we successfully made it through our trip! We learned some things along the way that I thought could be beneficial for those of you who may be interested in hearing the opinions and experiences of the occasional travelers (newly with child in-tow 😉 ). Today, I’m sharing 12 toddler travel essentials from our flight that made our trip so much easier, along with a details on our general logistics when it came to our travel days.

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12 Toddler Travel Essentials (for Air Travel)

1. Kitty Backpack | 2. Spill-Proof Thermos | 3. Headphones | 4. Bibs Pacifiers | 5. North Face Fleece | 6. Fat Brain Toys Suction Kupz | 7. Fat Brain Toys Dimpl | 8. Tubby Todd Hand Sanitizer | 9. Water Wipes | 10. Happy Tot Pouches | 11. Diaper Bag Dispenser & Refills | 12. UPPAbaby Minu Travel Stroller

1. Kitty Backpack  

Because we were traveling after the holidays, I used Christmas as an opportunity to gift Eliza a few things for our trip. Eliza was 18 months at the time of travel, is very petite and while I wasn’t planning for her to walk much in the airport, I wanted her to have a little backpack she could manage, should she need to wear one (especially while boarding the plane). All airlines have different policies when it comes to carry-on items. I mentioned before that because I’m nervous, I like to be extra comfortable. While 2 and under can fly free as lap flyers, had Delta not had their current blocked middle seat practice in place, we would have went ahead and purchased Eliza her own seat. But, because Delta is currently blocking middle seats, I listed Eliza as a lap-flier, knowing we would have room in the middle seat for our family, also. But, without her being a commissioned flyer, I didn’t want to run into any snags in terms of carry-ons and personal items. (I think my anxiety is showing even in the explanation of my thought process, haha). Bottom line — I wanted a small bag she could carry on her back, onto the plane, while I was holding her, that could hold a few of her flight snacks and activities.

Because of her age and size, I didn’t know if this sweet little pack would overpower her but I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived to see how much space it had, despite its petite structure. The straps are adjustable, it’s easy to unzip and grab from, and the outside pockets are actually usable. It comes in both a mini and small (we have the mini) and coincidentally, it’s on clearance this weekend . Plus, there’s an additional 30% off clearance promo right now, using code COZY HERE . My mom has a black kitty that Eliza loves so I leapt at the chance to snag this backpack but there’s also a bunny version (on sale but not on clearance) HERE . Even if you aren’t much of a flier, these backpacks are sweet for everyday use, car trips, and days out. We opted to get ours personalized but without personalization, the mini (originally $45) is currently $18 with code COZY .

2. Spill-Proof Thermos  

At home, Eliza has her milk cups and her water cups with straws. Neither were appropriate for tossing in a bag and flying. I wanted something that was easy, wouldn’t spill, had a protected straw, and had a safe straw that was soft. THIS little thermos — which comes in a few colors — worked perfectly. The fact that it had little kitty ears and nestled inside Eliza’s little backpack side pocket perfectly was a happy coincidence 😉 One caveat not to miss — we brought it with us totally empty and then filled it with water from a shop on the other side of security. When we took it out after we were in flight and popped the top open, the pressure that had built up made water squirt all over. Shocking, funny, but totally embarrassing. If you use this as a travel cup and fly with it –which I would 100% recommend! — make sure to twist the lid to relieve pressure before popping the cap open once you’re in-flight ;).

3. Headphones

Flying is not the time I wanted to test my parenting skills to see if I could keep Eliza entertained without a screen, haha. These padded headphones for kids fold nicely for compact carrying, come in several colors, and worked perfectly! The cord is tipped with a standard headphone jack — which is compatible with the airplane TVs for direct input — but if you plan to plug into an iPad/iPhone, make sure to grab on of these adapters ( HERE ). Most Delta flights are equipped with TVs built into the headrests these days, but if you aren’t sure about your plane, THESE adapters are tiny and great to keep on hand, just in case.

4. Bibs Pacifiers

While Eliza typically only has a paci for sleep time, I brought several along for the flight for both takeoff and landing. They worked like a charm and she was totally unfazed by elevation/shifting of pressures.

5. North Face Fleece

When we were traveling, the weather was a bit funny. From ATL to San Antonio, the temperature shifts throughout our stay was anywhere from 30s to 70s. I didn’t want to over-pack heavy coats and even though I knew Eliza wouldn’t be going out at night during the coldest temps, I wanted something warm but lightweight for travel and “just in case”. Santa brought her this sweet little North Face fleece jacket that we love. It was light enough to wear through the airport and on the plane (and can fold up teeny tiny!), but would have given just the right amount of warmth as an added layer in the chilly temps. We went for classic black but they come in several colors HERE , and is available as small as a size 0-3 mo.

6. Fat Brain Toys Suction Kupz

I was really nervous about keeping Eliza entertained during our travel days and I really had to work to keep the carry-ons lightweight and not over-stuffed. These flexible silicone suction cups are so versatile — they stack, bend, and add virtually no added weight. Another perk — they’re easy to clean! I did bring a couple of books on the plane too, and those actually proved to be a waste. They were too bulky, heavy, and only kept her entertained for a few minutes — on the way back, I added them to our checked luggage.

7. Fat Brain Toys Dimpl

Another lightweight winner, this Dimpl is easy to toss in a carry-on. Even if you aren’t traveling, it makes a great carseat toy!

8. Tubby Todd Hand Sanitizer

It smells great, the spray feature is easy and provides full coverage, and it’s gentle on sensitive skin. It comes in a two-pack and I always keep one in the car and one in my purse!

9. Water Wipes

Good for face, hands, and diaper changes, flying with a single pack of water wipes instead of several different kinds of wipes was the perfect solution.

10. Happy Tot Pouches

Even if you aren’t a typical “pouch family”, these pouches are quick, easy, travel well, and are a great way to get some nutrients in when traveling. Eliza loves these and they have everything from sweet potatoes, squash, chia, and mango to carrots, spinach, green beans, and apples.

11. Diaper Bag Dispenser & Refills

These deodorized diaper bags aren’t just a top travel essential, but an essential for babies and toddlers, in general. They’re small and compact and totally conceal any smell. I know this is oversharing a bit and my mom will be mortified if she sees this but on more than one occasion, I’ve used these on the go, knotted them and tossed them in my purse, and totally forgotten they were there. Not only am I totally fine and confident storing a dirty diaper in these — even in my purse, should I not have access to a trash can — but they’re also great when you’re visiting someone’s house and you don’t want to put a dirty diaper directly in their trashcan. Even when I visit with my parents, I just don’t feel right sticking an unprotected, smelly diaper in their regular trash. You can find the dispenser with bags HERE for $3.99 (they ship free), and grab bag refills HERE .

12. UPPAbaby Minu Travel Stroller

The number one thing that was likely the source of the majority of my anxiety about traveling was the logistics and ease, making our way through the airport, through security, and onto the plane. We have always used an UPPAbaby Vista stroller (which by the way, I 100% recommend), but for air travel especially, I thought it would be too heavy, too bulky, and too cumbersome. I started researching travel strollers and from reviews, videos, and rankings, it seemed the UPPAbaby Minu was by far the best combination of easy and lightweight while still having premium features. We have been such fans of our other UPPAbaby gear, so the numerous comparisons I read weren’t surprising. Also, while we love our Vista , I thought it was probably time to consider going with something a little more easy and portable that could potentially transition into our new primary stroller. We got it c/o UPPAbaby just before our trip and, wow. Not only is it lightweight (while the Vista weighs in at over 26 lbs, the MINU weighs just under 15 lbs), but it folds down to its most compact size with one hand and has a carrying strap. While it doesn’t have the huge wheels the Vista has, it does maneuver effortlessly and easily — if you have experience with other UPPAbaby strollers, you know how well they glide. The best part — it fits in the overhead bin on the plane.

This alone was a huge determining factor for me when I was researching. I don’t trust checked baby gear and if it could be avoided, I didn’t even want to chance checking a stroller at the gate. When we went to board the plane, the gate agent gave us a slip to check it and I declined, telling her it was *supposed* to fit in the overhead bin. She was doubtful. When we boarded, the flight attendant said “um, that can be checked” and again, I told her it would fit in the overhead, hoping the claims of what I read were true. Dave easily lifted the stroller, slid it in the overhead compartment, and shut the hatch. The flight attendant was shocked and asked where we got it. Now again, this was the first time we flew with it but I was surprised she was so surprised. A stroller fitting in the overhead so easily is that rare?? Apparently, to her, it was.

In terms of the features, it has a hood, a sunshade, and the recline is adjustable. It has a basket underneath which still accompanied both Dave and Eliza’s bags as we cruise through the airport and just as the stroller fit perfectly in the overhead compartment on the plane, it has a single-handed fold-up that makes it easy and quick to put on the security conveyor. It’s upright and wheels in small spaces and isn’t too cumbersome to jump on and off the plane train at the airport. It was such a game changer during our trip that it now resides in the cargo space of my crossover and has become our primary stroller.

And, while we waited until now to test out the MINU , if you prefer something smaller and more lightweight in general, even at an earlier age, it does comes with the ability to attach an infant seat! You can find the adapter (it would have worked with our UPPAbaby Mesa, among others) HERE . There’s a big pocket on the back, it holds up to 50 lbs, and it has fee same-day delivery where we live HERE .

*BONUS* Gathre Leather Changing Mat

These things are lifesavers — they fold up into a tiny square, are easily wiped clean, and are not only good for diaper changes, but mats to eat on, also (I brought two with us). You can lay them on any surface and I prefer to put these on top of changing stations instead of trying to Clorox the entire thing.

Other Travel Favorites (Non-Flight Related)

While not flight-related, I wanted to share a few of our favorites we’ve used for trips by car, also.

Eliza is incredibly regimented so the first time we took an overnight trip, I was nervous about how she would sleep in a hotel room — especially while we stayed awake for hours longer. We ordered this Slumberpod which is essentially a blackout tent, designed to fit over a pack and play. It worked perfectly . It stays pitch black, is breathable and even has an interior pocket if you want to set a monitor inside.

We also set Eliza’s white noise machine — the Hatch — inside the Slumberpod so not only is it pitch black, but it also drowns out the noise outside of the pod. We use it nightly in her nursery so we just pack it in our luggage.

In terms of packing, THESE packing cubes are game changers — not just for kids, but for the whole family. For small kids specifically, though, with Eliza splitting suitcases with me, it so helped having all of her things grouped together, organized and separated. I swear these make it easier to fit so much more inside the suitcase, too. I used one cube for her outfits, one for diapers, wipes, and toiletries, and one for everything else. They come in several color options and are one of my most favorite discoveries of the last five years.

As we become more seasoned (one day), traveling as a family of three, I’m sure we’ll continue to learn and simplify but as for our first flight travel experience — especially during a more concerning time — the prep leading up to our trip totally paid off. Packing and traveling with small kids is no joke but I literally took inventory of our full typical day and tried to duplicate that in a travel-version. Are there any toddler essentials you swear by that make traveling with kids easier? If so, you can share those in the comment section at the bottom of the post!

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It’s not a travel essential but I wanted to share an experience. When my first born was a baby we flew across the country, changing flights twice. I wore white jeans, as it was summer. When I arrived at my destination I was a dirty mess. So if traveling with a baby or toddler leaves the white jeans at home. I’m also a nervous traveller. I love to travel and once on the flight I’m fine. I’m always afraid of missing my flight and never sleep much the night before departure, then airports freak me out. So..many..people! Once on the plane, I relax and look forward to my destination. I can’t wait until we can travel again safely.

Hi Joanna, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by! I appreciate the tip. We also take our travel wear into account when we go on trips. You are so right that white is not the way to go. Thank you for sharing your experience and I also look forward to the time when traveling is easier for us all!

Not sure where in North Georgia you live, but flying out of Chattanooga might be worth the drive. We flew out of Atlanta with our 7 year old granddaughter and going through security was terrible. The security officer was yelling at everyone, which had my granddaughter in tears. I understand they have a serious job to do, but it was a horrible experience. Our flight back from Orlando went extremely smooth. We will fly from Chattanooga now.

Hi Fran, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a message. I agree that the Atlanta airport can be tough. I really appreciate your tip!

I don’t have a travel comment. I just want to say Eliza is just adorable! I could just squeeze her with those head phones on.

Hi Sara, Thank you so much for your sweet message! the head phones were definitely a hit with Eliza. xoxo

Our most stressful flight of all times was traveling back from China with a 22-month-old we barely knew (who was somewhat terrified of my husband)! It was a 17-hour flight! Some things that helped entertain our new son were not toys. A pad of post-it notes, a box of bandaids, a roll of masking tape, and lots and lots of snacks! Sometimes the novelty of getting to use something that is normally off limits (or at least not a toy) can work wonders!

Hi Libbe, Thank you so much for taking the time to visit! I can’t imagine a 17-hour flight, but it sounds like it was such a great one for a wonderful reason. Love your tips on the items you used to entertain your son. I appreciate you sharing!

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20 tried-and-true products that make travel with kids seamless (and even fun!)

From long flights to cross country road trips, we've got this on lock.

By Sara Goldstein Updated January 19, 2024

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There’s no doubt about it. Traveling with kids in tow means more of everything. More planning. More packing. More stuff. But with a few strategic moves and the right travel gear and accessories for kids, you can embark on an adventure that’s also more fun .

Related: Baby’s first flight: Don’t leave home without these 15 must-haves ✈️

Whether you’re boarding an international flight or loading the fam into the minivan for a road trip to the grandparent’s, there are a few pro tips that we’d offer first and foremost.

3 tips for traveling with kids

1. stash an extra set of clothes for everyone.

Stash extra clothes in Ziploc bags tucked into an easily accessible spot. (Yes, yourself included.) Should a mishap occur, you’ve got everything you need to do a quick change and as a bonus you’ve got a disposable way to contain the soiled clothes or part of the mess itself.

2. Before your trip gather a few new mess and travel-friendly toys

Toys like wiki sticks , reusable sticker pads , LCD writing pads , magnetic board games , or hidden picture books . (Another idea? Raid the $1 section at Target or the dollar store.) Keep them stashed until you’re on the plane (or the road!) for maximum boredom-busting effects.

3. Rent what you don’t want to bring!

Why lug 800 pounds of gear you may or may not use? One of the slickest tricks to save you the struggle is to rent the things you need instead! Strollers, car seats, even wagons and toys can be delivered directly to your destination via the pros at BabyQuip . (They’ll even meet you at the airport!) Not only do they deliver it–they set up everything for you, and pick it up when you’re done—all at your convenience. All rental gear is clean, safe and insured so you can rest easy and just enjoy your vacay!

Now onto the gear! Speaking from a collective tens of thousands of miles, we’ve rounded up the best travel gear and accessories for kids that will make getting from point A to B as enjoyable and seamless as possible. Check it out!

The best travel gear and accessories for kids

SlumberPod 3.0 Portable Privacy Pod

Filed under: “How did we ever live without it,” the SlumberPod might be one of the best kid travel gear products of all time. Designed to work with playards, mini cribs, toddler cots and even kid-sized inflatable mattresses, this black-out sleep pod creates a dark and cozy sleep space anywhere, any time of day. The tent-like construction assembles just like you’d expect with two poles and clips and simply sits over top of their sleep space. It’s got plenty of ventilation including a fan pocket so even hot sleepers stay comfy throughout their slumber! And if you end up using it at home too, well you wouldn’t be the first parent to do so!

JetKids by Stokke

From cush strollers to sensor-driven bassinets, it’s not hard to be super jealous of the comfort our little ones are afforded. But the BedBox from JetKids by Stokke turns us a whole new shade of green with envy. This 2-in-1 piece of kid-friendly travel gear is one part super cool ride-on suitcase, one part stealth bed in a box that turns any economy seat into a first-class, highly nappable nook. (Yes, they can stay buckled while lying down!) It’s ideal for kiddos ages 3-7 and fits most standard aircraft economy seats.

Carry On 20"

If you’ve ever tried to make it to your gate with a toddler in tow you know that, 1. you’re not moving very fast and 2. that gate is farther than you think. The multi-functional MiaMily Carry On features a comfy seat that’s equipped with a child’s safety belt so your little one won’t go flying all over the place while you sprint to your gate. The seat can also be used to carry a laptop bag or anything else you need to rest on it. Plus, what’s stopping you from taking a seat on there yourself? (Note: This genius product is for use with kids ages two and up.)

Travel Seat

If you’re not in the market for new luggage but still want to strap them in and go, check out the Lugabug. Just attach it to your suitcase and they’re ready to roll. Literally.

Kids Travel Neck Pillow

From road trips to air travel, napping is exponentially more comfortable with a travel pillow. One of our favorites for kids? The BCOZZY. With 360 degree support and an overlapping design, this top-rated pillow is perfect for little ones who always seem to flop forward when they konk out. The flat back keeps their head from pushing forward while the stacked arms provide a cozy place to rest their chin. It’s soft and cozy with a curved surface that conforms to their neck and can be customized to the perfect fit with a touch of velcro. (There’s two sizes and a bunch of fun colors to choose from as well.) Got a carsick (or drooly) kiddo on your hands? No problem. It’s totally machine washable! (Check out our favorite kids’ travel pillows for more options.)

Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet

Screen time rules? What screen time rules ? During travel, a tablet full of kid-friendly content is nothing short of a total lifesaver. Arguably the most durable kids tablet out there, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids is our top rec. Not only is it relatively affordable and designed with a kid-proof case and built in stand, it also comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+ (FreeTime Unlimited), and a 2-year worry-free guarantee. You can also download their favorites from Netflix, play educational games (and Minecraft!) or even Zoom with grandma and grandpa.

At the time of writing, it’s currently on sale for $50 off and you can save another 20% if you have one to trade in!

ONANOFF BuddyPhones

Foldable kids headphones.

Ok, there is one screentime rule. Headphones are a must. You don’t want to hear Peppa Pig at full volume over the din of airplane engines and neither does everyone else on the flight. These award-winning headphones are our top choice because of smart features like volume control, a foldable design and the ability to tether with another pair and share a single device.

Airplane Footrest

Airplane seats aren’t designed with young travelers in mind. (To say the least!) Dangly legs can use a little support in the form of portable footrest. Just attach it to their tray table to give their feet a little boost and as an added bonus, keep them from kicking the seat in front of them.

Kids Travel Tray

Speaking of the tray table, that’s not designed with little kids in mind either. If they’re too little to reach, opt for this brilliant travel tray instead. The soft but structured tray sits across their lap to keep snacks, toys and books within reach. There’s pockets to keep supplies at hand as well as a designated pouch for their tablet when they’re ready to kick back and watch a movie, hands-free. And it’s not just for air travel. According to one highly devoted reviewer who calls it “literally the best purchase ever,” “This item will turn a 12 hour car ride of pure screaming child hell to one of silence and bliss.” We’ll take 12, thank you very much.

Kids Logan Suitcase

For older kiddos who are ready to schlep their own business, the kid-friendly suitcases from State will help them do it in style. The super fun patterns are easy to spot and the design itself provides plenty of space and organization for their flight and destination needs. The best part? Each purchase gives back to kids in need!

Melissa & Doug

You can never pack enough things to keep your kiddo busy during a flight, but you’ll also need to consider that you’ll be in a tight space and wanting to create as little of a mess as possible. Water Wow reusable water painting books for the (mess-free) win!

These sturdy, spiral-bound books come with four reusable pages and a “paint” brush that stores right in the cover. Kids  love  them, and we promise they’ll buy you at least a few minutes of peace and quiet during your trip 😉

Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers

If you have a child in that in-between phase who is too big for a pack and play, but not ready to sleep in a normal bed, the idea of sleeping away from home can cause anxiety—for you and them. Send them off to dreamland on the hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers. The dual component inflatable design features a plush, removable mattress that nests inside a larger rimmed bed which provides near 360º bumper support. It’s made with super durable inlay-enforced vinyl that keeps it from getting popped by a rambunctious toddler or well-meaning but over-excited dog. We also love that it comes with its own high-speed pump and fits comfortably into an included travel bag. (Not to mention the generous lifetime warranty!)

Inflatable Bed Rails

For kids who are old enough or would rather sleep in a bed, inflatable bed rails are a total travel game-changer. They’re super compact and easy to install on beds of any size. Just inflate (you have to blow them up, but it’s easy!) and slide the silicone-backed flat under the mattress and voila! A kid that won’t go crashing to the floor in the middle of the night.

Travel Vest

Even if they’re not quite 40 pounds, you don’t necessarily have to lug around a car seat. The brilliant RideSafer Travel Vest allows kids as small as 3 years or 30 pounds to safely ride without a bulky booster. It allows the seatbelt to fit properly, providing a safe and secure ride, and can easily fit into your carry on!

Car Seat Travel Belt

If you’re not quite in the booster seat phase of life and decide to bring along a car seat on the plane (or gate-check it), don’t worry! We’ve solved that problem too. This car seat strap—just a couple of straps and clips— can make it seem like that 20 pound car seat is isn’t even with you. In just a couple moves, you can strap your car seat to the front of a rolling bag (it even works with the super heavy seat and a smallish carry-on bag), and voila, your most annoying, bulky (but necessary) piece of gear feels like it’s barely there.

Portable Folding Potty Cover

OK, this may seem a bit extra, but so are our kids, right? If your kiddo has a hard time using a regular size toilet, this handy portable seat topper makes it a little less scary. It’s small enough to fold up into your bag and as a bonus keeps public toilet seat germs to a minimum.

Mesh Zipper Pouches

When you’re traveling, keeping track of your own things is a challenge. Add in all the bibs and bobs kids cart around and something is bound to get lost. One easy way to give kids a bit more responsibility for their own belongings is to provide them a designated place to keep them. According to Motherly’s VP of Content Strategy Erin Lem, “We are at the stage where we have ‘cant leave behind, must haves’ for each kid with their stuffed animals, etc. So, I keep each of their things in these bags and they know which color is theirs. When we leave a place they know to put their stuff in these bags.”

Price is for a pack of 10.

Amazon Basics

Packing cubes.

Similarly, if you’re packing for multiple kiddos, organization is key. With a color-coded set of packing cubes you can be sure each kid (and parent!) has everything they need without getting things mixed up.

Transforming 2-in-1 Hoodie

Hoodies are a travel wardrobe must-have for all ages. But what’s better than a cozy hoodie? A hoodie that turns into a loveable, snuggle-worthy pal. The brilliant two-in-one basics from Cubcoats are designed to tuck into themselves, transforming ordinary clothes into toys that are perfect for plane rides or road trips. Not only are too cool to leave behind, but they also make a comfy travel pillow! They come in a bunch of different animal designs in sizes 2T-10.

BabyQuip Baby Gear Rental

Why lug 800 pounds of gear you may or may not use? One of the slickest tricks to save you the struggle is to rent the things you need instead! Strollers, car seats, even cribs and toys can be delivered directly to your destination via the pros at BabyQuip . (They’ll even meet you at the airport!) Not only do they deliver it–they set up everything for you, and pick it up when you’re done—all at your convenience. All rental gear is clean, safe and insured so you can rest easy and just enjoy your vacay!

A version of this story was published July 26, 2022. It has been updated.

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Packing Lists , Travel Advice

20+ toddler travel essentials for 2024 – with packing list.

Items that helped us through the challenging toddler travel years

We’ve never denied that one of the most difficult phases we went through with our children was the toddler years. At home and travelling. The memories are still very fresh!

It never stopped us from travelling, but it certainly added to the amount of gear we needed to lug around the world with us (it’s kind of the same as babies, only it feels bigger and heavier, AND you’re chasing a little one around too!)

Essential Gear for Moving Around With Toddlers

Sleeping away from home, toddler meals on the move  , toddler essentials for flying, toddler entertainment on the move, other essential toddler items not to forget, this post is part of our best toddler travel advice series.

I bet if you’ve picked up this article, you already know toddlers have a mind of their own!  Not all tactics for keeping toddlers nearby when you’re in busy places will work the same. 

We’re going to suggest a few travel accessories for toddlers here that have variously worked with our three children – but we know they won’t suit all!

Toddler harness / reins

Some will love ’em, some will despise them!  Having a cute little character will definitely help your kids grow an attachment to this essential piece of toddler kit for a family trip. Perfect for crowded places, we haven’t left home without one of these for years.

Accmor Toddler Harness Leash

3 in 1 Toddler Harness Leash

Accmor Toddler Backpack Leash

You can see our complete guide to buying toddler reins and harnesses here

Collapsible Stroller

Once you have outgrown a full-sized baby buggy that carries basically your whole life in, it’s time to downgrade to something more sensible, practical, and lightweight for your family vacation.

We love the brands that collapse small enough we can take them right up the plane door and onto the plane with us, fitting into the overhead bin with your carry-on bag.

The Babyzen Yoyo was the first brand to achieve this and is still a great option, but there are many brands that have now followed suit.

We have used our trusty Mountian Buggy Nano for years, but you can also try brands such as the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 or the immensely popular microsized GB Pockit that comes in several variations.

Evenflo GOLD Otto Self-Folding Stroller

Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller

gb Pockit+ All-Terrain

You can see our full guide on how to select the best plane stroller here.

Just be conscious of your child’s height and weight;  hopefully, this investment can last you all the way through to the preschool years. Try not to compromise too much when it comes to your tot still being able to comfortably recline and having a decent-sized shade covering and storage basket, features we would still look for even in a travel stroller. 

We also review the best lightweight double strollers for twins and baby/toddler combinations here.

TIP : If you are still looking to travel with a larger stroller, we suggest you protect your gear when flying or stowing on transport by placing it inside a stroller gate check bag – our full review of your different stroller travel bag options here . 

Toddler Carrier

By now, I am guessing most of you freuent travelers have discovered the joys that a baby carrier brings.  Many brands now see a child all the way through to their toddler years. 

We have used our Ergo across the continents for many years – but with our youngest now 4 (and, to be fair, a happy walker/runner – unlike the first two!!) we are finally ready to say goodbye – one of our best pricier bits of toddler kit we’ve never regretted investing in.

Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier

Beco Toddler Carrier with Extra Wide Seat

Infantino Carry On Multi-Pocket Carrier

You can find our comprehensive toddler carrier comparison guide here. 

Hiking Toddler Carrier

For those who do more heavy-duty walking and hiking, you can’t look past the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro . It is one of the most expensive on the market, so you could also look at the Deuter Kid Comfort II which is slightly lighter, but doesn’t include the built-in sunshade.

Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Child Carrier

ClevrPlus Deluxe Adjustable Baby Carrier Outdoor

Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier

See our complete comparison of hiking carrier backpacks here

Car Seats for Toddlers

Outgrown their baby capsule that conveniently fits with their travel system but not ready yet for a simple collapsible booster ?  Yep, this is one phase of travelling with kids that I’m afraid will be with you for a long time, even well beyond the toddler years!

Depending on your child’s age and stage, there are a few options, but inevitably, accept it’s a continual upgrade process (and one of the bulkiest and most inconvenient parts of toddler travel – sorry!)

Where possible, we try to arrange for pick-up services that include a seat or hire cars at a destination – but we know all too well, that travelling home to Australia (where car seat laws are IMMENSELY STRICT) hiring is not financially viable after more than a few days x 3 children, so for years, we’ve kept a complete set of extra toddler seats at the grandparents.  

Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster

Britax Emblem 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat

Tip: If you have any intention of travelling with your car seat on the plane, too (you need to buy a separate seat for the infant) then the car seat must be compliant for whichever airline you are flying with. FAA rules are a pretty good for international guidance – but note they apply specifically to US-based carriers, you need to check the rules for the country your carrier falls under.

Find our complete guide on how to travel with car seats on planes here

Don’t forget if you are checking your car seats rather than using them on the plane, you will need to make sure they are adequately protected to prevent handling damage in the hold.

This is our detailed review of the best car seat travel bags .

Toddler Neck Pillow

Another thing we noticed once our kids were out of their snug little capsules and into proper car seats is how much their heads seemed to wobble around when they were drowsy! We’ve researched and tried many a brand of head cushion to get the right fit:

Unicorn Toddler Neck Pillow for Kids

BCOZZY Kids Travel Neck Pillows for Toddlers

INFANZIA Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow

You can see our extensive head toddler cushion review here .

Do note, if you want to use them in their car seat, as supposed to say on a train or plane, many of the cute toddler brand ones are too bulky. Microbead products like the BCozzyKids Travel Pillow we have found to be the most adaptable to different positions and modes of transport, even if they look thinner they still do the job well.

Just when you thought you had your nice little routine – then you up sticks and change time zone….. I won’t deny that some of the worst jet lag we have experienced actually happened during the toddler years. 

We have a full guide to jet lag survival with kids you can read here , but the primary things I would worry about packing to conquer this are:

This has been my go-to bedtime tool for years (still IS!). OK, it works a charm for 2/3 kids at least!  No matter where we are in the world, once you have a strict bedtime routine happening, the clock is a great first indicator to them whether they should be getting out of bed or not

Just be conscious of wattage if you are taking any electronic devices with you.  We have lugged many an item halfway around the world to discover it doesn’t work at our destination.  Particularly if you are flying US to a lot of other countries and vice versa, you will need to take not only international plugs but a wattage adaptor, like one of these:

Tommee Tippee Groclock Sleep Trainer Clock

Kids Ok to Wake Clock for Kids  

Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine

Black Out Curtains

Another thing that helps with sleep patterns and time zone adjustment is having a dark room.  If there’s no guarantee the hotel room at your destination will have blackouts, so this is a great BYO solution if you can afford the space in your luggage, as they are a little bit bulky.

Most portable blackouts stick up with suction cups.

Gro Company Gro-Anywhere Blind

RUseeN Portable Blackout Shades 

Amazon Basics Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtain

Portable Toddler Cot

There’s also no guarantee your destination will have the best sleeping arrangements for your child either.  During these toddler years, we did intentionally look for hotels or apartments that COULD provide us with a cot, but many times especially staying with friends and family this wasn’t an option. We invested early on in a good, lightweight, portable cot (don’t get confused into thinking a bulky pack-n-play pen is the same thing!). 

Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib

Milliard Folding Floor Sleeper Cot

Regalo My Cot Pals Portable Toddler Bed

You can see our full range of toddler bed options reviewed here.

We tested the Phil & Teds Traveller a while ago and haven’t looked back since. We still think its one of the lightest and best-priced models on the market, but does take little construction skills.

Portable high chair

You can’t always rely upon every restaurant or hotel having a high chair, so it’s great if you can BYO an easily portable option.  They come in all sorts of designs, from clamp-ons to boosters or cloth wraparounds for restaurant chairs – each with its pros and cons.

Summer Pop ‘n Dine SE Highchair

Baby Delight Go with Me Uplift Deluxe Portable High Chair

Regalo My Chair 2-in-1 Portable Travel Booster Seat

You can see our full review of travelling high chairs (and whether we think they’re worth the luggage space) here.

Spill-proof sippy

You’ve no doubt moved on from purely boob and bottle to a sippy by the toddler stage.  It’s perhaps not until you’re on the move you realise that these things leak so darn much! Or that your toddler terror will do anything to deliberately make them spill! 

We have been through many different brands of leaf-proof sippy cups – just accept no matter which you try, they’re not fail-proof!

Contigo Kids Spill-Proof 14oz Tumbler

First Years Dinosaur Kids Insulated Sippy Cups

Elk and Friends Kids & Toddler Cups

(Note if you are taking any sort of water bottle on a plane, they can pressurise. We have had many a bottle explode water everywhere over the plane when opened… you have been warned!)

Easy clean bibs

Neoprene-style bibs were by far one of our greatest baby-to toddler year discoveries! (Sorry to all our family and friends who received these as gifts from us!) But we truly love them!

They dry so quickly and can be strapped high on your toddler’s neck without choking them so there’s no seep through.  We normally get several wears before they need to go in the wash, and they don’t take up much space, both of which are a good idea for travel.

PandaEar Set of 3 Cute Silicone Baby Bibs for Babies & Toddlers

Nuby 2 Pack Adjustable Easy Clean Soft Silicone Bibs

Snap and Go Easy-wear Bibs for Baby & Toddler

No-spill snack cups

These spill-proof cups might seem like one of the easiest to pack, logical items, but seriously took us years to discover! Do yourself a favour and get one of these for your diaper bag as soon as your kids are onto finger foods. 

They don’t necessarily stop all the crumbs but prevent major spillages and should come everywhere with you, ready to tackle those hangry moments.

Silicone Toddler Snack Cups No Spill

Ubbi Tweat No Spill Snack Container for Kids

Collapsible Silicone Snack Container

Reusable food clips

For when they’re claiming they’re dying of hunger, take two mouthfuls then leave the rest.  Yep, a handful of these cheap but essential clips are a lifesaver in your backpack diaper bag too.

Silicone Food Storage Bags

Otylzto 4 Size Assorted 40 PCS Food Bag Clips

8 Pack Stainless Steel Chip Clips

Snacks, snacks, and more snacks

This is my overriding toddler years memory! OK, there were some classic meltdowns too… But the constant, I’m hungry, minutes after they just declared they were to full for lunch. 

Keeping a good supply of things like rice cakes, carrot sticks, sultanas, cereal bars, and food pouches kept us going on countless day outings and long-haul flights – we have a great list of healthy toddler snack suggestions here.   

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars

Unsweetened Fruit Snacks for Kids

Quaker Large Rice Cakes

Got a little one on the fussy end of the spectrum (aren’t they all?) You’ll want to check out our tips for travelling with picky eaters

Before you read any further, make sure you’ve checked out flying with a toddler section!

Leg cushions for the plane

Guessing you’ve heard these are the latest craze, right? But are they even allowed on planes?  Are they worth the investment? Will my kids actually sleep better on a long flight? What age are they designed for? 

We have tested many of these products on behalf of the manufacturers and have a detailed review, including which airlines allow them here.

BleuWhisk Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

Inflatable Travel Pillow Airplane Footrest Flight Pillow Toddler

Portable Foot Pillow for Toddler Kids & Adults

So, are these really toddler flight essentials?

My verdict : With one child, set up in the correct position, on a plane that will allow them, yes, they make for a more comfortable flight. But I recommend you read the above article with all the factors to consider before deciding if it’s the right thing for you.  There might be other ways you can get your toddler comfortable without the need for yet more gear (I can see your eyes boggling already how much you have to pack!)

CARES Restraint

As an alternative to taking a full car seat on a plane, but once your tot is simply too big and heavy to take as a lap child, try the FAA-approved CARES Harness.  Ideal for 22-44lbs children – note you do need to have booked the seat to use this.

Cares Airplane Harness for Kids

Airplane Kid Travel Accessories Cares Safety Restraint System

Child Airplane Safety Travel Harness, Safety Restraint

Toddler Plane Bags

You can also see what items we are packing in our toddlers plane bag  here, and read below about toddler entertainment throughout your travels.

Just remember, don’t go over the top when it comes to packing toys for young kids – here are 5 things we definitely recommend do NOT make it into your toddlers plane bag ! 

Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag

Solar System Planets Kids Backpack Toddler

YUPING Toddler kids Dinosaur Backpack

Tip: Until they are old enough to carry their own bag for the entire journey, do your self a favour and skip the cute novelty rolling bag until they are really ready or you are simply making additional luggage for yourself.  Fine with one kid, but when you have multiple children to consider ….  

Small tablet

We recommend these only for your older toddlers verging on preschool age.  I don’t recommend them for younger toddlers because I know how frustrated mine got when they couldn’t raise the sound, and I’m a strict headphones-only mamma when it comes to electronic devices being used in public places. 

And you reckon you can make a small toddler keep headphones on?

We have snapped our way through too many pairs (yes, even those claiming to be best ‘unbreakable’ on the market) through to your cheapest Walmart ones. NOTHING works on a wiggly toddler, so tablets are a no-go until they can sit still or survive on mute. 

When your toddler is ready to try, here are the best toddler headphone brands we recommend you start with.

For years we gave our kids our hand-me-down ipads but as they are starting to get outdated, we have discovered Amazon Kindle Fire , with its super sturdy case and ability to connect via Google Play and the Android system, as well as subscribe to FreeTime Unlimited for kids. 

Amazon Fire 7 tablet

IWEGGO Tablet 8 inch Tablet with Case

Tibuta Android Tablet

We talk more about Amazon Prime and why it can be a traveller’s best friend here.

Other favourite portable toddler toys:

• WaterWow books by Melissa & Doug
• Quiet Books
• Gel Stickers
• Triangle crayons

Jungle Animals Thick Gel Clings Winter Safari Window Gel

Triangular Crayons

My Busy Book Baby Soft Toy

For more travel toy ideas, pop on over to these detailed buying guides:

• Best travel toys for one-year-olds
• Best travel toys for two-year-olds
• Terrific toys to pack for a 3-year-old
• More toddler plane bag ideas
• Engaging road trip toys for toddlers
• Is it worth getting a travel tray for your toddler to play?
• A spare change of clothes
• Beach and water safety wear
• Wet bags for spares or dirty items
• Hand sanitiser
• Small detergent bottle for washing bottles and cups at your accommodation – don’t forget to check out our complete guide to travelling with bottles & sterilising here.
• A good first aid kit/medicine bag – you can see our complete family first aid packing guide here.

Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer

ALVABABY 2pcs Cloth Diaper Wet Dry Bags Waterproof

First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit

Potty training stage?

We talk about potty training on the move in a lot more detail here , but for anything around toileting don’t forget:

• Wet Wipes! Not just for clean bums, you’ll want these little gems with you for YEARS! 
• Pull-ups, even if they are relatively newly trained, you will want to consider this fall back for long journeys
• Piddle pads for the seat , a great back up to prevent leakage

Wet Ones Travel Wipes

Toddler Pull Ups

Piddle Pad Car Seat Protector

Never forget a thing next time you’re packing by downloading our Family Travel Checklist   

Now we never said travelling with toddlers was light, right?  But it is still rewarding. With the right gear and right frame of mind, it really is a magical age to start opening children up to the world around them and creating wonderful happy memories.  

Further reading on the toddler years:

• That time we took 3 under 5 on a 16-hour flight
• Taking your toddler hiking; how to make it fun!
• Surviving a road trip with a toddler
• 5 travelling lessons my 3-year-old has taught me
• Our Best Toddler Travel Advice Home Page

Bookmark this page, share it with your friends or save it to Pinterest for later

Are your kids a little older?  See what gadgets we recommended for older families on the go , or pop back here if you’re still at the baby age and need our Ultimate Baby Travel Checklist

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links.  Purchasing any items listed on this page through an affiliate link will not affect how much you pay for the item but may earn us a small commission. Our  full disclosure policy  can be found here.

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Based on this guide, I need to carry the entire house with me on the plane or train. We travel a lot and each of us has only one backpack. Our toddler’s backpack goes in the stroller and has a bag of nappies, wipes, baby food, baby water, a toy or two, his clothes, home shoes, and essential meds and swimming gear if we plan to. That’s all and never had any trouble. Most taxis and car hires have toddler seats. Sometimes we take baby carrier. That said, our kid is a bit of adventurer. He wont use anything special if we don’t use it

That’s great you’ve learnt to travel light with your tot. It really depends on your style of travel and destination. Certainly, our needs have changed between kidsand we hope that by presenting a number of options, we can prepare first-time travelling parents with the information they need for different travel scenarios with toddlers – all these items we’ve needed at some point in our travels. Thanks for taking the time to stop by the blog and comment, happy travels 🙂

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The 10 Best Travel Accessories When Flying with Toddlers

The best travel accessories when flying with toddlers are the items that make your trip easier and keep your little one occupied. Navigating a crowded airport, waiting in security lines, and sitting for long periods in a confined space make even sane adults antsy. Imagine how a toddler feels! Keeping their toddler calm and busy is truly the goal of any parent’s journey when it comes to air travel.

Tips for Flying with Toddlers

When flying with toddlers, there are a few basic rules for success.

• Get to the airport early.
• Bring plenty of snacks.
• Choose toys carefully. They should be engaging but with few loose parts or pieces. And for the love of all things holy, don’t bring any playthings that make noise. 
• Have something your toddler can chew or suck on so their ears don’t pop. You may even consider giving them acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoffs or landings if you know your toddler has ear pain when flying. 
• Bring noise-canceling headphones if your little one needs white noise or silence to sleep.
• Release any and all shame associated with screen time while traveling.

These tips should give you the upper hand when flying with toddlers, but you know what could possibly make your travels even easier ? Maybe something from our list of must-have toddler travel gear and accessories! 

What Should I Bring on a Plane With My Toddler?

1. stokke jetkids bedbox.

Turn your toddler’s economy seat into a first-class travel experience! The Stokke JetKids BedBox is the world's only premium, ride-on suitcase for children with an in-flight bed or leg rest feature. This travel essential combines Scandinavian style and aviation-inspired design with practical features for the entire trip and allows your child to rest comfortably or sleep during long and short-haul flights.

The ride-on suitcase is for children 3-7 years old, and the bed feature is best suited for children over 2 years old. Officially approved by many airlines, this is truly one of the best travel accessories for long flights.

Stokke JetKids BedBox

2. Maxi-Cosi Maxi-Taxi XT Ultra Caddy

We love the Maxi-Cosi Maxi-Taxi XT Ultra Caddy , a game-changer for parents embarking on travel adventures with their toddlers. This innovative car seat caddy seamlessly integrates with your existing infant car seat, transforming it into a convenient stroller for hassle-free maneuverability. With a simple click, you can effortlessly attach your car seat to the caddy, allowing your little one to snooze undisturbed while you navigate through airports or city streets. What sets the Maxi-Taxi XT apart is its unique ultra-compact fold, making storage a breeze after a day of exploration. Its lightweight frame and extra-large storage basket with zippered compartments provide ample room for essentials, ensuring you're equipped for any journey. Whether it's a trip to grandma's or an adventure in a far-off destination like Disney, the Maxi-Cosi Maxi-Taxi XT Ultra Caddy is your trusted companion, meeting both convenience and safety needs for on-the-go families.

Maxi-Cosi Maxi-Taxi XT Ultra Caddy

3. Stokke Crew Backpack

The Stokke Crew Backpack is designed to meet all of your little one's travel needs, whether it's a short trip to the park or an airplane ride to visit family. The Crew Backpack gives your child 68 ounces of extra storage, making room for more essentials, no matter what kind of journeys lie ahead. Made for children to start using at about two years of age, the practical expansion, adjustable belt, and straps mean that it can be used comfortably until your child is about seven. The durable water-repellent fabric makes it suitable for (almost) every type of weather with a pull-out seat pad for added comfort.

Stokke Crew Backpack

4. Zoey Naturals Island Hibiscus Hand Sanitizer

Let’s face it: airports and airplanes are germy places. You’ll need a safe, convenient way to sanitize your toddler’s space and hands. Zoey Naturals’ entire line of family products is free of harsh chemicals and gentle on the environment, and their hand sanitizer is no exception. Zoey Naturals Island Hibiscus Hand Sanitizer effectively kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Formulated without the use of harsh chemicals and deeply cleanses without the use of water, this handy little spray bottle is especially useful for cleaning germy hands and spaces while traveling.

Zoey Naturals Island Hibiscus Hand Sanitizer

5. CloudSleeper™, JetKids by Stokke

The CloudSleeper™ is the all-in-one inflatable travel bed for toddlers and children three years and above. The best part? It´s small enough to fit inside your backpack or hand luggage. 

This air bed features an integrated pump built directly into the TPU base, with no loose parts to attach when you’re ready to inflate it for your little ones. You can manually inflate this bed in under 60 seconds! Made of a breathable fabric, the soft-touch air mesh cover that comes with this kids’ travel bed helps to regulate body temperature and provide extra support, ensuring a good night’s sleep for your child, wherever you are. 

Best of all, the bed folds into a smart, compact packing cube, which makes it easy to store and carry when traveling. This cube is designed with double-layered zippers, so you can opt to compress the travel bed into an even smaller size when you’re pushed for space.

CloudSleeper™, JetKids by Stokke

6. Britax Convertible Car Seat Travel Cart

The Britax Car Seat Travel Cart is a convenient alternative when traveling through airports with your car seat and toddler in tow. Car seats attach effortlessly using the car seat LATCH connectors, the same connectors that secure your car seat tightly to your vehicle. Its compact fold allows it to fit into small spaces, including most airplane overhead compartments. With its durable steel frame design and easy-glide wheels, you can also use this cart with children harnessed in car seats for short travel distances. The raised platform protects the car seat from contacting the ground, while the one-hand telescoping handle adjusts to fit any height caregiver. The Britax Car Seat Travel Cart accommodates all Britax Convertibles and Harnessed Booster seats, and most other brands. No assembly is required.

Britax Car Seat Travel Cart

7. Tegu Travel Pal Magnetic Wooden Block Set 6-Piece

Tegu Travel Pals Magnetic Wooden Blocks are made for travel, in the car, on the plane, and in the restaurant. This set is easy to pick up and take anywhere! It includes 6 blocks in 2 shapes: 4 triangular prisms and 2 parallelograms. This simple and premium heirloom-quality toy is made from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified Honduran hardwoods and will last for generations. It’s also naturally safe: no lead, no plastic, non-toxic, water-based lacquer finish, and no small parts. Curiously attractive and perfect for those seeking toys supporting open-ended and unscripted play.

Tegu Travel Pals Magnetic Wooden Blocks

8. Shylling Mini Magnetic Sketch and Erase

The Shylling Mini Magnetic Sketch and Erase are plastic travel boards that give kids the ability to always have a blank canvas. Draw all you want with the magnetic pen then erase and start over with the swipe of the lever. No mess and no noise, making this toy perfect for air travel!

Shylling Mini Magnetic Sketch and Erase

9. OXO Tot Adventure Water Bottle

Looking for a way to help equalize the air pressure in your child's ears and prevent or decrease ear pain during air travel? Keep them hydrated! Drinking water throughout the flight encourages swallowing, which opens the Eustachian tubes. The 12-oz OXO Tot Adventure Water Bottle features a patented, spill-proof straw that minimizes messy leaks, drips, and dribbles. The valve opens the moment your tot’s lips touch the straw, so it's easy for kids who want to do it all themselves. The straw lid opens easily for toddlers, while grown-ups will have no trouble separating the two-part hinged cap for a thorough cleaning. The hourglass shape fits just right in little hands. The flexible handle hooks quickly onto diaper bags, backpacks, and more to be within reach on every adventure.

OXO Tot Adventure Water Bottle

10. Peel + Discover: Oceans Paperback

It’s quiet, it’s engaging, and it’s educational. Take a look at what may be the perfect entertainment for airplane travel. The Peel + Discover: Oceans Paperback features the world’s oceans using hundreds of stickers featuring puffins and penguins, horseshoe crabs and clown fish, and mysterious deep-sea creatures like the Dumbo Octopus, the Vampire Squid, and more. Peel a sticker to reveal a fascinating fun fact. Use stickers, markers, crayons, and more to decorate the activity pages—make them your own! Once all the stickers are peeled, remove the overlay for a Peel + Discover surprise.

Peel + Discover: Oceans Paperback

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Best Kids Travel Accessories 2024 Guide

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Home » Best Kids Travel Accessories 2024 Guide

Are you looking for the best travel accessories for kids? The type of accessories will make that family trip easier? The type of gear will help your child be comfortable in transit?

We have traveled extensively with our three children. We have experience traveling with a baby, a toddler, a preschooler, a grade schooler, and a teenager!

Yep, we have tackled all the stages!

So to help out other parents, we have compiled a list of products that we found to be truly helpful.

Now the children’s travel accessories on this list here are aimed at pre-schoolers (3-5), grade-schoolers (5-12), and teenagers (12+).

If you have a baby, I highly recommend that you hop over to our baby travel gear guide, and for those with toddlers, you will love our best travel gear for toddlers guide and the best plane toys for toddlers .

But let’s get on with what you all came here to find. Here is our favorite list of all the best kids’ travel accessories and gear that we have handpicked.

Tip:  Check out our new travel journal for kids here .

Best Kids Travel Accessories for Planes and Cars

Without further ado, let’s get straight to the best travel gear for kids.

We will start with the most important items – the essentials for the planes and the cars!

1. BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car Seat

What better way to start this comprehensive list than, in our opinion, the best inflatable booster car seat for your kid!

BubbleBum offers this fantastic product in three color options – Pink Chevron, Irish Shamrocks, and Black.

It works best for kids of 4 to 11 years of age and weighing between 40 and 100 pounds. (You can find a whole range of other travel booster car seats here.)

The booster seat is narrow, lightweight and foldable! Which makes it perfect for travel.

We find that the booster seat is perfect to help our little one be comfier in the car, train and planes. You can also use it on the dining room table to help lift them up where needed too. 

Important to note that the booster seat is NOT FAA approved, so you will need to stow it on take-off and landing in the plane. 

The BubbleBum booster car seat meets and exceeds US and EU safety regulations – it has been crash-tested when inflated as well as deflated.

It contains more memory foam than air, which allows it to maintain structural integrity and stability during a crash.

>>> YES! This seat will be super helpful – Buy it now!

______________________

2. Kids Travel Pillow & Blanket Set or Kids Travel Neck Pillow ( depending on age )

According to the age of your kid, you can choose either of the following two travel accessories.

Roamwild offers ‘Tux’ Armrest Buddy, which is a set of a pillow and blanket. Its unique design allows you to transform any armrest into a pillow for your kid, making it an excellent travel accessory.

It doubles as an exciting penguin toy and packs up really well. It is best suited for kids up to 3 years of age.

>>> YES! My child would love this – Buy it Now!

You can get the Travel Neck Pillow from BUYUE Kids Travel Pillow for slightly older kids, aged 3 to 10 years.

It is available in various colors so you can choose a color for each child. Your child can use it during flights and road trips to ensure uninterrupted, deep sleep.

3. SSAWcasa Seat Belt Pillow for Kids

If you are traveling with your child in a car, you should consider getting the Seat Belt Pillow offered by SSAWcasa.

With this fantastic accessory at your disposal, your child will be so much more comfortable in the car – it also helps stop the seat belt from cutting into the neck as well!

It is filled with PP cotton and has a soft suede cover, which makes it extremely comfortable. We especially liked how easy it is to remove and wash.

>>> YES! This is fabulous – Buy it Now!

4. Sunany Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow for Kids (for Younger Kids)

The next recommended accessory on this list is slightly different from the other travel pillows, in the sense that it is an inflatable footrest.

For those of you who will be traveling on an airplane with a young child, these pillows are absolutely invaluable! Once inflated, you place it in the leg space in front of your child and it creates a little bed for them.

It has been a gamechanger for us as it means that our daughter can sleep comfortably in her own space, rather than all over me (which means that I can get more sleep too).

It is made from high-quality PVC. Important to note that it is not FAA approved, so you can only use it once you are up in the air.

You might also find that some air hostesses might ask you to pop it away (but we mostly get away with it so definitely worth trying).

>>> YES! This is brilliant – Buy it Now!

5. Helteko Car Backseat Organizer

Helteko offers a pack of two car backseat organizers. Each of these organizers can hold a touch screen tablet, water bottles, as well as various other kids’ toys, books, and other objects. Each organizer has a three-compartment mesh bag.

It measures 25 inches by 19 inches, which is large enough to cover the back of most standard front seats. You will appreciate how easy it is to attach these to your vehicle’s front seats.

>>> YES! This is really handy – Buy it Now!

Best Travel Accessories for Kids [Sleeping-Related Products]

Next up we have some brilliant products for those of you who still have young kids. These two products help to create a more comfy sleeping environment for little sleepers.

6. AmazonBasics Portable Window Blackout Blind Shades

Some of us (including our kids) are light sleepers. We need a quiet, dark room in order for our brains to shut down for sleep. But often hotels or Airbnb just have pretty useless curtains that wake you up at the break of dawn.

These AmazonBasics Portable Window Blackout Blind Shades is fabulous for those type of kids. It is lightweight and easy to pack.

It has velcro edges and suction cups that allow you to stick it onto any window. It has been made to fit various window sizes.

Made from 100% polyester, it can effectively block out harmful UV rays and sunlight. Such a fabulous product!

>>> YES! This is will help my child sleep better – Buy it Now!

7. The HiccaPop Toddler Travel Bed (for Younger Kids)

When it comes to kids travel gear for young kids, this Toddler Travel Bed from HiccaPop is a must-have. It can fit all standard sheets of crib size and does not have any squeaky noises.

The sheet neatly tucks into the inner mattress and its guard rails to ensure that your kid does not roll out of it while asleep. It comes with a lifetime warranty as well, so you need not worry about quality issues.

It is fabulous for when you don’t want to pay the extra $$$ for a bigger hotel room. It is also great for kids who feel more secure in strange places when they sleep close to their parents.

It can also be beneficial if they know it is ‘their’ bed that goes from one place to the next – it creates more comfort and security in comparison to adjusting to new beds all the time.

>>> YES! This is really handy for my child – Buy it Now!

Kids Travel Products to Help Keep Your Child Safe

Safety is one of the main concerns when it comes to traveling with kids. So it only makes good sense that we talk about which products we have used to help keep our kids safe during trips.

8. Jolik Child Motorcycle Safety Harness

Do not let the name of this product fool you. While it is called a motorcycle safety harness, it can also be used as a walking helper, baby feeding seat belt, airplane harness, and others. It is a really handy product to have!

It can be used for kids aged 2 to 12 years and weighing no more than 99 pounds. It comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee. We especially liked the reflective patch on it to ensure the child’s safety at night.

Fabulous for scooter-heavy destinations such as Thailand, Bali, Vietnam etc.

9. Limmys Premium Neoprene Swim Vest

Limmys offers their Premium Swim Vest for kids in many vibrant color options. You will appreciate the full front zipper and the safety strap with buckle.

The Limmys vest holds 8 removable floats, so this can be tailored to the child’s swimming ability.

We recommend the medium size for kids aged 2 to 5 years with a chest size of up to 58cm. Or the large size for kids aged 5 to 9 years with a chest size of up to 63cm.

Absolutely essential for the beach or pool-style holidays.

>>> YES! My child needs this – Buy it Now!

10. ALEADER Kids’ Slip-on Quick-Dry Water Shoes

Heading to a destination where the beaches are covered in rocks or coral? To help keep your child’s feet safe, you should get a pair of slip-on, quick-dry water shoes.

It is available in 16 vibrant colors. With a synthetic sole having holes and an open upper mesh, it drains water quickly and provides excellent traction on wet and slippery surfaces.

Not exactly what you are after? Try our guide on the best water shoes for kids to find some other options.

>>> YES! This will be handy for our next beach holiday – Buy it Now!

11. Kina ID Safety Wristbands

One of the biggest reasons for young parents not wanting to travel with toddlers is safety. Kina offers safety wristbands for kids in three variants – a set of six bands for boys, a set of six bands for girls, and a set of 12 bands.

You can write important contact information on this reusable band to ensure your child’s safety. Such a fabulous idea for when you visit crowded attractions or even when you visit a theme park!

>>> YES! This will help ease my fear about safety – Buy it Now!

Kids Travel Luggage and Organisation Options

Next, we want to look at luggage. Luggage is important and it changes with age. We find that when it comes to carry-on bags, the combination of a backpack/luggage on wheels is best for young kids, whilst a backpack-style bag is perfect for older kids.

Luggage that is fun and fits with the child’s interests can really add to the whole excitement level of the whole trip, so I suggest it is worth the few extra dollars to get a ‘cool’ bag.

12. MyGreen Lightweight Canvas Backpack ( Older Kids ) or Yodo Zoo Kids Rolling Luggage ( Younger Kids )

Kids get a great sense of freedom and responsibility when they get their backpacks. For older kids, we recommend the canvas backpack that comes in 15 different styles.

>>> YES! This bag is fabulous – Buy it Now!

Younger kids will love the three-way accessory from Yodo, which can be used as a backpack, luggage, and handbag. It comes in two size options and four style options for each size.

The bag also has backpack straps, which means that when the little one gets tired of dragging it around, you can easily chuck it on your own back.

>>> YES! This bag is perfect – Buy it Now!

You can also find a list of other great children’s suitcases on wheels here.

13. YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags

I know this comes across as a boring item, but considering how dirty and muddy kids’ shoes can get, I never travel without dedicated shoe bags for their shoes that go along on the trip!

YAMIU offers a pack of travel shoe bags to keep pairs of shoes organized while traveling. You can choose from zipper and drawstring style bags. Select a pack of two, four, or ten bags, as per your requirement.

It is made of nylon and is waterproof. Moreover, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

>>> YES! Grab some shoe bags now!

14. ARMRA Unique Luggage Tag

Who says luggage tags are only for adults? ARMRA offers unique luggage tags that your kid will love! Choose from the A Style 3-pack or the Flower 1-pack. Each of these tags comes with a string and a screw connector.

You can write your name and a contact number on the notecard to ensure easy and quick tracking. My kids love this sort of stuff and I’m sure yours will too.

>>> YES! Grab some luggage tags from Amazon

15. Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes

Bagail offers an excellent set of six packing cubes to classify and organize your items effortlessly. Packing can be a hassle, especially for kids, because there is so much to take. Toys, books, clothes, medicines, and more.

They are also useful if you have a few kids, we have a different color cube for each child and then when they share a suitcase it is easier for them to keep track of their own stuff.

You can choose from 14 different, vibrant color options. Each bag in this set is made of high-quality nylon fabric and features top-notch zippers. The collection contains two packs each of three sizes.

These are just normal cubes, but if you want to save space it might be worthwhile to invest in some compression cubes. Here is our guide on the best compression packing cubes .

>>> YES! Grab some packing cubes from Amazon

Super Useful and Essential Children’s Travel Accessories

Next up, we have some essential children’s travel accessories. Here is a list of some fabulous buys!

16. Furry Smile Disposable Rain Ponchos for Kids

Unless you are traveling to a destination where (and when) there is no possibility of rainfall, it will not hurt to get a pack of disposable rain ponchos for your kids from Furry Smile.

These ponchos are available in several exciting colors and designs. We especially liked these ponchos because they provide ample space for your kid to move and play while wearing it.

If you would like to find a rain poncho for yourself, we have a great guide to help you find the best rain poncho  here.

>>> YES! We might need these – Buy them Now!

17. Mosquito Repellent Bracelet Band Pack

Pesky mosquitoes and other insects can prove to be a nuisance for you and your kids while traveling. The easiest and safest way to tackle these bugs is to wear a mosquito-repellent bracelet band from Cliganic.

It is made from a combination of essential oils that are known to have insect-repellent properties. The pack of 12 bands costs only ten bucks, making it an excellent travel accessory for your kids.

18. Collapsible Silicone Water Bottles

Nefeeko Bottle offers a pack of two collapsible silicone water bottles, each having 20 oz capacity. It is made from food-grade silicone, making it taste, stain, and odor-resistant. What makes these bottles special is that they can be laid flat, rolled up, or folded when empty.

We especially liked the fact that 10% of all profits from the sale of these bottles go to dolphin rescue and protection programs.

>>> YES! These are Essential – Buy it Now!

19. Unidapt Universal Travel Adapter

One of the essential accessories to have in your luggage is a universal travel adapter, especially if you plan to travel abroad. Unidapt offers, in our opinion, one of the best universal travel adapters you can find out there. It covers more than 180 countries and has four powerful USB ports as well.

It is lightweight, portable, and effortless to use. And it is backed by a lifetime warranty.

The older our kids get the more we realize that they need their own travel adapters to charge up their tablets or phones. So they now each have one that they are responsible for.

20. Valante Premium Family Travel Passport & Document Organizer

This one is for you, but essential for when you have kids.

Keeping your documents organized pays huge dividends throughout, especially while traveling. RFID’s Travel Passport & Document Organizer lets you keep credit cards, money, passports, pens, and other important documents in an organized and secure manner.

It is made from high-quality, water-resistant fabric. You can also find a wider selection of other recommended multiple passport wallets here.

Best Entertainment-Type Kids Travel Gear

Now the older the kids get, the more important entertainment becomes and of course it changes with the years as well. Here are some of our favorites:

21. Apple iPad

Although it cannot be classified as a travel accessory by definition, Apple’s iPad makes for one of the most effective means to keep kids engaged while traveling. Your kid can enjoy playing games, reading books, watching educational videos, and much more on the iPad.

Of course, you could go with a cheaper option and get a tablet, but we have tried out so many tablets and they just never compare in speed and functionality the same way an iPad does.

Plus tablets just tend to have issues (with 3 tablets we got to a day where they just refused to switch on and we had to take them apart to reconnect wires – WAY too much hassle on a trip!)

If your kids are older these will be worth their $$$ as it will help them kill time in transit, on the plane etc.

>>> YES! I want to invest in one of these – Buy it Now!

22. iClever Kids Headphones

Headphones are crucial. Our kids are much happier during road trips when they can listen to their own style of music. They also use it during flights as well – so much better to have comfy headphones that fit properly.

You can choose from three color options – Pink, Black & Blue, and Blue & Yellow. It features an in-built, volume-limiting mechanism to cap the sound level at 94 decibels.

Your child can use this pair of headphones with all standard mobile and tablet devices that have a 3.5mm auxiliary jack. It is backed by a 45-days money-back guarantee and an 18-month replacement warranty.

>>> YES! Buy it now from Amazon

23. OUR MOMENTS Parents Bundle

One of our personal favorites in this list is the Parents Bundle from OUR MOMENTS. It is a pack of two decks containing 200 thought-provoking conversation starters. Who says that traveling with kids cannot be fun? You can use this card game to educate your kid in a fun and exciting way.

The next road trip you take with your kid can be full of exciting conversations with this game. If you are not satisfied with it, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.

>>> YES! This is such a great idea – Buy it now

24. HP Sprocket Plus Instant Photo Printer

How wonderful would it be if you could take instant prints of beautiful pictures you click while traveling? You can do that by getting the Sprocket Plus from HP, the thinnest photo printer.

It is the size of a smartphone, making it portable and ideal for travelers. It comes with ten sheets of HP Zink Photo Paper. You can quickly print photos by connecting your phone to it through Bluetooth.

We find that our kids love taking photos on the trip, but lose interest in them by the time we get home. I think this is a fabulous way to keep the excitement high, print out some photos and even add them to a little travel journal.

>>> YES! This is so cool – Buy it now from Amazon

25. My Travel Journal

Yes, we have created a super fun travel activity book that will make all the difference on your next family adventure.

It contains space to draw, color, write, and collage – making it a beautiful scrapbook when complete. It is available in the hardcover version only.

>>> Click the link and get your copy of the “A Travel Journal for Kids” on Amazon now :

I WANT A COPY OF THE JOURNAL

26. World Map Coloring Poster

“Color your world as you see it!” Check out this awesome color-in world map poster and create a tonne of fun for both you and your kids.

This is not only a fun activity for the whole family that will ensure numerous hours of coloring. This is bound to be a great addition to your wall art collection when you get back home from your family vacation.

>>> Click the link and get your copy of the “World Map Coloring Poster” here and on Amazon now .

27. World Traveler Coloring Book or The Travel Activity Book for Kids ( Depending on Age )

We believe that a book is one of the best travel accessories you can find for kids.

For kids aged 10 and up, you can get the World Traveler Coloring Book. It contains 30 travel destination sites and nine finished examples. It is beginner-friendly, so your kid need not be a good artist to use this book.

For younger kids (aged 6 to 10 years), we recommend the Travel Activity Book. It consists of word searches, coloring, mazes, spot the difference, and many more fun activities.

28. Briarpatch I Spy Travel Game for Kids

Briarpatch I Spy Travel card game is designed to keep the kids entertained on long and short drives, whilst appreciating the scenery around on the road.

With pictures of familiar objects to find, photographs, and rhyming riddles, this card game will entice even adults to play.

>>> YES! This looks like fun – Buy it now

29. Briarpatch Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game

The next time you go on a road trip with your child, consider having the Briarpatch Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game on deck. It takes your child on a fun ride where they hunt for objects found on the cards.

It includes 54 cards and can be played by two or more players of ages 7 and up.

30. Knock Knock On-The-Go GamePad

Knock Knock offers the On-The-Go GamePad, consisting of 12 sheets each of 5 different games along with instructions. It is an effective way to breeze through seemingly long hours of flight or car travel.

Each of these five games is suitable for ages 7 and up. All your child needs with this paper gamepad is a pencil, and he will be good to go!

Final Words on the Best Kids Travel Products

Now that you have gone through our favorite 30 of the best kids’ travel accessories be sure to select those products that best meet your requirements.

We have tried our best to include a wide range of kids’ travel products that are suitable for various age groups.

When it’s all said and done, you as well as your kid should have a good time traveling! So now it is time to go and stock up on some travel gear for yourself and then you are ready!

Till next time, travel safe and have fun!

Tip:  You might also be interested in checking out which are the best long flight accessories .

Jolene Ejmont

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The Ultimate List of Toddler Travel Essentials (+Toddler Packing List!)

This page may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Traveling with a toddler is not the easiest of feats, but it can be made a lot easier by bringing a few toddler travel essentials. These are items that make traveling with a toddler go much more smoothly for everyone in your travel group.

On our many trips with our toddlers, we’ve come to learn that there are some items that we just can’t do without when traveling with young kids. And others that we can ditch to save the luggage space…

In this article, we’ve included detailed descriptions of the toddler travel essentials that you won’t want to forget on your trip. We’ve also provided a toddler travel packing list to make packing for your child that much easier! Read on for everything you need to bring for a successful trip with a toddler.

If you’re planning on visiting the beach, check out our article on the beach essential for toddlers .

Toddler Travel Essentials

Getting around

These are a few essential items that make getting around with your toddler a lot easier during travel.

• Toddler carrier

When traveling with a toddler, a carrier is at the top of my list of toddler travel essentials. 

Toddler carriers can make life so much easier when traveling. They allow you to easily take your child places that are less stroller friendly and provide a perfect place for nursing (if your child is breastfeeding) and napping on the go. They’re also great for containing toddlers in places that might not be safe for them to roam free (say at the top of a bell tower or the edge of the grand canyon).

We’ve carried our toddlers in carriers all over the world and find it to be one of the easiest ways to travel with a toddler.

To find the best carrier for your child, see this article on the best toddler carriers for travel .

A stroller may or may not be a necessity for your trip, depending on what kind of trip you’re taking. We’ve taken trips with just a toddler carrier and others with both a carrier and a stroller (I always bring a carrier, even if I’m bringing a stroller). 

Strollers can be very useful for navigating the airport with a toddler and for trips where you’ll be visiting stroller-accessible locations. They’re nice to have along to give you a break from having to carry your child all the time (or chase them down constantly).

We love our gb Pockit for travel. It’s the most compact strollers out there and folds down small enough to fit into the overhead bit or under your seat on the airplane. Be sure to see our full gb Pockit stroller review .

Travel car seat

A car seat is typically going to be one of your toddler travel essentials, barring a few locations where you can get by just using public transportation. But if you’re planning on getting around by car, you’ll want a car seat to keep your little one safe. Strapped in their car seat is also the safest way for toddlers to fly on a plane. 

Younger toddlers might still fit within the safety requirements for an infant car seat, which are great for travel. Infant car seats are lightweight and easy to transport. 

If your child has outgrown their infant seat, it’s worth it to invest in a lightweight travel car seat. Trust me, after you’ve spent your whole trip hauling that thing around you’ll be glad to have left your heavy, bulky regular seat at home. Our favorite travel car seat for toddlers is the Cosco Scenera next.

Car seat bag

If you’re bringing a car seat, you’ll want to bring a car seat travel bag. These bags make transporting your car seat much easier and more manageable. 

There are a lot of different options out there so check out our review of the best car seat travel bags to find the best one for your trip.

Food/Snacks

These food relate toddler travel essentials will make mealtimes and snacks with your toddler go a lot more smoothly while on your trip. 

A bib is a helpful way to keep your child cleaner while eating. As an added bonus, it keeps their clothes clean as well, which makes it more likely that you can pack light and reuse outfits. 

These waterproof bibs are lightweight and pack down to practically nothing. We also love these silicone bibs which take a bit more space but are easier to clean and dry more quickly.

Snack catcher 

Snacks are a great way to entertain a toddler while traveling. And a snack catcher allows them to feed themselves independently without making a huge mess. This can be a helpful tool for distracting and redirecting a child who is getting bored or on the verge of a meltdown.

Our favorite snack catcher for travel folds down compactly, making it easy to store when not in use. The material it’s made out of does tend to collect lint and crumbs, so I recommend bringing a baggie to store it in when you’re not using it.

• Travel high chair

A travel high chair can be a useful item for traveling with a toddler. It ensures that your child always has their own seat at the table and helps keep them contained so that they’re not climbing all over you or running around. This can make for a much more relaxing meal for yourself and your toddler. 

Travel high chairs are not always necessary if you’re going someplace where you know high chairs will be available. However if there aren’t high chairs, or if you’re not sure if there will be, bringing your own can be a nice way to ensure that mealtimes go smoothly.

• Water bottle

You’ll want to make sure your child is drinking a lot while traveling, so be sure to bring a water bottle and offer it to them frequently throughout the day.

We prefer the straw kind because they are easier for our toddler to use and less likely to spill.

• Disposable place mats

Feeding a toddler when you’re eating out can be tricky. The places you eat might not have toddler-safe dishes andd it can be a pain to have to feed your toddler bite by bite (plus in my experience toddlers often insist on feeding themselves!). 

That’s where these disposable place mats come in so handy. They have adhesive on all four sides to secure it to the table, providing a clean and stable surface for your toddler to eat on. Once they’re done eating, you can easily pull the place mat off of the table and throw it away. This helps to minimize mess and allows your child to have an independent eating experience without you having to stress about them breaking the dishes. 

Sleep Items

Some of the most important toddler travel essentials are those related to sleep. Whether or not your toddler sleeps well can make a huge difference to the success of your trip. A tired and grumpy toddler makes for a very long day while traveling. 

These sleep items are ones that can be hugely helpful in getting your toddler the sleep that they need. For everyone’s sake!

• White noise

We always bring white noise for our children while traveling. It helps block any ambient sounds that they might not be used to and also means that we don’t have to be quite so quiet as we’re moving around our hotel room or Airbnb. 

Oftentimes we’ll just use a white noise app on our phone, but if you want to be able to use your phone for other things, you can bring a travel white noise machine . 

While you’re away from home, you’ll want to make sure your toddler has a cozy and comfortable place to sleep. There are a couple of different ways you can do this. 

First, if your child sleeps in a crib you can see if your accommodations have a crib or pack ‘n play available for you to use while you’re there.

If you have a bed for your toddler, consider getting portable bed rails to keep your child from rolling off the bed in the night. These bed rails are placed underneath the bottom sheet to form a barrier at the edge of the bed. They provide a lot of peace of mind for when your toddler is sleeping in a full-sized bed. We’ve compiled a list of the best portable bed rails for travel with a toddlers to help you out. 

You can also choose to bring a portable toddler bed for your child so you can set up a cozy spot for them to sleep wherever you are. These can come in several different forms, from toddler cots to inflatable beds to pop-up tents. You can see our reviews of the best options for portable toddler beds if you need help picking a good one.

Whichever option you pick, make sure that your child knows what to expect and do your best to make sure it feels as safe and familiar as possible. 

Favorite stuffed animal

If your child has a special stuffed animal or blanket, make sure to bring it along to help them feel comfortable and safe during their sleep time. 

You could also bring along a favorite story or two as part of their bedtime routine. The key is to help it feel as much like the environment they’re used to as possible. 

A monitor may or may not be necessary, depending on your accommodations. If you’re all sleeping in the same room this may not be helpful as you’ll be able to easily hear if your child needs you. 

However, if you have a suite, an apartment, or a balcony, a monitor can give you a lot of peace of mind knowing that you can keep a close eye on your baby while in an unfamiliar place. 

You can see our recommendations for the best portable baby monitors to help your decision.

Blackout options

For many young children, keeping a dark sleep environment is necessary for a good night’s sleep. This can be especially true if you’re changing time zones and trying to adjust their sleep schedule. 

Many hotels will have blackout curtains in their rooms, however rentals or Airbnb’s often do not. We had a couple of really bad experiences with our children waking up extremely early in a new place due to light and since then I always bring a black out option for our toddlers. 

One way to create a dark environment is to bring travel blackout curtains . These curtains have suction cups that you can use to attach them to the window, darkening the whole room for sleep. 

Another great sleep aid is a SlumberPod (see our full SlumberPod review ) or SlumberPod alternative to create a dark sleep environment for your child. These products go around your child’s bed to block out light to help them sleep better and longer. The nice thing about this option is that it creates a private sleep area for you child, meaning you don’t have to be quite so quiet and careful about light if you’re sharing a room with your child. 

• Toddler airplane bed

If you’re flying with your toddler, another helpful sleep tool is a toddler airplane bed. These are products that can be used to extend the length of the seat and provide a comfortable place for your toddler to sleep on the plane. These can make a huge difference for international or long-haul flights where you’re traveling through your child’s normal bedtime.

There are few different kinds of airplane beds, and you can learn about the best options in our article on the best airplane beds for toddlers .

When you’re traveling with a toddler, there are a few health items that you want to make sure to always have on hand. 

Medications

If your child has any medications, be sure to bring enough for your trip plus a bit extra to account for unexpected delays. 

Also remember to pack your child’s medication in your carryon luggage so that you aren’t caught without it in case anything happens to your checked luggage.

• Thermometer

Traveling with a thermometer ensures that you can monitor a fever if your child happens to get sick. I never travel without one and have actually had to use it a surprising number of times while on trips. It provides a little extra peace of mind knowing that you have a way to assess the severity of a sickness.

You never know when a child might get sick and bringing along some pain medication can make any unexpected sickness a lot less miserable for your child. This is another one I’ve had to use several times when traveling and I’m always so glad that I have it on hand. 

Hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes

Traveling with kids means exposing them to lots of germs, which can often lead to them getting sick. And toddlers are the worst at this, as they tend to touch everything and then stick their hands in their mouths. Bring along hand sanitizer so that you can sanitize their hands frequently, especially before they eat. 

Sanitizing wipes are also very helpful for wiping down surfaces such as the tray tables and arm rests on the airplane and tables at restaurants. 

No one wants a sick kid, especially when you’re far from home. While you can’t always prevent sickness, sanitizing often definitely increases your chances of keeping everyone healthy.

Toddler travel essential basics

Having awesome travel activities is an absolute necessity when traveling with a toddler. That doesn’t mean that you need a lot of activities, but you do want a few great options that can capture your child’s attention and that they will return to over and over. 

Over our years of traveling with toddlers we’ve found some great activities that our toddlers always love. You can get some ideas from our list of our favorite toddler activities for planes and our favorite toddler activities for road trips . 

Consider not only activities for the flight or drive, but also for your hotel room and when you’re out and about. 

When you’re traveling with a toddler, you’ll want a great diaper bag to carry all of your essential items. I highly recommend a backpack diaper bag for travel. They are typically much more comfortable, secure against theft, and easier to carry over long periods of time. 

Diapers and wipes

If your toddler isn’t potty trained, don’t forget to bring along diapers and wipes. You can choose to bring along enough for your whole trip or, if you want to pack lighter, you can pack enough for the first few days and plan on picking some up at your destination (make sure it’s a place where they’re easy to find).

When possible, I try to just bring along all the diapers and wipes I will need for my trip to save myself the hassle of needing to pick some up during the trip. However, I know people who would prefer to pack less up front, so do what makes the most sense to you. 

Be sure to bring more diapers than you think you will need in your diaper bag if you’re traveling by plane. The middle of a long flight is not the place where you want to realize that your child is going through more diapers than you anticipated. 

• Travel potty

For toddlers who are potty trained or in the process of potty training, a portable potty can be a lifesaver when traveling. 

There are a few different kinds, but one of the most useful for travel is a foldable seat that can be placed over a larger toilet to make a secure and smaller seat for your toddler. This allows toddlers to feel safer on a toilet and helps to prevent any potty training regressions while traveling. They’re also compact and can easily be folded up and carried in your diaper bag.

See our list of the best travel potties for toddlers for the best options out there. 

Clothes are obviously going to be a travel essential. We’ll highlight a few items in this section and you can find a more detailed list of clothes down in the packing list.

If you’re trying to pack light, bring outfits that can be mixed and matched.

Make sure that you’re packing weather appropriate clothes for your toddler (eg. sun hat, swimsuit, sunglasses vs winter coat, gloves, warm hat). 

Plan on bringing an extra pair of pajamas or two in case of nighttime accidents. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra pair of shoes in case you lose one or they get wet. 

Toddler travel packing list

This is our tried and tested toddler packing list that I use for every trip. I love being able to pack for a trip and know I’m not missing anything important as long as I double check my trusty list!

Packing tip: Spend a few minutes thinking about your toddler to determine if there are any toddler travel essentials that you should include that are specific to your child. For example, our oldest went through a phase where he couldn’t handle the smell of the toilet, so there was a period where we always carried a travel sized Poo-Pourri around with us. Our other two never had the same issue, so that wasn’t included in their packing lists. There might be items that your child needs that other people wouldn’t think to include.

• Car seat travel bag

Food/snacks

• Snack catcher

Sleep items

• Stuffed animal
• Monitor 
• Blackout option
• Hand sanitizer/wipes
• Travel activities
• Diapers/wipes or undies
• Toothbrush/paste
• Pants/shorts
• Jacket/Coat

Warm weather gear

• Swim diapers
• Floatie/life jacket

Cold weather gear

Final Thoughts

With a little preparation, traveling with a toddler can actually be a lot of fun. We’ve had great experiences traveling with our toddlers over the years (along with the occasional meltdown of course).

These toddler travel essentials will help your trip go a lot more smoothly. And you can rest assured knowing that you’ve done everything you can to set yourself up for success!

Other posts you might be interested in:

How to Get a Toddler to Sleep on the Plane (Tips that work!)

The Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

How to Have a Successful Road Trip with a Toddler

How to Fight Jet Lag in Babies and Toddlers

11 Helpful Tips for Hiking with a Toddler

Related Posts:

Toddler Travel Essentials

Every parent knows that a trip with the toddler is a rewarding, albeit, draining experience. After all, there is a lot to plan for given a toddler’s special requirements for entertainment, nourishment, and travel safety. So, what are the toddler travel essentials that every parent needs for traveling with a toddler?

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This article will cover some of the most important toddler travel essentials. Carrying these with you will make traveling with your little bundle of joy infinitely easier. 

You may also be interested in our other articles about toddler travel essentials such as the most popular lightweight travel strollers , travel high chair seats ,  the  best travel car seats for toddlers , and  toddler travel beds .

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Toddler Travel Essentials For Out And About

When traveling with your toddler there are a few considerations to take into account. Firstly, you will need to have the appropriate toddler travel accessories to keep him or her occupied and happy. These include toddler travel essentials such as sippy cups and diapers as well as sources of entertainment such as toddler travel toys . 

Moreover, travel safety is also something to keep in mind. Depending upon whether you are traveling by car or plane, you will also require the appropriate travel seats . Finally, there are supplies to keep on hand in case of an emergency such as a first aid kit. 

This may seem like a lot of things to keep track of, but don’t worry. We have compiled a list of the 15 most important travel accessories for toddlers that will help you manage all your child’s needs. 

Top 15 Travel Accessories for Toddlers

One of the defining features of a good parent is foresight. This is especially the case when you are traveling away from home and to some new place.  In these circumstances, it is imperative to keep everything that your toddler needs on hand. After all, the last thing anyone wants to face on their trip is a cranky baby.  

Here are the Toddler Travel Essentials that every parent needs to travel with their toddler.

1. Lightweight Travel Stroller for Toddler

Traveling involves a lot of walking. And while adults may enjoy it, walking long distances is not easy for toddlers. Fortunately, you can help remedy this problem by keeping a lightweight travel stroller on hand.

Not only will this keep your bundle of joy from getting tired but it can also be helpful in a pinch when your toddler is sleepy and there is still some walking to be done. 

A couple of options to consider are the Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller which comes with a 5-point safety harness as well as 4 different reclining levels. Or the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller which has the distinction of being one of the lightest travel strollers on the market, clocking in a weight of only 14 lbs. 

Want to learn more about using a lightweight stroller for traveling by road or on a plane? Read this article about the Best Lightweight Travel Strollers where we review some different brands and models of lightweight strollers for toddlers so you can find the right one for your travel needs.  

2. Best Toddler Carrier For Travel

When considering mobility it is important to remember that using a stroller might not always be an option. This can be the case when using public transportation, in historical areas with cobblestones, uneven surfaces, or a lot of steps, and even at the airport. In these instances having a toddler carrier can come in handy. 

The market is full of a plethora of different options such as the MiaMily Baby Carrier with Hip Seat . Carrying your child for prolonged periods isn’t easy. This toddler carrier comes with inbuilt lumbar support to help the parent avoid back pain.  

This is an especially important feature when traveling since you could be on your feet for hours while standing in lines or exploring a plaza. 

Another option is the Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier for newborns to Toddler with Lumbar Support . This product has a thoughtful design. One aspect we love is the hood that protects your child from the sun! It also provides privacy while breastfeeding, which is an added plus. 

Toddler Carrier for Hiking

If you are going hiking, you’ll want a carrier specifically designed for the task! One such option is the Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier for Hiking with Kids . This carrier comes equipped with a lot of quality-of-life features. These can be handy in the wilderness such as a built-in diaper changing pad. After all, when a toddler needs a diaper change it really can’t wait.

The LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow 3-in-1 Ergonomic Toddler and Child Carrier is another good choice that is especially suitable for slightly larger toddlers. This carrier can be adjusted to fit a wider range of sizes. It can support children up to 60 lbs in weight. 

Want to learn more about why you need a toddler carrier, including a hiking carrier and a travel carrier? Read this article which includes our review of the Best Toddler Carrier for Travel .

3. Toddler Leash Backpack

Perhaps few things can give parents peace of mind at a busy airport or a traffic-choked city street than a safety harness. This will keep their little one from darting off into danger. Getting this is a toddler travel essential must. Especially if your child will be walking instead of being in a stroller or toddler carrier. 

Consider the Travel Bug Toddler 2-in-1 Safety Harness for purchase. Not only does it come with a playful and adorable stuffed monkey attached to the harness. But the product has a built-in backpack as well for your kid’s snacks and coloring books. This safety harness is also available in Dino, Giraffe, and Unicorn styles.

To learn more about keeping your kids safe on family vacation click here. 

4. Travel Potty for Toddlers

Perhaps a few things are as crucial for a successful travel excursion with your toddler as a travel potty. After all, failing to bring one along can mean having to deal with quite the clean-up operation. Not fun at all when you’re traveling. 

The following is a short rundown of 5 of the Best Travel Potty Seats for Toddlers. 

The Baby Bjorn Smart Potty is a simple yet elegant product that is lightweight, making it easy to lug around, and comes free from BPAs and PVCs, keeping your child as far as possible from harmful chemical substances. 

Another solid choice is the Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat , which, as the name suggests, can fold up into a compact package. This is a useful feature to have when there is limited space in the baby bag.

The OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty for Travel is a must-have for circumstances in which the child can just not hold it in. This porta potty allows your toddler to do his or her business on the go. Use with potty chair liners, and this is a lifesaver in difficult situations. 

Essentials for Traveling with Potty Training Toddler

In case you need something lightweight the Honboom Portable Potty Training Seat for Toddler is a good choice considering it weighs just 500 grams (1.1 lbs). Moreover, this seat has the added benefit of coming in bright colors. This will certainly add to the appeal of potty time for your toddler. 

Last but certainly not least is the MCGMITT Portable Potty Training Seat which comes as an all-in-one solution for potty needs. Not only is it another foldable device but it comes with its own carry bag. Now you won’t need to store the potty seat in one of your bags. 

Read our full review of the best travel potty seat for toddlers. We have plenty of tips to help you when traveling with a potty training toddler .

5. Best Diaper Bag for Toddler 

In case your toddler is not yet potty trained, you may have to rely on diapers when traveling. Owning a diaper backpack certainly makes life a whole lot easier! It keeps your hands free to grab onto your toddler when they’re on the move. And it can also be a convenient place to store many of the toddler travel essentials that your child might require. 

One good option is the Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack which comes with a built-in diaper changing pad as well as a rubber bottom to help keep the backpack hygienic even when placed on the ground in less than clean areas. 

The Parker Baby Diaper Backpack – Full Zip Diaper Bag with Insulated Pockets is another solid option as it comes with specially designed insulated pockets to hold baby bottles. This is a crucial feature that can come in handy when traveling in extreme climates. After all, the last thing you want is for your little one’s hydration to be scalding hot or freezing cold.

Finally, there is the BabbleRoo Baby Diaper Bag Backpack which includes a series of quality-of-life features such as a dedicated pacifier case. As well as a 180-day warranty and 24-hour email support in case you run into any issues.

Want to learn more about the benefits of using a travel diaper bag? Find out what to pack in a diaper bag for travel and on an airplane. Read our review of the 7 Best Diaper Bags for Travel with a toddler.

Some parents might even prefer having their toddler carry their own, albeit smaller, backpack. The Skip Hop Toddler Backpack offers this option thanks to its small, lightweight, and playful design. Making it the perfect choice for your little one’s first backpack. 

Travel Gear for Toddler

Traveling with a toddler is one of those situations where anything that can happen will inevitably end up happening. Being prepared for these unexpected situations is the hallmark of a thoughtful parent.

Fortunately, there is a lot of high-quality travel gear for toddlers on the market which can help in exactly these situations. The following are a few of the miscellaneous toddler travel essentials that you should always strive to keep on hand.

6. Portable Travel Bed for Toddler

With young children, you never know when they will run out of energy and need to sleep. There’s nothing worse than being caught off guard. Often that can mean putting your little one to bed in an uncomfortable spot. Having a travel bed on hand can be a lifesaver. 

The hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers is one such travel bed. The best feature of this product is the fact that it is inflatable. You’ll get an electric pump that automatically fills it up with air within 30 seconds. This helps make the bed much easier to set up and then store when not in use. Simply deflate, crumple up, and put it in your bag. 

If you prefer something that does not require an electric pump the Regalo My Cot Pals Small Single Portable Toddler Bed is another suitable option as it can simply be folded open when needed. No electricity required!

For a full review of travel bed options and to find out more read this article about The Best Travel Bed for a Toddler.

7. Travel First Aid Kit for Toddlers

One thing you should never travel without is a Small First Aid Kit for Travel . This product contains all the basic supplies required for small bruises and scratches. It keeps you prepared in case of a serious emergency. You’ll even have supplies such as a tourniquet and CPR mask on hand!

When preparing a first aid kit, however, it pays to cover all your bases. Including a thermometer such as this Touchless Forehead Thermometer for Kids or this Braun Digital, Ear Thermometer . Access to a thermometer can prove to be seriously helpful when diagnosing why your little one is not as energetic as usual. 

Also, make sure to include some pain-killing supplies such as this Children’s Tylenol Liquid & Chewable Pain Relief .

Finally, remember to keep these first aid items in an easily accessible location. One great option is your hand luggage. You never know when you’ll need to pull it out in a hurry.

Toddler Meals and Snacks

One of the most important Toddler Travel Essentials is travel snacks. And to make it easier to be on the go with a toddler then parents will want to pack travel snack cups, sippy cups, and a travel high-chair. Keep reading to learn more about these meal and snack travel accessories for toddlers.

This article provides a list of the best road trip snacks for kids that are easy, healthy, and kid-friendly.

8. Snack Cups for Toddlers

The Munchkin Snack Catcher is an excellent travel container to keep your child’s snacks fresh and easily accessible when needed. These come in bright colors and are BPA free, making them both attractive and healthy for your little one. 

9. Best Travel Sippy Cup

Another food-related must-have when traveling is a sippy cup. Not only is this a safe and convenient way for your child to get their hydration but a sippy cup’s spill-proof nature also makes an excellent choice when traveling. 

One thing to note is that although sippy cups are indeed allowed on planes, you will need to remove them from your hand luggage. That’s because they need to be screened separately by airport security before you board the plane. 

A good candidate for purchase is the RE-PLAY 4pk – 10 oz. No Spill Sippy Cups for Toddler . Not only do these come in attractive colors but they are also made from recycled milk jugs. Who knew raising kids could be this eco-friendly?

Another option is the Simple Modern Insulated Sippy Cup for Toddlers which comes in stainless and with interesting cartoons on top. Making it as durable as it is cute. 

Although not exactly a sippy cup, the THERMOS Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel, 10 Oz is my personal favorite water bottle for children above 18 months of age. Thanks to its vacuum insulation and built-in straw, this thermos offers a reliably good drinking experience for your bundle of joy. The best feature is the double wall design allows this bottle to remain sweat-proof with cold liquids!

To see more read our full review of the Best Sippy Cups for Travel.

10. Travel High Chair for Toddler

Finding a safe and comfortable place to sit for your toddler can be a challenge when traveling. Doubly so in outdoor situations like camping trips (see also, ‘ Is Camping Safe? ‘). To solve this problem, a travel high chair for your toddler is a must-have on outdoor trips into the wilderness. It is one of the toddler travel essentials for a family road trip or a vacation with a toddler.

The hiccapop Omniboost Travel Booster Seat with Tray – Folding Portable High Chair is one such option. Thanks to its folding design and built-in table it is specifically suited for outdoor locations. Moreover, the seat’s fabric is washing machine-safe while the eating table is dishwasher-safe for when they inevitably get dirty. 

Another option is the VEEYOO Clip On High Chairs – Portable Baby Seat for Table . Although this product does not have its own legs to stand on, it can be clipped onto tables. That way your toddler can enjoy his or her meal with everyone else. 

Finally, the Nuby Easy Go Safety Lightweight High Chair Booster Seat is suitable as an attachment to already available chairs and can hold toddlers weighing up to 50 lbs with ease. 

Read our review of the pros and cons of different types so you can find the Best Travel High Chair Seat for your toddler.

Travel Accessories for Toddler by Air

Traveling by air with your toddler can be one of the most challenging experiences as a parent. However, with the right equipment, it should be possible without any significant hiccups. 

To learn more we have put together these helpful tips for flying with a toddler.

11. Kids Airplane Bed (Inflatable Cushion)

Long flights can be exhausting and torturous endeavors for adults, let alone toddlers. To make your little one’s flying experience much better you can help them fall asleep comfortably on a flight with the help of an inflatable airplane cushion. 

This device serves to turn the standard airplane seat into a toddler-sized bed by fitting in the legroom between your kid’s seat and the one in front. Thanks to this, your bundle of joy can enjoy a first-class travel experience even with a regular economy seat by being able to lie down flat and rest. Moreover, there is also additional room for your toddler to play around without the risk of falling into the footwell. 

This Kids Airplane Bed can be inflated and deflated in seconds, making it an excellent choice when you are on the go and need something that will work reliably without too much hassle. 

If you prefer something that does not need to be inflated and deflated each time it is used, the Kids Airplane Pillow to Sleep While Traveling is another decent option. Provided that you have the room in your bag to carry it with you. This can also be adjusted to three different heights.

To see more options check out this article about the Best Airplane Bed for Kid, Toddler, and Baby .

12. Child Airplane Travel Harness

When traveling on a plane there is always the risk of encountering extreme turbulence. Such a situation, although rare, could possibly lead to injury in case your child is not properly secured to the seat. The safest way to travel for your toddler is to be buckled into a car seat that has been approved by the FAA . 

However, a lot of parents still decide to fly with a lap child and many do so safely, after all, the choice about airplane safety is the personal choice of a parent. 

For those parents who would prefer to rather fly with their child in a safety restraint, there is the Child Airplane Travel Harness – Cares Safety Restraint System . This device is specifically designed for air travel and is suitable for toddlers older than a year and who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. As long as the toddler is less than 40 inches tall. Moreover, it is worth noting that this harness is the only FAA-approved device for children’s safety when flying. 

To learn more read our article about What to Consider Before you Travel with a Car Seat . This will help inform your decision about whether or not to fly with a car seat for your toddler.

Car Travel Accessories for Toddlers

Other than walking, traveling by car is the most common method of transportation for most people. Given this fact, it is especially pertinent to look after your child’s safety when they hop in the vehicle with you. 

13. Best Travel Car Seat for Toddler

When driving with a toddler on board it is absolutely crucial that they be buckled into a travel car seat. 

Consider the Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat which has the unique distinction of being one of the lightest child car seats out there, weighing in at a miraculously light 11 lbs. This makes it extremely easy to travel with. Moreover, you can also lift it around without having to worry about the impact it will have on your lower back. 

Another suitable option is the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat with Carrying Bag . Not only does this seat weigh in at an even more astonishingly low 8 lbs but it can also accommodate a wide range of heights ranging from 30 to 45 inches. 

When traveling with a toddler it is important to know what to consider before you travel with a car seat.

What is the Best Portable Car Seat For a Toddler? Learn more about flying with a car seat and read our review of 5 Travel Car Seats for Toddlers.

14. Toddler Travel Tray

A toddler travel tray is another excellent addition to your arsenal as it can help keep your little one entertained on particularly long car journeys. With this tray, you can lay out electronics, food, a drink, and other activities in the car in a manner that makes it easy for the toddler to interact with the items. 

Consider the BE Family Kid’s Car Seat Travel Tray which is available in red, blue, teal green, or pink and can prevent heaps of boredom that would otherwise afflict your child.

15. Essential Travel Toys for Toddlers 

If you have ever spent more than a few minutes with a toddler you have probably noticed that their attention span is abysmally short. Due to this, boredom is a constant enemy of your bundle of joy. Fortunately, by carrying a few simple items with you, you can help alleviate boredom in most instances. 

When going on road trips, consider bringing along toys, coloring books and crayons, mess-free markers and water activity books, stickers, picture books, and an iPad or Tablet with the appropriate headphones and charger. Keeping your little one entertained will be one of the best decisions ever thanks to the avoided crankiness that would otherwise come your way.

Travel Toys for Toddlers are one of the most important must-have toddler travel essentials. To help you we have reviewed over 20 of the Best Travel Toys for Toddlers , and they’re all no-mess activities!

Must-Have Toddler Travel Essentials

We hope this article has helped you to identify the best travel accessories for toddlers. There is so much choice and it can be overwhelming to know where to start when packing for a family vacation with a toddler. These recommendations come from a mom who has traveled with kids for over a decade. Being prepared with the best travel gear for toddlers will make the journey more enjoyable for you and your little one.

For more about family travel check out these posts: Best Travel Bed for Toddler and Baby Lightweight Travel Stroller for Toddler Most Popular Travel High Chair Seat Best Travel Car Seats for Toddlers

BE Family Products Inc., or (BE Family Travel) participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Using any of the links on this website does NOT cost you anything but does help us continue to create content on this blog. Thank you so much for your support and for partnering with us. Let’s BE Family.

The BE Family Travel Team writes articles to help parents travel with children.

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The Best Travel Products for Babies and Toddlers

There’s no one-fits-all when it comes to essential travel products for babies and toddlers. Many parents want to bring their entire house with them even on a day trip, while others are minimalists.

We travel nonstop with our kids. Road trips, long-haul plane rides, different climates, ages, hotels, campervans, apartments – we’ve done it all with the little ones. In the process, we discovered that many things are amazing while others despite being glorified by Insta-moms are a useless waste of money.

In this post on traveling with a baby, I decided to divide these baby packing lists into two categories:  essentials ,  gadgets  &  what you do NOT need .

After numerous trips with a baby: to resorts, AirBnBs, road trips, over 60 flights with a baby, dozen more with a toddler , traveling with a baby solo , and moving to and from different countries with a baby and a cat in tow too – I’ve learned the best ways!

When it comes to the baby packing list , there’s one word you need to remember: moderation. You don’t want to be that person who travels with a baby bathtub and multiple suitcases.

Trust me, you not only don’t need it, but you won’t be able to get off the plane, through the airports and bring it all alone. It’s not worth your nerves, especially as you can easily live without it (and more importantly, so can your baby).

Best Travel Equipment for Babies 0-12 Months

Portable crib / pack & play, recommended: guava lotus crib.

Depending on where are you headed you might need a crib, as not all hotels and apartment rentals provide one.

I’ll be very real: we have one and we only bring it for extended stays where there’s no option, but most of the time I just try to book a hotel with a crib, so we don’t need to drag an extra item.

However, keep in mind that you can check up to 2 baby items per child for free when flying – stroller, car seat, crib, anything you want.

After we tried a few different I recommend Lotus as it packs the smallest possible and it’s easy to set up.

Things like PeaPod sound great in theory, but I’m yet to meet a child who’s happy in it and I don’t blame it, it’s like sleeping on the floor.

Travel Stroller

Recommended: babyzen yoyo stroller.

A travel stroller is a must for traveling. You want something that folds quickly, fits everywhere, handles rougher terrains, and doesn’t have to be gate-checked.

Babyzen Yoyo ticks all the most important boxes off. After trying every single travel stroller on the market I can honestly say it’s the best choice.

Portable Sound Machine

Recommended: hatch baby light or hussh.

You never know how noisy your hotel room will be. Or simply if you don’t want to go to bed at 7 pm when the baby does, provide them with noise. This white noise machine is small and easy to pack – just in case!

If you’re planning on staying in an apartment and your baby might have a separate room you might get a Hatch Baby Light instead. It’s a night light with an in-built noise machine . We’ve been using it recently as the main one.

Baby Carrier

Recommended: babybjorn one air.

A baby carrier is a must , as strollers aren’t allowed everywhere or some spots are simply very stroller unfriendly.

With the first baby, we followed the trend and got Ergobaby 360… we surely didn’t like it, so switched to Babybjorn and both the baby and us are enjoying it more.

It’s handy to keep one in the car or under the stroller if you know you might do some hiking or go somewhere where strollers aren’t allowed.

Portable Changing Pad

Recommended: any is fine.

Changing pad is a useful thing to have as they don’t have changing tables everywhere and especially on planes those hard tables might be cold. Having a portable pad is a life safer for travel.

Recommended: anything works

Most people these days buy a camera for baby instead of a mirror , but for travel, I say a mirror is easier with rental cars.

I’ve never had issues with ours honestly.

You Might Need:

Inflatable bath tub, recommended: mom’s helper.

A bathtub might not seem like a necessity at first, but you’ll be surprised how many places only have showers. When my first was small I simply rinsed him in the shower with me, but from 6 months he hated a shower (he’s 3 and still hates them) so a little bath became a must.

More for our own sanity honestly. Mom’s Helper is the best for one child and as we found out it also works as a pool riding toy. It works much better than a foldable plastic one.

If you have two kids we still use this one .

• Portable High Chair

Recommended: First Years on the Go & Hiccapop

I never thought a travel high chair is a necessity, but let’s be real: not all restaurants have them. In fact, especially in Europe most do not.

If you’re renting an apartment or even a hotel you might want to eat inside. For babies under 12 months hiccapop booster because it’s so convenient. For older kids, First Years on the Go is the best as it fits every seat type.

Formula Dispenser On the Go

Recommended: accmor baby.

If your baby is formula fed you don’t want to be carrying a giant bag with powder around. These containers can be premeasured at home, so all you need to do is to dump it in the water right into your bottle.

Packing Cubes

Recommended: eagle creek.

Packing cubes are a must for packing baby clothes to get things out of the suitcase quicker and easier, without any confusion.

Eagle Creek is the best brand and they sell them in different colors, so you can color-code each family member.

Drinking Cups

Recommended: camelback.

My child can drink out of a normal cup, but when we travel we bring something that doesn’t spill as the last thing I want is wet clothes on the plane.

Most sippy cups leak, I tested a ton. Camelbacks do not and while they’re not great to clean they’re not awful either and easy to drink from – my younger used it from 10 months up.

What You Don’t Need:

Toys – babies up to 12 months are really fascinated with everything around them. You can throw them anything you have next to you and they’ll be entertained. For my second child usually, a plastic bottle was doing the job 😉

Sterilizing machines – don’t drag a giant machine with you, it’s pure madness. If you really feel like your bottle suddenly needs sterilization on the go you can cook the bottles in hot water, or potentially use a microwavable sterilizing bag .

Slumberpod – popular among influencers, but an unnecessary space taker. You can teach your kiddo to take naps anywhere and this way you won’t need this. We never bring blackout curtains at home so kids can sleep with some light on.

Lap Baby – this belt is fabulous for keeping the baby secure. At least in theory. When I discovered it I was very excited as I thought it was going to help us in restaurants. Nope. Both kids hated it and never lasted more than 2 minutes in it.

Bottle warmer – there’s no point in dragging it, on top of the fact that it takes forever to actually warm up the bottle in it. You can ask for a bit of hot water for the baby literally anywhere, even without having to buy anything.

Baby Monitor – never brought mine to travel as we either stayed in a hotel (with one room) or when we stayed in an apartment rental we simply checked on the baby or left the door slightly open. These days you can also use your Apple Watch as a monitor to hear the sound.

Best Travel Products for Toddlers (12 months to 3 years)

Products from baby stage that still apply:

• Travel stroller

Travel Car Seat

Recommended: wayb pico or hiccapop inflatable booster.

Once your child is out of the infant seat you’re doomed to a giant one and let’s be real: they’re humongous and heavy.

There are a few portable car seats , such as WayB Pico for smaller kids, then hiccapop inflatable booster and mifold .

Bed Bumpers

Recommended: hiccapop inflatable bumpers.

Switching our older one out of the crib was the best decision for travel as we don’t need to drag a crib. Wherever we can we move his bed to the wall and use bed bumpers to make things safe for him.

I recommend inflatable ones as they’re naturally way more portable than the traditional bed attachments.

Hiking Backpack

Recommended: deuter.

If you are planning on doing a lot of hiking, you might want to invest in proper baby hiking gear. A baby carrier isn’t going to cut it on long distances and with bigger toddlers.

There are many different hiking backpacks on the market so you can pick something that suits your budge and comfort.

Ride-on Carry On Suitcase

Recommended: jetkids.

Ride-on suitcase is a lifesaver for long walks at the airport. Plus, it packs your kids’ toys for the plane.

We tried trunki first and while it worked just fine, the wheels weren’t turning very well and we kept getting into things. JetKids is much better.

Jetkids also turns into a plane bed, which is super convenient.

Another alternative is a Flyaway Kids Bed, but then it takes away the ride-on suitcase part.

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Long Haul Flight Essentials: 20 Best Travel Accessories for Long Flights

Being on a plane for 12 hours can be draining to say the least and that’s why I put so much effort into choosing the best travel accessories for long flights. My list of long haul flight essentials will see you through an international flight keeping you comfy, fresh and relaxed throughout.

If you’re wondering what to take on long haul flights to stay fresh and comfy , pick up these travel essentials for the plane and you will have all the carry on essentials for long flights that you need.

Living in New Zealand means whenever I travel it takes a long time to get there so I know how to survive a long flight . I’ve done eight 12 hour flights just in the last seven months, so take it from me, these 20 items are long flight essentials.

What You'll Find in This Post

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Long Haul Flight Essentials: 20 Best Travel Accessories for Long Flights

Noise cancelling headphones

Neck pillow.

After sleeping so well in economy on a recent flight from Auckland to LAX, I’m convinced that a travel neck pillow is among the best travel accessories for international travel. Getting a decent block of sleep on a long haul flight is invaluable and having a neck pillow that keeps you comfortable and stops your head from slipping is absolutely key to this.

One of the best travel neck pillow for long flights is the Cabeau Memory Foam Evolution pillow because it’s soft, supportive and comfortable. It also folds up easily. You can check prices on it here .

One of my top accessories for a long flight – a travel neck pillow!

Reuben sleeping on an airport bench with eye mask and neck pillow after long flight from Auckland to Shanghai

Compression socks

If you are flying long haul you really need to wear compression socks. They do wonders to stop your legs feeling tired, achey and swollen from spending a long time sitting down.  Here’s a link to the Wanderlust Air Travel Compression Socks above.   Read my full guide to choosing compression socks and why you should use them here.

Regular socks

In addition to compression socks, one of my top long flight accessories is just a regular pair of socks. My feet are often cold on planes, even with compression socks on (which are more a stocking material).

Also, if you’ve been traveling a lot and have stinky feet, it’s kinder to your fellow passengers to put a fresh pair of socks on once you board the plane and kick of your shoes to get comfy. Seriously, I get stinky feet and I’m so conscious of the smell. I also wrap my sneakers in the plastic bag that they give out the blankets in so that people can’t smell them!

Onboard a flight from Auckland to LAX with one of my long flight essentials – my spotty pashmina!

Collapsible water bottle

Hand sanitiser.

Airplanes and airports can be disgusting and the longer you have to spend in them, the more gross stuff you have to touch. Hand santiser is one of my must haves for long flights.

Another long flight on Air New Zealand – We’ve done SO many long haul flights this year!

A small tube of hand cream is one of my long flight travel essentials. I always find the plane very drying to my skin. Using hand sanitser also really drys out my hands so I like to use it throughout the flight and travel days.  This is my favorite hand cream by l’Occitane . It’s such a small tube so it’s great for travel but a little goes a long way!

If someone asks me what to bring on long flight, one of my first answers is always lip balm. The air filtration and conditioning systems on a plane can make your lips feel very dry. Lip balm is one of my top airplane essentials for long flights.

Facial mist

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist is life! This is one of the best beauty products for long haul flights. It refreshes your face and keeps you feeling hydrated and clean.  Here is a link to Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist on Amazon but note this is a 100ml bottle which is fine for travel internationally (go metric system!) but if you’re in the US TSA says 3 oz so this is slightly too big. You can decant it into a small travel-sized spray bottle like this if you don’t want to risk it.

Baby wipes are totally a travel essentials for long haul flights for me… and not just because I travel with kids. Baby wipes are essential for staying fresh and clean on a long flight.

Wipe of your make up once you’re settled in for the long haul and your skin will thank you for it for the next few days. It’s also worth wiping down your tray table, control pad and arm rest as they are often dirty.

I always freshen up in the bathroom when I wake up on a night flight so I feel fresh before we land. Doing a quick “wash” with a couple of baby wipes helps me feel semi-decent especially if I have to go sit in the airport and wait for a connecting flight.

Hazel waiting to board another long flight, Auckland to Tokyo on Air New Zealand

It’s easy to forget about this but one of my most important things to take on a long flight is deodorant. Once you’ve wiped yourself down in the bathroom, put on a fresh layer of deodorant.  A baby wipe off and slick of deodorant can make you feel good as new!

Folding toothbrush and travel sized toothpaste

And while you’re at it, brush your teeth! It’s amazing how good cleaning your teeth can make you feel! I always carry a folding toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste in my bag of long haul travel essentials.

Small packing cube

For more info on using packing cubes to help you pack like a pro, read this post.

Change of clothes

If I’ve checked a bag, I usually carry a change of clothing in my carry on. Having a fresh pair of underwear or a clean t-shirt is the best travel gear for long flights. You never know when turbulence is going to knock a sticky drink on your lap or when your child is going to pee their pants. If you’re one hour into a 12 hour flight, trust me, you will want to change your clothes!

If I’m traveling with only carry on luggage, I always put a fresh pair of underwear in my small packing cube with my toiletries that I mention above. This way I don’t have to dig through my carry on suitcase and can just quickly whip out my small packing cube, go to the bathroom and change my underwear when I clean up and get ready to disembark at the end of the flight.

Onboard our long flight from LAX to Fiji, Hazel bought her own snacks of course! We flew Las Vegas to LAX to Fiji to Christchurch all in one go so it was a long travel day. Everyone got a wipe down with baby wipes and a change of clothes before the overnight flight though.

Honestly, don’t trust that the food on board your flight will be remotely edible. On our recent flight from Shanghai to Auckland we figured that the food would be good considering it was Air New Zealand but what we were served for both dinner and breakfast was basically inedible.

If you or your kids are fussy eaters or have specific dietary requirements like vegan or gluten free, you should definitely pack your own snacks for a long flight. Even if you’ve ordered a special meal, there is a chance that it won’t be loaded on the plane. Always bring your own snacks!

Herbal tea bags

One of my personal in flight essentials for long haul flight is a few herbal tea bags. I like to drink a cup of peppermint tea after meals to help digestion. Steering clear of tea and coffee with caffeine in them will also help you stay hydrated on the flight.

If you’re a real coffee snob then I would suggesting bringing your own coffee sachets on the plane, like a Starbuck VIA, because in general the airplane coffee is awful. If you are fussy about the coffee you drink then this will be one of your best long haul flight accessories.

Flying from Auckland to LAX last month – Long flights like this are a recipe for jet lag!

No Jet Lag Tablets

Melatonin is the best sleep aid for long flights. If you’re not familiar with it, Melatonin is a hormone that the brain releases to signal sleep. You can buy Melatonin tablets, drops or even gummies and chocolates to help you get to sleep on a flight and also combat the effects of jetlag when you arrive at your destination.  You can read more about melatonin here.

Please note I’m not a medical professional and this is simply my opinion on the best sleep aid for flying. You should consult your doctor before taking Melatonin. 

Flying into Fiji on Fiji Airways

I hope you’ve found my list of travel must haves for long flights useful! These essentials to take on long haul flight will really help you feel clean, fresh and comfortable.

I think these are the 20 best travel items for long flights but if you’ve got a suggestion then please let me know. I’d love to hear what you think are the best travel gadgets for long flights. What are your essential travel items for long haul flights?

If you’ve got questions on things to take on a longhaul flight or how you decide what to take on a long haul flight then do let me know in the comments or join my packing tips group on Facebook .

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Thank you! I love the smart ways you’ve found to keep your family comfortable and fresh and happy during long flights! I’ve ordered a number of things that you recommended as I plan for our Hawaii trip and feel so much more prepared. Thanks again!

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