The Top Kids Travel Items You Need Right Now!

In an earlier post, I made the case for why you should travel when your kids are still little, and I stand by that sentiment! Travel with small children isn’t easy, but if you’re hoping to make seasoned travelers out of them, you have to start young.

That being said, I’m not a masochist. There are so many kids travel items that make family travel easier these days. I honestly don’t know how my parents lugged us all over without any of the modern comforts I’ve used with my own kids. And products are getting better every day. I don’t have tiny ones anymore and when I see the new, updated versions of travel items I used a few years ago, I’m jealous!

Here’s my must-have list of kids’ travel items to make travel with little kids much more convenient. Some of these are more geared toward airplane/hotel travel and some are geared more toward road trips, but a lot of them crossover.

Lightweight stroller: I’ve used several different styles and brands, but whatever you choose, a lightweight stroller is a must when you’re traveling, particularly if you’re flying and/or doing a lot of sightseeing. This one has a large age/weight range and is super light.

Neck pillow:  Tired of always rearranging your sleeping child’s head as their chin droops down to their chest? These neck pillows are thin in the back so they can be used in a car seat or booster. Plus they’re cute!

Tray cover: These airplane tray covers are such a great way to keep your kids entertained while also providing a softer space to play and/or eat. The edges keep toys, books, or snacks from falling.

Travel Bassinet: I love this travel bassinet in a backpack/diaper bag! It works in the bulkhead seats of a plane, in a hotel room and just about anywhere else! It comes in more than one color, and it’s super-stylish.

Travel Crib: If your baby is too big for the travel bassinet, or if you are driving and have more space to carry a bigger travel crib, this is an awesome foldable travel crib/playpen. It just makes sense for hotels or AirBnBs or even in a tent while camping. By the way, I know there are way more expensive versions of this product, but unless you are constantly traveling, why pay extra?

Kids’ carry-on: I might be in the minority here, but I’m not a fan of kids’ suitcases. I’ve always packed our kids’ clothes in regular suitcases and often mix them with ours. However, I like for my kids to have their own carry-on luggage. This keeps their books, toys and whatever else they bring all in one place. And having a cute kid-friendly design makes it more likely that your child will actually carry it themselves!

Packing Cubes: While I did admit that I don’t buy child-specific luggage, I am definitely a fan of packing cubes. And these inexpensive lightweight cubes come in a variety of colors so you can differentiate your kids’ clothes if you’re sharing suitcases.

Foldable Car Booster Seat: If you have older kids who still need a booster, this amazing product folds up small enough to fit in your purse, but folds out into a booster with clips to fix the straps in the car. Especially if you have younger kids, too, and you’re already trying to travel with a car seat, etc., this easily portable seat is a winner!

Car seat Travel Bag:  I love how accommodating airlines are about checking a car seat for free, but some airlines will wrap it in plastic, some don’t and who knows what’s happening to it in transit? A car seat travel bag keeps your seat safe and clean while you travel!

Car Seat Travel Tray: A travel tray is a game changer when you have active kids on a long trip! It’s totally self-contained and everything is in reach! We used a tray like this until our youngest was about 6 or 7. When the kids were older, we moved on to the next item below.

Car Seat organizer: As our kids got older, we switched to an over-the-seat organizer because they could reach them once they were taller and in a booster seat. For smaller kids I’d stick with the Travel Tray.

Kids Headphones: Headphones are a kids’ travel item that I can’t live without. We’re not a family that keeps our kids plugged in all the time, but on planes or long road trips, we definitely need to give the kids a break sometimes. My youngest knocks out almost immediately when she listens to music on her headphones. These headphones plug in to just about anything – various devices or an airplane jack and they have volume control for little ears!

Portable High Chair:  There are two way s you can go with this – the chair that hooks on to the table, or the one that sits on and hooks up to a chair. I prefer the chair kind because not all tables are the same, and not everyone wants you hooking a high chair up to their table (like in restaurants and other people’s homes.) I’m sure there are plenty of people who disagree with me, but I find this kind far more convenient.

Baby Backpack Carrier: We are a family that loves to hike. A baby backpack carrier is so important if you want to get out in nature with your little one. There’s such a variety on the market right now, so here’s a list of things to consider:

• Maximum weight (and maximum weight you’re willing to carry!)
• How well it works for your height (check the reviews, especially if you’re short like me)
• Storage space – this one has tons of it!
• Ergonomics – how well does it support your back in addition to your baby?

Ok, so obviously buying this whole list of kids’ travel items could break the bank. But you know your kids and you know what you’re most likely to use, as well as how you travel best and what will make your life easier.

Happy Travels! And if you have any great items to add to this list, leave a comment.