toddler travel essentials list

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47 Essential Items for Your Travel with Toddler Checklist

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What should you not forget when traveling with a toddler?

The first time I traveled with my toddler was a weeklong trip to visit family over Thanksgiving. I have never hauled around so much stuff in all my life.

I wrote myself a travel with toddler checklist to make sure I didn’t forget anything. And I decided why should I keep this information to myself? You can get my actual travel with toddler checklist for free below, so you don’t even have to worry about writing down all the essentials.

When I traveled, I had the luxury of taking my car and not going terribly far, so some things on my checklist may not be feasible if you are flying with your toddler. However, everything on the checklist is something you should consider. If you can’t take, find a way to rent it or find something that will work in your situation.

Once you have an organized suitcase, all you have to worry about is making memories with your little one. Happy travels!

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Travel with Toddler Checklist Essentials

Basic items.

1. Travel Information

If you are traveling internationally, your child will need passport (and this holder will keep it safe). You should also have their birth certificate (or a copy). Double check with the airline before leaving.

And if it will just be you and your toddler, be sure to add a parent’s consent letter (from the other parent) to your travel with toddler checklist. (It may not be required or ever seen, but it’s better to have it, if you should need it.)

2. Diaper bag

When creating your travel with toddler checklist, your diaper bag should be at the top of the list. Use this diaper bag checklist to be sure you have everything you need in there. And use any additional space to pack whatever else will fit.

Related: Non-Traditional Diaper Bags That Are Perfect for Travel

3. Child’s suitcase

I used a child-size suitcase for my toddler when we traveled. Between the suitcase and his diaper bag, I was able to fit everything he needed except some of his toys. And to be honest, that was probably my own fault, as we weren’t traveling far and had the luxury of space, so we weren’t worried about packing light.

4. Diapers and wipes

If you have a toddler who is yet to be potty-trained, make sure you add diapers (or pull-ups) and wipes to your travel with toddler checklist. I think I packed 5 diapers for each day of our trip (and maybe an additional 5, to be on the safe side).

Pay attention to how many diapers your child is wearing a day in the weeks prior to your trip to determine the best number for you. And 3 to 4 packs of wipes should get you through. Although that may seem like a lot, they come in handy for cleanups of all kinds (as you’re well aware).

Parenting tip: If you are flying and checking a car seat, store the extra diapers and wipes in the car seat to save room in your luggage.

5. Diaper cream

Even if your child has never had diaper rash a day in his life, you do not want to miss adding this to your travel with toddler checklist. Long car rides, busy schedules, and heat can all play a part in needing to use some diaper cream , so you don’t want to be stuck without it. And get a travel applicator to keep the cream (and other unspeakables) off your hands.

6. Changing pad

A changing pad is an essential item for a long car trip. And I would suggest taking two. We have a simple one that came with our diaper bag. It’s just a flat, wipeable pad that is perfect for changes in the car or hotel. But I would get another that is fully loaded , so you don’t need to haul your stuffed-to-the-brim diaper bag into restrooms.

Ah! This is always the hardest thing to pack for me. But it can be so easy when you’re packing such small clothes. First, let’s figure out what you need to pack and then we’ll discuss the best ways to pack it.

• Outfits. At least one outfit for each day of your trip (don’t forget travel days as well). Two additional “just in case” outfits.
• Socks and undies (if you’re potty-trained). A pair for each day. And two extra pair.
• Shoes. Two pair, as they get lost easily or may get wet. Also, any special shoes – sandals or boots, depending on your location.
• Coat or sweatshirt. In case it rains or gets chilly.
• Hat. For those sunny days.

Now that you’ve got it all laid out, what do you do with it?

• Large Ziploc bags. Put each day’s outfit in a bag, and you can label the bag with the day, so you don’t even have to think about what you kid will wear each day you’re away. Put the extras in their own bag and label them “just in case.” And keep those bags until the end of your trip cause you never know when you may need a bag along the way.
• Packing cubes. These keep your suitcase in order, so things don’t shift and get misplaced. Use one for your clothes, nighttime items, meal items, hygienic items, toys, and safety items so you know right where everything is. They’re also great when you’re packing up to come back home because you can easily see where things go and what’s missing. And they’re perfect if you’re packing your toddler’s items in your own suitcase instead of a separate one.

This also works when you are traveling with more than one kid and want to cut down on the number of suitcases you’re hauling but don’t want the clothes to be a mess. Simply, label the bags with each child’s name and no added stress for you!

Nighttime Essentials

This is always a top priority on my travel with toddler checklist when we go anywhere. Because my kiddo only likes to sleep in his room, in his bed, as dark as can be and his sound machine running. The first time we did a week away from home we actually bought a second crib and took his mattress and sheets, so it felt as much like home as possible.

I’m not saying you need to go to that extreme when traveling with your toddler. But definitely keep your child’s preference in mind. And maybe practice sleeping other places ahead of time.

So, what do you need for toddler bedding essentials? And how do you get it to your destination?

• Full size crib, portable crib, or pack and play . You can purchase and travel with either of these items (if you’re driving) or connect with a baby rental company in the area ahead of time to rent those items.
• Mattress. If you’re using a crib, make sure a mattress is provided or you have the correct size mattress (as portable cribs fit smaller mattresses).
• Sheets. For a crib or pack and play, pack sheets as they may not be provided from a rental company (be sure to check the size).
• Bed rail. If you’re little one is sleeping in a bed, this will give you some peace of mind while you’re away and may be available at your hotel or from a rental company.
• Nap mat . If all else fails and you don’t want to run the risk of your little one falling out of bed, these are great for travel.

9. Blanket and pillow

Depending on the weather and your child’s preference, take along an appropriate blanket and pillow, if your child is using one. These can be great soothing items when in the car or new places.

10. Pajamas

Two sets of pajamas should be enough when traveling with your toddler. On the off chance they have an accident, you have a spare set. And you can launder the other set, if needed.

If you don’t have access to a washer/dryer or laundromat, you can hand wash your items in a sink using these Tide packs (don’t forget to add them to your travel with toddler checklist).

11. Bedtime toys or books

You know what bedtime toys your kiddo can’t sleep without, so be sure to add them to your travel with toddler checklist. And if reading a book is part of your bedtime routine, don’t forget to pack a favorite nighttime book.

12. Sound machine

Like I said, my little guy uses his sound machine for naps and an hour at bedtime, so you don’t want to forget to pack yours. If you don’t already use a sound machine, this might be the time to try a portable one .

Between long car rides, new sleeping areas, and unfamiliar noises, your little one might need that constant hum to drown out the rest of the world. (Don’t forget to replace the batteries before you leave.)

Related:  Best Sound Machines for Toddlers

13. Monitor

Unless you will be sharing a hotel room and have eyes on your kiddo, you’ll want to pack your monitor. I use this one because it’s easy to set up and it’s a hack free system. (Don’t forget to pack the charge cord.)

Mealtime Essentials

14. Highchair or booster seat

This one applies more if you’ve rented a home or are staying with family. I don’t recommend hauling your highchair, if you don’t have the room. You may be able to rent a highchair for the home for the length of your stay or try a portable one .

And at restaurants, you can certainly ask for special seating. And if nothing else, throw down a blanket and have picnics on the floor. Whatever you’re planning, be sure to add it to you travel with toddler checklist, so you don’t forget to pack it.

15. Dinnerware

You certainly want to include toddler plates , bowls, cups and utensils to your travel with toddler checklist especially if you’re staying in a place where you will be cooking your own meals. However, bowls with lids are great for eating on the go. And sippy cups are great in the car or even at restaurants.

Again, if you’re traveling somewhere that you can cook your own meals, don’t forget to pack your kiddo’s favorite foods. Whether it’s toddler meals or pouches for tots , you’ll want to bring something you know think your child may eat.

Snacks are great for on the road, while waiting at a restaurant or to keep your little one occupied while you are checking in. Use a snack catcher for little hands or a bento box to carry a variety of snacks.

Be sure to pack enough bibs to keep those outfits clean. The less laundry you have to do (and stains you have to treat), the better.

19. Disposable placemats

These placemats are perfect to put down when at a restaurant and you don’t want your little one eating off the table. (Sometimes they are questionable.)

Hygiene Essentials

20. Shampoo and body wash

You know which shampoo and body wash works best for your kiddo. So go ahead a pack your favorites, just in case they are not available where you are staying.

And if you’re strapped for space, skip those large bottles and squeeze some in these . (They’re just the right size for air travel.)

21. Towels and washcloths

If you are traveling to a rental home or by RV, you’ll want to include toddler towels and washcloths on your travel with toddler checklist. However, if you are staying in a hotel, you can leave this item at home. (Unless your kiddo has a favorite item.)

Any special items you use to bath your kiddo should be included. A shampoo rinser or splash guard may be an essential item for your child. We still use the squeeze bottle that came with our baby tub (it works perfectly, and I can’t find another one like it).

23. Bath toys

One or two bath toys should be added to your travel with toddler checklist. This is an especially important item if your kiddo isn’t a fan of bath time. Anything that can make your trip feel more like home is likely to ease some fears.

24. Hairbrush

Vacation is the time to be carefree, but you may have a night you want to look your best, so don’t forget to pack your little one’s hairbrush. Otherwise, just let their hair do its thing!

25. Toothbrush and toothpaste

Be sure to pack a toddler toothbrush and toothpaste (no matter how much your little one fights you). It’s important to keep those teeth cleaned.

26. Nail care

Toddler nails can grow pretty quick, so be sure to pack nail clippers (or these scissors ) so you don’t have to worry about your little one scratching his face (or yours). Add a nail file to your travel with toddler packing list so you can keep their nails trimmed and neat while you’re away. I also use a nail brush at bath time to clean under my son’s nails.

27. Potty seat

If you have a potty-training toddler, be sure to pack a potty seat that fits over the adult toilet seats. If you’re traveling by car, you could just go ahead and pack their potty chair for easy access anywhere.

Parenting tip: Place a diaper in the bottom of the potty chair for easy cleanup. Just roll up the diaper and go. (Be sure to pack some odor eliminating bags to keep those diapers until you can dispose of them.)

28. Toilet seat covers

These covers are perfect for your potty-trained toddler. They completely cover public toilet seats, so you don’t have to worry about what their legs or hands are touching.

Playtime Essentials

29. Favorite toys or animals

Can’t go anywhere without those favorite toys or plush animals? Make sure you add them to your travel with toddler checklist. And keep an eye on them while you’re away (they love to go on their own adventures once they leave the house).

If you have a toddler who loves to read, pack a few of their favorite books. These make good distractions on long car rides.

Related: Best Summer Books for Toddlers

31. Coloring items

A coloring book and these washable crayons are a great item for travel (whether your flight is delayed or on a rainy day). I also love these Water Wow! books . They’re perfect for in the car: no mess and no lost crayons.

32. Flash cards

Anything that keeps your toddler busy while traveling is a necessity. And these flash cards are a perfect way to keep your toddler engaged and learning while on the go.

You know your kiddo best, so if a tablet with some kid-friendly apps or their favorite shows is what will keep them entertained best, pack it! Travel days are the hardest for kids with short attention spans (and even adults). Do what you need to do to make your vacation enjoyable.

Safety Items

34. Baby Proofing Items

You’re going to know what works best in your house: outlet plugs , cabinet locks , drawer locks , toilet locks . If you know where you’ll be staying and can plan for this ahead of time, it will add peace of mind.

35. Baby gates or play space

Other items you may be able to rent while you are away are baby gates or a play space . However, if you will be staying with family or friends that may not be an option. So, add it to your travel with toddler checklist, even if that means to inquire about it when booking your trip.

36. Thermometer

Add a thermometer to your travel with toddler checklist in case of illness while you’re away.

37. Medicines

And to combat that illness, I recommend taking some baby Tylenol on your trip (at a minimum). It seems that sickness follows travelers, so you’ll want to be prepared. And you never know when a tooth could be trying to make its way through.

You’ll also want to include any medication specific to your child. Check your bottles for expiration dates and that your refills are full.

38. Sunscreen

Wherever you may be taking your vacation, you’ll want to pack some sunscreen for any time you’ll be spending outside.

Miscellaneous Items

39. Pacifier or teethers

If your little one is still using a pacifier or if they’re teething, be sure to add these very important items to your travel with toddler checklist.

40. Window covers

This is if you have a toddler who does not take naps unless they are in a completely dark room. You may not be lucky enough to have black out curtains or blinds available in the room where your little one will be sleeping. So, be sure he gets to sleep easy with this window film .

41. Stroller

Whether you have a massive stroller or a simple umbrella stroller, you’ll want to pack something for when your little one no longer wants to walk and you’re too tired to carry them (and all their stuff).

42. Car seat

While you’re busy loading your car, don’t forget to leave room for that car seat. And if you plan on flying, it’s a good idea to take your own car seat along with you. You might not always be able to get a rental car or a taxi/rideshare with a car seat.

43. Laundry detergent or Tide packs

If you have access to laundry facilities while you’re away, be sure to pack some of your own laundry detergent, so you’re little one doesn’t develop a rash from a different product.

And if you don’t have access to laundry, use these Tide packs to do laundry in a sink or tub and air dry your clothes. (These are a great item when traveling with a toddler, who may need an extra set of clothes.)

44. Clothes bag for dirty laundry

I always throw a mesh laundry bag in my toddler’s suitcase so I can corral all the dirty clothes. This makes it so much easier if you’re headed to a laundry facility or to just keep the clothes separated until you can wash them at home.

45. Empty bags

I always add empty bags to my travel with toddler checklist (mostly because I will definitely forget them otherwise).

So, what bags should you take?

• Wet/dry bags. For wet items you want to keep separate from other items (I’m thinking swimsuit, rain-soaked clothes, soiled clothes).
• Odor eliminating bags. Mostly for diaper or potty-training toddlers but even great if you just have something stinky that you need rid of.
• Large Ziploc bags. For any miscellaneous items. They’re even good for going on water rides at a theme park to keep your items dry.
• Light drawstring bag. To carry anything while you’re out on your adventures: a jacket, drinks, things your little one wants to bring but doesn’t want to carry himself.

46. Beach towel, swimsuit, diapers, hat, beach toys

This one is kind of beach specific, but if you have a little one that loves the water, you’ll want to be prepared for that hotel pool. While you may be able to rent a beach towel or toys, be prepared by adding a swimsuit and swim diapers to your travel with toddler checklist. (That way you know they fit before you leave home, and you’re not wasting vacation time searching for something.)

47. Anything essential for your child

I think I gave you a pretty exhaustive list of items to add to your travel with toddler checklist. However, each kid is different and if there is something you know your child can’t live without, be sure to add it to your own list.

And as a word of advice, keep a close eye on any favorite stuffed animals, blankets, pacifiers, or toys you take with you. When those things go on vacation, they sometimes have a way of not coming back. And I would hate for your whole trip to be ruined because Mr. Squishy is lost somewhere in Ohio.

There you have it: the ultimate packing list for traveling with a toddler. A travel with toddler checklist is a great tool to keep you sane but only if you use it. I also pack the checklist and double check I have everything before returning home. Don’t forget to grab yours below!

Good luck on your journey! And let us know how it went in the comments.

Related Articles for Travel with Toddler Checklist:

• How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Vacation
• What You Need in Your Toddler Diaper Bag
• Summer Ideas for Fun with Your Toddler

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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:

38 Best Toddler Travel Essentials (More Fun & Less Stress in 2024)

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Home » 38 Best Toddler Travel Essentials (More Fun & Less Stress in 2024)

Our process involves independent research, testing (by using it whilst we travel), and recommending the best products.  Click here  to learn more.

Looking for the best toddler travel essentials to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible? Look no further!

Traveling with young children can be stressful, but the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.

To keep your trip as easy as possible, we highly recommend bringing along a range of toddler travel gear.

The best travel items for toddlers will be the ones that keep them safe, comfortable, and happy (as much as possible while still being realistic that tantrums will most likely happen regardless).

Don’t have time to read? Here are the most popular items from our list.

• The Best Toddler Car Seat for Travel: Safety 1st Jive (Convertible, slim enough for plane seats and lightweight)
• The Best Toddler Stroller for Travel: Gb Pocket Air (Foldable & Lightweight – For kids up to 4 years of age)
• Airplane Foot Pillow: Make a little flat bed section for your toddler to sleep on the plane. See it here .

But how do you find the best toddler travel essentials? Without having to spend a fortune and without feeling like a packhorse as you struggle to take everything from home with you on this trip.

One way is to use the tried and tested products from those who regularly travel with their little ones. We started traveling overseas with our youngest when she was only 2.5 months old.

She has been to Bali, Lombok, Australia, Japan, France, Switzerland, Germany, South Africa, Namibia, and many other beautiful destinations.

Travel has been a big part of her life since she was born, and we have tried so many different products to find the ones that are the easiest to travel with, the lightest, the most comfortable, and the easier to get from point A to point B.

There are so many toddler travel accessories out there, that it can get overwhelming.

So before we start, think about what items you already have at home, that you could take with you. And then scan through our list of the best travel accessories for toddlers.

To make it easier, click on the category mentioned next to hop straight to that section of the article.

• Toddler Gear to Get Around Easily (Strollers, Car Seats & More)
• Toddler Plane Travel Essentials
• Toddler Packing Essentials
• Sleep-Time Essentials (Blockout Curtains, Crib/Bed & More)
• Travel Items to Keep Your Toddler Safe
• Toddler Travel Items for Car Trips
• Other Must-Have Toddler Gear (Toys, Toilet training, High Chairs, Beach/Pool Items & More)

Quick Guide: 5 Best-Selling Toddler Travel Gear

After a quick list of our best-selling toddler travel must haves? Here are the best items to purchase.

GB Pockit Air Lightweight Stroller

• Perfect for toddlers
• Lightweight (only 4.6 kg)
• Folds up so small that you can pop it in the overhead locker on a plane

Best Toddler Car Seat

• For younger toddlers (aged 1-3) we highly recommend the Safety 1st Jive car seat.
• Convertible, slim enough for plane seats, and lightweight

Best Toddler Travel Harness

• For older toddlers (aged 3 years+) we personally loved using a travel harness as it is just so much easier to pack and carry.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids

• Safe (with parental controls) tablet for kids aged 3 – 7 to use.
• Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+ – a digital subscription designed for kids to safely learn, grow and explore. 
• 12-Hour Battery

Inflatable Travel Foot Rest Pillow

• We used these on so many planes to make a flat area for our youngest to sleep.
• Our trick (for using it on planes that don’t allow it) is to only blow it up when the lights go dark (and the flight attendants stop walking around so much). And then pop down the tray table (we pop our little one’s feet on the inflatable) over the inflatable to hide it.

Fun N’ Fly Foldable Travel Tray

• Such a clever way to prevent all your kid’s toys from rolling off the tray table on the plane.
• Fits most standard airline tray tables
• Mesh pockets for crayons and pens, a cup holder, and a folding front panel for comfort.

Best Travel Gear for Toddlers to Get Around Easily

Let’s look at travel equipment for 1-5 year-olds that makes moving from point A to B easier.

Here is a list of our favorite toddler travel essentials that you should not leave your home without.

1. A Lightweight Travel Stroller (GP Pockit) with a Gate Check Bag

You will definitely need a lightweight stroller. We all know that toddlers love their freedom and independence but also get tired quickly from running around.

One of the best travel strollers is the Gb Pockit Air .

This stroller is lightweight (it weighs only 10.4 lbs) and foldable (yes, it can fit in the overhead compartments on trains and planes). It is one of the smallest folded strollers that I’ve seen.

It is perfect for kids up to 4 years of age (or 55 lbs. in weight).

Not only do I love the price of this stroller (plus how small it folds up), but it also has a mesh back which is brilliant for hotter countries. It is breathable and helps to keep your little one comfy.

The stroller is easy to push (even with older kids in it). It’s a smooth ride (it has great rubber wheels) and turning the corner is easy.

And best of all, it is pretty affordable compared to competitor travel strollers such as the Babyzen YoYo .

I do think that the canopy is a bit smaller than what I personally like. And I really wish it had a stroller strap to make it easier to carry whilst folded.

But otherwise, this is such a great stroller and at a fantastic price.

It really is worth the investment!

Protect your Stroller With A Stroller Bag

The one negative of the GP Pockit stroller is that it doesn’t have an easy way to carry it whilst folded. So this carry bag is essential as it has straps so you can pop it on your back.

Too often these days do they take you out of the airport and make you climb up the stairs from the runway up to the plane.

So having the stroller on your back so you can carry your toddler is essential.

It is also handy if you might prefer to gate-check it.

That way, you don’t have to try to carry the stroller and your toddler together with your carry-on bags onto a plane (especially a hassle when you have to leave the airport and climb stairs to get into the plane).

We prefer to gate-check our stroller (when possible – check with your airline).

That means you can use the stroller throughout the airport and then check it at the ticket desk a little prior to boarding the plane.

Some airlines will have large clear bags that you can pop your stroller in, but they are thin plastic bags that don’t offer any protection.

We much prefer to buy decent bags, and this specific bag is so convenient as it has backpack straps so you can pop it on your back and have your hands free for your toddler.

This specific bag is compatible with the Gb Pockit strollers; it is airline certified and is available in black.

TIP: Not planning many trips in the future and don’t want to invest in a stroller specifically for travel? You can also rent a stroller in the destination you are visiting! BabyQuip is a baby rental company and they have all your baby travel needs sorted. Perfect if you are visiting Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Costa Rica. Rent your baby gear by clicking here.

2. Tula Ergonomic Toddler Carrier

A toddler or baby carrier is a must for people who want to travel with a toddler.

While I’m not a big fan of having my toddler in a carrier (they are just so heavy, and of course, they want to be up and then down and back up again),  a carrier is essential if you visit a destination that has many stairs.

Tula is one of the few brands that manufacture special carriers, especially for toddlers aged from 2- 6 years (rather than babies), so this carrier is brilliant.

Tula’s Ergonomic Newborn Carrier is available in 38 colors and style options. There are multiple material options available, but my favorite is the 100% cotton ones, they are soft, comfortable and machine-washable.

Incredible I have a (huge) 16 month old and a 3 year old who both fit into this perfectly. It is so confortable and i can easily manage a hike with the 3 year old with this carrier. We also have a hiking backpack carrier which was quite expensive and the tula is so much more comfortable than that. I now feel that we can go anywhere and do anything without fear of my 3 year old asking to be carried. Alison B.   (Read More  Reviews on Baby Tula ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We especially liked how you can use this carrier as a back carry and front carrier. Your toddler’s body development will not be impacted, thanks to its thoughtful, m-position seat.

It is the best toddler carrier on the market!

3. Clevr Premium Backpack Hiking Child Carrier

The Premium Backpack Hiking Child Carrier from Clevr is made for those who love hiking.

It features a hip belt and padded straps to ensure safety without compromising comfort.

We especially like the thoughtful inclusion of a sunshade visor and stand.

You get multiple pockets for convenient storage, including an extra-large pocket for diapers.

Toddler Travel Gear for Plane Trips

Next up is the all-dreaded plane trip. Talk about anxiety and nervous feelings! Fortunately, the older your child gets, the easier this bit gets.

Our little one just turned 3, and life is already getting easier when we get on that plane.

Tip:  You might also be interested in checking out the best toddler toys for airplanes  here.

Here is a list of some fabulous airplane accessories for toddlers.

4. Travel Car Seat or Child Airplane Travel Harness

It is so vital for your toddler to be in a travel car seat on the plane. According to News.com , it is not just to protect your child from plane crashes, but it is so important for turbulence.

Not only will the car seat protect your child in the case of an emergency, but it will also help keep your toddler sitting still as much as possible (which is great for your sanity).

The best travel car seat we love is the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat ( find a different portable car seat on our  best travel convertible car seat  guide here ) when traveling with a toddler on a car or a plane.

This car seat is lightweight (14.25 lb) and slim enough (18″) to fit on plane seats .

It can be used in rear-facing mode for toddlers weighing less than 40 pounds and front-facing mode for toddlers weighing up to 65 pounds.

Would Highly Recommend! I’m very impressed with this carseat. You can’t beat the price, and it’s the same quality as some of the more expensive carseats out there! My kiddo loves how comfy and soft it is. It isn’t bulky at all, and comfortably fits both cup holders on each side… Love it Alison B.   (Read More  Reviews on Walmart ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For older toddlers aged 4 years+, you could also consider taking along a travel booster seat (although these can’t be used on planes).

An alternative to a car seat is the airplane toddler harness mentioned below. I would only recommend the travel harness for kids aged 3 years+.

Also, if it is an overnight flight I highly recommend the car seat as our toddler found the safety harness a bit uncomfortable to sleep with. 

Tip: You may also be interested in checking out this foldable travel car seat for 2 year old and/or this car seat for a 3 year old .

Protect Your Car Seat With A Travel Bag

If you are buying the convertible seat, we recommend getting the Volkgo Travel Bag with it.

It is an effective and easy way to travel with your convertible seat. This bag will ensure that your travel seat stays clean (plus it is a great way to sneak in some extra toddler items like a blanket or diapers or clothes).

Also, it is made from nylon, making it water-resistant.

For Older Toddlers – Airplane Harness

If you are taking a flight with your toddler, aged two years or older , you could get a safety harness instead of having to drag a car seat onto the plane.

It takes less than a minute to install and can fit into small bags.

My only negative with the harness is that your toddler will need to sleep upright in their seat. We’ve tried this harness with our young year old, and it was uncomfortable for her, it was much better when she was over 2 years.

You can read our full  CARES harness review  here.

5. Travel Foot Rest Pillow for Kids

Here is a product we just can’t live without! It might just be one of the handiest flight accessories for toddlers.

We recommend you get the inflatable foot travel pillow if your toddler is going to be on the plane overnight or during nap times.

This inflatable airplane pillow can be placed in the leg rest area to offer a relaxing flat position for your kid to sleep.

Whilst you won’t be able to use the pillow on take-off and landing (and sometimes the air hostesses might ask you to pop it away), it can help your child sleep much better on a long-haul flight.

Note: Not all airlines will allow you to use this product, but we have managed to use it more often than not in planes and it has been a lifesaver.

6. Fun N’ Fly Foldable Travel Tray

The next recommendation for toddler flight essentials is a multi-purpose play space that fits perfectly on nearly all standard airplane tray tables.

It can fold and unfold in mere seconds.

The fabulous thing about this table is that it has side barriers, so it is great for toys and crayons, etc. And you can wash it and reuse it as many times as you want.

I got so sick of playing pick-up in the planes, so this truly is fabulous to make life easier.

7. ‘Tux’ Kids Travel Pillow and Travel Blanket Set

Roamwild offers a three-in-one accessory that functions as a blanket, a comfortable pillow, and a penguin toy .

This is so brilliant because the Tux can be used to transform any armrest into a pillow for your toddler, making it ideal for plane, coach & train travel.

We love to travel with our own blankets. If you want to find a blanket for yourself, then you might also enjoy our list of adult  travel blankets for airplanes  here.

8. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet

The next product on our list is not just a travel accessory, but rather a full-fledged tablet.

The Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet serves as the perfect tool for young minds to indulge in more than 20,000 famous games, apps, books, videos, and other educational content.

A 2-year worry-free guarantee backs it. You also get a kid-proof case , which comes in three colors – yellow, pink, and blue.

The tablet is really helpful to kill time waiting in airports or to give you some downtime on the plane to catch a few breaths.

9. Anble Kids Headphones

For toddlers who are fond of listening to music, there can be no better travel accessory than the Anble Kids Headphones.

It features a standard 3.5mm jack, which is compatible with nearly all popular smartphones. 

We especially liked its 93-decibel volume restrictor to ensure hearing protection for toddlers.

And did we mention that it has a sharing interface on the right side?

Best Travel Accessories for Toddlers To Keep Everything Organized

Here is our list of some of the best kids’ luggage, bags, and organizers to make life a touch easier.

10. JetKids by Stokke BedBox (Best Air Travel Gear for Toddlers)

Stokke is a well-known baby and toddler brand, so their JetKids Ride On Suitcase is one of our favorite toddler travel accessories. 

What makes this travel suitcase so great is the built-in flight bed . The suitcase transforms in 5 quick and easy steps once the seatbelt is switched off on the plane.

The suitcase also has space for your toddler’s essentials, so you can pack them away for easy access when not used as a ride-on through the airport.

The suitcase has front swivel wheels, making it super easy to pull along and steer.

Trunki is one of the most reputed brands when it comes to products for toddlers.

Trunki is a durable and lightweight suitcase for kids. It is available in two color options –  Terrance (Blue) and Trixie (Pink).

Your toddlers can use it as a riding toy or for storing luggage, and it can hold up to 75 lbs (which should be more than enough to store your toddler’s belongings for a trip).

We only r ecommend this one for older toddlers , as a one-year-old might still be too little for it.

So if you are not sure this is the right pick for your toddler, then we have other fabulous ideas for kids’ luggage on wheels  here.

12. Travel Organizers with Laundry Bag

Have you ever found packing your luggage to be stressful? We’ve used packing trips for most of our trips. We use these in our luggage as well as our carry-on bags.

Shacke offers a pack of four space-saving packing cubes that allow you to organize and pack all your essentials systematically. You will no longer have to wrestle with your suitcase to fit in everything you need!

Each of these travel organizers is made from high-quality nylon. The pack is available in nine colors and comes with a laundry bag.

We typically pack all our clothes and items for all three (Andrzej, myself, and our toddler) of us into one suitcase, so I really LOVE to use a specific color for each person, that way I can pull out the right cube of clothes for any of us quickly.

We always popped three of these in our backpack diaper bag.

One was to store toddler travel toys (here is our list of the  best travel toys for toddlers ) and the second was for snacks organized for the plane trip.

And when she was in diapers, we also used a third cube as our diaper caddy – it is so much easier to take a cube into the small plane toilet cubicles rather than a big bulky diaper backpack.

You can read through all our packing cubes reviews  here.

It is one of those travel things for toddlers that no one naturally would think about, but that comes in handy in so many different ways.

13. Mancro Backpack Diaper Bag

One of those travel must-haves for toddlers – whether your toddler is toilet-trained or not.

We absolutely love the Mancro Backpack Diaper Bag for travel purposes.

Featuring 114 easy-access compartments, this backpack will let you keep all your toddler essentials in an organized manner. We use it on the plane and while exploring.

We especially liked its included changing pad, stroller straps, and padded straps, making it excellent for traveling. You need not worry about any quality-related red flags, as it comes with a lifetime warranty .

After something a bit more girlie? We have a list of other fabulous  traveling diaper bags  here.

Best Toddler Travel Gear for Sleep-Time

Next up are some fabulous nifty toddler travel items to help with sleep and nap time.

14. BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light or The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed

Depending on your toddler’s age, you can choose to buy either a suitable toddler travel crib or an inflatable toddler bed (see info on that below).

One of the best portable travel cribs is the BabyBjörn Travel Crib. This crib is perfect for children up to three years of age. It is a lightweight crib (13 lbs) and comes with a carry bag.

It can be set up very quickly and folds back conveniently , making it ideal for travel.

You can also find our guide on the  best travel cribs  for your research here.

If your child is older than 2 , you can opt for the Toddler Travel Bed by The Shrunks.

It comes with a powerful electric pump so you can inflate it quickly. We especially liked the guard rails on the sides of this bed to prevent toddlers from rolling out.

15. Portable Window Blackout Blind Shades

The worst thing is when you arrive at a hotel or Airbnb and they only have sheer curtains.

You already know that your toddler will be awake at the first sign of light.

Fortunately, you can take this fabulous product along with you.

AmazonBasics offers the Window Blackout Blind Shades to block out sunlight and UV rays, thereby ensuring that your kid sleeps quietly during the day.

It is made from 100% polyester and features Velcro edges, which allow it to fit several window sizes.

It adheres with suction cups , so you can stick it onto any window YEAH!

Toddler Travel Accessories for Car Trips

For those who will be spending loads of time in the car on a road trip. Here are some fabulous items to help keep peace in the backseat. 

16. Kinder Fluff Car Sun Shade

Kinder Fluff’s pack of four-car sun shades is a must-have if you plan to embark on a road trip with your toddler. It consists of two transparent and two semi-transparent sun shades for your car windows.

You also get a free storage pouch.

We especially liked the fact that you can install it quickly and easily without any adhesives or suction cups.

They are so easy to pack, take up little room, and honestly will help your little one to sleep better during the car trip.

17. Car Seat Tray

Keeping kids occupied with toys, activity books, or food more oft than not is an arduous task.

EcoZen Lifestyle offers a multi-purpose travel tray that can be used in cars and planes.

Your child will be busy with his toys, books, and food with the help of this exceptional tray.

Its side and front pockets allow for convenient storage of various things.

18. Shynerk Baby Car Mirror

Shynerk offers the Baby Car Mirror, which is an effective way of keeping your toddler under surveillance.

It pivots a full 360 degrees to ensure that you have the best viewing angle.

I’m sure you all have one in your car at home, but this one is fabulous to pack and take along.

We especially liked how easy it was to attach it to the headrest of the backseat of our car.

You need not worry about your toddler getting harmed by it in case of a mishap because it is crash-tested and safety certified.

19. Lusso Gear Car Seat Organizer

Nobody wants to clean a mess of toys, books, and spilled food on vacation.

Traveling with a toddler in a car can be a messy affair, especially when they have a complete arsenal of things to throw around.

Lusso Gear offers the Car Seat Organizer, which prevents this most efficiently.

It consists of nine storage compartments for various toddler-favorite products.

We especially liked the ergonomic handles that make it easy to carry.

Best Travel Items for Toddlers to Keep Them Safe

We all know that toddlers are super busy little people. And boy do they love to have their own way. So it can be really tricky to move through crowded areas when your toddler wants to run this way or that

These products will help give your child a touch of freedom, whilst still keeping them within a safe distance.

20. The Stair Barrier Portable Baby Gate

Not only can stairs be a safety concern for toddler parents, but it can also mean that you will have to take your toddler up and down the stairs all day long (our toddler just loved new stairs and kept asking to go up and down).

If you know that the hotel or Airbnb you will be staying in has stairs, it would be worthwhile to take this Stair Barrier Portable Fabric Gate with you.

It weighs only 6 lbs. It ties up with 3 dual-sided release buckles, which won’t leave marks on the staircase.

It is available in two size options and 11 different colors.

21. Jolik Child Motorcycle Safety Harness

Jolik offers the Child Motorcycle Safety Harness for parents who want to take their toddlers along when they go for a ride.

Its belt length can be adjusted to fit most motorcycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs.

It can be used for kids aged 2 to 12 years.

Helpful when you visit scooter-heavy countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Bali.

I hate seeing little kids on motorcycles with no protection, this is worth every dollar (and don’t forget to take a bike helmet  along as well!).

We liked the thoughtful inclusion of a reflective patch to ensure your child’s safety in darkness.

22. Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link or Skip Hop Toddler Leash and Harness Backpack

If your toddler has a knack for running around and getting lost, you can use the Anti-Lost Wrist Link from Blisstime to prevent that from happening when you are traveling. It comes in three color options – rose red, orange, and blue.

Instead, you may choose to opt for the Toddler Leash and Harness Backpack from Yisibo. It allows you to ensure that your child does not get lost in a crowded place.

You can detach the leash from the backpack when it is not required. It is available in five different and fun styles.

Other Must-Have Toddler Travel Essentials

And if you thought we were out of items, you were wrong. There is even more. Some nifty ideas for making mealtime more enjoyable and just some fabulous products to have on have. 

23. Munchkin Brica Travel Booster Seat or Zicac Portable Booster Seat Cushion

Anybody who has traveled with toddlers will agree that one of the most common issues they face is the low height of chairs in public places.

Not all restaurants have high chairs, and things get too complicated when you try to keep them on your lap while eating.

Depending on your toddler’s age, you can choose from these two seat boosters. You can also find some other fabulous recommendations for a   travel high chair .

Munchkin’s Booster Seat works best for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years. We especially liked its built-in storage space for diapers and bottles.

Zicac’s Booster Seat is better suited for toddlers aged three years or above.

It features a high-density sponge and two straps to ensure that it stays securely in place on chairs.

24. BabyBjörn Smart Travel Potty or Gimars Portable Reusable Potty Training

One of the recurring tasks that a toddler’s parents must do is changing diapers. It may not be convenient to do that while traveling, so you should use these two products.

We recommend the Smart Potty for car journeys and the Reusable Potty Training for planes and trains.

The Smart Potty takes up negligible space and is very easy to clean. Its splash guard eliminates the chance of spills.

The Reusable Potty Trainer has six silicone pads that are non-slip, easily foldable, and washable.

It can be used to help your toddlers learn how to use lavatories.

25. Papablic Portable Baby Bottle Warmer

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your toddler could get warm milk on the go?

Papablic’s Portable Bottle Warmer does just that! It features a waterproof seal and vacuum insulation, which keeps water or milk hot for an entire day.

It has a 100% money-back guarantee and can easily fit in most standard diaper bags.

26. OXO Tot Drying Rack with Bottle Brush

Cleaning up a toddler’s essential products like bottles, nipples, or breast pump parts can be tiring, especially while traveling.

OXO provides a compact cleaning solution consisting of a firm, soft-bristled brush, and a detail cleaner.

It opens up to form a drying rack with flexible tines and ventilation holes to enable quick drying.

27. ChooMee SoftSip Food Pouch Top

When traveling with toddlers sometimes you have to do meals on the go.

With the ChooMee SoftSip Food Pouch tops, your little one will have a mess-free meal from any food pouch.

Simply screw off the food pouch plastic top and place the soft tops over the top to make mealtime comfortable for your little one.

The ChooMee SoftSip tops are made from silicone and are 100% BPA-free. They are also dishwasher safe which makes it easy to clean after use.

28. Munchkin Snack Catcher & a Sippy Travel Cup

Why are toddlers always so hungry!? Traveling with toddlers becomes much easier if you get this pack of 2 snack containers from Munchkin.

You can choose from two color combinations – blue and green or pink and purple. These containers fit most of the standard cup holders in cars and strollers.

We especially liked these spill-proof containers because they are made from BPA-free, dishwasher-safe materials.

Also, don’t forget to pack your sippy cups. You can just use what you have at home, but if you want something new, we love these sippy cups for young kids here.

29. ALVABABY Waterproof Wet Bag

With our next recommendation, we are adhering to optimal waste disposal standards. You cannot throw away a used diaper on the move and storing it for future disposal can be a hassle.

ALVABABY offers a waterproof wet bag that is a much better alternative than plastic bags. You can conveniently keep wet waste or wet clothes in this bag.

30. Speedo Kids’ Classic Swim Vest

Toddlers typically can’t swim well yet and often they aren’t always aware of how dangerous water can be, so best to ensure that they are safe when surrounded by water.

Speedo offers the Classic Swim Vest for small children in two sizes – medium for ages 2 to 4, and large for ages 4 to 6.

You can choose from seven different color options. It features an adjustable buckle strap and a full front zipper.

Your toddler will not be harmed by the sun’s harmful UV rays, thanks to its UPF 50+ protection.

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

31. Bigib Toddler Kids Swim Water Shoes

One of the significant concerns that parents have after their toddlers go swimming is the risk of slipping down and getting hurt.

Bigib offers swim water shoes that are non-slip and dry quickly to ensure that your toddlers do not face that predicament.

Just recently on our trip to Malta, we watched a little child run around the pool and in no time at all he was face-planting on the floor.

Even though we told our little one to walk slowly as a result, she still managed to slip as well. 

These shoes are just so fabulous for little ones who love to run.

They are also great when you are visiting beaches that have lots of shells, coral, or rocks on them.

You can choose from 13 fun and exciting style options for these unisex shoes. You can also find a list of other  toddler water shoes  here.

32. Cocosand Baby Sunglasses with Strap

Protecting your toddler’s eyes from the harsh sun rays when at the beach or pool is just as important as protecting your own.

We love the Cososand Baby Sunglasses that offer UV400 protection. The sunglasses come with a strap to help keep them on your little one when out and about.

The sunglasses come in a variety of colors for you to choose from.

They are made from a soft and comfortable material that is lightweight and won’t squeeze the ears or the nose of your little one when they are wearing them.

33. Monobeach Pop-Up Baby Beach Tent 

This pop-up beach tent is not only a great sun shade but can also double up as a small splash pool to keep your little one cool when at the beach.

It comes with its own carry bag and folds up small and compact making it easy to store and carry when out and about. 

You also get 4 pegs to ensure that you can secure the tent in the sand or ground when using it at the beach or even in the park when having a picnic.

The pop-up tent has a sun protection rating of 50+ UPF ensuring that your little one will have extra protection when sitting inside this great pop-up beach tent.

34. Sesame Street Elmo’s On The Go Letters

The Sesame Street On the Go Letters has a carry case with 26 letters helping your toddler not only have fun but learn the alphabet.

By playing with the On the Go Letters your toddler will learn letter recognition as they snap each letter back in place in the carry case.  

If you want to start spelling words you can use the space at the bottom of the case to place and spell words.

35. Buckle Toys Blu Whale

The Blu Whale Soft toy from Buckle toy offers comfort, development, and educational aspects.

The Blue Whale helps your toddler develop fine motor skills, color recognition, problem-solving skills, and hand-eye coordination.

The whale has a zipper pocket, embroidered numbers & shapes, and six colorful buckles with different clasps.

36. Story Time Finger Puppets

Story Time Finger Puppets are a great toy that helps develop creative play and imagination.

With 20 different puppets, 14 animals, and 6 people family members, there are endless stories that can be created to pass the time when traveling.

The puppets are made from soft cloth felt and fit securely on your toddler’s fingers but are also suitable to fit on adult-sized fingers so you can create stories with your little one as well.

37. Montessori deMoca Quiet Book Toy

The Montessori deMoca Cloth Book is a soft cloth book created to help develop your toddler’s fine motor skills.

With 9 different activities, your toddler will learn colors, shapes, and even how to use snaps and buckles.

Made from cloth materials you can wash this book whenever it needs a cleaning and it even comes with its own zippered washing machine bag to ensure the book keeps its shape during washing.

38. Suction Cup Pop Up Fidget Spinner Toys

Fidget spinner toys are such great toys that all kids love to play with and keep them occupied for hours!

These suction cup pop-up fidget spinner toys are great as they can suction onto the table on the plane when seated to keep your little one entertained during a flight.

They stick on any flat surface so even if you are not flying you can still use them if there is a flat surface.

The suction cup fidget spinners are also small and compact enough to slip into your carry-on bag and take up very little space so are great as a travel toy for toddlers.

To read more about great toys for traveling browse our tried and tested best airplane toys post.

Summary Of The Best T ravel Essentials For Toddlers

Toddlers can get extremely cranky while traveling; the best travel gear for toddlers can make or break the trip. 

We have incorporated various toddler travel must-haves in our recommendations to ensure that there is something worthwhile for everyone’s needs.

Did you know that we also have other helpful guides? Browse our  best travel accessories for kids ‘ guide, our  best baby travel gear , or general  travel gear  guide here.

Till next time, travel safely! I hope you found our guide to the best toddler travel items helpful.

Further Reading:

• Click here to grab more information on how to travel with a toddler .

Jolene Ejmont

5 thoughts on “38 best toddler travel essentials (more fun & less stress in 2024)”.

I love it! i was just planning a trip with my family and i will take my one year old baby, many people point out that it’s not very good to travel with kids as they get stressed on the flight and may make a lot of sense to some extent, however i think it’s great that you wrote this because you don’t know how much help you’re going to do with this!

Allisson, don’t listen to other people and just follow what works for you. You know what, our little one LOVES to fly and out of 50 flights she was only unsettled on maybe 3. Kids are all different though, some personality types handle things better than other. But I’m sure your little one will LOVE all the quality time that they will get to spend with you once they are there. If you are on facebook, come and join us in our little family travel support group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/wsfamilytravelsupportgroup . You will find it is a great place to come and talk to other parents who can give you some insight into what it is like 😉

I read your tips for travelling with kids. This is one of the best ways to travel with kids and very easy and useful gadgets to carry. I am planning a trip with my family and now I’ll also carry these things with me.

This was possibly one of the most brilliant lists I have seen. Planning a major trip soon, and I’ve added so many of these to my must have list! Thank you!

Thank you very much for your kind words, and sorry for the much-delayed response.

Comments are closed.

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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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2 thoughts on “ 20+ Toddler Travel Essentials for 2024 – With Packing List ”

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 Traveling Twin Mama

25+ Toddler Travel Essentials: Traveling with a Toddler Checklist (2024)

Planning a family trip, but unsure what you need in terms of toddler travel essentials? Keep reading for my traveling with a toddler checklist (from a mama of twin boys).

From ensuring you’ve packed the essentials, to anticipating toddler needs on the go, the mere thought of organizing a trip with toddlers in tow can be overwhelming.

As a mom of twin boys who started traveling at four months and have now been on over 50+ trips, I understand the joys and challenges that come with traveling alongside your little ones. But rest assured mama, you got this!

My all-inclusive toddler travel essentials list draws from my personal experiences and takeaways from traveling with my twin boys. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul international trip, these toddler travel essentials will help alleviate the stress that often accompanies toddler travel prep.

You’ll find, not only the toddler travel essentials that have worked best for my kids but also items that my fellow traveling moms swear by. Please remember that every kid is different – so what works for one may not work for the other (even with twins!) It’s likely that you won’t need all the items listed (that’s where your mama intuition will come in). Also please be aware that toddler travel needs change as your little one grows from 12 months to three years and so on.

Think of this blog post as your roadmap to smoother, more enjoyable travel with your toddler! The focus will shift from worrying about forgotten items to creating cherished memories with your little adventurer. It’s broken down into two simple sections: the day of travel (i.e. what needs to be in your diaper bag or toddler’s backpack) and carry-on/checked luggage (i.e. what you may need at the hotel/vacation rental or during the trip).

Day of Travel: Toddler Travel Essentials

When flying with a toddler, what you include in your diaper bag travel checklist can make a significant impact on your flying experience. Simply because most airports don’t offer items that cater to kids. The toddler travel essentials listed below will help you fly with your little one with ease.

Toddler Travel Essentials: Transport Checklist

As a mom of twins, my biggest concern before traveling with my infant twins was how I would transport them during the trip, especially at the airport. As they got older and more accustomed to traveling to different regions and climates, I realized that what’s required for one trip may not be required for the next. As you prepare the toddler travel essentials you will need to take into consideration where you are traveling to and what activities you’ll be participating in.

Travel Strollers

For my boys’ first and second trips to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Puerto Rico (respectively), we used this double stroller travel system which easily connected both car seats. To be fair, however, it was a bit cumbersome gate-checking a double stroller. You have to, not only detach the car seats, but also remove a seat and fold the stroller. All the while somehow holding or containing two kids.

After our travels in Europe and taking the train from Amsterdam to Paris, I realized a double stroller was not conducive to travel. I noticed European parents using small travel strollers – some of which folded compactly and could fit in the overhead rack. That’s the exact moment that I became obsessed with the GB Pockit Stroller . I absolutely love how I can roll the stroller on the plane with the baby in tow. Once the baby is settled, I simply fold it up and place it overhead.

There are several good options for compact travel strollers and many of those can fit overhead on a plane. Depending on the climate you’re traveling to, you may want to consider getting a mosquito net cover , rain cover , and/or fan for the stroller. Another great stroller accessory when carrying a lot of things is a stroller organizer . Being able to keep your hands as free as possible when traveling with kids makes the journey a lot easier and less stressful.

As my boys got older, they became more resistant to using a stroller. That’s when our handy beach wagon came to the rescue. It was perfect for fitting both kids or their luggage. Our personal rules to the kids were “either pull the wagon or ride in it.”

If you prefer a wagon specifically designed for kids, there are several options including Wonderfold , Evenflo , and Gladly Family . These wagons come with seat belts and seats specifically designed for kiddos.

Lightweight or Travel Car Seat

Another toddler travel essential that I stressed about when first traveling with my twins was car seats. I couldn’t imagine carrying two standard-sized car seats along with all of the other kid travel needs. Luckily, some genius out there with kids designed lightweight and portable travel car seats for parents on the go.

We started with the Cosco Car Seats which are relatively lightweight at about 12 pounds. We didn’t have any issues with it. However, when we discovered the WAYB Pico was foldable, only 8 pounds, and could be used with kids up to 50 lbs (we were nearing the weight limit of our Cosco Car Seats), we knew it was time to switch.

It’s extremely easy to travel with the WAYB Pico Car Seat. I personally love how spacious the car seat bag is. It’s roomy enough to fit additional items, like life jackets.

Ride Safer Travel Vest

Another great option is the Ride Safe Travel Vest for car travel only. It is available in three sizes and fits kids from 22 to 110 pounds. The best part is that the travel vest only weighs a bit over two pounds.

CARES Kid’s Fly Safe Harness

Due to the amount of stuff you have to bring, traveling with twin babies and toddlers is no easy feat. Once I started buying my kiddos their own seats on the plane, I was happy to find the CARES Kid’s Fly Safe Harness to use on the plane instead of a car seat. It quickly became one of our toddler travel essentials.

This harness is designed for kids that weigh 22–44 pounds and is very compact. So compact, that each boy would carry theirs in their backpack! Plus, the setup was super easy and only took a minute or so.

Toddler Luggage and Travel Backpack Essentials

As your little one gets older, they’re going to want more independence. A great way to satiate that need is to add toddler luggage and/or a toddler backpack to your toddler travel checklist. Keep reading for my favorites.

Toddler Luggage

At two years old, my boys were over the moon when they got their own toddler-sized luggage . We found it was best to give them two-wheel luggage since it seemed easier for them to know which direction to roll it. Initially, they carried just lightly packed luggage or backpacks to limit the weight. As they got older, they started to carry both, which has made traveling with kids so much easier.

Toddler Travel Backpack and Harness Backpack with Leash

Once your little one gets old enough and is a relatively good walker, a toddler travel backpack is a must-have. These backpacks can be relatively light and easy for your little one to carry. As they grow, they can begin to carry some of their needs, like entertainment, snacks, and/or diapers.

If you have a kid who likes to wander or have multiples (like myself), consider investing in a harness backpack with a leash .

Toddler Luggage Accessories Checklist

Packing for yourself can be a challenge. Throw in packing for a toddler, and you may end up with more things than you can physically carry. Luggage straps, compression packing cubes, and vacuum storage bags have been the key for my family to travel as lightly as possible and have even allowed us to fly with only carry-ons.

Luggage Strap

Believe it or not, I have traveled with my twin toddlers solo several times. One of the biggest hurdles I initially faced was how to carry everything by myself. A luggage strap is a quick and effective solution. Simply attach your kids’ luggage to yours, and pull all of it together.

Cincha Travel Belt

The Cincha Travel Belt is a great way to ensure that any bag set on the handles of your luggage stays put. The worst thing is walking through the airport and having your bag slip or fall off the handles. You won’t have to worry about that with this travel belt.

It especially comes in handy as a toddler travel essential, since you can easily attach the diaper bag or even a car seat bag onto the handles of your luggage. Honestly, it’s been a game-changer! The fewer things I have to carry in my hand or back, the better.

Toddler Travel Essential: Feeding Checklist

Feeding toddlers can be a challenge all on its own. Add in travel and an airport full of germs, and no wonder people are intimidated by traveling with their kids. This “feeding toddlers while traveling” checklist will make the feeding on-the-go process easier and less of a headache.

Snack Catcher OR Snack Spinner

If your toddlers are anything like my twins, snacks are a travel must-have . Unfortunately, that normally equates to a mess. That’s where the snack catcher and snack spinner come in handy.

The snack catcher is a great option if you’re packing a single snack. It’s very small and can easily fit into your toddler’s backpack. On the other hand, the snack spinner is a travel essential for those toddlers who require a variety of snacks. They come with five snack compartments and an interactive button. It’s a bit larger, around 6.5 inches, so it may or may not fit in your toddler’s backpack, depending on its size.

Of course, if you have a snack catcher or spinner, you must have snacks. Honestly, they count as a form of entertainment. Below are some of my kids’ favorite travel snacks:

• Applesauce or other pouches
• Graham crackers
• Veggie straws
• Dried fruit
• Cheese crackers

Spill-proof Water Bottle

A spill-proof water bottle is hands-down one of the most important toddler travel essentials since, for some unknown reason, toddlers are always thirsty. I recommend getting a bottle that can easily fit in your toddler’s backpack because they seem to be the easiest things to lose and/or forget when traveling.

Additionally, don’t fret about carrying your own drink pass airport security in a kid’s water bottle. It’s allowed, but it has to be screened . This simply means the officer will ask you to remove the top of the water bottle so they can place a paper above the opening. This ensures there are no foreign or illegal substances.

Personally, I think it’s worth it!

Easy Clean Bibs

Toddlers are notorious for smearing food all over the table and themselves while they eat. Using a long-sleeved, easy-to-clean, waterproof bib will minimize the amount of clothing you have to change after mealtime. You’ll love them so much that they’ll become a part of your everyday diaper bag essentials.

Foldable Placemats

As toddlers, my boys LOVED to eat. I couldn’t expect us to go anywhere to eat without them wanting to share in the meal. These foldable placemats ensured my boys had something clean to eat on, that they couldn’t pick up and throw on the floor. They became so handy that they quickly became a diaper bag essential, even when we weren’t traveling. Plus, they are simple to clean. (I would use bottle and pacifier wipes. )

Portable High Chair

The portable high chair is another toddler travel essential that quickly became an everyday diaper bag essential. How many times have you been out to a restaurant and either there wasn’t a high chair available (especially with twins, this happens more than you would think) or the high chair was dirty?

This is also important when trying to feed your kiddo at a vacation rental or a family member’s house. Where does your kid sit? Portable high chairs ensure you have a clean place for your little one to safely sit around the table. The high chairs that we used easily adapted to almost any type of chair and folded small enough to fit two inside of our diaper bag.

Toddler Utensils

Toddler utensils are more of perk than a toddler traveling essential. Can your toddler use regular or plastic silverware? Most likely – yes. But since toddler utensils are made for your little one’s little hands, and help them master their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, why not add them to your toddler packing list?

As a bonus, they can easily fit in your diaper bag.

Toddler Travel Checklists: Diapering Essentials

On the first few flights with my twins, at least one of them had a blowout. If there’s one area I want to be over-prepared for when traveling with kids, it’s diapering essentials.

Changing Pad Liner

Believe it or not, some airplanes don’t have changing tables. Most have at least one bathroom with a changing table, but when there’s an emergency (because toddlers love to wait until the last minute to tell you they have to go), how would you know which one to go to?

A changing pad liner ensures you have a clean and ample space to change your toddler while traveling. It also has space for you to store diapers, wipes, and other diapering essentials. Sometimes I would bring a dog training pad so that I wouldn’t have to worry about soiling my liner. I could easily wrap all the soiled items in it and dispose.

Toddler Travel Potty

Once my twins started potty training, I wanted to ensure they were comfortable going to the potty while traveling. Therefore, I purchased a toddler travel potty before our travels so they could get comfortable using it (hopefully eliminating the possibility of them not wanting to use it while traveling).

For reference, there are (3) different toddler travel potty options : 1) Toddler travel potty that includes a bowl 2) Toddler travel potty that does NOT include a bowl 3) Toddler potty seat

There is no wrong or right option – just whatever works best for you and your toddler. We personally liked the style that included the bowl.

Adding a wet bag to your toddler travel checklist will ensure you have a place to store any potentially soiled clothing. The last thing you want to do is put soiled clothes into your clean diaper bag!

Diapers, Training Pants, and Wipes

I’d be remiss if I didn’t add the basic necessities when it comes to diapering a toddler.

A quick suggestion to the potty training mama- don’t be afraid to use training pants while traveling, even for the kiddos who are pretty advanced. It takes the pressure off of everyone. I can’t tell you how many times my kids “suddenly” had to go potty during landing.

Toddler Plane Sleep Essentials

The best thing that could happen when flying with kids is they fall asleep during the flight. Making your toddler as comfortable as possible will help them sleep on the plane , especially on long-haul flights.

JetKids BedBox or Inflatable Travel Bed

One item that’s guaranteed to make my toddler travel checklist when I want my kiddos to sleep on the plane is a comfortable toddler travel bed .

We love the JetKids BedBox . It turns their seat into a lay-flat bed. Each time we use it, it basically guarantees they’ll get comfy enough to drift asleep. Plus, the compartment is large enough to use as a carry-on to fit your kiddo’s clothing and belongings. Another more affordable, option is the inflatable travel bed , which wedges between your child’s seat and the seat in front of them. This way, they can stretch their legs out and fall asleep.

Planes are notorious for being cold. Be sure your toddler is as comfy as possible by adding a blanket or jacket to the travel packing list. A blanket that folds into the bag easily fits in most toddler backpacks and attaches to luggage.

Also consider adding a hat to your toddler travel checklist, especially if your kid tends to get cold easily. This could even become a diaper bag essential, as many restaurants and stores tend to be chilly.

Portable Sound Machine

Some children have a hard time falling asleep without a sound machine. If this is your kid, be sure to add a portable sound machine to your toddler travel packing list. It’s lightweight and small enough to easily fit in your diaper bag.

Toddler Travel Essential: Entertainment

When preparing for a flight, it’s common to bring some type of entertainment to pass the time in the air. Toddlers aren’t any different.

Most toddlers need multiple forms of entertainment on their travel checklist. I recommended bringing at least one new or rarely used toy/entertainment so that they are excited about playing with it, and hopefully play with it longer.

Below are some of our favorite toddler entertainment travel essentials:

• Window Clings
• Felt Friends Craft Activity
• Mess-Free Coloring
• Suction Toys
• Magnetic Tiles
• Busy Board Backpack or busy board
• Small Construction Vehicles or dolls
• Fidget Toys
• Reusable Sticker Pads
• Squishy Toys
• Foldable headphones

Other Toddler Travel Day Essentials

Extra Set of Clothing

An extra set of clothing is a must for both toddlers and babies, especially when checking luggage. Just remember when you’re on the plane and somehow you and/or your little one get dirty (it happens more than you can imagine), you only have what’s in your diaper bag.

Teething Toys

If your toddler is teething, it’s important to have teething toys on the travel checklist. While on the plane, your little one’s ears may pop, which may magnify their gum irritation. The sucking and chewing motion will help minimize the irritability of both the gums and ears.

Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes

It seems as if one of toddlers’ favorite activities is to drop something on the floor and put said item in their mouth. It’s one thing when they do it at home, but it’s an entirely different game when done at the germy airport. Keeping hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in your diaper bag will allow your baby to play happily while giving you peace of mind.

Toddler Travel Essentials: Required Documentation

What a bummer would it be to pack all of your toddler travel essentials, only to forget the correct documentation?

• Copy of birth certificate OR 
• Letter from the hospital indicating age
• A signed and notarized letter stating permission for travel to X destination
• Passports and/or visas (if required)

✔️ Get This Checklist as an Interactive PDF ✔️

Toddler carry-on/checked luggage packing lis.

The toddler travel essentials listed below can vary depending on the age of your toddler, their propensity to get dirty or soil their clothes, and the type of destination you’re traveling to. For example, beach vacations require their own set of travel essentials.

Toddler Travel Packing List: Clothing

These are the general packing guidelines that I use when traveling with my kids. If possible, stay at a vacation rental or hotel with a washing machine. Or come prepared with sink laundry detergent .

• Underwear: 1 per day, plus 2 additional
• 1 outfit per child, per day
• 1+ additional outfits per child (especially more tops if your toddler drools a lot)
• Socks: 1 pair per day, plus 1 additional pair because socks disappear
• Shoes: 1-2 pairs, depending on activities
• Pajamas: 1 per every 2 days (you may need to increase if the toddler soaks through overnight training pants)
• Weather-specific clothes: i.e. coats, hats, or beach clothing

Toddler Travel Packing List: Toiletries

Packing as light as possible is key for traveling with kids. It’s recommended to get travel-size toiletries or use leak-proof pouches or travel containers .

• Tear-free bath soap and shampoo
• Baby lotion
• Hairbrush/supplies (headbands/hair barrettes/products)
• First aid kit , including Infant medicine (ibuprofen or acetaminophen), bandaids, thermometer, etc.
• Sink laundry detergent
• Baby Sunscreen
• Natural mosquito repellent 
• Inflatable travel bath  
• Kid flossers

Toddler Travel Checklist: Sleeping Essentials

It can be a challenge for some people to fall asleep in a new place, and toddlers aren’t any different. Therefore, recreating their home environment as closely as possible increases the chances of your little one sleeping through the night. Be sure to add these toddler travel sleeping essentials to your checklist!

Pack and Play , Portable Baby Travel Crib , or Baby Travel Tent

There are a variety of toddler travel bed options . There is no right or wrong option, it’s more what works best for your family’s needs and price point. Whichever one you decide to go with, try it out at home for a few nights just to make sure your little one enjoys sleeping in it.

Portable Black-out Curtains

In order to get some children to sleep, the room needs to be pitch black. If this is your toddler, be sure to add portable black-out curtains to the essential packing list. They are relatively small to carry and the setup is pretty simple since the attached suction cups stick to the window. It’s worth bringing them if a good night’s sleep is on the line.

Portable White Noise Machine

Similar to black-out curtains, some kids have a hard time falling asleep without a white noise machine. If this is your toddler, a portable white noise machine is indeed a travel essential. This one is compact and can attach to most things. It offers three different sounds to help your little one drown out any disruption and drift off to sleep.

Smartphone Baby Monitor  

If you’re planning to stay in a vacation rental or somewhere where your toddler will be sleeping in a different room, you may want to add a smartphone baby monitor to your packing list. The camera itself is relatively small and you use your phone as the monitor. It’s a great way to check in on your toddler without having to physically go into the room or take up a lot of space in your luggage.

Toddler Travel Essentials: Packing Light

Packing light is key when traveling with kids, especially if you’re like me and get overwhelmed when you have a lot to carry. Now you may be saying, “traveling with toddlers and packing light, that’s an oxymoron!”

Yes and no.

Yes, toddlers have more things to bring than the average person. But no, it doesn’t have to mean you overpack or bring more than you can carry. Try the tips below out for size!

Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes , which are different from regular packing cubes, help clear out extra air – allowing you to pack more in a small space. In fact, when using compression cubes, we’re able to pack all of the boys’ belongings either in their toddler luggage or JetKids BedBox .

Vacuum Storage Bags

Another great option for fitting your toddler’s travel essentials into a carry-on or toddler luggage is vacuum storage bags . They normally come in two options: foldable and vacuum. I personally like the vacuum storage version since they get the most air out. They’re also the easiest to use, in my opinion. Be aware that you have to carry the manual pump to get the air out of the bag while traveling. Luckily, the pump doesn’t take up much space.

Similar to the compression packing cubes, we’ve used vacuum storage bags with JetKids BedBox and toddler luggage .

Other Toddler Travel Essentials

Babyproofing.

If you know your toddler will be spending a significant amount of time at your vacation rental, you may want to add babyproofing items like outlet covers or corner protectors to your packing list. This isn’t necessarily a travel essential, but they’re nice to have to keep your toddler safe while exploring the new space.

Toddler Travel Checklist Essentials

Having a detailed toddler travel packing list can give you the confidence you need to travel with your little one with ease. It gives you a great feeling of preparedness and leaves you ready to conquer whatever may come.

In addition to having a checklist of items you need to pack, I would recommend also having a checklist that mentally walks you through each step of the flying with kids process . Think about how you can most effectively get the kids and luggage to the check-in counter. What if there’s a delay? Is there any special toy or treat you can use to pass the time? This gives you a plan and helps you feel prepared for your trip.

Of course, these are lists you can create yourself. But if you’re a parent, I’m sure your time is limited. That’s why I’ve created detailed, interactive checklists that include all of the above toddler travel essentials and allow you to track what you’ve packed, add your personal items, and browse links to my favorite products.

Using these checklists will not only save you time and energy, but they’re also reusable – eliminating the need to recreate the packing list for each trip.

There are three checklists available including a traveling with babies checklist, a traveling with toddlers checklist, and a traveling with kids mental preparation checklist.

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75+ Toddler Travel Essentials

by Michelle Pratt | Jan 30, 2024 | Travel | 0 comments

Traveling with toddlers is a fun experience for everyone. As your child leaves babyhood and enters toddlerhood, they are able to encounter the world with curiosity, joy, and passion which is such an amazing thing to witness as a parent! This sudden burst of physical and mental development makes traveling during the toddler years something really special.

However, we all know toddlers aren’t without their challenging moments. Whether it be navigating sleep schedules or tantrums over dinner, we need all the advice we can get when it comes to toddler travel! One of the best ways you can keep your vacation stress-free is by packing the right essentials in preparation for anything your toddler might throw at you.

So, here’s our must-have packing list for family trips with toddlers:

75+ Toddler Travel Essentials 

Luggage and packing.

The travel bags and accessories you choose may not seem like that big of a deal, but staying organized on your trip (whether by plane or car) is key. You’ll be more prepared for when your toddler has a need since you’ll be able to locate everything quickly and easily. 

The luggage you choose really depends on the length and nature of your trip, however, we recommend using packing cubes and zipper pouches for space-saving organization no matter where you’re headed! If you’re going on a road trip, here’s how to organize your car before you go!

• Suitcase or duffle
• Travel diaper bag
• Kids backpack with leash
• Packing cubes  
• Zipper pouches  
• Air tags and keychains

Transportation

When traveling with kids under the age of 5, a travel stroller or wagon is essential. Even if they’re very mobile, there’s a good chance they won’t want to walk everywhere. Plus, in addition to the convenience for your child, the stroller gives you a place to put bags, drinks, souvenirs, and other items you pick up along the way!

• Compact travel stroller
• Toddler-friendly carrier  
• Bag for stroller

This one often depends a lot on travel days, but even if your plan is to stay somewhere more than 3-5 days, you can still use this list! Find a way to do laundry while you’re away to reduce the amount of clothing you have to pack for you and your little one. 

• 5-6 outfits
• 3 pairs of pajamas
• Pair of warm base layers
• 2-3 sweaters or jackets
• Hooded beach towel
• 5-6 pairs of underwear and socks
• Walking shoes
• Warm shoes 

Changing and Potty Training 

One of the hardest parts of traveling with a toddler is navigating potty breaks, especially when you’re on the go. If your child is diapered, of course just bring enough diapers for the whole trip. However, if they’re potty trained (or in the process of potty training), you’ll need a portable potty chair and wet bags. When your toddler’s gotta go, they gotta go, and there may not be a rest stop nearby. Here are more tips for traveling while potty training .

• Extra large changing pad
• Wipes container
• Diapers or pull-ups 
• Diaper cream
• Portable potty chair
• Stain remover

If you have a long way to go, it’s inevitable your toddler is going to want some snack breaks. And, skipping meals to get to your destination sooner definitely isn’t going to be an option! Instead, ensure you have toddler utensils handy for eating at restaurants and bring plenty of their favorite drink. Before feeding your toddler in their car seat, read this post on safe snacking in the car seat . 

• 2-3 spill-proof sippy cups or straw cups
• Car seat safe travel cup  
• Shelf-stable milk  
• Toddler utensils
• Anti-Choking Device
• Bibs  
• Snacks and drinks
• Snack container
• Cooler and ice packs

Hotel washes and shampoos are often too harsh for a young child’s skin; consequently, it’s advisable to bring your gentle products from home. Additionally, you want to maintain the nighttime routine as best you can. The same lotion, toothbrush, and schedule will help with that. 

• Wash and shampoo
• Toothpaste  
• Hair accessories 

Everyone’s first biggest fear when traveling with toddlers is actually getting to the destination, whether that be a long car ride or flight. The second biggest fear is definitely sleep. You never know how your child will sleep in a hotel room or new place, so it’s best to be prepared. Having things like a noise machine and a Slumberpod to create a dreamy oasis can be absolute game changers, enhancing your child’s sleep environment significantly. 

• 1-2 blankets 
• Portable white noise machine  
• Portable crib or cot
• Slumberpod  
• Portable baby monitor

No one wants a hurt or sick toddler on vacation and no way to help until you find a pharmacy or one opens in the morning. Bring the basics with you! Moreover, ensure you have some motion sickness solutions if it’s your first big trip with your toddler. You never know how they’ll react to being in the car that long or going on their first flight! 

• Basic first aid kit
• Prescriptions
• Vitamins 
• Pill container
• Children’s Tylenol 
• Sunscreen applicator
• Thermometer
• Nail care kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Motion sickness solutions

Entertainment/Comfort

This list is deceptively short since we encompassed “toys” all in one category. You’ll definitely want to pack plenty of things to entertain your toddler through the whole trip. This ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for both you and your little one. However, make sure that all toys are car seat-safe.

• Comfort item
• Safe toys  
• Yoto Mini and headphones
• Kids Fire Tablet and case
• Universal charging adapter

Toddler Travel Essentials for Road Trips

Road trips have their own unique sets of challenges! You can find our full list of road trip essentials here , but when you’re planning a road trip with kids , here are some items you may want to consider: 

• Window shades
• Car seat safe mirror  
• Wearable blanket
• Car seat cooler (summer)
• Cooling towel (summer)
• Caddy or organizer

Toddler Travel Essentials for Air Travel

Flying with a toddler is a true feat, but it can totally be done! You just need to be informed and have a good plan. We recommend (as does the FAA ) that you bring your car seat on board with you. It’s safer in every way, and you’ll be surprised to know that kids are usually more comfortable in their car seats on planes than on those hard, narrow seats. (I guess, is that really surprising?) This will make everything from playing to sleeping on the plane much easier. 

• Foldable tray
• Travel car seat  
• Seat belt lock off
• Car seat cart or backpack
• Toiletry bag  
• Document holder

Tips for Traveling With a Toddler

Plan frequent stops..

To save you some frustration, plan for frequent stops all throughout your trip (rather than being upset when they inevitably happen). Your toddler may need plenty of bathroom breaks, but they also may need some time to stretch and burn off some energy. Even consider trying to plan some stops at public parks or other kid-friendly venues to break up the trip, providing both entertainment and relaxation for your toddler. 

No more screen time limits. 

For the trip there and the trip back, throw screen time limits out the window. In this case, the name of the game is SURVIVAL. Download lots of content on an iPad or Kindle Fire, and, in addition, bring wired headphones. Let them play away and, at the same time, watch all their favorite shows. It’ll not only keep you sane but also start the vacation fun early for your toddler!

Consider buying some “surprises,” for along the way.

Car seat safe toys are ones that won’t be a projectile risk in a crash . It’s a good idea to pack a bag of whatever toys in your toddler’s toy box that are already eligible, but we recommend buying some new toys, crafts, and activities too! The excitement of the new item will keep them entertained much longer than something they play with every day. Here are some of our favorite car seat safe toys . 

Lower your expectations.

There are a lot of things that can contribute to your child’s mood, so don’t expect sunshine and roses the whole trip. Be open to changing plans, taking longer to get to your destinations, and settling some nights for chicken nuggets instead of delicious local cuisine. Just laugh off whatever comes your way!

Plan for time changes.

Time zones may not be a big deal for you, but they can be for your toddler! (We don’t need to tell you that you’ve endured Daylight Savings.) If it’s just an hour or two, consider adjusting your schedule, but keeping your child’s routine the same as it was at home. If it’s a big international time change, try adjusting them before you leave to keep the vacation relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.

Stick to your toddler’s routine.

Speaking of your toddler’s routine, stick to it as much as possible. Try not to skip naps, prolong meals, and change up bedtime. The more consistent it is, the better your toddler’s mood will be throughout the day. Consequently, establishing a routine becomes crucial for a smoother day.

Vary your itinerary.

Not every execution has to be kid-centered, but keep your toddler in mind when traveling. Try to vary your itinerary, so you have a mix of activities that allow your child to run around and sit in the stroller. Too much physical activity may wear them out, whereas too much stroller time could make them antsy. Just mix it up! 

No matter what, always BYOC (bring your own car seat.)

Whether you’re traveling using an airline, a rental car, or your own vehicle, your own car seat should always be in use. Car seat rentals aren’t reliable, and checking your car seat at the airport can be just as damaging as an accident. Your car seat is the only one you know is safe! (For more on flying with a car seat, take our Wheels Up Course !)

Traveling with a toddler is even better when you’re prepared!

Vacations with your kids will always be treasured by your family. To keep as many of the memories as positive as possible, try to come prepared both mentally and physically with everything you need to handle any toddler problem or challenge you may encounter. For more travel tips and car seat information, make sure you check out the Safe in the Seat blog . Because the best way to stay stress-free while traveling is to have confidence your toddler is safe and secure in their car seat.

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The Ultimate Toddler Packing List With Free Printable

Traveling with a toddler can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s crucial to ensure your toddler is comfortable and happy during your trip, but you don’t want to pack too much stuff. Creating a toddler packing list that includes all their necessary items is essential for a successful trip.

We recently took our toddler on our first road trip of the year, and I was amazed at how quickly our suitcase filled up. I didn’t want to forget anything important, but I didn’t want to overpack for our short trip.

When preparing a packing list for your toddler, it’s important to consider the length of your trip. If it’s a long journey, you may need to bring extra supplies to ensure you have enough for the entire duration. 

Additionally, the mode of transportation is another necessary factor to consider. Traveling by car means you’ll have more space to bring more than when flying. However, if you’re flying, you’ll need to be mindful of the airline’s baggage restrictions and pack accordingly.

Let’s get started!

Note: Remember to grab the free printable toddler packing list at the end of this post! 🙂

This post contains affiliate links to products I have used and enjoyed. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To find out more, you can read my disclaimer here .

Toddler Travel Packing List: Clothing

Daytime Outfits: Toddlers are known for getting into a mess in the blink of an eye. Plan on packing one outfit for each day of your trip and then a couple of extras because you never know when they might accidentally spill something on themselves.

One thing to consider is if you can do laundry while on vacation. If so, you can get away with packing a little less and washing your toddler’s clothes after a few days.

Pajamas: When packing pajamas for your toddler, you’ll want to bring one pair for every night you’ll be away, plus a couple of extras, just in case. Again, if you can do laundry, you can skip the extras and wash what you bring if need be.

Underwear: If your toddler is potty trained, you’ll want to pack a pair for each day, plus a few extras for backup in the event of an accident.

Socks and Shoes: Remember to grab one pair of socks for each day of your trip to your toddler packing list. Then, you’ll want to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and/or sandals.

Swimsuit: If you are going to a beach, waterpark, or staying near a pool, don’t forget a swimsuit for your kiddo!

Weather Appropriate Jacket/Coat: Remember to bring a suitable jacket for your toddler. If you are traveling to a warmer climate, a light hoodie or sweater would be appropriate, but if it’s cold, you should pack a thicker jacket. It’s just as important as packing an appropriate hat.

Weather Appropriate Hat: When traveling with your toddler, pack a hat suitable for the season and your destination. For instance, if it’s winter, bring a warm hat, while a UV-protecting sun hat would be ideal for a warmer beach vacation.

Planning a trip with your family? Check out these articles:

• The Ultimate Packing List for Baby

Toddler Travel Packing List: Sleep

Sound Machine: Keeping your child’s sleep routine as close to normal as possible is crucial. Well-rested kids equal a more fun vacation! One thing both of my kids love having is their sound machines. 

Both of my children love this sound machine , and it’s been so helpful in creating good sleep habits. It’s undoubtedly one of the things I would hate to forget when packing for a trip!

Cozy Blanket: Bringing your toddler’s coziest blanket will help them feel comfortable and familiar. Also, having a cozy blanket for your toddler to cuddle up with when going on a road trip can be nice.

Pillow: Bring your toddler’s pillow to ensure they can get the best rest possible while away. My son has this toddler pillow , and he loves it! It’s the perfect size, and it doesn’t flatten out.

Travel Blackout Blinds: Blackout blinds are crucial for maintaining a consistent bedtime for your toddler. Consider bringing travel blackout blinds like these ones, which will keep your baby’s bedtime routine as close to normal as possible. 

These blinds are easy to set up as they have suction cups to attach to the window. They are also affordable, with the option of purchasing a pack of one or two, and available in a variety of colors and patterns to choose from.

Baby Monitor: If your toddler will be sleeping in a separate room from you, be sure to pack your baby monitor.

Toddler Travel Packing List: Gear

Car Seat: Clearly, you’ll need a car seat when taking a road trip. But you also must remember to bring it when flying so your toddler has a safe seat when you reach your destination.

Backpack/Diaper Bag: Bringing a diaper bag or backpack is a very beneficial thing to do. It allows you to have some essentials with you wherever you go! 

When we travel, I tend to pack an extra outfit and some things we often need, like snacks and small toys. Also, if your toddler isn’t potty trained yet, you’ll want to bring diapers and wipes in your bag.

Travel Cot With Sheets: If you’ve moved your toddler out of their crib and into a big kid bed, bringing a travel cot can be a lifesaver! Not only will you have your bed to yourself, but a travel cot is much lower to the ground, making it easier for little kids to use it safely and independently.

We got our toddler this travel cot , and he absolutely loves it! It comes with a soft sheet to protect the cot and has plenty of room for him to grow into. 

Stroller: Depending on where you’ll be going and how much waking you’ll do, you’ll want to consider if you need to bring a stroller. 

Toddler Travel Packing List: Play

A Camera: One of my toddler’s favorite items is this camera we got him for his third birthday. He loves taking pictures any chance he gets, and he can get some surprisingly good ones!

Giving your toddler a camera while on vacation is a fun way to get some pictures you might not have necessarily taken. 

Security Item: If your toddler has a security item like a lovey or blanket, you won’t want to forget it at home. 

3-5 Favorite Toys: Toddlers don’t always have the longest attention spans, so it’s ideal to bring a few toys you know will hold their attention. 

A Couple Books: Books are always a great option to have when traveling. Reading books together can help pass the time when waiting in the car or on a flight. And if you read bedtime stories, you won’t want to stop that routine! Check out this list of some of our favorite board books !

Toddler Travel Packing List: Mealtime

Bibs: If your kiddo still uses bibs, you’ll want to pack a few to prevent clothing stains while you’re away.  These ones are a great option that can be easily washed.

Utensils: Some might think bringing kid-sized utensils is unnecessary. But if you have enough room, small utensils can help your child eat more efficiently. 

Sippy Cups/Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is vital while traveling. Ensure you add sippy cups or water bottles to your toddler packing list. 

Snacks: Besides water, snacks are another essential thing to bring while traveling. Nobody wants a hangry toddler!

When packing snacks, you’ll want to bring easy options. Foods like bananas, crackers, and granola bars are a great place to start!

Toddler Travel Packing List: Bathing and Health

Diapers and Wipes/Pull-Ups (if needed): If your toddler hasn’t started potty training or is in pull-ups, you’ll want to ensure you bring enough for at least your travel days. 

To save space in your suitcase, you can always buy a small pack of what you need when you get to your destination. 

Portable Potty Seat: If your kiddo is potty trained (or is working on it), you need this portable potty seat ! This little seat folds up quickly to fit in a diaper bag or backpack and secures most toilet seats.

Plastic Bags: Plastic bags are handy for many things when traveling, especially with a toddler. I carry these ones with us so we can easily use them for garbage, wet/dirty clothes, or dirty diapers. 

Toiletries: You’ll need to add your kiddo’s toiletries to your toddler packing list. Remember things like soap/shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. 

Nail Clippers: I’ve found that it’s better to have nail clippers with you and not need them rather than need them and not have them. So throw some nail clippers in your purse or toiletries bag!

Hairbrush/Comb: Hairbrushes and combs are easily forgotten; I can speak from experience! Be sure to add them to your list so they aren’t overlooked. 

Also, ensure you pack any hair bows, headbands, or hair ties if your child uses them. 

Hand Sanitizer: Adding hand sanitizer to a bag that’s easily accessible is recommended. Hand sanitizer can be very helpful when you need to quickly clean your hands when there isn’t a bathroom nearby.

First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is important because you never know when you’ll need it. This one is a great option, especially if you are taking a road trip and can easily slide it under a car seat.

Free Printable Packing Checklist

Click here to download!

And there you have it, the ultimate toddler packing list. Overall, packing for your toddler is all about being prepared and anticipating their needs while you’re away. 

By bringing the proper necessities, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip with ease, knowing that your child is comfortable and their needs are met. So, take the time to plan and pack accordingly, and you’ll be ready for a stress-free journey with your kiddo!

Before you go, check out these related articles:

• Easy and Fun Hobbies for Busy Moms
• The Best Birthday Traditions To Start With Your Kids
• Simple Ways You Can Be a Fun Mom

What’s something you might have forgotten without a toddler packing list? I’d love to know in the comments below!

Love this article? Spread the word!

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20+ Toddler Travel Essentials

Written by:

Barbara mighdoll.

Traveling with my kids is one of my life’s greatest treasures. I love seeing the joy on Caden’s and Willow’s faces as they experience something new on one of our family trips, whether that be their first international flight or their first time trying a new food. However, when you travel with young kids, there are a lot of extra details to consider . . . and a lot of extra stuff to pack. 

I recently posted about traveling with a newborn , so I thought I’d dedicate this post to travel with toddlers! Specifically, I wanted to share a list of toddler travel essentials. These are things we never fly or road trip without, and having everything we need makes our trips so much more peaceful and enjoyable for the whole family. 

Here’s what you need to have a stress-free(ish) trip with a toddler:

20+ Toddler Travel Essentials 

A compact stroller that fits in the overhead bin or in a packed car.

If you’re traveling with a toddler, you’ll need a stroller. You’ll need one when your child doesn’t want to walk anymore and you’ll need one when they want to run wild. (Though, I do let my toddler run wild at airports, and here’s why .) Though you can check strollers at the gate of most airliners, I prefer not to, since luggage handlers aren’t known for being particularly gentle or trustworthy. Instead, I opt for a compact travel stroller. 

I love the UPPABaby Minu V2 because it folds up and fits comfortably into the overhead bin. That means it’ll also fit easily inside of our Thule on roadtrips, rideshares or on public transit, too. And, it won’t take up much space at your vacation rental! All around, it’s a great fit. Make sure you bring along any attachments you may want, like car seat adapters, a snack tray , organizer , or rain cover . This is probably our number one piece of family travel gear! 

Lightweight Car Seat and Suitcase Straps or Car Seat Bag

A car seat is another thing you’ll need when traveling with kids! Whether you choose to fly with your car seat is up to you, but either way, you’ll need to bring one to have it at your destination (and to get to the airport). I don’t recommend uninstalling your current seat and dragging it along. Instead, get an inexpensive seat like the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 or the Safety 1st Getaway Convertible Car Seat for air travel. Then, grab suitcase straps for the airport if you're bringing it on the plane or a car seat bag for the flight (if you choose to check the car seat , my preferred method). 

Shelf-Stable Milk

To my surprise, most airlines don’t have milk as a drink option in-flight. So, to avoid frantically spending $8+ on milk for your kid at the airport, buy shelf-stable, non-refrigerated milk boxes. I like Horizons Milk and we usually grab it in bulk from Costco. And, yes, TSA allows you to bring the extra liquid through if you have a toddler with you. 

Spill-Proof Toddler Trainer Cup and Toddler Utensils

Don’t forget that restaurants and rentals probably won’t have toddler-friendly dinnerware. Of course, you need a couple leakproof cups, but I also recommend bringing a set of toddler utensils and lightweight toddler plates to make dining easier! For cups, I like Simple Modern's LeakProof BPA-Free Plastic Cup , but any spill-proof straw cup will do. 

Snacks in Creative Containers

Snacks are a great way to entertain a toddler on a long drive or flight. Bring lots of mess-free snacks no matter where you’re going to keep them busy and avoid hunger tantrums. And, if you want to get a little extra entertainment out of snack time, try using a creative container over a boring snack cup. There are so many out there, and they’re a lifesaver when flying with a toddler. We like the GoBe Snack Spinner , the Yumbox , and the Match UP Snack Container . 

Travel-Friendly Toys

Speaking of keeping your toddler entertained, bring toys! Their favorite toys will keep them busy, and a busy toddler is a happy toddler. Here you can find my top toys for traveling with a toddler , but some of our favorites are Color Wonder coloring pages , magnetic toys , watercolor books and suction cups . 

Clorox Wipes

Airplanes are germ factories. It’s just a fact! To keep your family safe and prevent vacation sickness, bring plenty of Clorox wipes to clean your immediate space. 

iPad and Headphones

Before you leave for your trip, download your child’s favorite shows and a few learning games on an iPad. Add a kid-friendly case and headphones and you have the perfect remedy for restless moments. Don’t feel guilty about the screen time either, because when you get to your destination, it’s going to be a non-stop adventure.

Travel Potty

If your toddler is potty trained or in the process of potty training, a travel potty is definitely a must-have item. You can be prepared for potty time with this compact, travel-friendly potty that fits over a regular toilet seat, but if you are going on a road trip, I highly recommend this portable potty with waste bags that stands on its own for side of the road potty breaks or lies flat over a toilet. It couldn’t get easier than that, and no more holding your child over the seat so they don’t fall in. 

Enough Diapers for the Whole Trip

Of course, if you have a toddler who is not potty trained yet, or one that still wears diapers during nap and bedtime, you’ll need to bring enough diapers for the whole trip. A great travel hack is to pack your car seat bag full of diapers! There’s a lot of extra space in there, and they don’t charge by weight, so it’s really free real estate. However, also bring 2 days' worth of diapers in your carry-on to ensure you’re covered for unexpected delays. I love Coterie diapers because they’ve been pretty much totally leakproof and blowout-proof for us! You can get 20% off using my code NMM24 at checkout. 

Changing Pad, Wipes, and Wipe Dispenser 

For those inevitable diaper changes, make sure you have the essentials. I love this wipeable Ubbi changing mat because it’s easy to clean. Then, bring plenty of the best baby wipes for both changes and messy hands and store them in this compact, waterproof OXO wipes container . 

Waterproof wet and dry bags are a great item to keep in your diaper bag. They can hold soiled clothes separately from the rest of the items in your diaper bag. They’ll keep stink and wetness sealed in until you get to your destination or back to your rental. 

Backup Change of Clothes

While on the topic of soiled clothes, always bring a change of clothes. Accidents happen, especially with little ones, so extra clothes are a lifesaver for those unexpected spills and messes. I love this gender neutral jogger set as the perfect backup outfit. It provides enough coverage for cooler days, but it’s not too hot for warmer weather.

First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit may be nice to have when it’s just you traveling, but you’ll want to be prepared for anything when toddlers are involved! This KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit has a lot of your essentials and can fit in your personal bag or diaper bag easily. However, you should also consider bringing Children’s Tylenol , nail clippers , saline drops and snot sucker , and a thermometer in your checked bag. 

Travel Backpack

A spacious, comfortable travel backpack is a must-have for all your essentials. Keeping things organized and accessible makes the whole travel experience with little ones so much easier. My personal go-to and top recommendation is The Getaway Bag by No Reception Club . However, you can find more recommendations on mom bags for travel here . If you go with The Getaway Bag, use code NMM20 for $20 off. 

Portable Table High Chair

High chairs are another amenity that isn’t always available at every destination and venue. I love this Inglesina table chair because it’s sturdy, folds completely flat, and comes with a handy travel bag. It’ll fit perfectly in your luggage or car seat bag without taking up too much space! 

Inflatable Bed and SlumberPod

Your toddler will need a place to sleep, and there’s a good chance they’ll be sharing a room with you or a sibling, so this combo is essential to making sure everyone gets a good night’s sleep. First, take the Hiccapop inflatable toddler bed and then put the SlumberPod sleeping nook over top. The SlumberPod fits perfectly over the inflatable bed, and it makes the shared hotel room situation much easier. 

(If you have a younger toddler that still fits in a travel-sized crib, the Lotus Travel Crib also pairs perfectly with the SlumberPod.) 

Portable Sound Machine

The final piece to the perfect vacation sleep puzzle is a quality white noise machine. We use the Hatch Rest at home, so we use the Hatch Rest Go , a portable version, for all of our trips. It doesn’t need wifi, has a 15-hour battery, and includes 10 soothing sounds your child will already be familiar with if you use the original Hatch Rest! 

Compression Packing Cubes and Zipper Pouches 

To make the most of your luggage space, I recommend compression packing cubes and plastic mesh zipper pouches . Everything will be labeled, organized and take up as little space as possible in your checked and carry-on bags. 

AirTags and Keychain Cases 

From someone who has had their gate-checked stroller and checked baggage lost for days on the way to her destination, trust me when I say knowing exactly where your luggage is is essential to ensuring you'll get it back! Use an AirTag on a silicone keychain to keep track of your bags in case they’re lost or stolen. You could also put an AirTag in a child’s bracelet and put it on your toddler for extra peace of mind while traveling. 

Bonus: Travel Insurance

While we've never purchased travel insurance, its a smart thing to consider with family travel based on your needs. With every new family member, there is a new factor that could get your trip canceled . . . especially with toddlers. You never know when someone will get the flu or break a bone, so consider if the risk is worth a little extra on travel insurance and refundable tickets.

Toddler Travel Packing List

These essentials will help make traveling with a toddler stress-free. .

Traveling as a family is one of the most important and impactful things you can do for your children. Don’t let the hassle or fear that comes with traveling with a toddler scare you out of making these lifelong memories. Just get your essentials, prepare for the trip with me with my travel resources on the blog , and let the adventure begin! 

I live in San Francisco with my husband, Jason, toddler, Caden, one year old baby, Willow, and Bernese Mountain Dog, Bear. I previously held multiple VP of Marketing roles at tech startups before deciding to take the leap to build New Modern Mom full time in an effort to find fulfillment and flexibility in my life. I also was a fitness instructor in an earlier life. I created this space to curate the best products and real advice on pregnancy, motherhood, cooking, travel and more to make doing it all for ambitious moms like me a whole lot easier.

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My Toddler Travel Essential Gear List

Could we possibly pack one more thing? With a toddler, yes!

This is my master list of all of the essentials you could need for toddler travel.

It’s everything from what we use for flying to road trips, plus some of the other essentials like for a beach trip.

I personally like to keep things to a minimum when traveling with our toddler (as much as possible). So each trip I have a good think about what we may need on the ground and what will help us get there. There are a few things that I have with me on almost every single trip, things like our baby carrier, compact stroller, and a good sound machine.

As she grows and as we test out new gear, I will be sure to add it to this list and keep it up to date. I know we will outgrow a few things but these are all really staple items to use for a few years.

Traveling with a toddler does not have to be super complicated, so I try to keep that in mind. After overpacking on a few trips, I learned my lesson fast on how to edit down.

This is my toddler travel gear essentials list!

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Toddler Travel Gear Essentials:

• Caraa Baby Travel Backpack
• Artipoppe Baby Carrier
• Sanitizing Honest Hand Wipes
• Guava Pack & Play
• Portable Blackout Window Shade
• Baby Monitor No WiFi Needed

For more tips for traveling with your toddler, don’t miss these posts:

• 7 Tips For Surviving Long-Haul Flights With Toddlers
• My Top Items for Flying With a Baby + Checklist
• The Best International Places to Travel with Toddlers

Airplane Gear for Toddlers

The big gear.

• Our Lightweight Car seat (FAA-Approved and <$50)
• Car seat Airplane Bag (if you plan to check your car seat)
• Compact Stroller (fits in the overhead of planes)
• Caraa Baby travel backpack (I use the smaller size for domestic, the larger for international)
• Portable High Chair Harness for Seats (great for destinations that don’t have high chairs like France)
• Artipoppe Baby Carrier (this is worth every penny. This carrier is with us on every single trip, we use it for the plane a lot and when we’re on the go for naps.)

• Portable Sound Machine
• Leakproof Bento Box
• Munchkin Toddler Travel Sippy Cup with Straw
• Disposable placemats (we use these for restaurants frequently)
• Collapsible Snack Cup

Travel Toys (We Always Have the Tablet and a Few Toys)

• Wireless Kids’ Headphones 
• Amazon Fire Kids Tablet
• Tegu Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set
• Simple Sensory Toys Silicone Fidget Toy Stress
• Crinkle Book
• Suction Cup Spinner Toy
• Silicone Pull String Activity Toy (one of our favorites)
• Busy Board Montessori Toy

Upcoming flight with a toddler? Here’s my guide on how to survive

• Guava Pack & Play (we always have this if we don’t plan to use a hotel crib)
• Slumberpod Blackout Tent (great if sharing a hotel room and your suitcase has the space for it)
• Portable Blackout Window Shade (much more affordable, great if the baby is in a room with a single window)
• Pack & Play Extra Sheets (I pack these if using a hotel pack & play)
• Mini Flexible Fan (we use this in the summer months and on the stroller)
• Baby Monitor No WiFi Needed (super helpful at hotels, networks are hard to connect to with monitors)
• Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine (if I have the room in our suitcase, I toss this in. If not, we use the portable one listed above)

Road Trip Gear

In addition to the items below, we use most of the same gear listed in the above sections.

• Car Window Shades with UV Protection
• Baby Car Mirror
• Willow Breast Pump (convenient for car trips)
• Inglesina Attaching Table High Chair (use this a lot when on the go and not flying)

Taking a road trip with an infant? Here’s my complete packing list

Outdoor gear.

• Foldable Baby Booster Seat
• Fold Flat Beach Tent
• Collapsible Beach Bucket + Toys
• Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

Related Posts

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in California

A Toddler-Friendly Travel Guide to Oahu, Hawaii

16 California Family Getaway Weekend Ideas

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Essential Packing Checklist for an International Trip with a Toddler

Written by Becca

Updated on April 26th, 2024

Ready for an international travel packing list for a toddler? Use this packing checklist for toddler essentials: what to pack, for overseas flights and long trips abroad.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• Top international travel essentials for a toddler
• Diaper changes
• Toiletries & medicine
• Stroller & carrying
• How to pack for a toddler for a big overseas trip
• What does a toddler need for an international or overseas trip?
• How did I come up with this toddler travel packing list?
• Best luggage to take for packing for a toddler

While going on an International trip with a toddler seems overwhelming, there are ways to break down the stress of packing, and make it manageable.

When I started making a packing list for our trip out of the country with our daughter since she entered “toddlerhood,” I used a packing list that had served us well when we flew with her as a baby.

I built on the list over the months, as she got older with new needs, and as more things came to mind on how to improve the checklist. Voilà: a toddler packing list for our international trip was born, based on her preferences and growth, and on our vacation destination overseas.

If you’re taking your first vacation abroad with a toddler, fear not: I’ve compartmentalized this toddler packing list into logical sections and topics. When you reference it, keep in mind that I used it for a 12-day trip to South America (warm weather) with our 14-month-old daughter.

You can click the box next to each packing list item to mark it as packed! Use this packing list as your running checklist as you’re packing.

Scroll down to see the list.

Top international travel essentials for a toddler

Here are a few items that are important first steps for any international traveler, but especially your little one.

• Passport (Did you get your child a passport yet?)
• Any other required travel documents (vaccinations, Global Entry, etc.)
• Medications from home (mentioned below)
• Phone numbers of doctors or specialty pediatric providers at your destination (also see how to avoid getting sick while traveling )
• Snacks. For. The. Flight. 😊 (also mentioned below)

Get Global Entry for your child in a few easy steps so that you can return to the US with ease when the trip is over.

At an age between 1 and 2 years, we chose to take two straw cups (one for water, one for milk) for our child, and the cleaning accessories needed for those (our accommodation didn’t have a dishwasher). Your child may have different “favorite” cups, or other snacking/meal needs, so take that into account with travel-sized or pared-down versions of mealtime essentials.

• Ezpz mini cup with straw
• OXO Bottle brush & travel bottle set
• OXO straw brushes
• Travel food bib (1)
• Toddler travel feeding spoon and fork (1)
• Snacks for the plane ( pouches and crackers/puffs )
• A “special” snack to relieve boredom (maybe healthy toddler waffles )
• Extra pouches (in luggage)
• Travel toddler placemat (1)
• Travel-sized food containers
• Reusable food pouch (1) (for applesauce)

We chose not to travel with a travel booster seat or travel high chair, simply out of space constraints. We were lucky to be staying with friends who had a high chair. We also made sure that our last accommodation could provide our room with a high chair. For all other times, we’d have our daughter sit on one of our laps or on the floor, for meal time.

For continued breastfeeding needs

• Medela hand pump (1)
• Travel-sized vitamin D drops

If you are still breastfeeding or nursing past one year with your toddler , head to my guide on how to feed a baby while traveling , which has a robust list of nursing gear for trips.

Diaper changes

Using the Nike Convertible Diaper Bag , we can fit quite a lot of essentials and backup items for our toddler. It’s also an ideal personal item for a lap infant, just the same as when flying with a baby .

• Diapers (1 sleeve, packed into car seat bag)
• Package of wipes
• Travel-sized diaper balm/cream jar
• Travel-sized mini hand sanitizer
• Swim diapers (2)
• Little garbage bags for dirty diapers (we keep 4-5 in the diaper bag)

Mini diaper bag for flying

Using the Kibou diaper bag fanny pack has been a huge save for us, as it’s the only tiny diaper bag that can survive an airplane bathroom! Check out how it works in my guide to how to change a diaper on a plane .

• Travel-sized diaper cream or butt paste
• Diapers (2)
• Wipes (6-7)

Don’t miss the hottest minimalist diaper bag for traveling parents at our Kibou fanny pack review .

With sleep, the needs for your toddler may vary, and the overall packing checklist varies on what’s available at your destination and where you’ll stay. For example, we’ve taken our travel crib when we stay at Airbnbs, but when we’ve stayed in hotels or with friends who have a kid, there’s a crib or travel crib when we get there.

Regarding the list of sleep items below, your child may be low-maintenance or kind of high-maintenance. Consider that you may not have space for everything you imagine once you start packing your bags, and you can choose basics from this part of the packing list.

• Yogasleep travel sound machine & charger (1)
• Monitor (if sleeping in separate rooms)
• Crib sheet from home for hotel cribs (1)
• Books for bedtime (2-3)
• Travel crib (optional; depends if your accommodation has a crib)
• Pack’n’Play or travel crib alternate sheet (1)
• Travel crib blackout cover (if needed)
• Travel-sized room thermometer (in Fahrenheit!)
• Sleep sack: cotton (1)
• Sleep sack: fleece (1)
• Stuffed animal or lovey (1)
• Sleepout travel blackout curtains
• Travel-sized room humidifier

See our Guava Lotus travel crib review if you’re on the hunt for a new toddler travel crib that can be taken on a plane trip.

Toddler sleep is a big topic for us, and you can see more about what we’ve done to make staying in a hotel room with your toddler a little more palatable at this article about how to stay in a hotel with a baby .

Toiletries & medicine

This is where the list is a bit international-specific. If I travel domestically, I know I can pop into a CVS during regular hours and hopefully pick up infant pain reliever or fever reducer. When I travel internationally, the thought of this is a little more daunting, if the unexpected should occur.

With our trip to Colombia , we chose to take along our “favorite” medical remedies for our toddler, along with the regular toiletries for bathing and staying clean.

• Nail scissors
• Travel-sized lotion
• Travel-sized shampoo
• Fridababy scrubber
• Medicine ( Infant Tylenol , Motrin , Benadryl )
• Fridababy Snotsucker
• Hair accessories (hair rubber bands & 1 hair bow)
• Rectal thermometer
• Toddler’s first toothbrush
• Toddler or child sunscreen in a travel-sized container

Stroller & carrying

The logistics around your car seat, stroller and maybe even chosen toddler carrier can be the most overwhelming when flying internationally with a toddler. For help with visualizing everything, I recommend checking out our tips for flying with multiple little kids in case you have more than one little person with you.

• Travel stroller (We have the UPPAbaby Minu travel stroller )
• Travel stroller travel bag
• Car seat travel bag
• Stroller fan (if needed)
• Stroller rain cover (if needed)
• Travel child carrier (visit my Baby Tula Travel Carrier review for an option up to 30 lbs and check out the Baby Tula Toddler Carrier for up to 60 lbs!)

Check out our helpful list of tips for road trips with babies to see more on recommended items for bringing along if you will be renting a car on your vacation.

Clothes will vary on the climate of the trip, as well as the activities you’ll be doing with your toddler. Swimming at a hotel pool? Pack bathing suits. Skiing with family and friends? Bundle up!

• Zippy pajamas (5)
• 5-6 daytime outfits (shirts, onesies, shorts)
• Socks (4-5 pairs)
• Shoes (1 backup pair, aside from the ones being worn on the flight)
• Water shoes for swim (optional)
• Jacket (1) (optional)
• Hoodie sweatshirt (1)
• Swimsuit (1) (optional)
• Sun hat (optional)

While some kids are picky with toys, ultimately it’s you (the parent) who gets to pack which ones fit in the luggage. I opt for “flat toys” that aren’t bulky, but do the trick when it comes to amusement. There’s also hopefully room for a new small toy that will be novel for everyone to play with on the flight.

• “Flat toys” for the plane ride like a toddler busy board
• Some other favorite toys that pack small

We have lots of suggestions for the toys to take on a plane or big trip at our list of the best products for traveling with a baby (or toddler) .

How to pack for a toddler for a big overseas trip

I have two words for this: packing cubes. When I started packing our daughter’s warm-weather outfits and put them in a pile, I thought, “Shoot, I am packing way too much.”

Then I took out our newest Bagsmart packing cube , put all her outfits inside, and zipped up the compression zipper. The size it shrank to was incredible.

If you’re new to packing cubes or if you’re looking for new ones, check out Dan’s list of the best travel packing cubes and see which fit your needs (and your stuff).

Another tip is to use a tech bag, and this is our own homemade travel hack. We found that one of these travel tech bags is great for storing the electronic parts of our baby monitor, which we travel with when our daughter is staying in her own room at our destination.

A tech bag keeps the “screen” part of your monitor safe, and also keeps the cords and plugs neat and not messing with any other stuff you’ve packed.

What does a toddler need for an international or overseas trip?

The truth is, your toddler needs just what they’d need on a domestic trip of the same nature within your home country (let’s assume that you live in the US).

The difference is that with an overseas trip, you are usually flying. Some families pack super light, and some families are cool with checking a large or oversized suitcase per adult, with a lot of the child or toddler items and packing cubes inside.

Things in your “home” units of measurement

Some of the things I’ll focus on in this list are inspired by our first trip with our daughter to Canada , where one of the main differences was (despite Canada not being a very foreign country to travel in) that things are in Celsius.

If you would like to make sure you have an infant thermometer , a little room thermometer or something else in your chosen type of unit, bring along a mini version.

It depends on your luggage setup

In my list, consider that I will take most of these things, but not all. I’ve listed alternate ideas in case you really do have the space (some airlines still allow two full-sized checked bags per ticketed seat, and that may help you out a lot!).

We chose to take one checked bag , and we checked our car seat at baggage drop. The rest was carry-ons and packed as smartly as possible for us and our toddler.

One recommended thing for trips to Europe

Like my friend Cait mentioned in our list of travel accessories for families , note that if you are heading to Europe for vacation, your toddler’s car seat might require a seatbelt clip to keep a seatbelt in a locked position! They’re small enough to purchase beforehand just in case you need these in an Uber or taxi while abroad.

How did I come up with this toddler travel packing list?

I based this list off of the needs of a week of travel. Even though our Colombia trip was closer to two weeks, I knew we would have laundry access exactly halfway through the trip, because we were staying at our friends Alex and Ryan’s country house in Medellin, Colombia .

Lucky for us, they have a toddler as well, and have all the toddler needs we could wish for; however, we spent four days in Medellin at an apartment-hotel on our own after our stay with them. So, we had to have our versions of everything, from a travel-sized sound machine to toddler spoons and bibs.

I based this list on a running list I keep for our daughter on our trips. Every time I think of something, from either seeing it on social media or being recommended it by a friend, I add it. Basically, this packing checklist for a toddler is a work in progress, and is always improving!

Typically, I let the available space in our suitcase dictate how much we’re taking with us.

A background on the toddler medications part of this packing checklist

Some of the inspiration for this list came from our trip to Halifax, Canada when our daughter was eight months old. On that trip, she ran a fever, and it happened that the one thing we forgot to pack was a rectal thermometer . Unbelievable! We had to go out and buy a Celsius one in a jiffy.

This being said, and with the amount of illnesses we’ve seen in the last year, our packing checklists now contain all the medicines we like to have from home, especially when traveling internationally.

Consider that if your child gets sick while abroad , navigating drugstores or pharmacies in another language can be a little bit of an obstacle. We feel more confident in flying with things like Infant Motrin and Infant Tylenol (and/or children’s Benadryl, for any unforeseen allergic reactions).

What about running out of one of my toddler essentials?

For anything you run out of, or for anything you forget, remember: you can pick things up at your destination . People all over the world have toddlers, and there are toddler and child products in stores. They may just look a little different than what we’re used to at home!

For anything you can’t find at your destination, that’s when it pays to get creative (except maybe for diapers and medications).

Best luggage to take for packing for a toddler

On our first trip with our daughter, we tried to bring as little as possible, and still wound up with lots of different bags. But one thing probably won’t change for us, in traveling with one kid: we take one 24” checked suitcase. Check out my review of it, at my Quince hard shell suitcase review .

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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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Your guide to packing for toddlers

Many travelers consider packing for a trip to be the most stressful part of the adventure, especially when little kids are involved and you have to decide what is truly essential and what isn't. There's no exact science to knowing what and how much to bring, especially if you're going on a longer trip. Weather can be unpredictable and, depending on your itinerary, you might need comfortable clothes and shoes one day and a more formal outfit the next. Adding a toddler or two to the mix certainly doesn't make things any easier.

Every kid and every trip is a little different, so preparation is key. It's also important to avoid overpacking as the extra weight is sure to cause more trouble than it's worth, especially if you're paying for checked bag fees . But being underprepared and going without crucial items isn't good either.

Related: Best luggage for kids who travel

Take the time to review (and then double check) what you plan to bring and whether it's a nice-to-have or a must-have item. Consider taking items that can be used for various purposes. For example, a fleece jacket can be used as a blanket on a flight. Or, a light receiving blanket can double as a towel in case of "emergency." Packing cubes are also a great option, especially if you and your child(ren) are using the same suitcase. Give each family member a different-colored set of cubes and you'll find that packing and unpacking becomes a lot less of a hassle.

Now, let's take a look at our best tips for packing with little kiddos in tow.

More than one outfit per day

When my kids were really little, I'd pack two comfy outfits per day, and I still follow that rule of thumb, to a certain extent with packing some extra items. I also bring items that can be mixed and matched. That way, if a shirt or pair of pants or shorts get dirty, I don't have to change the entire outfit.

You can get away with fewer clothes over the course of a multiday trip if you have access to a washing machine. But it's smart to pack extra and be realistic about how easily accessible a washing machine might actually be. Also, don't bring anything that you are going to freak out over if it gets stained and you can't wash it right away.

Pro tip: Bring an extra change of clothes for you, too, since the parents are the ones who are usually hit with collateral damage when toddlers implode into a ball of mess.

Again, bring extra, especially if you don't have easy access to a washing machine. Much like with the daytime outfits, you just never know when there will be a diaper malfunction or drink explosion and you need to switch into the backup jammies ASAP.

Toddler's feet grow crazy fast, so make sure the shoes you are bringing for a trip actually fit. Just because they did last week, doesn't mean they will this week. Double-check, and then bring an extra pair just in case. (Here are some of our favorite kid shoes for travel .) If you are using a seasonal shoe (such as a snow boot) that your kiddo hasn't worn since last year, it's almost certain that you'll need a new pair, so plan ahead.

Pack way more diapers than you think you'll need if your toddler is still in that phase of life. On one of our first plane trips years ago with my now nine-year-old, I packed what I thought to be enough diapers for the trip. It wasn't. We weren't able to get the diapers she was used to where we were, and while it wasn't the end of the world, it just wasn't ideal.

So, my advice is to bring more than you think you need, even if you are going to buy some (or ship some) to your final destination. They pack pretty easily and are just about the last thing you want to run out of. Also, remember some plastic sacks to hold diapers in case you have to change one where there isn't an immediately accessible trash can.

If your toddler is potty-training, bring more pull-ups than normal and use them more than normal as accidents on the road (or in the sky) just aren't pretty.

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Lots of them. See above. And don't forget, wipes can be multipurpose. They can be used to clean messy hands, faces, tray tables or to get some food off of clothes in a pinch.

Hair accessories

Be sure to not only pack a brush or comb that will work for your kiddo, but for toddlers with long hair — rubber bands or barrettes, too.

If your child has longer hair, these hair accessories will keep the hair out of his or her face. Whatever you use at home, bring extra. Rubber bands break and barrettes magically disappear, so having backups is never a bad thing.

Pack your kids' shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, washcloth, diaper cream, comb, etc. Babies and toddlers don't typically use adult toiletries, so hotels won't always offer a good substitute if you forget your baby or toddler bath items. Make sure to throw them in the bag (contained in a plastic bag in case they leak).

When they were toddlers and babies, my daughters would both have upset skin if we tried to use adult soap and a rough washcloth for several days in a row. In the toddler years, we also didn't want to be caught without the miracle of all miracles, Boudreaux's Butt Paste . Seriously, we had to make a 3 a.m. run once while on vacation to try and find some of that magical stuff as our daughter woke up screaming in the middle of the night with a horrible diaper rash. It wasn't funny at the time to us, but I am sure it was humorous to those working in the drugstore at 3 a.m. when my husband made a mad dash there to frantically search for the Butt Paste. Essentials you need at home, need to come with you.

Favorite blankie

Lord, help us all if my oldest daughter's "pink blankie" didn't make a trip. If your kiddo has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, bring it and guard it with your life. (And pro tip: Have a backup hidden at home, just in case.)

Toys and entertainment

Even though there may be tons to do at your destination, toddlers will often spend time chilling in the room around naps and such. Additionally, whether you are going by plane, train or automobile, toddlers need pretty much constant entertainment -- especially when strapped in.

If your toddler uses a tablet, then don't forget that, a charger and headphones. If they don't, here are some electronics-free entertainment suggestions .

Sippy cups, drinks and snacks

Thankfully, toddlers are often past the days of pumped milk, baby water, bottles, formula and baby food. However, assuming whatever food is around will work for a toddler's palate is a dangerous move. Empty sippy cups, crackers, packaged fruit, juice boxes or whatever your toddler snacks on at home are good to have on hand. If your kiddo is a milk drinker, plan to bring that along, too, as it isn't as readily available on planes and such as you might imagine.

Location-specific gear

Depending on where you are going, you may need certain types of gear. This could include items like a swimsuit, swim diaper, swim hat, goggles, floaties, jogging stroller, snowsuit, baby-sized parachute... whatever. If you're headed to a wintry climate, check out our packing tips for toddlers on a cold-weather trip .

Sleeping arrangements

This may not be something you pack so much as something you plan for since toddlers can be particular with routine. Some options to consider include:

• BYO pack-and-play or travel crib
• Request a crib from the hotel or Airbnb
• Bunk up together

All of these options have pluses and minuses, but think through where you believe your toddler will really sleep on the road and plan accordingly. (And don't just expect the hotel to have a crib without making prior arrangements.) Here are some other tips for keeping your sanity while sharing a hotel room with a little one .

Obviously, if your child is on medication, make sure to pack that and keep it handy at all times. But even if they aren't on any regular medications, it is a good idea to bring some common baby meds and Band-Aids just in case they spike a fever, start teething or get a boo-boo. Again, you never know.

Bottom line

If you're traveling with kids, be deliberate when deciding what to pack. Too much "stuff" in your suitcase could drive you crazy. But if you find yourself in the middle of a long flight with a toddler who's just spilled an entire drink on themselves and you forgot to bring an extra change of clothes, you'll be sorry. In the end, bringing what you can to keep your kiddos comfortable will help everyone have a more enjoyable trip.

Are you planning a trip with little ones? Here are some more resources:

• Getting ready for your child's first flight: A survival guide
• How to survive flights with kids of any age
• How to survive long-haul flights with kids
• Most family-friendly international air carriers
• How old should your child be before taking an international vacation?
• 4 things to know about U.S. passports for children

Toddler Packing List for Airplane Carry On Bags

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: September 30, 2021

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The biggest travel parenting mistake I’ve witnessed is parents simply being unprepared for traveling with their tots. If you are traveling with an active toddler on an airplane, you need lots to entertain your little one packed in your carry on bag. And of course you’ll need the essentials to keep a toddler fed, clean, and healthy too!

I first wrote this packing list way back in 2012 when my daughter was a 3 year old preschooler. Now I’ve refined it after traveling with my son during his toddler years. And of course I’ve witnessed the successes -and occasional failures – of other parents flying with their toddlers over the years on hundreds of flights.

So if you are preparing to hop aboard an airplane with a toddler, here are the most useful tried and true items to add to a carry on bag packing list.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Toddler Packing List for Carry on Bags

1. crayons & coloring/activity books.

An easy way to pass the time on a plane is with coloring and activity books. I’ve found triangular crayons work best for airplanes, as they won’t roll off the tray table. My daughter also loves the inexpensive Play Pack coloring books  that come packaged with a small set of crayons included.

Related : Tech-Free Entertainment Ideas for Kids on Planes

2. Wet Wipes

These days it’s totally acceptable to be a germaphobe on planes. But even before a global pandemic, I discovered that airplanes could be pretty nasty places. Once I started traveling with kids, I always wiped down the tray tables as soon as we board. I know that my kids always touch the tray tables a lot and (gasp!) even sometimes place food directly on them no matter how hard I try to keep things in containers and bags. It’s also a good idea to wipe down other high touch points like armrests and seat belts for good measure.

These alcohol-based WetOnes Plus are my new go-to that work for both hands and surfaces, but if you are just using them for surfaces, travel-sized packs of Lysol wipes are great too.

Related : COVID-19 Packing List: Extras to Bring for Travel

3. Diapers or Pullups

Depending on what stage of potty training your child is in, you’ll need plenty of diapers or pullups for your travels with a toddler, as well as any other related supplies like wipes or diaper cream. Remember to pack extras for flight delays or cancellations – diapers and pullups are still very hard to find in most US airports, although a few larger airports have gotten with the times more recently to stock family-friendly products.

Related : Tips for Successful Potty Training During Travel

4. Tablet or Smartphone

Parents on planes have it so much easier than a decade or so ago with the invention of tablets and smartphones to keep everyone in the family entertained – many of which are as affordable as ever.

While toddlers aren’t likely to watch electronics as long as older kids, load a device up with a few of your child’s favorite movies or TV shows. Many streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ now allow subscribers to download local copies of shows and movies for use when you might not have WiFi. Also be sure to download some apps that your little one will like – lots of them are both fun and educational!

5. Toddler Headphones

There is nothing that drives me crazier as a passenger than hearing other passengers’ movies or video game sounds. Don’t bother your seatmates and give traveling parents a bad name… get your child some earphones to block the noise. Kidz Gear  is a brand that has held up well for our family. Ear buds almost never fit kids, so save those for the adults in your travel party.

Important tip – if you are going to buy wired headphones instead of Bluetooth, make sure your headphones match your tablet or smartphone jack. Newer iPhones, for example, only have a lightning connector, so you’ll need this adapter if you want to use old fashioned wired headphones.

6. New small toys

New toys are often more engaging than ones your toddler has seen before, so stop by the Target dollar section or the Dollar Tree the week before your trip to load up on a few small and inexpensive novel distractions. Whenever possible, I like to try to get a toy related to the destination we are visiting so we can also pass the time talking about where we are going (for example, something Mickey or Minnie related when we take a Disneyland trip ).

A hungry kiddo is a recipe for airplane meltdowns. I recommend bringing double the snacks you will think you will need in case of delays or just an exceptionally hungry day. Kids can be picky and may not like the offerings on the plane or in the airport. Or you may just not have time to stop and buy food if you have a tight connection or a flight delay.

Don’t worry so much about perfect nutrition but rather what will keep your child quiet and occupied. My rules on treats are definitely relaxed when we travel – I regularly bring candy and cookies for tough moments.

Need snack ideas? Check out my post on 50 snack ideas for kids on airplanes .

The TSA liquid restrictions make travel with milk and juice a bit challenging, but you should know that if you are traveling with an “infant or small child,” you can bring some liquids aboard above the three ounce limit. I like to travel with ultra-pasteurized milk boxes from Organic Valley or Horizon  and sometimes with a juice box or two (see my tips for air travel with toddlers and milk ).

You can always also bring an empty water bottle or sippy cup and fill it after you pass through security. We swear by the Thermos Funtainer straw water bottles which are better for leaks than many water bottles on planes.

9. Stuffed Animal, Lovey and/or Blanket

If your child is going to be traveling at nap time or on a redeye flight , bring the items that he or she would use at home for sleeping. Loveys, favorite stuffed animals, or a blanket can really help a toddler feel more at home. Plus, planes can be cold and a blanket might come in handy even if your child doesn’t nap.

10. Extra Clothes

Toddlers get messy in even the best of circumstances, so I always travel with extra clothes for my child. There’s always a chance of a diaper leak or explosion for younger toddlers or a potty training accident for the older ones. You may also want to consider extra clothes for yourself if your child is prone to collateral damage. I’ve used those more than once!

11. Ziploc Bags

Zippered plastic bags have a multitude of uses on airplanes, and i never travel without a few bags of a variety of sizes in my carry on bag. They are great for holding and containing food wrappers as well as containing smells and messes like on soiled clothing or diapers.

12. Small Towel

This is one item that I have used way more over the years on flights that I thought I might. A small hand towel to have at the ready for spills can be really essential. Those airplane napkins don’t cut it when something really disastrous happens.

13. First Aid Kit

Last but certainly not least, always pack a few essential first aid items when traveling with toddlers. You’ll never know when you might need the power of a band-aid for a boo boo or some kid-safe dosing of pain reliever . This pre-packed first aid kit has most of the essentials and is compact enough to throw in a purse or a small bag your toddler might be carrying.

Don’t forget to check out my MASTER packing list for all ages and stages of travel.

Traveling with a Toddler and Need More Toddler Travel Tips?

Check out these related articles:

• Where Should My Baby or Toddler Sleep On Our Travels?
• Air Travel with Toddlers and Milk
• The Lap Child Debate: Should You Buy an Airline Seat for Your Infant or Toddler?
• Car Seats on Airplanes: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know
• Hotel Room Hacks for Travel with Babies and Toddlers

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Monday 25th of July 2022

Thank you so much for your post. This and the debate of brining a car seat definitely allowed me to come to a solid conclusion.

playschool in Hyderabad

Thursday 30th of September 2021

very interesting! thanks for sharing.

Sanjary kids are the best playschool in Hyderabad, Mehdipatnam, and tolichowki. Start your playschool in Hyderabad, Mehidipatnam with Sanjary kids. Sanjary kids provide programs like Playgroup, Nursery, Junior KG, Senior KG, and Teacher Training Program.

Stay With Me Mom

Wednesday 13th of September 2017

You arrive to my life in the rigth moment !! We aré going to travel next month 8 hours in airplane ?

Keri|flipflopweekend.com

Wednesday 16th of August 2017

Excellent list! We got stuck at security, because I thought I could bring an unopened bottle of water for the kids. They let one bottle through, but gave me a bit of a hard time. The empty water bottle is a great idea!

Wednesday 14th of September 2016

We will be flying with my 14 month old during meal times. We love the pouch meals like Plum Organics Mighty 4," for example when we are "on the go," but it occurred to me that these may count as liquids rather than food for TSA purposes. Have you had any experiences carrying these through security? Thanks so much! You're website has been very helpful!!

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Best Holiday Packing List for Toddlers (67 Items!)

Looking for the best holiday packing list for a toddler? Here’s everything you need to take when you’re taking your little one away for a weekend / week / longer – just add the amount of outfits to suit the length of your trip!

My son (now 19 months) and I have been on many trips abroad together now. He’s a proper little traveller! Of course all he has to do is turn up, while there’s me having been plotting and planning for months, wanting to be ready for every eventuality. Starting, with holiday packing list for a toddler.

This travel with toddler checklist covers everything you need to consider when you’re packing for your little one. You probably won’t need to take it all , but I can guarantee you’ll want to pack a good chunk of it. It’s amazing how much stuff such a small person requires.

These traveling essentials for toddlers will help make your trip go smoother, for everyone. So, pen and paper, or phones notes at hand, and let’s go through everything you should pack when you’re travelling with a toddler.

Packing List for Toddlers

Follow this toddler packing list for everything you need to take on your next adventure.

Packing essentials for toddlers

1. Passport

First up on your toddler packing list, the most important thing – your toddler’s passport. If you haven’t got one yet, you better get applying! Ours took about two months to come, when my son was a few months old. We got the photos done at Max Spielman and set them off to the Home Office. Your toddler will need their own passport to travel abroad.

Sleep packing list for toddlers

Wondering what to pack when travelling with a toddler for the best sleep possible, for all? Here are my tips…

2. Bedsheets

Some hotels will offer bedsheets for cots, but I read somewhere that taking you own – for a familiar smell of home – is a better idea. I’ve stuck by this and it’s worked for me. Some of the best sleeps my 19-month old son has ever had were when we stayed at the Hotel Gran Castillo Tagoro in Lanzarote . I took his sheets with us then, and will continue to forever more!

Well, sure I’ll stop at some point.

3. Sleeping bags 

Depending on the temperature of your holiday destination you’ll want to take a sleeping bag or two for your little one. I’d always take a spare, in case of illness. We’ve got these Mosebears sleeping bags for the summer, although if it’s too hot, we obviously don’t bother.

4. Dummies 

Pack more than you think you need – they get lost / dropped / vanish into thin air.

5. Snooze shade

Snooze shades are always good for naps on the go.

It’s a good idea to take a blanket in your hand luggage on the plane, you just never know what temperature they’re going to set it at on the day you travel. It can also double up as a pillow, or light shade.

7. Travel cot

Many flight operators will allow a travel cot for free if you’re travelling with an under 2. This can be a good way to travel with a cot your toddler is more familiar with, or you might just see it as extra bulk to carry. But either way, the option is there to consider!

8. Nightlight

We use this nightlight every night with our toddler. It gives a familiar glow, and is also USB powered for easy charging. It seems to last for ages!

9. PuroQuiet-PLUS Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

The PuroQuiet-PLUS Active Noise Cancelling headphones can help your little one relax by cancelling out all the sounds around them. They’re specially designed to keep music at a suitable volume level for kids, helped by the plush noise-isolating ear-pads.

As well as being able to hear their favourite music and TV programmes, the headphones can calm children down in loud and unfamiliar environments. Puro Sound Labs is the first ever company to be Certified Sensory Inclusive.

There’s a lot of tech that’s gone into creating these, for a superior listening experience. They block out daily noise and background sounds up to 22 dB. They also have a USB-C connector and come in 6 colours, including purple and teal. The battery lasts up to 23 hours and uses the latest Bluetooth v4.0 technology.

These headphones stay wirelessly connected up to 30 feet, so you can control from afar. They fold flat for travel, and have a super soft protein leather wrapped headband for comfort. Perfect for travelling toddlers!

Packing footwear for toddlers

Any toddler packing list needs to feature some great footwear to suit the conditions of your destination.

10. Trainers

I bought Reggie these toddler adidas trainers for his next trip. This one time, when I went to Lanzarote , we lost one of his shoes on the flight and only realised when we were at the luggage carousel. Cue me going on an emergency trip to the local sports shop for some trainers the next day (which was a Sunday, so it was closed). In short, I wouldn’t travel with only one pair of footwear again!

You could even get matching women’s trainers , if you’re that way inclined.

I am, and I did.

11. Breathable water shoes

My toddler packing list will always feature some breathable water shoes , because, we’re always around water. That’s a holiday for me!

These make for a great second pair of shoes for a trip, as they’re so multifunctional. These shoes will do for pebbly beaches, sandy shores and sea paddling too. They’re easy to put on, and they stay on too.

READ MORE: My Baby Essentials Packing List

You NEED really good travel insurance . HeyMondo offer 24/7 worldwide assistance with travel cancellation and interruption cover. They have tailor made policies, cover medical expenses up to $10 million and are the only insurance company that pay medical bills upfront for you .

Get 5% off your  travel insurance with HeyMondo.com HERE .

Packing clothes for toddlers

Right, next up on the checklist for travelling with toddler: clothes.

I’d recommend taking twice as many outfits as you have days, at least. My son gets filthy . I don’t know how but between dirt, snot, food and drink, I change him at least once a day.

• Hoody / Jumpers
• Wet weather clothes

Packing for cleanliness

If you’re wondering what to bring when traveling with a toddler, thinking ‘cleanliness’ is a good place to start.

• Shampoo and conditioner or 2 in 1
• Towel – you can use a towel as a bath mat, if you need. I’ve got Reggie one of those hoody towels for the beach.
• Bath toys 
• Bath bubbles
• Wipes – save space and buy these when you’re there, depending on where you’re going.
• Nappies – again, buy when you’re there if it’s a typical tourist spot.
• Tissues – have these easy to hand.
• Nappy cream
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clippers
• Swim nappies
• Inflatable bath – if your child hates showers as much as mine does, these can be a great idea.  We took one to Sardinia as he was only a few months old and their bath was massive.
• Washing tablets – if you have a washing machine at your destination, washing tablets can help you to cut down on your packing list for toddlers. Doing a wash halfway through your trip is a necessity if your toddler gets as dirty as mine!

Sun protection for toddlers

Any traveling with toddlers checklist needs to think about the sun. Toddler skin is so delicate and vulnerable, we need to look after it as best we can.

• Hat – I take a few to see if he’ll keep any on his head longer than a few seconds.
• Sun cream – Factor 50 is suggested for little kids. Choose a kids one for sensitive skin.
• Sunglasses – same as the hat, fun game to see if he’ll keep them on longer than 10 seconds!
• Swimsuits – if you’re packing for a family for a beachy holiday take at least two so your toddler has one to wear and one to dry.
• Inflatable or PFD – at a minimum I have an inflatable ring for my son to swim with. If it’s a beachy holiday I like to have a toddler lifejacket too, so I know he’ll keep it on at all times. Just helps us both to relax a bit around water!
• Beach tent – you can get beach tents that fold up into very small circles, enabling you to sit out on the beach for longer, knowing that they’re protected.

Toddler packing list for transport

One of the top essentials for traveling with a toddler is to consider how they’re getting from A to B. Whether A is the airport and B is the beach, is up to you.

40. Car seat 

I travelled with a car seat when Reggie was very young, but I’ve recently bought one of these Urban Kanga foldable portable car seats (the low reviews are for the bag it comes in, the seat is fine) so that he can be safe and secure on the go. I just worry that the car seats abroad won’t be up to standard and although he’s tall, he’s still young, so I want him to have the proper head support for sleeping on long journeys.

41. Buggy 

Unfortunately the haphazard streets of Thessaloniki were no match for the pram we’d had from birth and the handle broke while we were there. As Reggie was older we decided to get an ‘umbrella’ stroller, to take up less space. There are lots of travel prams to choose from though – and quite honestly, it’s a minefield!

42. Sling / backpack carrier

I’ve just bought this hip wrap belt from eBay for walking round the souks and streets of Jordan – I’ll let you know how it goes!

43. Car sun visors

If your trip includes a car journey or two, I’d definitely recommend packing the visors to keep the sun off them for their skin, and for the quality of their sleep too.

Feeding packing list for toddlers

Your traveling with a toddler checklist needs to consider your little ones feeding, and how they’re going to do it. Obviously this will vary greatly depending on where they are on their feeding journey. This is what I’ll be packing for my next trip to Jordan with my son.

44. SMA Milk 

My son is on cow’s milk but I’m going to go back to the SMA just because I know his tummy is used to it, and I can carry the cartons in the heat without worrying about it spoiling. He’ll be fine if he skips a feed or two, but I just need to know I have it on me in case!

45. Milk bottles

Yep, he still drinks it out of a bottle for comfort. You might want to change this up for a sippy cup.

46. Water bottles 

My son loves to drink out of these dinosaur gulp water bottles , so that’s what we’ll be taking. He does like a cup too, but these are better for on the go.

47. Muzzies 

Always good for mopping up messes!

Try and protect those clothes!

There is absolutely no way I would travel without an excess of snacks for my 19-month old. Oat bars, veggie straws, those banana biscotti things…

50. Cutlery and plates / bowls

Plastic bowls and cutlery can help your child feel more at home. I’d recommend getting one of those bowls with a lid on , so you can take food for later if they’re taking too long or prefer to graze.

51. Packing toys for toddlers

Make sure to pack a few golden oldies for your toy packing list for toddler, as well as some new surprises. My toddler usually takes a few plays to warm up to new toys, so I’ve packed a few old toys, as well as some new toys for our trip.

Electronics packing list for toddlers

• Powerbank – you do NOT want to be running out of power. Here are some of the best portable chargers on the market.
• Plug adaptor – I also like to take a plug bar so I know I have enough plugs for all my equipment, and it’s all in one place rather than being strewn around the different plugs of the room.
• Pushchair fan – essential to keep toddlers cool in their prams and car seats.
• Thermometer – so you can keep an eye on the temperature of their room.
• Baby cam – so you can enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony / verandah / terrace!
• Extra phone / baby screen / kindle FIRE – we have an extra phone for YouTube.
• Headphones – both for you and the toddler!

READ MORE: How to Get to Heathrow via RailAir with a Toddler

More things to pack for toddlers

Here are a few more things I don’t want you to miss from your traveling with a toddler checklist.

• First Aid Kit
• Books – for both of you
• Day bag – for packing for day trips while you’re away.

How to pack for toddlers

If you’re travelling from place to place you’ll want to pack efficiently, so you can grab whatever you need on the go without messing up the whole system. Even if you’re not, it’s best to be organised from the start when you’re packing, so you don’t get frustrated trying to find things.

Here are a few things you could add to your toddler packing list to help make life easier.

65. Packing cubes

I have some packing cubes for me, but I’ve also recently bought these clear packing cubes for Reggie’s things. It makes it so much easier to see what I’ve bought for him, and to stay organised. Some people say to pack in outfits, but I like to pack in clothes type, and by using these bags I can see it all laid out.

66. Drop down shelving

These might make your packing list for toddlers a bit easier to access. These drop down shelves mean that you can hang up a mini wardrobe and see what you have. It can help with organisation in small spaces like little hotel rooms, and campervans.

TOP TIP: Make sure to leave space for all your souvenirs !

Your toddler packing list printable

I hope this travel with toddler checklist has helped. It will work as a flying with a toddler checklist and a road trip with toddlers checklist too. In fact, bookmark it for any time you plan on travelling with a toddler!

Enjoy your trip!

Related Posts:

• How to Go Camping With a Toddler, and Have Fun
• My Packing List for Baby for a Weekend Away
• 28 Unique Packing Travel Hacks You Need to Know…
• 17 Essentials for Your Winter Holiday Packing List +…
• Ultimate Beach Packing List for Family Adventures:…
• What to Wear in Jordan: Your Ultimate Jordan Packing List

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, when can you travel with your baby, read this next, what to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag, what to pack in your baby's suitcase.

Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

Go to Your Baby's Age

Trending on what to expect, the covid-19 vaccine for infants, toddlers and young children, how to create a night shift system when you have a newborn, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., when do babies start laughing, baby-led weaning, what happens in the ‘4th trimester’ (and is it a real thing).

The Ultimate Packing List for Baby Travel (+printable checklist!)

Over the years, i’ve written a lot about how to travel with a baby..

Between leaping head first into baby travel when Evelyn was 5 weeks old, to taking our special needs baby Sophie on several trips around the country, we’ve become pretty well-acquainted with the world of travel with a baby by now.

Truthfully, traveling with a baby is not all that bad. But it does require a ton of preparation for  all the things  that you might possibly need.

We’ve covered  what to pack in your carry on  before, along with  everything you need to know before flying with a baby . I’ve even shared our favorite baby travel gear and travel-friendly toys .

But one thing I haven’t covered? A comprehensive, everything-you-must-pack guide to make the whole trip with baby go extra smoothly!

We were reminded of just how much stuff one little human can require as we prepared for our month-long adventure around Southern California . Our packing list felt endless . And I can say pretty confidently that we left nothing behind.

So let me spare you the stress of wondering “what am I forgetting” ?

Read on for our ultimate baby packing list of EVERYTHING you might ever need when traveling with a baby!  (+a free printable checklist at the bottom of this post!)

Pin it for later:.

BabyBjorn Travel Crib | Brica Travel Bassinet | BabyZen Yoyo Stroller | BabyZen Bassinet | MiaMily Carrier | MiaMily Infant Insert | Babyzen Yoyo Adapter Clips | Doona Car Seat Stroller | MaxiCosi Car Sea t | Car Seat Travel Bag

Baby Packing List | Travel Gear

First things first, the big stuff !

You may not need all of these items for every trip, but for the most part, we bring this same travel-friendly baby gear just about everywhere we go:

• Baby Carrier | A baby carrier is a must, even if it’s nothing more than an efficient way to move through the airport. I know not all kiddos love the carrier, but we find that having both a carrier and stroller available when we travel with Sophie is essential. You just never know when you’ll run into a place with lots of stairs or uneven sidwalks, so it’s good to have a back up that will keep you moving freely. We started out with the  ErgoBaby , but made the switch to the more lightweight and compact  MiaMily toddler carrier with Infant Insert and absolutely love it. Still on the fence? Read up and compare  all of our favorite carriers for babies and toddlers here .
• Stroller  | Even though our carrier is indispensable, we like to have options. For newborns, I adore the Doona Car Seat & Stroller 2-in-1 . I only wish this had been around when our girls were babies because it takes so much hassle out of traveling with a baby! For us personally, we love and recommend the lightweight and carry-on compliant  Babyzen YOYO+ , which is great for older babies who can sit up on their own (don’t forget the puchase a compatible backpack carry bag – so worth it)! For newborns you can add on the bassinet pack onto the YOYO+, just keep in mind you will have to gate check the stroller with this add-on.
• Car Seat  | Depending on where you’re going, you may or may not want to bring the car seat. If you will need one, the Maxi Cosi and  Nuna Pipa  are two that can adapt to a YOYO+ without the bassinet add-on (just get some  adapters like these , and you’re good to go!). For older babies, a popular choice is the  Cosco Scenera Next , which is super lightweight at just 10 pounds. I recommend getting a car seat bag to keep it clean while flying, and if you’re worried about it getting banged up by luggage handlers, you can upgrade to a padded car seat bag .
• Travel Crib | We’ve always brought our own travel crib, mostly because I want our kids to feel the comfort of a familiar sleeping environment, no matter where we are. We’ve been especially happy with our  Baby Bjorn Travel Crib , which has held up with our travels all over the country these past 6 years. For infants, you can get away with a more compact option, like this Travel Pod Bassinet . And if you’re in a pinch, most family-friendly hotels will offer cribs for free, or you can rent one from a baby gear rental company, like BabyQuip . Read up on all  our favorite baby travel cribs here .

Pro Tip: Don’t want the stress of traveling with all your gear? Use BabyQuip and get bulky items like cribs, strollers, high chairs, car seats and so much more delivered straight to your hotel or rental!

Packing Cubes | Sun Hat | Baby Socks | Moccasins | Pajamas | Boys Swimsuit | Girls Swimsuit

Baby Packing List | Clothes

Sure, babies require a lot of stuff to pack, but the one area where they don’t take up much space in the suitcase: clothes!

I use these packing cubes for everyone in the family and almost everything for baby can fit into just one:

• Pants & Leggings  | Usually 2-3 pairs. In colder months I’ll skip the rompers and dresses, and add more leggings, pants and sweaters.
• Shirts & Onesies | Usually 2-3 tops, adding 2-3 more in winter months.
• Dresses or Rompers | Usually 2-3 for warmer destinations, because they’re so easy to pack and don’t require mixing and matching tops and bottoms.
• Socks | 2-3 pairs , even in the summer months in case we end up somewhere chilly.
• Booties or Shoes | I’ve recently become obsessed with little baby shoes, but I try to stick to one simple pair of baby moccasins that match everything for travel, like these from BirdRock Baby .
• Hat | A must, no matter where you’re traveling, whether a sun hat for the spring and winter, or a fuzzy hat for the fall and winter.
• Swimsuit | Only if necessary, of course. These boy and girl options from Rufflebutts are our favorites.
• Pajamas | I stick to just 2 pairs of footie pajamas  (plus a 3rd pair worn on our travel day).

This might not seem like a lot of clothes, but if we’re traveling for more than 5 days, we’ll wash and rewear items to keep our packing light. This means making sure we have access to laundry facilities while we travel (whether it be an Airbnb with a washing machine, hotel with a laundry room, or a wash and fold laundry service nearby).

Tommee Tippee Bottles | Formula Dispenser | Travel Mug | Slim Ice Packs | Pumping Backpack | Breast Pump Battery Pack | Bottle Cooler | Nursing/Car Seat Cover | Muslin Swaddle Blankets | Dr. Brown’s Bottle Wipes | Travel Dish Soap | Travel Bottle Drying Rac k ( similar one here ) | Stackable Snack Container | Silicone Snack Cup | Wipe-Clean Bibs | Spoon with Case | Folding Spoons | Squeeze Pouch Baby Food | Sippy Cup with Weighted Straw | Travel High Chair

Baby Packing List | Nursing & Feeding

Things change quickly with a baby, and depending on their age and feeding habits, you may need any of the following:

• Bottles | We’ve always traveled with just two bottles and been fine. Tommee Tippee and Dr. Brown’s are our favorites.
• Drying Rack | I love our OXO travel drying rack ( similar option here ); it’s come in handy more times than I can count! We also have a larger version of this Boon travel drying rack at home, and would highly recommend either. It’s truly one of the items you don’t think you need until you’re balancing wet bottles around a hotel sink.
• Dish Soap | Never fails, I always forget dish soap! If you’re staying in an Airbnb, there’s no need to bring your own (unless you’re particular about what you use). But if you’re staying in a hotel, for sure pack this little travel-size one  for washing bottles!
• Nursing Cover | There’s a good chance you’ll have little privacy for nursing during travels, and at the very least a nursing cover can help with getting little ones to fall asleep in busy places. Or for a lighter solution, a muslin swaddle is great and doubles as a blankie.
• Breast Pump & Supplies  | It’s a pain to lug around for sure, but if you’re going to need it, consider investing in a few pieces to make pumping on-the-go easier: a special  backpack and battery pack . (and good news, the airline won’t count this against your carry on luggage allowance)
• Cooler Bag | We love a little cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs , or if you need room for more bottles, this Medela cooler bag is a great option too.
• Formula Dispenser | For babies on a formula-fed diet, this little guy makes mixing bottles on the go so much easier .
• Tall Insulated Mug  | This simple, yet useful item is a must for an on-the-go bottle warmer. Just ask your airport coffee shop to fill it with piping hot water after you get through security, and then dip your bottle in to warm milk up in no time!
• Wipe-Clean Bib | Once baby is into solids, a wipe-and-reuse bib is awesome for on-the-go feedings.
• Travel Spoon | Our favorite is still this one that comes with a little case for easy storage, or try these squeeze pouch food adapter spoons .
• Snack Catcher | This travel container is perfect for little cereals you don’t want spilled all over.
• Squeeze Pouch Baby Food | If you’re feeding while traveling, skip the mess and squeeze it from  pouch form onto the spoon!
• Sippy Cup | We’ve tried many of the years, and these classic sippy cups from Munchkin or these sippy cups with weighted straws are both at the top of our list of favorites.
• Bottles Wipes | It’s tough to clean bottles, pacifiers, and spoons on-the-go, but  these bottle wipes are a safe and easy way to do it when you don’t have a sink handy.
• Travel High Chair | If you have the space for it, I can’t recommend this travel high chair enough, which folds down flat for packing. You could also opt for a cloth seat harness for an even lighter, more compact option.

Refillable Wipes Case | Dirty Diaper Baggies | Hand Sanitizer | Hand Sanitizing Wipes | Natural Bug Spray | Sunscreen Stick | Brush & Comb Set | GoToob+ Container | 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash | First Aid Kit | Inflatable Bath Tub | Travel Size Pain Reliever | Travel Size Diaper Rash Cream | Travel Size Lotion | Travel Thermometer | Nail Clipper

Baby Packing List | Health & Bath

• Diapers | My rule of thumb is to pack a maximum of 8 diapers in the baby backpack and then buy more as soon as we arrive.
• Travel Wipes Case | These no-frills travel wipes cases have become my favorite over the years. Like diapers, I load one up with as many as I can fit and then buy more once we’ve arrived in our destination.
• Dirty Diaper Baggies | These dirty diaper baggies have also come in handy more times than I can count.
• Baby First Aid Kit | We keep a super simple kit that includes only the basics, like travel-size diaper rash cream , infant pain reliever , a few bandages , a small  thermometer , nail clipper , skin cream , etc. For all those other ‘what if’s’, we’ll buy it at our destination if needed.
• Prescription Medicines | Keep liquids in their original containers to avoid any issues with TSA, and for anything needing kept cold, we use our bottle cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs .
• Sunscreen | These pocket sunscreen sticks are my absolute favorite because they’re easy to apply and take up so much less space.
• Mosquito Repellent | This natural one is our favorite. No chemicals or stink!
• Sanitizing Wipes | Especially good for wiping down a dirty airplane seat. I always keep a small travel-size pack in the diaper backpack.
• Hand Sanitizer | For obvious reasons, I always keep a travel-size hand sanitize r clipped to the backpack.
• Baby Shampoo & Body Wash | This 2-in-1 combo is our favorite, filled in a small GoToob+ travel container .
• Brush or Comb | Of course.
• Inflatable Travel Tub | Finally, this handy inflatable bath tub is an absolute favorite of ours and has gotten way more use than I ever thought it would. It’s definitely worth the purchase if you don’t have access to a tub or your baby is not sitting up on their own yet.

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling with a Baby

Portable Baby Gym (similar travel-friendly option here ) | Muslin Swaddle Blankets | Minkie Blanket | Baby Shusher | Clip-On Sound Machine | Pacifier Clips | Pacifiers | Peek-A-Boo Book | Stacking Cups | Musical Toy | Travel Crib Sheet

Baby Packing List | Play & Sleep

• Play Mat | We’ve stayed in lots of Airbnbs with hardwood floors and little comfortable space for baby to play. I so wish this fold-and-go baby gym was around when my kids were little (or this similar travel-friendly option ).
• Small Toys | I try to keep toys to a minimum, mostly because when you’re traveling, you’re out and about a lot anyway. Sassy brand makes a ton of my favorite simple baby toys, and I keep a little collection in one of these  mesh storage bags for easy packing.
• Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips | We find these pacifiers with these clips  to work great!
• Swaddle Blankets | Another must-pack item, Aden & Anais makes our favorite muslin swaddle blankets that double as a nursing cover or burp rag too.
• Crib Sheet | Whether you bring your own travel crib or use the hotels, we like to have our own crib sheet. This crib sheet that’s designed specifically for portable cribs has traveled with us again and again.
• White Noise Machine | We love our  Shusher and I swear it has made all the difference in helping our babies fall asleep in new places. This portable sound machine is another favorite among traveling moms.
• Favorite Blankie | Even though it can be a bit of a pain to travel with, having a soft baby blanket sure is nice for wrapping baby up on a cold airplane or having a familiar comfort from home.

FreshlyPicked Diaper Backpack | Passport Cover | Reusable Storage Bags | Dropper Stopper Tether (similar options here and here )

Baby Packing List |  Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Diaper Backpack | A good diaper bag is essential, and I can’t recommend going with a backpack style enough! Having your hands free, especially in airports, is a necessity, and this FreshlyPicked diaper backpack has travelled with us all over the world!
• Birth Certificate or Passport | Did you know some airlines require you to show a birth certificate for your lap baby? To be safe, I always carry a copy in my wallet. And if you’re planning on traveling internationally, be sure to start the process for your baby’s passport as soon as possible.
• Dropper Stopper Baby Tether | From toys, to bottles, to snack cups, this is our favorite item for keeping all of our baby essentials from hitting the dirty airplane floor (similar options here and here )
• Plastic Storage Bags | Whether one-time use, or an  eco-friendly reusable , we’re always finding a need for the modest plastic storage bag. Whether for dirty clothes from a blow out incident, saving leftover snacks, keeping trinkets and keepsakes together, we’re always finding a new use for these.

Free Printable Checklist: Baby Travel Packing List!

It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve traveled with a baby, I’m always bound to forget something!

After many missed essentials, I finally created our own baby travel packing list ! We use it for every trip, and now you can use for yourself!

get it here!

Thanks for being a subscriber!

PS. You can also find this and all of our  printable family travel planning tools exclusively for subscribers in our free resource library .

What are your must-have packing list items when traveling with baby?

Wife and mom to two sassy little girls, Laura has been sharing her family's travels here on Our Next Adventure since 2016! Though lots has changed in both our family and the world of travel over the years, one thing remains: we love exploring new places together!

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6 Essentials: Toddler Packing List

O ur Toddler Packing List has 6 Essentials and is perfect for a daycare packing list or overnight bag for a trip to Grandma's house!

Now that my grandson Jameson is almost 3, it is time to think about things like preschool and daycare! EEK! Angeline is still a stay at home mom and plans to homeschool him, but she's already getting him involved in all kinds of activities to socialize with others and learn and grow.

It's been so much fun watching him grow from a baby into a toddler...he is such a LITTLE BOY, already!! I can't wait to start spending more time with him and maybe even babysit overnight!

6 Essentials Toddler Packing List

If you are putting your children in daycare or preschool for the first time, or you're a grandma like me that likes to help make your kid's lives easier and help out with the grandbabies, I think you will be able to appreciate these essentials for a toddler packing list !

Glo Pals Sensory Play Jar

Glo Pals water-activated light-up bath toy characters were inspired by a child with autism. Easy for kids to hold, the Sensory Jar gets children involved in sensory playtime! Pack some fun and adventure into your next outing with a Sensory Play Jar!

Tap to change colors and make things even more fun by filling your Sensory Play Jar with the NEW magical Fun Fillers, all locked up tight with the spill-proof lid.

Fun Fillers take the fuss out of curating the perfect sensory play activity! Each pack includes themed sensory accessories that take playtime to the next level! These pair perfectly with the Sensory Play Jar, and you can use them to enhance your favorite sensory bin too!

Glo Pals Fun Fillers are available for $5 on  GloPals.com

With 6 different colors to choose from, kiddos will be ready for lots of sensory fun! 

Glo Pals Sensory Play Jar  begins at $20.00 and are available on  Amazon .

Glo Pals Water-Activated Bath Toys

You can also your child’s play time AND bath time with Glo Pals! Featuring bendable arms and colorful personalities, there are several different characters - including Jameson's favorite, ELMO!

Glo Pals x Sesame Street Elmo Water-Activated Bath Toy with 6 Reusable Light-Up Cubes for Sensory Play

• Supports Sensory Development: Cause & Effect, Cognitive Skills, Fine Motor Skills and Color Recognition
• Water-Activated Light Up Toy; Automatically Turns Off When Fully Dry
• Sammy has Flexible Arms and Legs to Brighten Bath Time and Playtime | Each Vibrant Reusable Light Up Cube Lasts a Minimum of 30 Days
• Comes with 1 Sammy Character + 6 Red Light-Up Cubes. Please Note that the 4-additional light-up cubes are tucked inside the main box

We just received a fun package from Glo Pals for Jameson and I can't wait to meet up with Angeline next week and see his face light up when he sees them!!

Jameson already LOVES bath time, and I think he's going to love these new editions to his bath toys! If you have toddlers or are a grandparent who has your grandkids for overnight visits, these are great to have for them to play with!

You can find a variety of Glo Pals and Light Up Cubes on Amazon.com .

Stonz Toddler Cruisers Shoes

Designed for walking, Stonz’s Toddler Cruisers are the perfect toddler shoe and come in sizes 6T to 11T.

Stonz are designed with a thicker sole for tackling adventurous terrains while remaining flexible to aid in balance and foot movement! The breathable materials ensure dry feet even after a scorching day at the park - I don't know about your little ones, but my grandson's feet get super sweaty!

Stonz is committed to making outings easy with shoes that are easy on and not-so-easy off!

Stonz Cruisers  are available for $57.99 on  Amazon .

Little Unicorn Security Blankets

Providing comfort for your little ones at home, in preschool or daycare or on the go, Little Unicorn Security Blankets feature a soft-to-the-touch satin trim that soothes your kiddo when they're feeling a little antsy, or just missing mom and dad.

Made from 100% cotton muslin, Little Unicorn Security Blankets are perfectly sized for tiny little hands! They come three to a package, so you can keep one in the car, in the diaper bag or backpack and at home too. Available in 12 prints, these Security Blankets are as beautiful as they are functional!

Little Unicorn Security Blankets  are available for $20.00 on  Amazon .

Spring Smencils® 5-Pack

I love these Spring Smencils® 5-Pack! Imagine having 5 gourmet scented pencils made from 100% newspapers in this fabulous pack! They're great for kiddos AND adults too!

Each Spring Smencil® is a No.2 pencil and packaged in its own recyclable plastic freshness tube that includes a collectible character top cap! The 5 scents included are Bubble Gum, Jelly Bean, Cotton Candy, Tutti Frutti and Sour Apple. YUM!

Scentco Smencils are available in over 10 designs for $7.99 on  Amazon .

Comotomo Teether 

Designed with 4 prongs to mimic little baby fingers, Comotomo’s teether is long enough to reach back molars but thoughtfully sized to prevent choking.

The food-grade silicon material is chewy, non-toxic and dishwasher safe.

Comotomo Teether  are available for $6.99 on  Amazon .

Kendamil Toddler Formula

Awarded the Best Organic Baby Milk in the world and used by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, with all 3 of her children, Kendamil is the only vegetarian formula!

Sustainably sourcing the highest quality ingredients, Kendamil’s formula is made with whole milk fats from grass-fed cows, plant-based Omega 3 and none of the palm oil, soy, syrups or maltodextrin found in other formulas.

Kendamil Toddler Formula  is available for $33.99 at  Target .

I hope that this Toddler Packing List has given you some fun - and helpful - ideas for making your toddler's trips to daycare, preschool and just going out about about a bit easier!

The post 6 Essentials: Toddler Packing List appeared first on The Rebel Chick .

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

33 Best Travel Essentials You Should Always Pack

What our editors always travel with, and you should, too.

For some of us, an affordable carry-on is our travel essential. For others, it's nothing less than a Rimowa suitcase . Some of us never travel without a cashmere sweater . Personally, I swear by this Halfday Garment Duffel , but others swear by a classic weekender . We're exploring all options here.

Best Sweater for Travelling

Naadam cashmere sweater.

Travel Packing Hack

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Packable Tote Bag

Tumi just in case tote.

Best Passport Cover

Smythson passport cover in panama.

Best Dopp Kit Upgrade

Lucchese dopp kit.

Best Suit to Fly In

J.crew kenmare unstructured suit jacket.

Best Travel Pants

Lululemon abc classic-fit pant.

Best Shoes for Travel

Sabah baba leather slip on.

Best Travel Wallet

Husbands paris black metal corners wallet.

Best Hanging Toiletry Bag

Away the hanging toiletry bag.

From post-flight, or in-flight, grooming must haves to luxury wallets that make you feel more put together walking through TSA, you can trust our expertise here. And here's a light warning. We will, only once, recommend that you still wear a suit while you travel. It's part of our DNA, sorry. Other than that, these are the 33 travel essentials that we swear by.

It sounds annoying to say a cashmere sweater is the perfect travel accessory, but it's so warm, soft, and lightweight, there's nothing that beats it. Plus, our favorite sweater from Naadam only cost $100.

I've already written about how great this bag is . A garment duffel isn't a new concept, but for $100, this version of it is life changing. Pack two suits or a few dresses, roll up the bag, then add everything else like normal. Nice clothes stay wrinkle free and everything packs more easily.

We all know the deal. It's a return flight, you have new clothes and souvenirs, or you just are packing a lot less diligently. That's where this Just In Case Tote comes in. It packs down to the size of a book and expands to be a sizable personal item.

A passport cover is tough to call an essential, but once you hit a certain level of frequent flyer, it absolutely is. This one in luxe leather from Smythson is the best you can buy.

One thing we really believe in is upgrading your dopp kit. That polyester one from Amazon won't make you happy, and it'll disintegrate in a few years. Lucchese makes some of the best travel bags on the market , and this pebble leather dopp kit is the best value on the website.

Yes, the men's magazine is still telling you to wear a suit on a flight. A relaxed-fit unstructured suit is a man's matching set. It's just as comfortable as your ugly PJ pants, getting dressed takes two seconds, and you look great no matter how jet lagged you are.

If you insist on doing stretchy pants, make sure you do the best stretchy pants on Earth .

The airport shoe situation is a funny one. There's a lot of ways to tackle the issue. Most people prefer sneakers. Loafers are a great shout. Cowboy boots —they're slip ons!—are my chaotic choice. The only rule is no exposed toes.

Truthfully, though, these Sabah slip ons are the only answer to "What's the best travel shoe?" Slip on, slip off. Wear them to the beach, or use them as a bring your own hotel slipper.

When you're an American exploring parts of the world you're unfamiliar with, be smart. A front pocket wallet will keep you from being on the losing end of tourist pickpocket schemes. This one from Husbands is my absolute favorite.

If you have an especially long self-care routine, you'll need something a bit more tailor-made. This hanging toiletry bag from Away is a great shout.

Cadence Flex System

As far as routines go, this Cadence system is a functional masterpiece. You can customize a set of containers for grooming products, bath products, and supplements. All the little hexagons click together for easy packing. It's some of the best travel design we've ever gotten our hands on.

Byredo Mojave Ghost Roll-On

Creating your own olfactory bubble is a life-changing travel hack, but spray-on cologne is a bit intense for the plane ride. Byredo makes nice roll-on fragrances to solve that problem.

F. Miller Eye Oil

That stale plane air is a nightmare for your skin. This eye oil firms and nourishes skin while still feeling natural. Keep it on hand to take care of any problem areas—around your eyes, lips, and cuticles. It's our best hack for looking good even after a long flight.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

We're big proponents of noise-cancelling headphones for pretty much all things that require either a deep inner focus or a hard distance from the world outside. Bose's QuietComfort headphones silence the world (crying babies, crunching plane neighbors) around you.

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

These socks will reduce any swelling or numbness after a long flight, or a short one for that matter. Compression socks are your new favorite travel companion. These have a daily-use approved 15-20mmHg pressure.

Patagonia Nano Puff Fitz Roy Trout Hoody

A packable Patagonia jacket is one of travel's biggest upgrades. It's super warm, and makes for an excellent extra layer—especially when you're not sure what you'll need. It packs into a little cube, which can double as a travel pillow.

Davek The Mini

Tiny and adorable, this will save you from some unexpected weather. The micro design tucks away perfectly into your suitcase.

Drake's Brown Birds of Paradise Print Wool Scarf

Even more versatile than a sweater is a lightweight scarf. Any scarf from Drake's is a good buy, but this printed one is especially fun. In the terminal, it's an accessory. In the lounge, it's a blanket. On the flight, it's a shawl, eye mask, emergency pillow, or a fucking tablecloth. If you buy one thing for travel, buy a good lightweight scarf.

Adidas Originals Stan Smith

Stan Smith's are another classic choice. Wear them with jeans, sweatpants, or a suit, and look fine in all instances.

NEW BALANCE 990v4 Sneakers

Sometimes you just need to get there, and these sneakers will do the trick. And when you do get there, go stretch your weary plane legs on a long walk without having to change shoes.

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Amazon Just Released a Slew of Genius New Travel Finds — All Under $50

Think Apple AirTags, Bagsmart belt bags, and Glow Recipe tinted serums, starting at $7.

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

Weekend getaways, tropical excursions, and outdoor staycations are all on the horizon this summer. So if you’re on the hunt for new travel finds that’ll come in handy during your trip, check out this must-see Amazon list. 

Amazon has tons of clever travel essentials, including several new items that just dropped for May. While the Hot New Releases hub doesn’t have a designated travel section, you don’t have to worry because we did the digging for you. That said, you’ll discover breezy dresses, nifty bags, versatile plug converters, and even Apple AirTags — all under $50. 

Amazon New Releases Under $50

• Apple AirTag , $25 (originally $29) 
• Larmliss Crewneck Short-Sleeve Tunic Beach Dress with Pockets , $23 
• Project Cloud Flat Sandals , $29 (originally $40)
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops , $35
• Bagsmart Belt Bag , $11 with coupon (originally $20)
• Simple Modern Mesa Water Bottle with Straw Lid , $23 (originally $30)
• “Funny Story” by Emily Henry , $19 (originally $29)
• Mapambo Travel Power Converter , $43
• Monday Haircare Original Dry Shampoo , $7 (originally $8)
• Taygeer Carry-on Backpack , $34 (originally $51)

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTags can locate your wallet, keys, or earbuds, but travelers particularly like to stick them in their luggage. Why? This way, you can keep tabs on your suitcase at any given moment, which will be especially helpful during connecting flights. This single AirTag, which was recently launched at Amazon, is durable, water- and dust-resistant, and is compatible with Apple phones ranging from the iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 Pro Max. 

Larmliss Crewneck Short-Sleeve Tunic Beach Dress with Pockets

An easy, breezy dress, like this cute crewneck option , is just the thing to throw on as you head to the beach, walk around the resort, or sightsee with a group. Made with cotton and polyester, you’ll notice the dress is both breathable and lightweight, which is ideal for days spent in the sun. Plus, it’s designed with hidden side pockets to stash your phone, room key, or lip balm. It’s available in midi and maxi lengths, as well as 38 colors and prints. 

Project Cloud Flat Sandals

With all that walking you’ll be doing this summer, it’s wise to invest in a good pair of sandals. These discounted Project Cloud sandals are a nice option; they have a memory foam insole, adjustable straps, and a non-slip outsole that’s great for stability. The sandals also have a wide toe box and a suede sole that’ll deliver comfort while walking and standing for hours. Shop them in five colors, including tan, black, and beige.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops

If you tend to wear less makeup while on vacation, you’ll want to add this Glow Recipe serum to your toiletry bag. The formula delivers all the hydration you love from the brand’s classic best-seller with an added bonus that leaves skin looking sun-kissed. The hue drops have a slightly warm tint that goes on nicely, giving the appearance that you’re wearing, well, nothing. And even though this pick recently launched at Amazon, the tinted serum was already bought more than 2,000 times this past April. 

Bagsmart Belt Bag

Anyone who hates lugging around a big bag will appreciate this Bagsmart belt bag that has pockets galore. Seriously, the bag has a big zippered compartment at the top, complete with several internal pockets to store lip balms, chargers, and micro wallets. It has a second zippered area for small items like keys and IDs, too. And because pickpocketing is no joke, you’ll love that it has an unsuspecting anti-theft zipper lock that’ll prevent sticky fingers from swiping. 

Simple Modern Mesa Water Bottle with Straw Lid

Staying hydrated is a travel must, and if you don’t like drinking lukewarm water, this insulated Simple Modern water bottle will do you a solid. The number-one new release has a double-walled design to keep liquids chilled for hours, even if it’s out in the sun. It has a large mouth and a straw lid that flips downward to prevent leakage. It’s available in 24 and 34 ounces and comes in a multitude of colors, including bright hues like lime green and lavender, as well as classic options like beige, white, and black.   

“Funny Story” by Emily Henry

Emily Henry’s “ People We Meet on Vacation ” was pretty much the summer beach read. Yes, this editor even bonded with a vacationer who was also reading the book at a resort in Mexico. So if you’re a Henry fan, check out her latest romance novel that just dropped at Amazon: “ Funny Story .” The book delivers a mix of humor, new beginnings, and a slow burn romance that’ll keep you on that lounge chair far longer than you anticipated.  

Mapambo Travel Power Converter

There’s nothing worse than realizing your travel converter doesn’t work with the outlet in your hotel room. Instead of stocking up on multiple adapters, why not opt for this Mapambo converter that’ll work in about 150 countries, including Italy, Singapore, Japan, and Fiji. It has two U.S. three-pronged outlets, one USB port, and three USB-C ports, which can juice up multiple devices at one time. 

Monday Haircare Original Dry Shampoo

You might miss a wash day or two while out and about, but that doesn’t mean your hair needs to look greasy. That’s where this recently-dropped Monday Haircare dry shampoo comes in. The dry shampoo absorbs the oils on your scalp with just a few sprays, so you can save the slickback for tomorrow. It’s formulated with strand-protecting keratin and has a floral gardenia scent that could totally pass as perfume.  

Taygeer Carry-on Backpack

A stylish backpack that can hold all your weekend essentials? Yep, that’s exactly what this is. The Carry-on Backpack is large enough to hold several outfit changes, your intimates, mini toiletries, hair care essentials, and even an extra pair of shoes due to its 11-by-17-inch build. But that’s just in the main compartment. It also has a double zipper outside with a cushioned pad for a laptop and tablet. The bag even has a luggage strap that can go right over your carry-on handle when you want a break from wearing it on your back.  

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