toddler travel essentials list

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:

Helping moms find the joy in motherhood

47 Essential Items for Your Travel with Toddler Checklist

Share With Your Friends

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!

“This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.”

“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

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

Table of Contents

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• About the Blogger
• About the Globetrotters
• Community Groups
• Privacy Policy
• PR & Media Inquiries
• Guest Opportunities
• Giveaways & Offers

• Best Destinations
• Explore My City
• Australia & Oceania
• Middle East
• Pregnancy Travel
• Baby Travel
• Toddler Travel
• Tween & Teen Travel
• Theme Park Travel
• Travel Health
• Travel Photography
• Flying with Kids
• Beach Vacation
• Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
• Travel Toys
• Baby Travel Gear
• Toddler Travel Gear
• Outdoor Gear
• Airline Reviews
• Accommodation Reviews
• Attraction Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Travel Gifts
• Packing Lists
• Expat Life Blog
• Expat Money Matters
• Global Parenting Interviews
• Expat Entrepreneurs
• Family Life in Abu Dhabi
• Booking Tools

Packing Lists , Travel Advice

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

Items that helped us through the challenging toddler travel years

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

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

Essential Gear for Moving Around With Toddlers

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

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

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

Toddler harness / reins

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

Accmor Toddler Harness Leash

3 in 1 Toddler Harness Leash

Accmor Toddler Backpack Leash

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

Collapsible Stroller

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

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

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

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

Evenflo GOLD Otto Self-Folding Stroller

Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller

gb Pockit+ All-Terrain

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

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

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

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

Toddler Carrier

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

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

Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier

Beco Toddler Carrier with Extra Wide Seat

Infantino Carry On Multi-Pocket Carrier

You can find our comprehensive toddler carrier comparison guide here. 

Hiking Toddler Carrier

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

Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Child Carrier

ClevrPlus Deluxe Adjustable Baby Carrier Outdoor

Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier

See our complete comparison of hiking carrier backpacks here

Car Seats for Toddlers

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

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

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

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

Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster

Britax Emblem 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat

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

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

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

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

Toddler Neck Pillow

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

Unicorn Toddler Neck Pillow for Kids

BCOZZY Kids Travel Neck Pillows for Toddlers

INFANZIA Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow

You can see our extensive head toddler cushion review here .

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

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

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

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

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

Tommee Tippee Groclock Sleep Trainer Clock

Kids Ok to Wake Clock for Kids  

Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine

Black Out Curtains

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

Most portable blackouts stick up with suction cups.

Gro Company Gro-Anywhere Blind

RUseeN Portable Blackout Shades 

Amazon Basics Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtain

Portable Toddler Cot

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

Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib

Milliard Folding Floor Sleeper Cot

Regalo My Cot Pals Portable Toddler Bed

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

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

Portable high chair

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

Summer Pop ‘n Dine SE Highchair

Baby Delight Go with Me Uplift Deluxe Portable High Chair

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

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

Spill-proof sippy

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

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

Contigo Kids Spill-Proof 14oz Tumbler

First Years Dinosaur Kids Insulated Sippy Cups

Elk and Friends Kids & Toddler Cups

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

Easy clean bibs

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

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

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

Nuby 2 Pack Adjustable Easy Clean Soft Silicone Bibs

Snap and Go Easy-wear Bibs for Baby & Toddler

No-spill snack cups

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

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

Silicone Toddler Snack Cups No Spill

Ubbi Tweat No Spill Snack Container for Kids

Collapsible Silicone Snack Container

Reusable food clips

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

Silicone Food Storage Bags

Otylzto 4 Size Assorted 40 PCS Food Bag Clips

8 Pack Stainless Steel Chip Clips

Snacks, snacks, and more snacks

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

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

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars

Unsweetened Fruit Snacks for Kids

Quaker Large Rice Cakes

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

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

Leg cushions for the plane

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

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

BleuWhisk Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

Inflatable Travel Pillow Airplane Footrest Flight Pillow Toddler

Portable Foot Pillow for Toddler Kids & Adults

So, are these really toddler flight essentials?

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

CARES Restraint

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

Cares Airplane Harness for Kids

Airplane Kid Travel Accessories Cares Safety Restraint System

Child Airplane Safety Travel Harness, Safety Restraint

Toddler Plane Bags

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

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

Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag

Solar System Planets Kids Backpack Toddler

YUPING Toddler kids Dinosaur Backpack

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

Small tablet

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon Fire 7 tablet

IWEGGO Tablet 8 inch Tablet with Case

Tibuta Android Tablet

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

Other favourite portable toddler toys:

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

Jungle Animals Thick Gel Clings Winter Safari Window Gel

Triangular Crayons

My Busy Book Baby Soft Toy

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

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

Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer

ALVABABY 2pcs Cloth Diaper Wet Dry Bags Waterproof

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

Potty training stage?

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

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

Wet Ones Travel Wipes

Toddler Pull Ups

Piddle Pad Car Seat Protector

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

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

Further reading on the toddler years:

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

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

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

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

© Our Globetrotters | Feature images CanvaPro

Like it? Share it!

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 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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.

29 Best Things to Do in New Orleans in July 2024

Why Your Next Family Vacation Should Be At A Bed and Breakfast

3 Tips To The Ultimate Kruger National Park Safari

What to Wear in Jamaica 2024: The Best Jamaica Packing List

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!

Similar Posts

13 Special Ways to Celebrate Baby’s First Easter

Welcoming a new member to the family is always an exciting experience. And, when it…

The Best Fourth of July Traditions For Families

It’s no secret that I love holiday traditions. Christmas traditions, Halloween traditions, birthday traditions; I…

When To Take Newborn Photos: The Ultimate Guide

Life with a newborn can be a blur. The days can seem long when you’re…

18 of the Best Easter Traditions for Families

Growing up, I always loved Easter because it signaled the start of spring. Plus, it…

Simple And Fun New Year’s Eve Traditions For Kids

Celebrating New Year’s Eve with children looks a bit different than it did before kids….

The Best Mother’s Day Interview Questions For Kids

As a mom, I know I love feeling a little extra appreciated on Mother’s Day….

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hospital packing list

New modern mom, amazon picks, liketoknowit, gift guides, latest posts.

The Top of Mind Newsletter by New Modern Mom is your guide to a fulfilling life, packed with wisdom on motherhood, travel, career, style and self care. Get the latest resources, news and musings right to your inbox.

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.

See author's posts

You may also like...

This post may contain affiliate links including the Amazon Associates Program. When you make purchases through links in this post, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I only endorse products I believe in. 

The best breast pump bags for work, travel, and more », « 5 pregnancy airport outfit ideas.

Becoming a mom introduced a new dimension to my identity, transforming my perception of ambition and success. At 29, I had already achieved my dream role through dedication, hard work, and unrelenting strides beyond my comfort zone. But with the arrival of my first child, the dream job I had so passionately chased suddenly lost its luster. I was caught in the dichotomy of wanting to be present as a mother and seeking fulfillment in a thrilling career. I felt like I couldn’t lean into either side without sacrificing something. So I spun up a passion project, now turned full time career. I built New Modern Mom as a resource to help you simplify the daily chaos of motherhood. But New Modern Mom is more than just a publishing platform, it’s a mission to empower mothers striving to find that delicate balance between a rewarding career and cherishing precious moments of motherhood. It's about living a fulfilled, balanced, present, and beautiful life amidst all the chaos. 

about NEW MODERN MOM

New Modern Mom 2024. All rights reserved.

Photography Credits

Affiliate Disclaimer

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

• Work With Us

Essential Packing Checklist for an International Trip with a Toddler

Written by Becca

Updated on April 11th, 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 .

You may also like

9 Best Portable Travel Sound Machines for Kids (White Noise for Sleep)

These portable white noise machines for travel with babies, toddlers and kids are travel-sized and compact. See which one is best for sleeping and naps during a trip.

The Best Way to Change a Diaper on an Airplane (and a Simple Trick)

Is there any easy way for how to change a baby’s diaper on a flight? I’m sharing my expert tips on changing diapers in an airplane bathroom, and some tricks, too.

Road Trip with Baby: Essential Travel Packing List & Tips

How do you take a road trip with a baby for the first time? Check out my essential travel packing list for everything your infant needs during a trip.

16 Best Family-Friendly Places to Travel in 2024 (from Real Parents)

Looking for vetted vacation ideas for family-friendly trips this year? Look no further than my list of destination ideas from some very travel-savvy parents I know!

Best Packing Cubes for Travel in 2024 (Pack Smarter)

Packing cubes help keep your clothes organized and compressed. They're essential for traveling, but with so many options, how do you find the best packing cube? Let's find out!

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Travel Stroller Review: Worth the Price Tag?

In looking for a travel stroller, we think we found the perfect one! The UPPAbaby Minu is lightweight and folds up small for flights. Is it worth the price tag?

Hallo ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

We're currently working remotely together.

Join the club

You’ll get emails with our latest articles, tips, advice and so much more! You won't find this content anywhere else!

This website 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 .

Among other programs, Half Half Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

• Special Needs
• Photography
• Shopping Guide
• First Birthday
• Kids Birthday

25 Toddler Travel Essentials

My family is very fortunate in that we can travel frequently and to destinations all over the world. We’ve made memories together in South Korea , Dubai , Tokyo , Hawaii , Vancouver , Las Vegas , and many more. And as fun as these trips have been, there’s one part of traveling that is a lot harder to look forward to, which is packing.

When you’re traveling with kids, especially babies, and toddlers, packing everything you need can be daunting. As a mom of four, I’ve learned that planning and organizing can make a huge difference when packing for a trip. 

Today, I’m sharing a round-up of essential items for when you’re traveling with toddlers in tow. 

With every family trip we took, I learned more about what it takes to help things run smoothly. I’ve discovered everything from the best carry-on luggage for kids (and wrote this kids’ carry-on packing list to go with it) to the best way to pack for family trips to maximize luggage space.

Although it didn’t take traveling to learn that toddlers are finicky, our trips have shown me that they simply require specific things to keep them happy. Having learned so much through my own experiences, I wanted to share the items I found essential for traveling with toddlers. 

Toddler Airplane Travel Essentials

Cares kid’s fly safe harness.

If your toddler is big enough to sit in their own seat on the plane, the CARES Kid’s Fly Safe Harness is a total game-changer. Rather than carrying a car seat through the airport, you can pack this harness in your diaper bag or travel bag and pull it out once you board. 

The CARES airplane harness is FAA-approved and designed for kids 22-44 pounds. It fits all-size airplane seats and takes only 1-2 minutes to install.

Kids Backpack

Giving your toddler their own backpack to carry on travel day not only eases the burden on your shoulders but also makes it easy to keep their toys and snacks within reach. I recommend the Zoy zoii Cute Toddler Backpack to any parent who is planning on flying with a toddler. 

Car Seat Travel Bag

Toting around a car seat is no easy feat. Add in the chaos of the airport and it’s enough to drive you crazy. A car seat travel bag makes it significantly easier to transport your toddler’s car seat. Plus, it’ll keep the car seat from getting dirty or damaged if you decide to check it. 

Toddler Car Travel Essentials

Backseat car organizer.

A backseat car organizer is a must-have for road trips with a toddler. The pockets and pouches make it easy to keep everything your toddler might need within arm’s reach. There’s even a pocket for a touch-screen tablet. 

Kids Travel Table

You could also get one of these kids’ travel tables . They’re great for storing everything your toddler might want during the trip, in addition to giving them a flat surface to eat on. It includes a tablet stand, dry-erase board, cup holder, and storage pockets.

Toddler Travel Toys

Lcd writing tablet.

If your toddler likes to draw, I highly recommend getting an LCD Writing Tablet . They can draw picture after picture during your road trip or flight, without needing a handful of pencils or crayons. Best of all, the battery lasts 3-6 months so you don’t have to worry about packing extra batteries or keeping it charged.

Activity Books

When it comes to activity books for toddlers, nothing beats water reveal pads. Just fill the included pen with water and let them “paint” each page to reveal the colorful image. As the pages dry, they go back to black and white, which means they can be used over and over again. 

I love Melissa & Doug Water Wow! – Water Reveal Pad Bundle and Water Magic 2 Pack Scented Reusable Water Reveal Activity Pads . 

Travel Busy Board

Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, a foldable busy board is a fantastic toy to bring for your toddler. It’ll help keep them busy while also encouraging them to work on their fine motor skills. 

Toddler Travel Snacks

Food pouches.

You can’t beat the convenience and portability of food pouches. Toddler food pouches are great for feeding hungry kids when you’re on the go. I recommend keeping a few on hand at all times because, as you probably already know, hunger can strike a toddler at any moment. 

Veggie Straws

Veggie straws are perfect for when your toddler wants a salty, crunchy snack but you don’t want to give them junk food. These individual snack bags are practically made for travel. 

Toddler snack bars are another convenient and healthy option. These bars are tasty, filling, and easy to pack, no matter whether you’re traveling by car or airplane. 

Trail mix is my go-to toddler snack when traveling. It’s loaded with healthy ingredients that even picky toddlers enjoy and it’ll help keep them satisfied until their next meal. My go-to trail mix for my kids is Power Up Kids Frozen Elsa & Anna Very Berry Power Packed Trail Mix By Gourmet Nut . 

Snack Containers

Regardless of which snacks you pack for your toddler, you’re going to want a travel-friendly container to put them in. The three containers listed below are my favorites because they’re portable, toddler-friendly, and great for both airplane travel and road trips. 

• Whiskware Stackable Snack Containers for Kids and Toddlers
• 4-Compartments Bento Lunch Box
• GoBe Kids Original Snack Spinner Bundle

Spill Proof Water Bottle

Toddlers are always thirsty. Avoid getting caught without something to drink by packing a spill-proof water bottle just for your toddler. Keep it empty until you get through security, then fill it up before you board the plane. 

Toddler Travel Gear

Lightweight car seat.

Whether you’re using it on the airplane or once you arrive at your destination, traveling with a toddler often means having to bring a car seat. Lightweight convertible car seats can fit comfortably in whatever vehicle you’re traveling in and are much easier to carry around.

Portable Sound Machine

A portable sound machine makes a huge difference when you’re trying to get your toddler to sleep when they’re surrounded by noise.

This portable white noise machine is compact, rechargeable, and offers three different soothing sounds with adjustable volume.

Portable Power Bank 

Traveling with a portable power bank ensures that you’ll never be stuck somewhere with a dead phone or tablet, with no place to plug them in. Just don’t forget to charge it before you go. 

Travel Stroller

Standard strollers tend to be large and heavy. Travel strollers, on the other hand, are lightweight and compact. And if you’re questioning whether it’s really worth it to buy another stroller just for travel, I can confidently tell you that it absolutely is. 

My two favorite travel strollers are the Joolz Lightweight Travel Stroller for Babies and Toddlers and the Summer Infant 3Dmini Convenience Stroller . 

Portable Crib Or Inflatable Toddler Bed

Parents swear by the Graco Pack ‘n-Play when traveling with babies and toddlers. They’re convenient and provide a safe space for your toddler to sleep when you’re staying in a hotel room. However, if you’re trying to minimize the luggage you’re traveling with, consider bringing an inflatable toddler travel bed instead. It’s far less bulky than a travel crib and can be stowed in your suitcase. 

Inflatable Bathtub

This is one toddler travel essential that a lot of parents don’t think about. But if you still use a baby bathtub to bathe your toddler at home, packing an inflatable bathtub is a game changer. It takes up very little room in your suitcase and makes it easy to give your little one a bath at your hotel or Airbnb. You’ll be especially glad you brought it if you’re staying somewhere without a bathtub. 

Portable High Chair

You can’t count on every dining establishment you visit to have a high chair for your toddler. A portable high chair ensures they’ll have a safe place to sit and eat, no matter where you are. When you’re not using it, you can keep it in your backpack or diaper bag. 

Disposable Placemats

Similarly, you don’t want to have to worry about your toddler having a clean surface to eat on. Disposable placemats solve that problem. They also make clean-up a breeze. 

Disposable Toilet Seat Covers

You don’t have to be a germaphobe to see the value in packing disposable toilet seat covers . If your toddler is like most, they like to hold onto the toilet seat for support. No matter where you stop for a bathroom break, you can just pull one out and not have to worry about germs and who knows what else. 

Stroller Fan

A stroller fan is a must-have, especially if you’re planning a vacation somewhere warm. To keep your little one cool, pack a battery-operated stroller fan with flexible handles and a baby-friendly cover.

Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier

This carrier is a lifesaver when traveling with a clingy toddler. The Tushbaby can support babies and toddlers up to 44 pounds and can be worn in four positions: feeding, side-carrying, front-facing, and face-to-face. 

It also has large storage pockets, a bottle holder, and loops that you can attach miscellaneous items to. When you’re not using it, you can fold it up and stow it in your bag. Do your back a favor and pack the Tushbaby for your next trip. 

What are your toddler travel essentials?

I love traveling as a family, no matter how chaotic it can sometimes be. One way I minimize the chaos is by packing items that will make the trip easier for each member of my family. These things have made all the difference when traveling with a toddler. What has worked for you? What are your must-have items for a trip with a toddler? Share in the comments!

For more travel tips, including packing lists and destination ideas, check out the blog . There, you’ll also find advice on motherhood, home improvement, and so much more.

Keep Reading

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.

Related: Best credit cards for families

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 Travel Essentials: Packing List for Stress-Free Trips

Traveling with toddlers isn’t just about the destination—how you get there matters too. Ensuring a smooth trip involves more than just packing snacks and a favorite toy; it’s a strategic task of making sure you have all the essentials to keep your little one comfortable, entertained, and safe. Toddler travel essentials span a wide range of products, from portable car seats to lightweight strollers, as well as travel-friendly feeding supplies and compact folding cribs . Choosing the right items can make the journey enjoyable for both you and your child.

When considering what to bring along for your toddler, durability and functionality are key. For example, a sturdy, lightweight stroller that can easily navigate through airport security is a must for any traveling family. Comfort should not be overlooked either; features like a padded seat and sun protection are crucial for keeping your toddler happy on the go. Safety is paramount, so items like car seats must meet current regulations and be easy to install in different vehicles.

It’s essential to strike a fine balance between bringing too much and not enough. Overpacking can lead to cumbersome luggage that makes navigating through transport hubs a hassle, while too few necessities can leave you unprepared for the unpredictable nature of traveling with young children. Additionally, each product must adhere to travel regulations, especially when flying.

We’ve spent many hours reviewing and selecting the best toddler travel essentials that cater to the needs of little adventurers and their parents. Our recommendations take into account the variety of travel situations and the demands they place on the traveling tools you choose. Our aim is to provide you with a streamlined list that will gear you up for a hassle-free journey from departure to return.

Toddler Travel Essentials

Traveling with little ones can be quite the adventure, and having the right gear makes all the difference. We’ve scoured for the best toddler travel essentials to help ensure a smoother journey. Whether you’re flying high or road-tripping, these top picks promise to ease the stress of on-the-go parenting, keeping your tiny traveler happy every mile of the way.

Glad Shark Disposable Bibs

If mess-free mealtime with a toddler is a priority on your travel checklist, these bibs are a must-have.

• Easy cleanup with disposable design
• Adorable shark print catches your toddler’s attention
• Crumb catcher pocket is a practical touch
• Adhesive strips could be stronger
• Might not fit very small infants snugly
• Lightweight material may not withstand very active kids

Traveling with toddlers just got a breeze, as these adorable shark-print bibs have saved our clothes more times than we can count. The festive pattern seems to intrigue our little ones, making mealtime a bit less of a hassle. As we unfold a bib, our tots are immediately drawn to the friendly sharks, and keeping the outfit underneath spotless becomes an achievable goal.

Our most cherished feature has to be the crumb catcher. It’s like a safety net, catching those wayward crumbs and dribbles, which is nothing short of a blessing when dining out. Whenever our meals wrap up, we simply peel off the bib, and voilà – no outfit changes necessary.

However, while these bibs certainly lighten our load, we’ve noticed the adhesives could use a bit of reinforcement. More active toddlers sometimes manage to free themselves from its grasp, transforming the bib into a plaything rather than protective gear. That said, on most occasions, they’ve stayed put, letting us enjoy our meals with minimal interruptions.

For on-the-go parents, these Glad Shark Bibs bring a slice of convenience to your hectic travel days. Despite a few minor setbacks with the adhesive, we find their practicality hard to beat. After all, who wouldn’t want to make those mealtime memories a little cleaner?

Honest Co. Mini Must-Haves

For on-the-go families, this set keeps your little one clean and comfy with ease.

• Perfectly portable and prevents spills with its travel-friendly design
• The lavender scent is genuinely soothing for both babies and parents
• Ingredients are considerate to sensitive skin
• The sizes are small, so frequent travelers may run through them quickly
• Limited quantity may not be sufficient for longer trips
• The reusable pouch, while handy, might be too compact for additional items

Packing for a trip with toddlers always seems daunting, but having recently tucked the Honest Co. Mini Must-Haves into our bag, life got a little easier. Its compact size has been a space-saver, not having to haul full-sized bottles around. On top of that, the natural lavender scent provided a calming effect that helped us lower the stress levels you know all too well can spike when traveling with kids.

This set has been a game-changer for our family’s travel routine. The chamomile and aloe in the shampoo were gentle on our baby’s skin and hair, and we couldn’t ask for a better time to apply the comforting lotion than after a soothing bath before tucking our little one to bed in an unfamiliar place.

Although small, the organic all-purpose balm showed its might, combating dry patches on our toddler’s skin efficiently. The confidence that came from using products without harsh chemicals made us even more content with our decision. Reflecting on our travels, while it’s great for a weekend getaway, we’d consider packing additional supplies for longer stays. Nonetheless, the Honest Co. Mini Must-Haves have earned their place in our travel repertoire.

Boogie Hand Sanitizer Wipes

We think these wipes are a must-have for parents on the move because they’re gentle on skin but tough on germs.

• Alcohol-free formula is gentle on our toddler’s skin
• Convenient resealable pack keeps wipes moist
• Easily fits in a diaper bag or purse for quick clean-ups
• Limited amount in each pack means frequent restocking
• Not suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks
• Might be a bit pricey compared to other wipes

Traveling with toddlers can often turn even a simple outing into an adventure. Our recent trip was markedly smoother thanks to Boogie Hand Sanitizer Wipes. Not having to search for a restroom every time we needed to clean little hands was incredibly freeing.

In the midst of our travels, through playgrounds and snack times, these wipes were the MVP. They handled chocolate smudges and the inevitable sticky fingers with ease. Being free from alcohol, they didn’t dry out our skin, which is a huge plus for us because we deal with sensitivity issues.

The fact that they’re in a resealable pack made them a godsend on our long car trip last weekend. Each wipe stayed moist until the last one was used, eliminating waste and annoyance. Plus, the pack is slim enough that it slipped easily into my overstuffed purse.

The Boogie Hand Sanitizer Wipes have earned a permanent spot in our travel kit. They’re not just for my toddler; we found them useful for a quick refresh on our own hands without leaving any residue. It’s reassuring to have a product that’s both child-friendly and effective in keeping germs at bay when we’re out exploring the world.

Lefflow Toddler Swim Shoes

If comfort and quick-dry features are top priorities for beach days with your toddler, these Lefflow shoes are a must-have.

• Excellent toe room for comfort
• Sturdy sole for protection against rocks and shells
• Attractive designs that toddlers love
• Can run slightly bigger than expected
• The fabric may tear with very active use
• Sand retention inside the shoe might be an issue

Traveling with toddlers means expecting the unexpected, especially when it comes to water fun. The Lefflow Toddler Swim Shoes have been a game-changer for us. The stretchy fabric gives plenty of wiggle room for little toes, which means a fuss-free experience when slipping these on our little one’s feet.

During our beach escapades, these shoes really proved their worth. The rubber soles are durable enough to protect tender feet from sharp shells and rocks. Plus, our toddler could splash around comfortably, and the shoes dried quickly, ready for the next adventure.

However, be mindful of sizing as they do run a bit large. This wasn’t a dealbreaker for us; we simply appreciated the extra space for growth. But if your child is rough on shoes, watch out for wear and tear around the toe area. And while kids might love bringing the beach home, these shoes tend to hold on to sand, so be prepared for a bit of cleanup.

Kirecoo Toddler Utensils Set

If you’re on the hunt for travel-friendly eating utensils that also encourage self-feeding, this set should be in your cart.

• Curved handles are perfect for little hands to grip confidently.
• Comes with a travel case, making them clean and easy to take on the go.
• No sharp edges, allowing for a safe self-feeding experience.
• The fork might be a bit spoon-like, which could be challenging for some toddlers.
• Limited to two colors could be a downside for those wanting a broader palette.
• Since it’s a set of only two, you might need multiple sets for convenience.

After a weekend getaway with the little one, I can wholeheartedly say the Kirecoo Toddler Utensils Set turned mealtime into a breeze. Their perfectly-sized, curved handles fit right into mini palms, letting my toddler take the lead at the table confidently.

I particularly appreciated the travel case — a game-changer for keeping the utensils sanitary in transit. Whether we were dining out or having a picnic, I could rest easy knowing we had clean cutlery ready for use.

What struck me was how the deep spoon bowl made scooping up food simpler for my child, which meant less mess for me to clean up! Plus, the high-grade stainless steel stood up well to the rigorous dishwashing post-adventure.

Frida Baby Potty Seat

We found this seat to be a lifesaver for potty training on the go, enhancing both comfort and hygiene for our little one.

• Effortless to fold and ultra-compact for stress-free transport
• The non-slip base provided our toddler with a sense of security
• Handles offered a hygienic solution to avoid touching public restrooms
• While it fits many toilets, it may not align perfectly with all shapes and sizes
• The simplicity of the design might not appeal to kids who prefer colorful, themed seats
• Some parents might find the seat a tad flimsy, depending on the child’s weight

Out and about with a toddler is always an adventure, especially during those crucial potty training days. The Frida Baby Fold-and-Go Potty Seat took some of the stress away. Fitting most public restrooms, our little one could navigate away from “yucky” toilets with ease.

Durability met convenience as we tucked the folded seat into its travel bag, hiding it in our daypack or even the stroller’s undercarriage. Clean-up was a breeze; a simple wipe did the job, and we were back to exploring.

Sometimes securing the seat onto larger or irregular shaped toilets took an extra moment, but the peace of mind it provided was worth that minor inconvenience. Watching our child grasp the non-slip handles with confidence instead of touching potentially germy surfaces was a relief.

Despite the vast ocean of toddler travel essentials, the Frida Baby Potty Seat became a staple for us—compact, easy to use, and reassuringly hygienic.

Bluey Sticker Playset Adventure

We think this Bluey Sticker Playset is a delightful pick for creative kids on the move who love the Bluey universe.

• Engages children with familiar characters in a portable format.
• Encourages creativity and storytelling with a variety of sticker scenes.
• Sticker reuse extends playtime and encourages fine motor skill development.
• Stickers may lose their adhesiveness over time with repeated use.
• Could be challenging for younger toddlers to reposition stickers independently.
• The size of the stickers might be difficult for tiny fingers to handle.

Traveling with toddlers often calls for a trusty arsenal of diversions. Recently, we reached for the Bluey Sticker Playset during a long car journey. The smiles it induced in our little ones were immediate. With an array of stickers featuring Bluey and her friends, our children were whisked away into a world of their own, aligning stickers to form scenes and narratives.

Ease of portability cannot be overstated when it comes to travel toys. We found this set’s compact nature a major plus, not to mention the simple clean-up — a blessing for us parents. No mess, no fuss, and it packs away in a snap, ready for the next round of play. It’s been a favorite during layovers and long drives.

While the playset has many upsides, we did notice after several uses, some stickers became less sticky. Though this didn’t deter the fun, we had to modify the play a bit, making sure the play scene was flat to keep the stickers in place. Moreover, younger toddlers might require assistance with delicate fingers, but we see it as a chance for collaborative play.

Buying Guide

When we’re planning to travel with our little ones, choosing the right toddler travel essentials is key. Below is a guide to help us pick the best items that ensure our toddler’s comfort and safety on the go.

Key Features to Consider

Portable and Compact : Items should be easy to carry and not take up too much space.

Durability : We want products that withstand the wear and tear of travel.

Ease of Use : Features that can be used easily and quickly are a must.

Safety : Look for products with non-toxic materials and appropriate safety features.

Comfort : Comfort is essential, so soft, breathable materials are a plus.

Product Categories and Considerations

Cleaning and maintenance.

We should seek items that are low-maintenance and easy to clean—preferably machine washable or with wipe-clean surfaces.

Ample storage options are handy. Look for extras like pockets and compartments.

Remember , every travel situation is unique, and what works for one trip might not be ideal for another. It’s all about finding the right balance between convenience, comfort, safety, and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

When we travel with toddlers, keeping them entertained and comfortable is crucial, as well as packing essential items for both the journey and the destination.

What are the best toys to keep a toddler entertained during a trip?

We find that magnetic doodle boards, sticker books , and small, quiet toys like soft plushies or interactive apps on a tablet are great for keeping toddlers entertained during a trip. These items can captivate their attention for extended periods.

How can I ensure my toddler sleeps comfortably when traveling?

To ensure our toddler sleeps comfortably when traveling, we bring along a familiar blanket, a portable travel cot, and their favorite bedtime storybook . These help replicate their home sleeping environment , making it easier for them to doze off.

What are must-have items when flying with a toddler?

When flying with a toddler, we always pack extra snacks, a child-friendly pair of headphones, a change of clothes, and small toys or activity books. Including items for comfort like a small pillow or their favorite blanket is also beneficial.

At what age is it most challenging to travel with a toddler, and how can I prepare for it?

Traveling with a toddler can be most challenging between the ages of 1 and 3 , as they are developing independence and mobility. We prepare by packing plenty of snacks, activities, and planning for frequent breaks to let them burn off energy.

What are essential items to pack for a day out with a toddler?

For a day out with a toddler, our essential pack includes sunscreen, hats, water bottles, snacks, a first-aid kit, change of clothes, wet wipes, and a comfortable stroller. Having these on hand keeps our day out running smoothly.

How should I adjust my travel plans when vacationing with a 1 to 4-year-old?

When vacationing with a 1 to 4-year-old, we schedule activities around their usual routine, involving naptime and early bedtimes . We choose toddler-friendly attractions and include downtime for rest, maintaining a balance between exploration and rest.

Buyers Guides

Important links.

Toddler Review participates in the Amazon Services LLC Affiliates Programme. You can read more about this here – Disclosure

Last Updated on February 13, 2024

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

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

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.

2024 - Wanderlust Storytellers. All Rights Reserved.

About Us  |  Contact Us  | Work with Us  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

* Disclaimer: Wanderluststorytellers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other Amazon sites.

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

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest

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

Write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• South Dakota
• Washington DC
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• French Polynesia
• Travel Tips
• Family Travel
• Accommodations
• Packing Lists
• Photography Tips
• Northern California Guide
• San Francisco
• Lightroom Presets
• Rent Our Home For Photoshoots
• California Map

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

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.

*Posts on KelleyNan.com may contain affiliate links. Click HERE for full disclosure.

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!

OTHER POSTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Tried & True Newborn Necessities

Baby Gift Ideas — What We Have & Love

First Year Lessons — The Best Things We Did (& What We Would Do Differently)

FOLLOW KN ON SOCIAL

• LikeToKnow.it

You'll also love:

Snack Around The Plate

Eliza’s Closet — Organization, Configuration, & How It’s Evolved Alongside Her

Leave a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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!

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM @KELLEYNAN

Our Wanders

Toddler Packing List: 25 Essential Travel Accessories For Toddlers

Reading about all the essential things you need for a baby I always wondered what kind of flat has that much space so that everything fits in. (Surely not ours.) It was the same with baby travel gear. The ideal travel packing list for a small kid seems to be never-ending. Just reading about the must-have travel accessories made me feel like I’d never wish to have the hassle to pack and travel with a baby. Or a toddler. But, of course, we are travelers, we can’t not travel . More than 4 years and countless trips later, I only laugh about it.

Family travel is not a hassle. Okay, it can get a bit hectic, but it’s fun, and it’s not about stuff nor about packing in the first place. Yes, packing is important, and having the right travel gear is important. But whatever you forget to pack will surely be the most important thing. Sure, it will happen, and you will solve it, especially if you’re a mom who spends her days problem-solving 24/7. 😉

So this post is your minimalist toddler packing list , which is a great base to start off. But don’t forget to customize it, based on our family’s needs and the type of trip you’re packing for.

The minimalist toddler packing list: question all the must-have travel accessories

What is your travel style? Is that gadget really useful to you? Can you buy it locally? Is it useful enough that it’s worth the space and weight it takes if you fly? Or maybe you travel by car, and your trunk is big enough to store some probably-not-necessary but just-in-case stuff.

Your answer might still be positive in many cases – except when it’s not. Our answers turned out to be a confident “no” in surprisingly many cases.

Diaper backpack, really? I just put the diapers in one of the pockets of our usual daypack or travel bag. Why would I need a separate bag?

Leashes and harnesses? I think they’re for dogs, not for kids, #sorrynotsorry. And wrist links – what?! We’re not the police. Can’t we just hold hands?

Travel blanket? The ones made for little ones certainly look super cute, but I can’t imagine when I’d need them. Oh, yes, maybe on a long-haul flight, but there everyone gets one, anyway. Furthermore, our son hates blankets, hence we never used them at home either.

A portable travel crib? I guess it depends on where you travel, but we found it so easy to book child-friendly accommodations where they provide a crib (for free!) if you ask for it. (Khm… and we’ve actually never used a crib at home, but it’s a different story. Every child has their sleeping habits.)

A baby car mirror? Surely useful if you drive alone a lot with your baby, but most models work only with rear-facing child seats which toddlers usually grow out by their first birthday at the latest.

Okay, I won’t continue the list. The point is that it quickly turned out we’ve never even felt the need for most of those items said to be so essential for toddler travel. Not at home, and not when we traveled. Or they just weren’t worth the space or weight, especially if we had a shorter trip.

But what do you really need then? Every family is different, and yours might not need the exact same things as ours. But here I put together a minimalist list of travel gear for toddlers. These are either things we used, or maybe we don’t, but I know that many other families find them useful. And it’s enough. Actually, half of the things are more than enough for one trip. 🙂

Note: We travel with a healthy toddler with no special needs. If your tiny one requires special care, of course, there can be more things that are essential – but you know that better than us.

General toddler travel accessories

Everything that can make any kind of trip with a toddler safer and more enjoyable. And more often than not, you already have these things, because you use them at home, too. Just don’t forget to add them to your packing lists – and actually, pack them.

Sippy cup / learner cup

A spill-proof sippy cup or learner cup that’s easy to grab. Even if your kid is able to use a normal cup otherwise, this one makes a car or plane journey more comfortable for both of you.

Tomi has been using a sippy cup with a spout since about his 6th month, and he still loves it almost two years later. Some kids prefer those models without a spout though, they look even more like normal cups , but they’re still spill-proof and have handles that are easy to grab.

Check the current price here !

A compact stroller

Here’s the thing: we haven’t used a stroller at all in the first 2 years with Tomi. Not at home, nor anywhere else. We used and loved different baby carriers, because of both emotional and practical reasons.

Still, most people use a stroller. And not everyone can carry their kid, even if they’d want to. We actually ended up having one later, after Tomi’s second birthday. The reason? We occasionally used a compact stroller on sightseeing days, because Tomi was too heavy to carry, especially for mum (me). We usually packed it in the trunk of our car for short trips in the area where we lived. And I might add, Metro Vancouver is quite a stroller-friendly place, not only the parks and promenades, but also some hiking trails.

For longer trips, or trips that involve flying, we take the backpack carrier, if anything, because that offers a more versatile usage – suitable for both sightseeing and hiking. We don’t say you should do the same, but definitely choose one, either the stroller or the baby carrier, whichever is more suitable for you and the kind of trip you take .

A stroller that’s easy to travel with should be compact. It should fit in the trunk of your car with all your other luggage. Also, foldable strollers are usually free to carry on the plane – though you can’t take them on board. An affordable, popular option is this one from Summer Infant Store , a super compact, but more expensive option is the Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller . But you can check out even more here .

Check current prices here !

Baby carrier

If you go to places that are not stroller-friendly, a baby carrier is essential. This might mean a hiking trail, but could also mean those cute cobbled streets in many European old towns, especially if you add some stairs from time to time. Research stroller-friendliness prior to your travels. Not every city is stroller-friendly, and public transport is also not guaranteed to be stroller-friendly.

If you plan to hike, definitely take some kind of carrier, even if only a soft carrier. A toddler can’t yet complete trails on his own – or just don’t have the mood at the time. To carry them safely, you need a carrier. We’ve written a long article about how to choose the best one for you and your baby – read it here.

Which are the best baby carriers for hiking?

Betadine – or a similar disinfectant

One of the most important items on a packing list for toddlers and babies. This is something I should’ve packed for every trip, even if it’s only a weekend getaway. But I didn’t, I kept forgetting it, so I ended up owning three little bottles of Betadine by the end of summer. Because I had to buy it at the local pharmacies during our family road trips.

Toddlers are eager to walk and run, and they often fall on their hands and knees which can be hurtful, especially in the warmer months when they wear shorts. A sharp pebble can cut their finger. They can accidentally touch the hot saucepan. These can all happen at home, too, that’s why a disinfectant is one of the most important things to always carry with you. It can treat minor wounds, and it kills germs that can cause infection in minor cuts, scrapes or burns.

Given the small size of the bottle, you won’t have any problems when you fly, just make sure to put it in your liquid bag. We use Betadine , and it was available in most Western countries we’ve visited with Tomi so far, but of course, you can use a different one, the point is to be able to disinfect wounds.

Compact first aid kit

Talking of wounds and disinfection, here’s something else you need all the time: a first aid kid. You can make one for yourself, or buy a compact, complete kit like this one from PreparaKit that comes with a foldable compartment. The content? Tweezer, nail clipper, small scissor, bandages, gauze pads, safety pins, disinfecting wipes. PreparaKit has all these and some more, planned by a mom and nurse.

Just be sure to remove the scissor if you want to put it into your carry-on luggage. No matter how ridiculous it seems, it’s considered a potentially dangerous item, and most likely will not be allowed to take on board.

Invisible tape

Nothing special, just a tape. It’s sticky and holds things together. It can cover power outlet holes. It can ensure that doors are shut more quietly so your kid won’t wake up. It can mend torn board books (to a certain extent, that is). It’s an everyday must-have at any household, and it’s worth the space in your luggage, too.

Portable diaper changing pad

A waterproof, portable pad makes it easy to change diapers anywhere – on the plane, in the car, on a grassy meadow. This one from Babebay is very lightweight and compact when folded, so it’s easy to pack.

Though we haven’t used any diaper changing pad since about Tomi’s 8th month. He doesn’t want to lay down, so we change diapers as he stands. It actually makes things easier when we travel, because any bench or chair is suitable for this process. Different kids, different habits. We found it useful when he was a baby.

Sleeping bag

An item that we can’t imagine our nights without, either at home or on the road, making a comfy sleeping bag one of the best travel items for toddlers in our family. Blankets are useless for us, and Tomi hates each and every one of them. A sleeping bag on the other hand is reliable to keep him warm, and we don’t worry about what kind of blanket we get on the accommodation we booked, because we always pack his own sleeping bag.

The only exception is summer when we don’t use anything. Sleeping bag is too warm, so I just dress him in long sleeves for the night, or even short sleeves if it’s that hot.

The trick to find a good sleeping bag is to check the sizing, then double check the sizing. 🙂 Many sleeping bags are made for babies up to 1 or 2 years old. If you’re searching one for an older toddler, the large size of this model might be a good fit. This one also offers a large size that’s good for 1.5-3-year-olds. Check the sizing chart for your kid’s length and weight to make sure it’ll be a good fit. Also check the material and the temperatures the sleeping bag is meant to be used in.

If your little one is bothered by not being able to walk in the sleeping bag, you can try this model . (Though Tomi quickly learned to crawl or walk in our regular sleeping bag, so it’s a question of taste, I guess.)

Check the current prices here !

Portable window shade

We wish we knew earlier that this smart thing exists, because it became another highlighted item on the best travel accessories for toddlers on our family packing list. We faced the problem of not having proper window blinds at some accommodations we booked, and it’s not that big of a deal for an adult, but when your kid wakes up hours earlier than usual, it becomes inconvenient for the whole family. These travel window blackout curtains are made to prevent exactly that!

They’re thick and sturdy to block the light (even the noise to some extent), and they’re very easy to install on any window with the suction cups. They can also be folded to a compact, travel-friendly size.

Foldable booster seat

We were not sure whether to include this one or not. It solves the problem of not having a baby high chair during your trip.

For one, you can likely book baby-friendly accommodation in many countries where they offer you a high chair. The same is true for many restaurants. And whenever we didn’t get one, we usually put Tomi on our laps, or later put a pillow under him so that he could reach the table. Yes, this foldable booster seat offers some extra comfort compared to our solutions, so if you like the idea, go get it.

It’s lightweight and compact, but it takes up some space nevertheless. I wouldn’t take it to a carry-on only long weekend getaway, obviously, but on a longer trip with no baby-friendly accommodation, it might be well-worth packing.

Portable toilet potty training seat

If you use a potty training seat at home, it’s practical to have one when traveling, too. This portable seat is made of six pieces of silicone pads, so it’s foldable and can be packed easily.

Toddler packing list for a road trip

Let’s see the best travel accessories for toddlers on road trips. It’s not a long list, and even from that you might argue whether the last two are truly essential. Really, no need to overpack.

The most straightforward car travel accessories for toddlers: car seats for kids. They are a must – and it’s legally required in many countries. Talking of which, make sure your child seat satisfies the requirements of the country where you intend to use it . If you rent a car, you can usually ask for an appropriate child seat, as well, but make sure to book it in advance.

Convertible seats like this one from Britax are popular, because they can be used both as a rear-facing and a forward-facing child seat. You can find countless models – that’s what makes it hard to choose.

But here’s a few things to consider before purchase:

• How easy is it to install?
• What is the weight limit?
• What is the price you can afford?
• How heavy is the seat? (Does it matter to you? If you only use it in one car, then probably not.)
• Did it perform well in crash tests? (This is not the last, because it’s not that important, but because the point of the car seat is to keep the child safe. Hence each of them should have acceptable results.)

If you have the answers, you’ll easily pick one that fits.

Check car seats and current prices here !

Car window shade

It protects your kid from the sun, and it also blocks about 97% of the harmful UV rays. It’s useful for other passengers, too, but kids can hardly tolerate it when they’re blinded by the sun.

Maybe: back of seat organizer

Different kinds of seat organizers are advertised so that you don’t need to search for toys under the seats while in the car. They can’t prevent that, I’m telling you now. 😛 You might put everything into the organizer neatly, but once your kid takes them out and throws them away, that’s the end of your idyllic dream of back seat organization. (Okay, the end of my dream. You may have an angel.)

Anyway, this back of seat organizer might still be useful, because it’s attached to the back of the driver seat, so that you can reach its content easily, but not your 2-year-old. Older toddlers are able to take things out of it, but probably they’re also old enough to put them back, if you ask them. It has multiple pockets, so you can put different toys or drinks into them. Snacks, too, but I wouldn’t do that. Knowing my son, he’d spend the whole drive chewing on snacks if they’re in front of him, no matter whether it’s a two hours or an eight hours drive.

Maybe: car travel tray

Instead of the seat organizer, you can choose to use a travel tray. This one has several pockets and a cup holder, it’s easy to clean and attach to the child seat. And the whole point of using it? It makes both eating and playing (especially drawing or coloring) more comfortable for your kid on a long drive. But if you get out of the car too often, it might do the exact opposite.

Toddler packing list for the plane

What are the must-haves on the plane? Mostly the same as on any other trip – and what we’ve already covered. You can buy a cute luggage or an even cuter backpack , if your kid likes playing travel, but otherwise, we pack as few things when traveling by plane as possible. Let’s see the basic toddler plane travel accessories:

Airplane-friendly travel toys

What does that even mean? They’re quiet, mess free, they develop fine motor skills, but don’t consist of a zillion little pieces that you’ll never find under the seats –  and they’re exciting to your kid. We can help you with everything but the latter. 🙂

Hand puppets or finger puppets , soft books and board books could be great at any age, buckle toys and busy boards are typically for 2-3 years old toddlers, mess free coloring books are for 3-year-olds and older kids. We’ve written a long article exclusively about travel toys, check it out here .

Packing cubes

They’re not specifically for toddler travel, but for every occasion when you need to pack a lot of stuff into a luggage or a large backpack, keeping them organized in the meantime. Family trips are surely included in this category, especially if you travel with checked-in luggage. Packing cubes are simple, they’re to make your packing and unpacking simpler. That’s all.

Maybe: inflatable travel foot rest pillow

The concept is quite appealing: make a comfy bed out of that one seat your child has. This inflatable pillow fills the gap between two seats to extend the seat length. No pump is needed, you can blow it up with your mouth.

Yet we mark it as optional, because it really depends on your kid’s sleeping habits whether this works. Also, older toddlers simply might not fit. And even more importantly, you must always check with the airline whether they allow it on board, because some of them don’t.

Toddler accessories for the beach

You can make good use of these items at other times, too, but definitely put them on your beach packing list.

If you’ve ever been to the beach with a toddler, you know that it’s impossible to keep them in the shade , even if there are trees or you have a parasol. They run to the water and back, they play in the sand, splash in the water. So our most important item to protect Tomi from the sun is a cap combined with a T-shirt and sunscreen.

We prefer those with a chin-strap and a neck cover so that they actually stay on and give the best protection possible – like this icolor hat made for 3-10 year old kids , or the i play hats made for babies and toddlers (there are different models for boys and girls ). You’ll need to wash it, so being machine washable is a huge plus. It also needs to be breathable to keep your little one cool on hot days.

We don’t only use this cap on the beach, but any time in the summer – during sightseeing, playing in the park or on high mountain trails.

Speedo child swim vest

Keep your kid safe in and near the water. This swim vest comes with an adjustable buckle strap and a full front zipper, and is available in two sizes: one for 2-4 years, and one for 4-6 years. 

What we like the best is that it’s one of the least cumbersome models on the market and allows free arm movement, so you have a high(er) chance that your kid will like it. With that said, don’t leave your kid alone while wearing this. It helps them learn to swim, but it’s not a life jacket.

Water shoes

We like being barefoot on the beach – and it’s healthy, too, especially for kids. But not all beaches are suitable for that. Rocky and pebbly beaches can hurt your feet, and that’s what water shoes are for: protection. They are also safer to wear at the pool than regular slippers.

P.S. You can choose from many cute patterns.

Wet and dry bag

A wet bag for used diapers comes handy, anyway, but you can find another usage for it when on the beach: storing wet clothes, separated from the dry ones. This Babygoal wet and dry bag offers just that: a “wet section” that doesn’t leak, and a zippered “dry section” to keep small items safe. It’s 30 cm x 36 cm. Plus, it’s available in countless colors and patterns, and some are incredibly cute.

You can achieve the same with plastic bags, but these are washable and reusable, kinder to our Earth.

Toddler accessories for hiking

We’ve been hiking with Tomi since he was 5 weeks old, and it’s a joy to see how he’s growing into it. Also, we have plenty of experience about different trails, climates and weather conditions when hiking with a toddler. So let’s see what you need.

Note: If you only plan to hike with your toddler occasionally and only in nice, warm weather, you can ignore many items from the list.

Hiking baby carrier

This is the most important thing to have on your hikes. Toddlers can walk, and we are impressed how much a 2-year-old is capable of. We wouldn’t believe it, if we hadn’t seen our own son on the trails. Still, you can’t trust a toddler to complete the trail. They might get tired sooner, or they just might not be in the mood, and that’s enough. Our carrier backpack is essential on our hikes. Picking one is not so straightforward though, we’ve written a full article about it – read it here!

Toddler rain suit

What the rain jacket is for you, that’s the rain suit for your toddler. It’s a waterproof overall that protects them from head to toe – and also protects all of their clothes beneath from dirt and mud. It’s useful not only when hiking, but even in the park or on the playground when everything is still wet after the rain (or it’s raining).

This Muddy Buddy Coverall is simple, waterproof, machine washable and available in different colors. It’s loose fitting so that you can dress your little one underneath, and it also gives them freedom of movement. It’s elastic at the ankles and at the wrists, so it’ll fit perfectly. The one-piece design makes it waterproof, but it’s not that convenient for potty breaks.

Hiking shoes

If you don’t hike too often, or only do easy, short trails, your kid will likely be fine wearing their everyday sneakers. The thing is that we bought hiking shoes for Tomi as everyday wear, too. 😀 I might add that we like wearing hiking sneakers as everyday wear. We have lightweight and not necessarily waterproof, rather water resistant ones, but they’re so comfortable!

When the time came to choose shoes for Tomi to wear outdoors, we also liked hiking sneakers the best. We use the ones that have some ankle support so that it helps him walk with more confidence and cope with rugged terrains. But there are plenty of low-cut models to choose from, as well.

Waterproof shoes

While waterproof hiking boots are what we wear on high mountain trails and in wet weather, we chose a pair of rain boots for Tomi if there’s a high chance for stream crossings or mud and puddles on the trail. Yes, the traction is not that good, but he likes jumping into the puddles, running in and out of the small streams, and even waterproof hiking boots are not designed to give protection from that amount of water. Rain boots are guaranteed to keep his feet dry, and they’re also easy to clean.

Hiking sandals

Another case when our regular wear differs from Tomi’s. We rarely wear sandals, and never wear them while hiking. We know there are hiking sandals, but we never felt the need for one. In the summer we usually hike in the high mountains where terrain is rugged, weather is unpredictable and can suddenly get chilly, so thanks, we prefer our hiking boots. But we bought a nice pair of hiking sandals for Tomi for his second summer, and it was a good decision.

Flips-flops are not safe for him yet, so we were looking for sandals as everyday wear. And guess what, hiking sandals give good traction and are so comfortable that we ended up with a pair of them. He actually wore them on our high mountain hikes, too , since he only walks on his own when the terrain is easy enough, otherwise he’s carried. He’s also carried when we are caught in a thunderstorm, so most reasons that make us prefer our hiking boots instead of hiking sandals don’t exist for him.

Needless to say, hiking sandals are also great for short lake and waterfall trails, beach trails or walks in the park. They’re much more comfortable than any kind of shoes, especially on a hot summer day .

Warm hoodie

In the colder months or at higher elevations, always have an extra layer just in case (for yourself, too, not just for your toddler). A hoodie is warm, cosy and comfortable, it’s made for the outdoors (and for the couch at home, right?). The hood comes especially useful if you forgot to pack a beanie. 😛 You can choose a cute one if you like, just make sure they have zippers, because those are easier to put on and take off.

Toddler travel toys

No, you don’t need a large bag of toys, and there are so many things on the trip (and even on the road) that’ll get and keep your toddler’s attention. But some well-chosen, simple toys can make long journeys easier. We’ve written a separate article about screen free toddler travel toys – read it here .

Start with the essentials. Clothing – at least two sets of clothing per day -, appropriate layers, comfortable sleepwear and extra socks. Don’t forget the toiletries: child-safe shampoo, soap, toothpaste, the small toothbrush, nail clippers.

Diapers and wipes. Bring some, and you can also buy them on the road. Don’t forget about swim diapers either. Pack a small plastic bag for disposing of soiled diapers in case there’s no bin nearby. A portable potty comes handy if you have started potty training.

Food and drink. Pack the water bottles, sippy cups and utensils you normally use at home. Prepare a variety of toddler-friendly snacks for long car rides or flights.

Toddler travel gear that suits your trip. Stroller, car seat, hiking carrier, travel crib – decide which of these you really need.

Toys. A few – really, only a few! – favorite toys and books which are simple and easily packable.

First Aid Kit. Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, any necessary medications.

And finally, the items you better triple-check before each trip: everyone’s passport (visa, if required), health insurance cards, credit cards, emergency contacts. Oh, and don’t forget the kids either.

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are used in this post, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you are ready to buy and would like to support this website in some way, here’s your chance. Thank you! 🙂

By Beata Urmos

Bea is a travel writer and the co-founder of Our Wanders, an adventurous family travel blog. She’s been traveling for more than 10 years, seeking outdoor adventures, fairy tale castles and unique experiences. She's passionate about sharing all she has learned along the way, and she's an expert in planning trips of any length. She’d love to help you plan your own amazing trip, too.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Toddler Packing List for Airplane Carry On Bags

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: September 30, 2021

Share this!:

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

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

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!!

20 TODDLER TRAVEL ESSENTIALS (THAT’LL MAKE TRAVELING WITH YOUR TODDLER EASIER)

Sharing is caring!

Table of Contents

Toddler Travel Essential Packing List

If you are a parent of a toddler, you know all too well how temperamental they can be. One minute everything is fine, then the next thing you know, they are having a full-blown temper tantrum about something (who knows) that they don’t like or want. This is why having the best toddler travel essentials is important.

Disclosure: “Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click  here for the full disclosure statement.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

For example, our son had a fit because he was thirsty, and we handed him his sippy cup. He threw the cup and hit the floor because we gave him the blue cup and not the green one. (I am rolling my eyes as I write this, but I know other parents can relate lol)

The random tantrums are why traveling with a toddler can be a challenge because out of, nowhere they will go into full melt-down mode.

We created this list of toddler travel essentials based on our experience traveling to 3 countries, 10,000 miles, and over 20 flights. We can’t guarantee it’ll be perfect, but it’ll be less stressful.

Related Post: 20 Tips for Flying with Toddlers

Toddler Travel Gear

Travel Stroller

Wouldn’t it be great if our kids had to push us around when we are tired of walking? Wishful thinking, but it would be awesome.

Having a reliable stroller while traveling with your toddler is essential. It could mean the difference between a fun day out with your happy toddler or a miserable day with a tired toddler.

We use the Zoe Stroller XL1 when we travel with our toddler. It is lightweight, has a large sun canopy, comfortable handles, and is compact.

We picked the XL1 model because it has a belly bar, our son can’t be trusted in a stroller without a belly car.

If you have a less adventurous toddler (who won’t try to jump out of the stroller), I highly recommend the Zoe Stroller XLC . It is the same weight but more compact, it even fits in the overhead bin on most airplanes.

Related Post: Best Travel Strollers

Lightweight Car Seat

No products found.

When traveling with a toddler or baby , a car seat is a necessary evil.

The trick is to have a lightweight car seat that you can carry or tie to your luggage without a lot of effort. They are easy to carry around if needed and can be installed and removed easily.

The Cosco Scenera Next is the most popular car seat for frequent travelers because it is affordable and lightweight. If you are considering it but not sure if it is right for you, check out our Cosco Scenera Next Review .

Toddler Carrier

A toddler carrier isn’t always necessary when traveling with a toddler, depending on your vacation plans.

If you plan to travel to Europe where there are cobblestone streets, a toddler carrier is essential.

They are perfect if you plan on doing a lot of walking, on flat surfaces, a lightweight stroller is a better option.

We took a hike up Laurel Falls, with a stroller, and it was a terrible idea. I wish we would have packed a toddler carrier for that trip.

When you are looking for the best toddler carrier for your little one make sure the weight limit goes up to 60 lbs. This will ensure you can use it up to 6 years old, if necessary.

Related Post: Tula Toddler Carrier Review

Travel Diaper Bag

A diaper bag is essential when traveling with a toddler. They hold all of your snacks, drinks, diapers, pull-ups, wipes, a medicine bag, and other miscellaneous items. 

We do not go anywhere without a medicine bag . Inside the medicine bag, we always have:

• Thermometer (simple thermometer we place in his rectum for more accuracy)
• Teething Tablets
• Boogie Drops / Wipes
• Toddler-Friendly Hand Sanitizer (smells like oranges)
• Diaper Cream (the absolute best!!!)

We like using a backpack diaper bag because it is easy to carry. We also use it as an “extra bag”, when we fly.

Related Post: 12 Cute Bags for Moms with Toddlers

Spare Clothes

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS pack extra clothes. We forgot to put a spare outfit in our toddler’s diaper bag and his diaper leaked.

Luckily, we were able to quickly wash his shorts in the restroom and dry them with a hand dryer. Where there is a will, mom will find a way. (I think that’s my new saying)

Related Post: Best Diaper Bags for Travel

Toddler Snack Essentials

Snacks are essential when traveling with our toddler . He gets hangry when he wants something to eat or drink, and has a full-blown temper tantrum.

To get ahead of the tantrums, we always have snacks packed for him. We usually pack snacks such as fruit, cheese sticks, pretzels, raisins, fruit snacks, fruit pouches, and yogurt.

If you plan on traveling with your toddler anytime soon, these snack toddler essentials will make your life easier.

Related Post: Top 12 Travel Backpacks for Toddlers

Spill-Proof Sippy Cup

We do not leave the house without having our son’s sippy cup . It is the only cup he hasn’t been able to figure out how to open and dump.

We’ve gone through at least five other brands, and this was the best one for our little guy.

Recently, we upgraded to their  larger sippy cups  because he drinks a lot of water.

These cups are very durable because our son finds enjoyment in throwing them on the ground often, and they are still in good condition.

Sippy Cup Catcher

As we mentioned above, our son likes to throw his sippy cups. He thinks it is funny his moms think it is frustrating; but what can you do.

To prevent losing his cups, we recently purchased a sippy cup catcher to attach to his stroller. This handy gadget hangs from his stroller bar and allows him to drink whenever he is thirsty.

It’s simple and genius at the same time. The best part is if he, throws the cup, it just hangs on the stroller bar and won’t get lost.

Related Post: 18 Toddler Road Trip Essentials

The  snack cups from Munchkin  are hands down the best snack cups for toddlers. There are affordable options, but they are easy for your toddler to open and dump out. 

If you’ve noticed, our son loves to pour out his drink, dump over his snacks, and overall make a mess. He thinks it’s fun and enjoys it. 

These cups allow them to take out their snacks one by one and make it difficult for them to empty.

The top is a twist-off so, you don’t have to worry about the contents coming out if the cup falls on the ground.

Read More: Our Favorite Travel Snacks for Toddlers

We’ve given up on plates and bowls because the food usually ends up on the floor. We started using  placemats  because they are easier to clean and transport. 

These are great while traveling on an airplane with a toddler. They can use this placemat to eat snacks instead of the snack tray, which is usually disgusting.

Flipping Holder

Our go-to snack is usually a fruit or yogurt pouch.

Although the fruit pouches are convenient, they are MESSY. Every time I give our toddler a fruit pouch, he instantly squeezes the middle and spills food everywhere.

The Flipping Holder has handles that allow them to hold fruit pouches without squeezing them and making a mess.

This product also works for juice boxes. Trust me, you’ll love this, and there won’t be as much of a mess.

Toddler Sleep Essentials

When going on vacation with a young toddler, their routine is changed, which can result in them wanting to sleep with you. I don’t know about you, but I am not a fan of our toddler sleeping in the bed with us.

He kicks, punches, and even laughs in his sleep. Although the laughing is cute, I wake up thinking he is crying; then, I’m not able to fall back asleep.

If you do not want to sleep with your toddler, here are a few things that’ll help you avoid that.

Toddler Travel Bed

We are a little biased because we love our Kidco PeaPod Travel Tent . It is our favorite toddler travel bed . Our toddler uses this tent every day as his bed since we are a full-time travel family . It is lightweight, comfortable, and affordable.

If you aren’t a frequent traveler, your toddler can use this tent for playtime, camping, or at the beach.

We started using this as a play area to get him to go inside, and now he dives in when he is ready for a nap. Either way, I’m sure you will love this portable toddler tent as much as we do.

For families that aren’t crazy about the idea of a tent, there are portable travel cribs, like the Lotus Travel Crib .

Related Post: Kidco PeaPod Travel Tent Review

Portable White Noise Machine

A  portable white noise machine  will save your phone battery. We used to set one of our phones in the room to play white noise at bedtime.

That was the easy part; the hard part was deciding who was going to get the phone out of the room without waking our little monster. Needless to say, after a few months, we broke down and bought a portable white noise machine.

We decided on this brand because there are 20 different sounds to choose from. The string makes it easy to put on the door handle. I set the timer for 60 minutes and forget it. 

Since this is our blog, I am going to vent for a moment. We always said we’d never be the parents that let their child become attached to a blanket.

Well, our son will not sleep without his blanket. We have to drag it across the world with us, or no one will sleep.

If you look at the photo above, you will see the blanket, and it is large. At this point we will probably keep it until he outgrows it, which I hope, that’ll be soon.

Wish us luck, because I’m not sure how much longer I can keep dragging around this blanket.

If anyone has advice on how we can slowly detach him from this blanket, we are open to suggestions.

Read More: The Best Travel Beds for Toddlers

Keeping your Toddler BUSY

One of the tricks when traveling with a toddler is keeping them busy.

The problem is toddlers, do not have a long attention span. We are only able to keep our little one busy for maybe 15 minutes at a time. If we let him watch his favorite shows, it may stretch to 25 minutes.

That is why it is important to have the right toddler travel essentials. We pack a lot of different activities to keep our toddler busy while traveling .

We accidentally put his crayons in the suitcase instead of packing them in his diaper bag. We had to improvise and give him a permanent marker from my wife’s purse.

Tablet / iPad

The   Amazon Fire Tablet 7  is one of the most popular and best-selling tablets for toddlers. It comes with Amazon Freetime Unlimited, which gives you access to over 20,000 apps to keep your toddler busy.

We usually download his favorite shows before traveling, so he can watch shows throughout our flights. If you are looking for more affordable tablets for your toddler .

Related Post: Best Tablets for Toddlers

Toddler-friendly headphones.

Any parent knows how annoying it can get listening to your toddler’s shows over and over again.

Headphones are godsent because you don’t have to listen to the same song a thousand times a day. For example, we watch Hotel Transylvania 3 at least twice per day, every day.

When choosing the best headphones for your toddler, make sure the volume does not exceed 85 dB. Remember, prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in long-term hearing loss.

Related Post: Best Headphones for Toddlers

The  LeapFrog Builders  are my favorite blocks for our toddlers. We got them because they help teach him colors, shapes, animals, and food.

They are the only blocks I can build something that looks cool. Also, they are a lot cheaper than LEGOS and affordable.

I wish we could get a large box, but we only have so much space in our suitcases :(. 

Related Posts: 20 LEGO Affordable Alternatives

My wife ( Mea pre-school teacher) creates all of the activities for our toddler.

She doesn’t like him spending too much time on his tablet, so she makes activities for him while we are on the road. She is all about learning, so everything has an educational element to it.

We like to use activity books to help him hold a pencil. As he gets older, we will use these books to help him learn his numbers, letters, and animals.

I (Cee) like the puzzles from Melissa and Doug . They help with hand-eye coordination, sound recognition, and motor skills.

Related Post: Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

Toddler Safety Essentials

As a parent, your #1 responsibility is to keep your little one safe. For some reason, toddlers love to investigate things by tasting them.

To keep your toddler safe while traveling, create a travel safety kit. We like to use cheaper alternatives to child-proofing sets.

Painter’s Tape

Our toddler has recently grown a fondness for putting things inside electrical sockets. As you can imagine, this terrified us when we realized what he was doing.

Since we are always on the move, we found a practical and inexpensive solution. Painter’s tape is a quick, efficient, and affordable childproofing tool.

We put a piece over the outlet to keep our son from putting things inside and potentially hurting himself.

Painter’s tape is better than other tapes because it is easy to remove and doesn’t pull paint from the wall.

Rubber Bands

When our toddler started walking, cabinets became a fun play area and a popular hiding spot. As he grew, he started putting more things in his mouth, and cabinets were becoming dangerous.

To keep him safe we used rubber bands to prevent him from opening cabinet doors. Rubber bands are cheap, easy, and high effective.

Conclusion: Toddler Travel Essentials

As a full-time travel family having the right travel gear is very important. It can be the difference between a nice family vacation and a frustrating week away.

Overall, traveling with a toddler isn’t as bad as you think as long as you are prepared. Using our toddler travel essentials is a good start to enjoying your next family vacation.

Do you have other toddler travel essentials, not listed above? Feel free to comment below, and help a parent out.

Related Posts

The Perfect Baby Travel First-Aid Kit

Ultimate Family Vacation Packing List

50 Road Trip Activities to Keep Your Toddler Entertained

Wondering What to Bring to Xcaret? We Got You Covered

2 thoughts on “20 toddler travel essentials (that’ll make traveling with your toddler easier)”.

Painter’s tape for baby proofing is genius! Thank you!

You’re welcome. Enjoy your travels!!!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Packing Lists

The Ultimate Packing List for Flying With Kids

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

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

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Packing Checklist

Tips for Packing

• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

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

Packing Checklist for Flying With Kids

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

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

Entertainment 

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

Food and Drink

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

Accessories

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

T+L's Top Picks and Tips

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

Best Tablet

Amazon fire hd 10 kids edition.

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

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

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

Best Headphones

Puro sound labs bt2200s volume limited kids headphones.

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

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

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

Best Tech Stand

Airglo airplane travel essentials.

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

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

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

Best Coloring Book

Bendon unicorn imagine ink magic ink book.

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

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

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

Where's Waldo? The Fantastic Journey Paperback

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

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

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

Best Activity Book

On the plane activity book.

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

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

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

Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks for Kids

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

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

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

The Purple Cow Magnetic Animal Homes Matching Puzzle

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

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

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

Mini Voyager 4-7y Jetsetter Travel Kit

Mini Voyage

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

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

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

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

Best Sound Machine

Fridababy 2-in-1 portable sound machine.

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

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

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

Best Pillow and Blanket

Roamwild kids travel pillow.

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

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

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

Best Portable Bed

Flyaway kids bed.

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

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

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

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

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Yeti rambler jr. kids bottle.

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

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

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

Best Lollipops

Ring pop individually wrapped bulk lollipop variety party pack.

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

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

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

Best Snacks

Stuff your sack healthy snacks variety pack organic care package.

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

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

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

Best Snack Activity

Fred match up memory snack tray.

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

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

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

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

Best Changing Pad

Skip hop pronto changing station.

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

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

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

Best Multi-purpose Wipes

Hello bello unscented baby wipes.

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

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

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

Best Face Wipes

Boogie wipes.

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

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

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

Best Surface Wipes

Lysol disinfecting wipes to-go pack.

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

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

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

Best Hand Sanitizer

Kinia 8 pack empty mixed kids hand sanitizer.

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

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

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

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

Best Diaper Bag

Dagne dover indi diaper backpack.

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

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

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

Best Crossbody Bag

Kibou diaper bag.

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

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

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

Best Kids Backpack

Herschel heritage backpack | kids.

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

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

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

Best Wheeled Backpack

Jansport driver 8 core series wheeled backpack.

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

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

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

Best Kids' Carry-on Suitcase

Rockland london hardside spinner wheel luggage carry-on.

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

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

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

Best Ride-on Suitcase

​​stokke jetkids bedbox.

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

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

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

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

Best Luggage Tracker

Apple airtag 4-pack.

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

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

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

Best First Aid Kit

Preparakit small compact first aid kit for kids.

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

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

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

Best Storage Bags

Hefty slider storage bags.

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

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

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

Prioritize new or special items

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

Consider portability

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

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

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

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

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

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

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Family Travel: Toddler Travel Essentials - Packing List

Travelling with a toddler is challenging and exciting - although I think we can all agree it's more the former than the latter! - but after three return long-haul trips (to Maldives, Australia, Singapore and Thailand (twice) - and a few more shorter jaunts with our son in the space of a year (aged 18 months to 2.5 years) we've definitely learned that having a few toddler travel essentials can go a long way to helping make journeys easier no matter how short or long.

Here you'll find the ultimate packing list of travel gear and essential items for travel with a toddler, from what things to have on the plane through to some travel gadgets and essentials we would never be without for any journey! Also, it's worth knowing the best airlines for flying with kids which will help you just as much as having all the best toddler travel essentials in your luggage.

Before I go any further if you're looking for some advice on how to survive long-haul travel with a toddler, this is the post for you . Alternatively, if your little one is still a baby, this is a great post to find out some  tips for flying with a very young baby (under six months) , and you may want to check out these packing tips (and a packing list) for travel with a baby or this list of the world's best airlines for flying with kids . And if you're going to be travelling by car or road, here are some great road trip activities for kids . If you want to read more, you can find all of my family travel blog posts here.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links to products this post recommends for you and your family. I make a small commission off any purchases made which doesn't cost you anything extra, and often I do a lot of research to find you the best possible deal in the link - yay!

Best Toddler Travel Essentials for all Travel

Right now let's get stuck into this packing list of all the essential travel gear for toddlers you may find useful for your next journey as a family.

A Changing Bag/Carry-on Backpack (that anyone can carry!)

If you're travelling with a partner or companion and they have strong feelings about design or carrying a bag that offends their gender (ahem) then do yourself a favour and get the most inoffensive, practical and useful backpack you can. Ours is a black backpack my partner used to use and with its multiple pockets and laptop slot for my laptop and the iPad it's the perfect carry-on changing bag. It's also the one we use every day on our travels and while it doesn't always go with a bikini it is comfortable and practical, two things that I happen to think are very stylish now I'm a mum !

I love these backpack changing bags (if you want a specific one made for this purpose that is affordable and stylish) but I also happen to think the ones you get for snowboarding or hiking are pretty cool too. This is very similar to the bag I/we use as our carry-on/changing bag .

Pushchair Hooks

If you've got the YoYo+ BabyZen or a similar pushchair (with a single handle rather than two) I highly recommend getting  these wraparound velcro plastic hooks  for the handle so you can hang bags or other items in a hurry or rush . They don't carry incredibly heavy things so be careful but I find them really useful when I pick up shopping or just need to put something somewhere while travelling!

Blackout Curtain

If you have no idea what kind of curtains or blinds your accommodation will have and you know your toddler will only sleep well in the dark, this suction-mounted blackout curtain is a life- and sanity saver. It's not super light and does take up some space in your bag but what would you rather, a few more clothes in your bag or a few more hours of sleep!?!?

Best Toddler Travel Items for Your Carry-on Bag

Now before we go any further, have you weighed down that carry-on bag we talked about with baby-wipes? Nope? Well do it now. And throw some in your checked-in luggage too. While I know you can buy baby wipes in most destinations now, if your little one has sensitive skin or there's a certain brand you really like (because let's face it some are as useful as a soaked kitchen towel) then I think it's worth giving The Almighty Wipes a few kilograms of your luggage allowance.

I always travel with more wipes than I think I could possibly need (and inevitably get through most of them) and don't think you can't use them for taking your smudged make-up off, having a quick "Irish shower" freshen up or removing that snot stain your son just wiped on your shirt when he gave you a cuddle... (If you're interested, these have been our favourite brand  since our son's birth and I always bulk buy to save money.... and also because I always travel with at least four packs!)

TOP TIP: In recent months I've started to use less wipes because of the damage they do to the environment. Instead I often travel with a small pile of flannels that I wet with water to wipe messes. Funnily enough, they actually work better than wipes sometimes! I then put used ones in a sealable plastic bag so they don't make the rest of my bag wet or smelly. When I really do have to travel with wipes, I now try to use ones that are completely biodegradable . 

Wipe-clean Bibs

While we're talking about keeping things clean (which is the irony of ironies when travelling with a toddler) I love wipe clean bibs . Now my son is older (and should know better) I just have a couple of plastic covered ones like this , but in the past I have used these neoprene ones which you can also rinse with water to get out stains and mess as they dry really quickly. ( I also just saw that there are neoprene ones in smaller sizes too , yay!)

First aid kit

Again I've got to be honest and say I was very late to the first aid kit party (as in, I only really thought about having one after I saw my friend produce the most well-equipped bag to give out a dose of Calpol to MY OWN CHILD) and now I have a little wash bag full of goodies that I take with me most places as well as when travelling (stocked up with extra Calpol and Nurofen) . You can buy one already made up with everything you may possibly need , but these are the items I deem essential for first aid for a toddler; thermometer, colourful kids'plasters of varying sizes (for when they want one to show off), blister plasters (when they actually need a plaster because they're harder for a toddler to peel off!), Sudocrem (because it solves nearly every problem from nappy rash to grazes to itching mozzie bites), Paw Paw ointment (shipped in from Australia) because it's a bit more soothing and moisturising than Sudocrem), aforementioned Calpol and Nurofen, paracetamol suppositories (if they can't keep liquids down which thankfully doesn't happen often), a few sterile wipes for cleaning cuts, and very importantly PARACETAMOL AND IBUPROFEN FOR MUM AND DAD!!! And on a side note, if you're planning on having this with you in your carry-on bag, make sure there are no scissors in there, or liquids of more than 100ml.

Here are some more ideas for a good first aid kit for travel with kids.

Foldable bags

I also always have a spare foldable shopping bag or tote bag in my carry-on luggage and day bag when out and about (both at home or on my travels). You'd be surprised what your little one may find and want to keep when out and about, but this is also useful to just have in your bag at all times in case you need to do some shopping or for whatever reason you can't re-pack your hand luggage once it's exploded in the foot well of your plane seat (it happens!).

Spare clothes!

While you may be out of the explosive scrambled egg poo stage (you hope!) you never know when you're going to need a change of clothes. I try to have a new set of clothes for my son while travelling, and if there's enough room, I put in a clean top for me because there are only so many stains a baby wipe can get out . It's up to my partner to bring one for him because he is an adult himself!

Travel-friendly toys

While the iPad is King on long  journeys, it's definitely worth having a few toys and books in your bag as well. These are some of the toys, books and activities we've used with great success with our toddler during long-haul travel either on a plane or at an airport:  Sticker books like this , these  mess free colouring pens  and colouring book, a simple  Duplo car  or train (so he can build and race), a small variety of interactive(ish) books (on previous journeys  my son loves these ), a few crayons and paper, and a few of his favourite cars or trucks. I also recommend keeping these toys and books away from your little one for a week or two before a long journey so the novelty factor keeps them interested, and it doesn't hurt to have a new toy or two (possibly even wrapped up!) for when you are desperate!

Travel-friendly snacks

Each child is different and you will know best what your little one will eat during a long journey, but there are some healthy(ish), long-lasting and durable snacks that I like to pack both in my carry-on bag and suitcase, just so I know there is something relatively nutritious to eat when we get to our destination. The snacks we like to bring are veggie and fruit pouches  (which are also good for quenching a thirst and you're desperate!), some puffy vegetable things or crisps or rice crackers , snack bars like these or these (which I also like to snack on!), and a ton of sultanas!

Resealable bags and clips

While I'm conscious of how much plastic and waste goes into parenting these days, I have found having a couple of  resealable plastic bags (like the sandwich style ones) or plastic freezer bags with clips like these are very useful for saving abandoned snacks from the rubbish bin before they're finished or for containing messes that you just don't even want to think about until you've had your first pina colada by the pool.

Other Useful Toddler Travel Essentials

The right travel gear for water fun

If you're heading somewhere warm, the chances are you'll already have packed some swimming stuff for your toddler to splash around in a pool or water fountain. We always pack our own armbands, life vest and/or rubber ring as we want to make sure we've got these. This is a great list of the best floaties and armbands for toddlers .

Kid-friendly mozzie spray

We bought this stuff for our little boy when we were heading to Australia, Singapore and Thailand and it worked a treat as in he didn't get any mozzie bites. In fact, I know for definite that it worked because we took him to France in the summer and didn't put it on and he got eaten alive!! He still has the scars and I still have the guilt.

Travel water bottle and (purification tablets)

We moved over to Dopper bottles about a year ago and it's opened up my eyes to how many places and airports have water fountains. In nearly any destination I trust it when there's a "drinking water" sign next to a tap but if you don't, then I've heard good things about these travel purification tablets. I also find when you travel with a little one and they have their bottle from home, it can encourage them to drink rather than a strange or unusual bottle. (I personally like Dopper bottles because they're colourful, small enough to squeeze in a side pocket, and also you can take the top half off and it acts like a little cup which fascinated my son... for about five seconds.)

Hand sanitiser

Firstly, I'll be honest and say I regularly travel with this but I don't use it nearly as much as I should. Secondly, it does just make me feel better knowing I've got it in my bag. Thirdly, does this make me weird? When we do use it (on long-haul flights because there is nothing fun about washing a kiddo's hands in a plane bathroom) we like this one in this size for travel.  

Insulated lunch bag

If you're packing homemade snacks or lunches for the journey (respect to you!) then I would recommend getting a small insulated lunch bag to keep things as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Our friends have this one and it's still going strong after nearly daily use for two years.

Inflatable booster seat

We've not actually invested in one of these for our son as he's quite short for his age so it's not really been needed, we've heard great things about these inflatable booster seats . Again they're light, can be folded up easily for travel and give your little a bit of help when sitting in a chair at a restaurant or even on the plane as they may struggle to see the in-flight entertainment screen.

And if you want to give your little one a travel related present that will also be useful on your travels, here are some great ideas for travel gifts for kids .

You can pin one of the below images to save or share this post:

Frances M. Thompson

AMSTERDAM TRAVEL

LUXURY FAMILY TRAVEL

WRITING TIPS & ADVICE

LATEST BOOK - OUT NOW!

WRITE NOW CARDS

GET IN TOUCH

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).

9 Baby Travel Essentials (+ Baby Packing List!)

Sharing is caring!

Planning to travel with a baby? That first trip with a baby can be a little overwhelming with unknowns of what to pack and the logistics of figuring out how to get it all to your destination.  To help make the process a little easier (and think about what baby registry items you need for those future vacations) we put together a list of baby travel essentials. While this list isn’t too much different from our toddler travel essentials , there are some smaller items that are important to make your trip as seamless as possible.

Keep reading for our baby travel must-haves and a packing list for babies at the end!

Travel Crib and/or Bassinet

Sleep is so important to babies whether at home or away, and having a good travel crib is one of the top travel essentials for baby. Not sure what to look for in a baby travel crib? The best baby travel cribs are usually lightweight and easy to set up. Our best recommendations for a travel crib for babies are listed below.

• A regular  pack ‘n play  with a bassinet is a less expensive option for a baby travel crib. They can sometimes be a little too heavy and cumbersome to travel with, but you can typically request a pack ‘n play at your hotel. There’s also a standard pack ‘n play without the bassinet or a deluxe pack ‘n play that includes a travel bassinet.
• For a lightweight travel crib that’s easy to set up and put way,  this  portable crib is awesome. It has a comfortable memory foam mattress and a zipper on the side to make it easier to get infants in and out.
• When flying with a baby to your destination,  this lightweight works well. It can take a few more minutes to set up than other options, but it fits easily in a regular suitcase. ( This  option is also a less expensive alternative to the Phil and Ted’s travel crib.)
• This  travel crib is another great option that we have used as well. It’s a little more expensive than the other options listed, but it’s a travel crib with a bassinet and a removeable changing table as well.

You can also rent a full size crib from BabyQuip here and have it delivered to your destination.

Pro Tip: As your baby gets older, consider using a Snoozeshade or or Slumberpod blackout crib cover. They make the crib dark and baby can’t see you when sharing a room!)

Travel Bassinet

If you’re traveling with a newborn or younger baby, you may want to consider a baby travel bassinet that you can use both at home and when traveling.  We’ve included some of the best options for a portable bassinet for travel below.

• This portable bassinet is great for both at home or travel. It’s also large enough for most babies to use up to 6 months or older. (We used it for both of our kiddos for the first four months and traveled often with it.)
• This super lightweight travel bassinet is great to take outside or anywhere you go. 
• This baby travel bassinet with a sunshade that doubles as a small beach tent for babies as well. (It’s a great option for camping with babies too!)
• You can find another travel bassinet with a cover to use both at home and for travel here . (Full disclosure, this is the only one we haven’t personally used.)

Travel Stroller For Babies

A baby travel stroller is usually more lightweight and easy to fold up than a traditional travel system. Anything that minimizes the weight and amount of stuff you have will make your life easier, making this one of our top must have items for traveling with a baby. When searching for the best baby travel stroller, be sure to look for something with adequate sunshade that reclines easily for naps on the go. Some of the best baby travel strollers for infants through toddlers are listed below.

• YoYo Babyzen is lightweight at about 14 lbs, has a one handed fold and can be used from birth up to 40 lbs. One of the major downsides of the YoYo Babyzen is the high price point compared to other travel strollers.
• GB Pockit+ is a very lightweight travel stroller that folds up small to fit in an overhead bin on airplanes. 
• Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller is another one of the best travel strollers compatible with an infant car seat, and it also has a lie flat option with a “cocoon” cushion. It weighs about 13 lbs and can be used for kids up to 44 lbs. 
• Zoe Traveler stroller is only 11 lbs and can be used for babies 3+ months up to 45 lbs. It also folds up small and can be brought as a carry-on backpack on planes. Zoe also makes one of the lightest double strollers for travel as well. (For $20 off, use my Zoe stroller referral link here .)
• Summer Infant 3D Light is a more affordable (but still very functional) travel stroller that can be used from 6 months up to 50 lbs. The only downside is that it can’t be used for newborns and is not car seat compatible. 

Additional Tips for Choosing a Travel Stroller

• Be sure to check minimum age recommendations and stroller compatibility with an infant car to ensure it meets your needs. Some travel strollers can be used from birth on, and others have a minimum age requirement of 6+ months. 
• A jogging stroller is another option if you’re planning to bring it on the beach or hiking trails. (The downside is that it’s very heavy.) We’ve also used our Baby Jogger City Select Single to Double Stroller for travel, but the downside is that it’s heavy and the seats have to be taken out to fold it up.
• If you want a for a double travel stroller for twins or more than one child, side by side strollers are usually the easiest to navigate while traveling. (And they fold up in one piece.) The Zoe double stroller or Summer Infant double stroller are two great options.
• A car seat frame is an inexpensive alternative if you’re not planning to do a ton of walking. We’ve used this infant car seat stroller frame with both kids over the years. It was definitely one of the best baby registry items we received for everyday use and travel. 

Travel High Chair

A travel high chair is another one of the best baby travel items to have.  While it may not always be necessary if you’re just eating at restaurants, it’s especially useful if you’re staying at a vacation home, visiting family or spending time outdoors. 

We use this portable high chair on a regular basis, and we keep it in our car for visiting friends or going to some of our favorite kid-friendly breweries. (We also use it at home when eating outside!) While it’s perfect for road trips, it’s a little too bulky to take on flights with a baby.

We also use this clip-on high chair at our home on a daily basis. It only weighs 3 pounds, making it a great baby travel high chair for flying to your destination. The only downside is that it doesn’t work with tables that have a “lip” on them, so you may want to check before arriving at your destination. 

• Disposable Placemats

While this isn’t one of the pricier baby travel products mentioned above, disposable placements are one of the best baby travel essentials. Most restaurants only offer breakable plates or paper placemats that babies can easily throw. These adhesive placemats stick right on the table and you throw them away after your meal, making cleanup a breeze. (Both of our kids also had a weird habit of wanting to chew on tables when they were teething. So this also covers the end of the table up to prevent extra spreading of germs!)

Baby Carrier

A baby carrier is another one of our top travel must haves for baby. If you want a baby carrier for travel from infant to toddler ages, a soft structured baby carrier like this one is the most versatile we’ve used. Whether you want a carrier for hikes with a baby or something to use on terrain that a stroller can’t reach, it’s perfect for either. It has an infant insert, and we’ve used it as a backpack style toddler carrier as well. 

A few options for baby carriers for travel (or everyday use) include:

• Solly Baby Wrap : Fabric baby wrap that’s especially great for baby wearing in the airport. The Moby baby carrier is a similar alternative.
• ErgoBaby 360 : All position baby carrier that’s super versatile from newborns to toddlers.
• LILLEBaby : Another baby carrier with multiple positions from babies to toddlers.

Diaper Bag For Travel

Whether you’re navigating the airport or the amusement park, the best baby travel bag is typically a hands-free diaper backpack. (And fortunately backpack style diaper bags are super popular right now, so there are many options to choose from!) When searching for the best travel diaper bag, be sure to look for one that comes with a changing pad, a bottle cooler (or space for bottles) and several compartments for storing necessary items in a baby carry-on like snacks and toys. 

We have a faux leather diaper backpack similar to this one and have also used our standard travel backpack before.

Travel Bottle Washing Set

You’re bound to be washing bottles or pump parts during your vacation with a baby. (Whether they’re breastfed or bottle fed!) This travel bottle washing set is one of the best baby travel items. It includes a drying rack, and bottle brush in a compact box that closes. It also makes a unique baby registry idea if you’re looking for items the mom to be may not have thought of. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to also bring a small travel bottle of dish detergent with you. We just use reusable travel toiletry bottles and fill them up with our standard free and clear dish soap.

• Sound Machine

Aside from a good travel crib, a sound machine is another item on our list of travel essentials with baby that helps the whole family sleep. Sound machines help keep their routine consistent at home and away, and they drown out noises if you’re sharing a room with a baby on vacation. There are a variety of options for baby sound machines depending on how much room you have in your luggage. 

• A standard baby sound machine that’s lightweight and still easy to pack without taking up too much space. (We use this portable sound machine at home and away.) 
• A small travel sound machine for a stroller or on-the-go is another option. We have this one . 
• There are also several sound machine apps available on your phone. We use the Guva free sound machine app for babies that also allows you to record a sound as well. (I even recorded myself shushing to help our second child fall asleep for naps.)

Baby Toys and Teethers

Babies are constantly chewing and dropping things.  So we recommend a variety of baby travel toys and teethers for your trip with a baby. A few baby travel items we don’t leave home without include:

• A multi-sensory baby toy that can be clipped on a stroller or car seat.
• Several teethers and different pacifiers (if your baby uses one.)
• A lovey or stuffed animal that your baby uses for comfort.
• A simple, small toy like these stacking cups to use at your destination.
• An interactive book with flaps or different textures. (Shop my Usborne Books & More storefront for ideas!)

Pro tip: Bring a Ziploc bag for dirty toys that need to be cleaned at your destination. (Especially if you’re traveling with a baby on an airplane and they drop toys.)

Related Post: 10 Baby & Toddler Travel Toys Under $10

Baby Packing List For Vacation: More Must Haves for Traveling with a Baby

Traveling with babies usually requires so much stuff. Much of which you’re probably not used to bringing if you’re new to traveling with kids. We recommend having a standard baby packing list that you can use for each vacation with a baby. (In addition to your standard diaper bag of course!)

This packing list for baby includes several items we (usually) don’t leave home without.

Clothing Items*

• Outfit for each day along with extra onesies
• Pajamas/ sleepers (bring extra for younger babies)
• Socks and shoes
• Swimsuits/ swim diapers (for the pool or beach with a baby )
• Baby hat- beach hat, baseball hat or winter hat

*Clothing needs vary depending on weather and activities.

Linens 

• Sleep Sack or Swaddles
• Light blankets (we love these muslin blankets)
• Crib sheets
• Baby towels/ washcloths

Baby Equipment for Travel**

• Travel Crib
• Portable High Chair
• Car Seat (with a car seat bag if you’re flying)
• Blowup baby bathtub (If a tub isn’t available at your destination)

**Some baby equipment may be available at your destination. Be sure to check first. You can also rent baby equipment from BabyQuip and have it dropped off at your destination.

Miscellaneous Items

• Diapers 
• Baby Wipes (bring extra for messes)
• Pacifiers & Teethers
• Baby Toys & Books
• Bottles and/or sippy cups
• Bottle washing set +dish soap
• Breast pump + parts
• Baby monitor
• Ziploc bags
• Car window blackout curtains for road trips with baby  
• Kindle or iPad with rubber case (if you do screen time)

Baby Toiletry Bag

• Baby shampoo
• Infant Tylenol/ Ibuprofen
• Diaper cream
• Baby lotion
• Small amount of soap for handwashing soiled clothing

Documents for Traveling With a Baby

• Insurance card
• Passport (for international travel with a baby)
• Copy of baby’s birth certificate (if you’re flying)

Pro Tip: If you’re flying to your destination, share a large suitcase with your baby using packing cubes . (This will save money on fees and also minimize the number of items you’re traveling with.) You can also ship diapers/ wipes to your destination or purchase them there.

Related Posts:

• Packing Tips and Beach Essentials for Baby
• Flying With a Baby: Tips for Before, During and After Your Flight
• Road Trip With a Baby: How to Survive Long Drives with Baby
• 5 Must Have Travel Essentials for Toddlers
• Intro to Traveling With a Baby

Do you have any must-have baby travel items that aren’t on this list?  Please share in the comments if you have any favorite baby travel products to add!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply