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Traveling with kids can feel like herding kittens through an airport terminal — adorable, but also chaos and a logistical nightmare.
One moment, they’re wide-eyed explorers and the next, they’re protestors staging a sit-in at Gate 12.
But that doesn’t mean you should put off taking them anywhere, with the right kids travel gear, your travel experiences can easily shift from meltdown to magic.
The best travel accessories for kids are more than gadgets to keep them entertained — they’re sanity savers, peace-keepers and little gizmos that keep your little ones safe and happy.
We’ve travelled with our daughters from six months old all the way to sixteen, and we’re sharing the little lifelines that we’ve discovered over the years that have turned turbulence into travel bliss.
So without further ado, here are the unsung heroes of your carry-on — the travel essentials you need to pack for your children, organized in order of age (from baby to school-aged children).
- 1. Portable Travel Crib
- 2. Baby Wipes + Hand Sanitizer
- 3. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier
- 4. Portable UV Sterilizer, Cleaner and Sanitizer for Pacifiers
- 5. Insulated Double Bottle Storage Bag
- 6. Travel Bottle Warmer
- 7. Soft Cotton Muslin Swaddle Blankets
- 8. Baby Travel Diaper Bag
- 9. Life Jacket
- 10. Inflatable Booster Seat
- 11. Travel Stroller or Pram
- 12. Kelty Hiking Carrier
- 13. Micro Scooter
- 14. Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
- 15. Samsung Tablet
- 16. Tablet Cover
- 17. Quik by GoPro app
- 18. Trunki Ride-On Suitcases
- 19. Travel Packing Cubes
- 20. Lightweight Backpack
- 22. Lily Bloom Crossbody Bag
- 23. Medical First Aid Kit
- 24. Kids Toiletry Bag
- 25. Lunchbox
- 26. Ziploc Bags
- 27. Water Purifier Bottle
- 28. Wovii Towels
- 29. Alie Jane Designer Travel Products
- 30. Portable Soft Silicone Travel Bottle Set
- 31. Portable Toilet Seat
- 32. White Noise Machine
- Final thoughts
- More Travel Gear Guides
- More Family Travel Tips
- Pin To Save It On Pinterest
1. Portable Travel Crib
If you’re traveling with a baby, you don’t have to take a lot of stuff such as portable high chairs, eating utensils etc, as those items are usually provided (or can be) by the accommodation, and will only add weight to your baggage.
Most restaurants and hotels will have high chairs, if not just sit them on your lap or in their pram. You may feel you can’t cope without a portable high chair. No problem. Do what’s best for you and your family.
But one item we wouldn’t have been without when Savannah was 8 weeks old was a portable crib, which we took to New Zealand. It was brilliant and it came on many road trips with us or do sleep overs at a friends house.
Choose one that’s small, compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry.
We like the Baby Bjorn one as it was super easy to put together and comfortable. The breathable mesh is good for the bubs and makes it easier for you to keep an eye on them.
We also didn’t bother with a baby monitor since we were always with our kids in the same room, and it’s easy to keep an eye on them in a small hotel room, but you do what feels right for you.
2. Baby Wipes + Hand Sanitizer
I am not germaphobic and I rarely get sick. I think our kids don’t eat enough dirt in modern day society and their bodies are not given enough chance to develop natural immunities and adapt.
I will not be running after them every 10 yards disinfecting everything they come into contact with. I’ll take the precautions that I feel are necessary and not going to flip me out.
But that’s life at home.
In other countries, there are so many different diseases, germs, and illnesses that their bodies are not used to.
It’s always a good idea to keep them washing their hands and using antibacterial hand sanitizer whenever they eat or need to touch their face. It’s a small investment that makes them safe.
Most kids are not fond of stopping play time to rub their hands together, which is why baby wipes are the BOMB!! I don’t know how I ever survived without them. They’re good for everything, not just wiping kid’s hands and faces, but for cleaning muck off their bags. It’s one of the best travel accessories for kids.
3. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier
When Kalyra was a baby, I had a sling, but it was bulky and awkward and I constantly feared Kalyra would fall out or be smothered. Plus it hurt my back.
For Savannah, the Baby Bjorn Carrier was everything that sling was not – easy to wear and easy to put Savannah in, safely secured and designed to grow with Savannah allowing us to carry her in it until she was about 15 months old.
It’s easily one of the best baby carriers on the market.
Savannah loved the Baby Bjorn Carrier and would sleep in it all day nestled up to my chest. I loved it too!
It’s a must travel item for babies.
4. Portable UV Sterilizer, Cleaner and Sanitizer for Pacifiers
I hated our family vacation to Thailand when Savannah was 17 months old as we had to travel with her bottles, baby formula, and bottle steriliser.
It was a gigantic pain in the butt and changed our decision from backpacking Southeast Asia to embarking on our epic road trip around Australia.
Breastfeeding makes traveling so much easier. But if you’ve moved on from breastfeeding or aren’t breastfeeding while traveling, this portable UV Sterilizer for pacifiers and bottles is a game changer.
It’s small and lightweight, barely taking up space in your luggage.
5. Insulated Double Bottle Storage Bag
Keeping your kids hydrated is incredibly important when on the road, especially if you’re visiting hot countries.
Getting an insultated bag to carry their sippy cups and bottles is a must-have item in your travel kit.
I like how this insulated baby bottle holder has attachable stroller straps.
6. Travel Bottle Warmer
I never traveled with one of these baby bottle warmers, as they weren’t available when our daughters were babies.
I’d just get my hands on a kettle and warm the bottle up in a cup of hot water, which was time consuming and, let’s be honest, not fun for me.
These portable bottle warmers look so much better and would be on my shopping list if I was to do it all again.
7. Soft Cotton Muslin Swaddle Blankets
I always liked traveling these soft cotton muslin swaddles.
They are great for covering when breastfeeding in public, for shading my girls form the sun, keeping away pesky bugs, or wrapping them up.
There are so many uses for a muslin as many mothers will tell you, so be sure to pack a couple for the road.
Related Post: Tips for breastfeeding while traveling
8. Baby Travel Diaper Bag
Again, I’m sure you have a diaper bag already, but if you don’t have one for traveling, get one that includes a baby change mat!
It will definitely get used a lot!
9. Life Jacket
If you are visiting a place where you will be swimming a lot or going out on boats, it’s a good idea to carry a child’s life vest for your younger children.
We carried one on our road trip and we used it often. It’s one of the safest travel accessories for kids.
I really really wish we had one when we visited Thailand.
Savannah was way too young and taking a boat trip with her and having no life jacket was stressful.
Check out this life jacket on Amazon as one of the best kids travel items because it’s quick drying.
10. Inflatable Booster Seat
Traveling with a child car seat depends on where we are traveling.
If we are visiting Asia, we don’t worry about taking a car or booster seat. Most of the time the vehicles there don’t even have seat belts!!!
It really did make traveling in Thailand difficult when Savannah was 17 months, she’s just wanted to roam around the car and was hard to keep her restrained.
The bubble gum travel car seat comes recommended as the best baby seat for travel – easy to chuck in your bag!
I wish I knew about them before. It’s a fantastic car accessory to take on your travels.
11. Travel Stroller or Pram
We found it worthwhile traveling with a stroller – definitely one of best travel gear for toddlers.
It’s so much easier, but it does depend on where you go and how you travel around.
A baby carrier may be adequate for you, although, be warned they can exhaust you!
Strollers are great for pushing kids around but also for giving them a place to sit and for feeding.
You can also carry bags in them if your child is running around. Be careful of the weight if you add bags on to the handle when they are in them.
We don’t own a stroller any longer, but this infant lightweight travel stroller is one of the smallest strollers we found – light, sturdy, compact and comes with good reviews on Amazon.
12. Kelty Hiking Carrier
This Kelty Hiking Carrier was our absolute favourite family travel product when our girls were toddlers and easily makes our list of best travel gear for kids!
We explored a lot further with this carrier, with a lot less whining.
Savannah loved watching the world from above our shoulders. There’s no better way to help your little-legged children connect to nature and yourselves.
We got a lot of hiking miles out of our Kelty carrier. It fit comfortably and felt like Savannah was always secure with a 5-point harness system and was easy to get her in and out of.
The Kelty Hiking Carrier comes with a nice amount of storage for packing wipes, diapers, and change of clothes. And it comes with a sun hood!
Here are our tips for hiking with kids.
13. Micro Scooter
One of the best travel items we purchased for our kids on our road trip around Australia was one of these micro scooters.
Yes, they are a little expensive, but we never regretted our decision.
Savannah loved the three wheeled kind, as it was flexible to handle and easier for manoeuvring.
Instead of demanding to be carried everywhere she happily rode her scooter. It’s brilliant for helping you see more without damaging your back!
14. Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Yep. Travel gadgets make our life easier. Here’s what we travel with.
Our kids loved watching movies, listening to music or playing games on their devices- so finding comfortable headphones has been a priority.
Previously Savannah would have to hold the ear plug style headphones in which was never practical, and often they like to watch together, so I like how these headphones have a share port – no need for splitters!
15. Samsung Tablet
Kalyra and Savannah both have a Samsung Tablet, which they love and have proven to be one of the best travel gadgets for kids.
They use these them to record their own photos and videos and for games and movies and research – either school based learning or fun.
I have no problem with the girls watching movies or playing games on the tablet, especially on long road trips or long hauls.
They have more than enough time pursuing other interests outside of the devices. We keep the screen time balance in check.
16. Tablet Cover
Whatever you do, don’t forget the cover for your tablet! It’s worth the extra expense. They’re kids, they have butter fingers a lot!
They’re half the price on Amazon to what we paid for them!
17. Quik by GoPro app
We love the Quik by GoPro app for making super easy fun and entertaining videos. Great for the kids to use.
For older kids, you may also want to consider the AKASO action cameras as a much cheaper alternative to GoPro Hero (which are also great cameras).
Check out the review on AKASO V50 Pro and AKASO Brave 6 Plus.
18. Trunki Ride-On Suitcases
If I was to have my time again, I’d get a Trunki suitcase for the girls. They are quite the rage for young children to travel with and on through airports!!
They seem perfect for keeping them entertained, engaged in the travel experience and responsible for it!
They consistently rank as a one of the top kid’s suitcase.
19. Travel Packing Cubes
We’ve never really known how to pack a suitcase efficiently. Throw everything in the bag, sit on it, and then zip it up.
It wasn’t too bad when we had backpacks because the different compartments helped us stay a little organized, but now that we have two kids, we mostly travel with suitcases.
Travel packing cubes are a lifesaver.
In each packing cube we roll up each item and arrange clothes based on type and season.
It helps me find the clothes I need for the girls, as I separate dresses, undies, skirts, tops etc into different packing cells.
Packing cells help the kids learn how to be organized and pack efficiently. You may also love this packing cube that doubles as a day pack!
20. Lightweight Backpack
We have a travel day pack each for the girls. They’re responsible for packing their entertainment, snacks, pens, crayons, and desired comforts for plane and road trips.
It comes in handy also for hiking and day explorations.
For traveling, we recommend using a hemp backpack because they are lightweight and dry quickly.
They are comfortable and strong and have lasted us a couple of years now.
22. Lily Bloom Crossbody Bag
My Aunty gave this crossbody bag to Kalyra for Christmas. It was her favorite kids travel accessory the moment she got it.
She carried her tablet, sunnies, pencils, and purse in it. It’s made from recycled plastic and is very groovy!
23. Medical First Aid Kit
I can’t tell you the regret I’ve felt at times for traveling without a thermometer and kid’s Panadol and band aids.
A good medical kit is essential, especially when traveling with kids.
I like how compact this one is, and it includes everything.
Click here for more tips on what to pack in your travel medical kit.
24. Kids Toiletry Bag
I purchased the girls a travel toiletry bag each, and it was the best decision ever.
Now their stuff is not mixed in with mine and it’s teaching them about responsibility. They have an increased interest in flossing and brushing their hair.
Inside the toiletry bags, I have toothbrush and holder, floss, brush, hair bands, face wipes and lip gloss.
25. Lunchbox
If you are road tripping, a lunch box with compartments is brilliant. It saves on plastic and wrapping and helps your children take responsibility for their own food.
I pack their lunch boxes on our road trip and let them know if they choose to eat it all in the first five minutes they’ll have nothing left.
They got really good at spacing out the food and they loved opening it to see what surprises lay in there.
I think a stainless steel bento style lunch box is best.
26. Ziploc Bags
Ziplocs are a lifesaver for food, lotions, potions, pencils, toy bits etc. They really can make the family travel life easier.
I recommend saving money and putting less strain on the environment by purchasing reusable ziploc bags.
These are what we permanently use now and they’re great.
I wouldn’t recommend putting them in the dishwasher though – even though some recommend it – they can melt.
27. Water Purifier Bottle
Traveling somewhere you know the water isn’t safe to drink? Then this can be one of the best travel gear for kids items.
This Camelbak Purifier Bottle has a purification system built right into the water bottle.
We used a similar bottle for our 5 month trip in Africa, and your health is not something you want anyone to compromise.
They’re good to travel with no matter where you are going!
28. Wovii Towels
We’re long term users and fans of Wovii towels. They’re awesome for travel – bright and colourful, good for bath and beach, and so soft.
You can even use them as blankets if need be.
I love the extra large for myself and the smaller size for the girls. Go bright with your kids travel accessories!
29. Alie Jane Designer Travel Products
We were introduced to Alie Jane, a local designer from Newcastle, by my sister.
She gave us several Christmas presents made by Alie Jane after discovering her store in Newcastle. She is also on Etsy.
Bored with dull beige and black designs, she was inspired to create bright, fun and colorful travel accessories.
All designs are made from both new and vintage fabrics sourced locally and from trips overseas.
Here’s what we have:
- Mexican Oilcloth toiletry bag for Savannah. It can also be used as a bag for your wet swimmers or lunch bag.
- Neck/back travel pillow for me
- Pencil Wrap for Kalyra
They are so gorgeous travel accessories for kids (and you)!
30. Portable Soft Silicone Travel Bottle Set
These portable silicone travel bottles are also great for carrying any baby lotions, shampoo, creams, or important liquids you may need when traveling on the plane.
31. Portable Toilet Seat
This is very much dependent on where you are going and for how long, but you might want to invest in a portable toilet seat as the likelihood is you won’t find one in public restrooms or hotels.
Even if your children are potty trained, a portable toilet seat doubles up as a toilet seat cover to protect them from germs.
If your little one is potty training, this portable potty is a good option for replacing a traditional potty.
32. White Noise Machine
When you are flying long flights, or you need your child to take a nap but jet lag has kicked in, a white noise machine is one of the must-haves in your bag.
We had one to play on the airplane when flying long haul.
It’s pocket sized, and has 15 looped sounds, allowing you to play white noise anywhere and at any time.
Final thoughts
One of the biggest concerns for families is knowing what kids travel gear to pack to keep your kids safe and happy on the road.
In this list, we have shared travel products and accessories for kids of all ages, with the purpose of keeping them safe and entertained.
None of these items are for the parents, we have separate guides on travel gear for adults (see below).
While these travel items will undoubtedly keep you and your child sane and happy, remember that you don’t need to take too much with you. You can always buy things on the road if you miss anything.
Give them an opportunity to adapt to life outside of the secure home and in a new environment and help them learn how to be resourceful.
This list is what we think are the most essential travel products to help you have an enjoyable, safe and comfortable trip.
We hope you found something on this list that will be helpful and useful to you on your travels!
More Travel Gear Guides
Need more inspiration on what to pack? Here are some other guides to travel gear:
- Best travel gift ideas for her (for glam and organization)
- The best suitcases for travel
- The best travel backpacks
- The best travel gifts
- The best carry on suitcases
- The best travel gifts for kids
- Essential items for traveling with a baby
More Family Travel Tips
Need more inspiration about traveling with a family. Here are some other guides…
- The Ultimate Family Road Trip Survival Guide
- Top tips for flying with kids and not lose your mind
- Best tips for travel with kids
- Pros & cons of travel with kids
- Reasons you won’t travel with kids
- Is travel with kids too hard
- How to travel with a picky eater
- How to balance school with travel
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Do you have any recommendations for the best travel gear for kids? Let us know in the comments.