Travel essentials for kids: Must-have gear for stress-free trips
My five-year-old has been on over 15 flights, here's what I always pack for stress-free travel with kids:
Trisha Easto- Traveling with children is possible with proper planning and the right gear.
- Pack kid-friendly luggage, snacks, and entertainment that doesn't require wifi.
- A lightweight stroller or carrier can make navigating airports and destinations easier.
- Lollipops or gum can help children manage ear pressure changes during takeoff and landing.
There's a huge myth out there that traveling with kids is either impossible, or not worth it. I'm here to tell you that's 100% false. I have a five-year-old who has been on 16 flights already, including international trips and we always get compliments on his in-flight behavior.
Flying and traveling with children isn't impossible, but it does take a little consideration when you're planning. I'm not talking about preparing little goodie bags with earplugs and treats for everyone on the plane, but actual solutions that make traveling with kids easier, from the most compact stroller I've ever used to how to combat flight air pressure changes and prevent crying on flights.
Packing list for traveling with kids
- Kid-friendly backpack or carry-on
- Lightweight travel stroller or carrier
- Snacks for the flight
- Reusable water bottle for kids
- Kid-friendly tablet & kid-safe headphones
- In-flight activities, no wifi required
- Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landing
Here are my top tips for traveling with children, as a parent with five years of experience and over a dozen flights:
1. Kids travel essentials: Grab a kid-friendly backpack or suitcase
Kids need extras whenever you're hitting the road or skies. Packing for infants should include plenty of clothes (for those little accidents and spills), pajamas, plus diapers if they're that young—the list can be daunting. I always felt better having their own smaller suitcase so you're not sorting through your own stuff while traveling. It can work as your carry-on in most cases, plus then there's reduced risk of losing your child's vacation must-haves.
Ride-on carry-on suitcase for traveling with kids
But, as they get older, having a personal item bag for them is a MUST for me. My five-year-old can carry his own in-flight entertainment, snacks and even a change of clothes.
Kid-friendly backpack for airplanes
My child is already asking for his own cartoon-character suitcase every time he knows we're planning travel. This makes them feel included in the process and who doesn't love seeing little ones moving through the airport with their Lightning McQueen suitcase?
Kids suitcase for traveling
Add parent-loved packing cubes from No Reception Club
2. Travel gear for children: Travel strollers, carriers for every situation
Airports recommend getting there at least two hours early to make sure you're through security and in your designated boarding area early. But, anyone with kids knows that nothing ever runs perfectly on schedule. The last thing you want to be dealing with if you're running late or just nervous about travel is a little one who is moving slow, constantly stopping, or worse, running off. Grab a foldable stroller that breaks down easy to check at the gate, won't take up much space and it'll benefit you at your destination to have something small and lightweight for their easily-tired little legs.
Ultra-compact, foldable stroller for traveling with kids
Whether you're planning to strap your kiddo into a car seat on the plane, or you're bringing it for the sake of rental cars and getting around at your destination, lugging a car seat around anywhere is not easy or fun. Make your life 100 times easier with a carrying case that turns your car seat into a backpack.
How to travel with a car seat
One thing I've learned is that not everywhere is stroller friendly. Amusement parks tend to have stroller rentals, but sometimes you just need a travel alternative. For example, San Antonio's Riverwalk is cramped and one wrong move means you're in the river, stroller and all. Internationally, Japan offers stroller rentals in some of the larger train stations, but if you're climbing through the red gates at Fushimi Inari, leave the stroller at home and grab a child-friendly hiking backpack or baby carrier.
Travel-friendly baby carrier for places that aren't stroller-friendly
3. Kids travel snacks—don't pay airport prices
No one likes airport prices, absolutely no one. You're paying for convenience, but if you care at all about sugar intake, dyes or dietary restrictions for your kids, airport snacks surely aren't the way to go. Grab a snack container and fill it up at home (yes, snacks are fine to go through security).
Kids to-go snack container for travel
My favorite features: It's easy-to-carry without taking up too much space and the containers lock together but little hands can still open it. Shop now at Amazon
Plus, grab a child-friendly reusable water bottle or cup for the trip. It does have to be empty when you go through security, but you can add their favorite juice or water once you're through. Having one on hand helps at your destination as well, so you're not constantly stopping when you hear, "Mommy I'm thirsty!"
Kids water bottle for travel
4. Kids travel accessories: Plan for in-flight entertainment without wifi
Most airlines are charging for wifi these days and they're also charging per device. While we always bring a kid-friendly device with us (screen time rules go out the window when traveling!), it's best to always have a backup plan.
I prefer a Samsung Galaxy tablet, because Samsung has an incredible kids mode that I think is far more child-friendly than any child-designated tablet.
Highly-rated tablet for kids
- Pro-tip: Grab the case before there's damage! This one stands up making it easier for kids to enjoy their favorite entertainment hands-free.
We always have kid-friendly headphones charged and ready to go. These Heyday headphones are noise-cancelling, wireless and come into kid-friendly color options.
Best-selling kids headphones for travel
Budget-friendly kids headphones for travel, car
- Pro-tip: Electronics need charging, you don't want to get on your flight and realize you forgot to charge their tablet or headphones. The USA TODAY Shopping team has compiled a list of the best portable chargers to take with you for power on-the-go.
But, one of the best travel tips I ever got for traveling with my son is to bring a few small NEW toys. New being key, because it provides novelty for little ones. You don't have to spend a ton, but my favorites include a small playdough set (relatively mess-free), a travel-friendly magnetic tile set and, of course, some drawing or coloring activities.
Flight-friendly toys for kids
5. Family vacation must-have: Lollipops prevent fussing on takeoff/landing
I saved the best for last. No one wants a crying child on a flight, not even parents, but it happens to the best of us. The hack is a life-saver; Lollipops really do help! The sucking action helps with the pressure change associated with takeoff and landing. A bottle or pacifier can help babies, lollipops for toddlers and school-aged children and gum for everyone else. I always pack a few for the trip and what kid isn't excited for candy?
- Pro-tip: Pack these in their bag in advance! I've forgotten a few times and you would think with all the candy options available in airports that at least one lollipop is available and I'm telling you, that's just not the case.
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