Struggling to know what to buy before traveling with kids? Here’s a list of some of my favorite items to pack for a family trip.
It can be easy to let the little details of traveling with kids prevent you from taking those exciting family trips. From getting a stroller on the plane to finding snacks for picky kids to staying entertained on a long flight – all of these things can feel extremely stressful.
Having the right tools helps eliminate some of the stress of traveling with your kids (not all of it!) and allow you to enjoy more of those precious adventures with your kids.
Packing and Prepping
My Favorite Luggage for Kids
The JetKids suitcase is so much fun for kids because of its fun features. Kids can ride on top of the suitcase, so they can avoid long walks through big airports. There is also a compact mattress inside so kids can take a rest during long layovers or delays.
My Favorite Snack Box
Kid-approved food can be difficult to find when traveling. Packing a few of your baby’s favorites ahead of time can prevent a lot of stress during your travels. This Bentgo lunch box is great for holding a variety of snacks for a long plane or car ride.
Transportation
My Favorite Stroller for One
The YOYO+ Stroller is great for traveling with kids, because it is lightweight and collapsible. It collapses down to 20 inches by 17.5 inches by 7 inches, so it’s easy to hand off to the gate check or load into a rental car. If you’re traveling with more than one child, you can buy a stroller connector that easily links two BabyZen YOYO+ Strollers together.
My Favorite Stroller for Two
If you’re looking for a double stroller, the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is a great solution for traveling parents and kids. It collapses in two easy steps. It also has a carry handle and a shoulder strap, so it’s easy to transport when not in use.
My Favorite Hip Carrier
TushBaby is a woman-owned company that is gaining popularity quickly with their hip carriers. It is a strap-free, ergonomic hipseat that distributes your baby’s weight. This is an awesome choice for traveling mums and dads who may want to bring their babies along on adventures that may not be stroller-friendly. The TushBaby has pockets for your belongings, so it doubles as a carrier and a fanny pack.
Entertainment
My Favorite Headphones for Kids
Belkin Wireless Headphones for Kids
Most kids are going to need some screen time when traveling – especially on long flights. It’s a great way to help kids tune out any new experiences on flights or road trips that might cause anxiety or uneasiness. These Belkin wireless headphones are a great choice because they are reasonably priced and made for little ears.
My Favorite Tablet for Kids
It can be very intimidating to choose a piece of very expensive technology to hand over to your kids and toddlers. The Amazon Fire tablet is a great choice because it has tons of great parental control and filtering features as well as warranties and customer support in the event of an accident. (An added bonus: Amazon is constantly running deals on the tablet, so it’s easy to find a great price!)
My Favorite Doodle Pad
I distinctly remember my mom packing up coloring books and crayons for family trips growing up. I cannot imagine lugging all of those messy crayons and colored pencils around! Luckily, doodle pads allow kids to draw as much as they want without having to use new pieces of paper for each drawing. Doodle pads are also a great “training” tablet to make sure that kids can use them responsibly before getting them a more expensive internet-connected tablet.
Comfort
My Favorite Comfy Travel Clothes
You may remember that we actually have a clothing store, Kylo & Co, that specializes in gender-neutral comfy clothing for your little ones. Our sets are great options for traveling with kids because they’re cozy and comfortable and offer three warmth levels for wherever your travels take you! The knit set could be a great choice for a family trip to Iceland, while the Canadian Summer Set would be great for a fall trip to the Caribbean!
My Favorite Blanket
Kids can have anxiety while traveling. New experiences, people, sounds, and places can be a lot for kids to take in! Weighted blankets can help reduce anxiety and help kids feel calm and safe. Now, you might be thinking, why would I want to carry a weighted blanket while traveling? But don’t worry, this kid-safe blanket weighs only three pounds so it provides a calming effect without adding too much heft to your carry on.
My main advice is this: don’t let the opportunity to travel with your kids slip through your hands. You can do it! Try not to let the fear of the unknown stop you from making these amazing lifelong memories. I hope this list helps you prepare for stress-free, exciting adventures for your family in the upcoming year!
xoxo Fil
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