Anyone who has traveled with a toddler would agree: that traveling with a toddler can be an exciting yet potentially chaotic and exhausting adventure. While you can’t magically see the future, you can anticipate potential challenges. The key to a smooth and enjoyable journey is being as prepared as possible and packing the right gear when you’re traveling with toddlers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to ensure a hassle-free trip with your little one, from essential toddler travel gear to tips for keeping them entertained. Plus we keep your budget in mind with our suggestions, so you won’t have to break the bank.
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Best Travel Gear for Toddlers
Lightweight Travel Stroller
A lightweight, easily foldable stroller is a must-have for navigating airports and subways and exploring new destinations. Look for one with a sturdy build, ample storage, and a reclining seat for nap times.
Favorite Compact Travel Stroller: Hugglo™ Ultra Compact Umbrella Stroller
This stroller is a dream for traveling with babies and toddlers. It’s the most compact stroller when folded and weighs only 13 pounds. While designed for babies and toddlers up to 2 years old, it can accommodate children up to 55 pounds, which exceeds the average travel stroller weight limit.
One of my favorite features is the fully reclining seat and adjustable leg rest, so your kiddo can get decent naps on the go. When reclined, the umbrella canopy does a good job of providing adequate shade. It also includes a storage area beneath the stroller, a cup holder, and pockets behind the seat for cups, keys, toys, etc.
As far as safety features go, it includes a 5-point harness, an easy pedal brake, and a peek-a-boo canopy so you can easily check on your child when out and about. This stroller is comparable to more expensive models and is a great buy, in my opinion!
Favorite Budget Travel Stroller: Summer Infant 3Dmini Convenience Stroller
This is one of the best-selling umbrella strollers on the market. Summer Infant is a well-known and trustworthy brand, so you can feel good about this stroller. It’s super lightweight, weighing only 11 pounds, making it perfect for travel. It can accommodate children up to 45 pounds.
Features include dual cup holders and a zippered storage pocket, multi-position, reclining back, and a 5-point harness. It’s a small, lightweight travel stroller that is easy on the wallet and ideal for traveling with little ones.
Travel Car Seats
Safety should never take a backseat, especially when traveling. But I refused to haul our bulky, very heavy convertible car seat around the airport and into Uber rides when flying with my toddlers. A portable travel car seat is essential for easy travel. And there are some affordable options that you’ll feel good about,
Favorite Travel Convertible Car Seat: Evenflo Tribute LX 2-in-1 Lightweight Convertible Car Seat
This car seat will work for your child from 5 lbs up to 40 lbs, making it an ideal car seat for both babies needing rear-facing and growing toddlers and preschoolers ready for forward-facing. The 5-point harness and 4-position shoulder harness keep your little one safe and secure.
This seat weighs only 9 pounds and is one of the lightest car seats on the market, making it a travel winner. It’s also compact, making it ideal when you need to fit multiple car seats in the back. As for other winning features, It includes a removable cup holder, plus easy-to-clean fabric that is removable and machine washable.
It’s not the most cushy car seat on the market, but for the price, safety features, size, and weight, it’s a winning travel car seat that’s perfect for once-in-a-while use.
Favorite Car Seat and Booster Seat Combo: Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
This narrow, lightweight car seat is less than 11 pounds and will fit three across in most vehicles. If you’ll be carrying car seats around the airport or squeezing kiddos in the backseat of a rental car, then you’ll love the compact size. It’s also perfect for sending with grandparents or babysitters.
The five-point harness provides safety for kids as small as 30 pounds and then transitions to a booster seat for kids up to 65 pounds. This car seat is not ideal if your toddler is on the small size, but is perfect for growing toddlers and preschoolers.
Favorite Packable Booster Seat: BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat
Once my daughter was 4 years old and able to sit in a backless booster, this became our go-to travel booster seat. We could toss it in a duffle bag or backpack and not worry about lugging a big booster seat around. Score! It’s also a lifesaver for school carpools or weekends with grandparents.
It’s simple to inflate and deflate and will stay inflated for hours with a child sitting on it. We didn’t have any issues with it deflating on our hours-long drive. It has a seat belt clip to position the seatbelt correctly across her chest and shoulder. The foam padding makes it a comfy seat for extended travel.
It’s designed for kiddos 40-100 pounds. We didn’t use it until our kids were mature enough to keep their shoulder belts in place, which for us was when they were in Pre-K (ages 4-5). I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone younger than 4 years old, even if they are 40+ pounds.
And did I mention this car seat is less than $40? It’s definitely a budget travel winner.
Sleep Essentials
Ensuring your toddler has a safe and comfy place to sleep is crucial for everyone! There’s nothing like tossing and turning all night with a thrashing toddler in your hotel bed. Creating a calm and comfortable sleep environment is important for everyone’s rest on the trip.
Travel Crib: Pamo babe Travel Crib
The Pamo babe travel crib is a lightweight sleep system for toddlers. If you’re looking for a travel crib that’s lighter and less bulky than a traditional playpen, you’ll love this option. It only weighs 12 pounds and when folded, it can easily fit in a 28″ suitcase. And it’s quick and simple to put it up and take it down.
The weight limit is lower than a playpen. It’s designed for infants and toddlers up to 33 pounds. The deep sides keep your little ones from escaping. It includes a (thin) mattress and mattress cover. It’s definitely not the comfort level of a regular crib, but so many users love it and said their babies slept fine on it.
It’s very similar to more expensive models for a fraction of the price and very comparable ease of use and quality. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly travel crib, this is the one!
Travel Toddler Mattress: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
If your toddler has outgrown the travel crib and is transitioning to a toddler bed or adult bed, an inflatable toddler bed is the perfect option for travel. The hiccapop is designed for toddlers with its 4 elevated bumper sides to keep your wild sleeper from rolling off the bed.
This inflatable travel bed holds up to 310 pounds and the vinyl is 40% thicker than traditional air mattresses, so it’s much less likely to get punctured when they’re wrestling or jumping in their boots. You can use any regular crib sheets on this mattress, which saves some money.
And our next recommended item works perfectly in tandem with hiccapop!
Sleep Tent: SlumberPod The Original Blackout Sleep Tent
This SlumberPod Sleep tent is incredible. If you need to create a dark space for your little one’s sleep, you can use this travel tent in tandem with a portable crib, toddler mattress (39″L), or cot. It’s so versatile and provides a dark, cozy environment that will contribute to a good night’s sleep, as it blocks out 95% of light. It’s made of breathable fabric and includes 4 adjustable ventilation panels, plus two compartments to add the mini fan that is sold separately.
This portable blackout tent is easy to assemble with its pop-up tent design. When folded it easily fits in a carry-on bag and it weighs only 5.7 pounds. It’s a great addition to your other travel beds if light is an issue for your kiddo. I would have loved this for my middle child when she was tiny, as any bit of light kept her awake, making it a challenge in hotel rooms when we weren’t quite ready to go to bed. And I love that it can transition with your child from travel cribs to toddler mattresses. It’s the perfect sleep solution when traveling and according to other moms who love the SlumberPod, it’s completely worth the cost compared to knock-off versions.
Portable White Noise Machine: JolyWell Portable Sound Machine
This small, portable, rechargeable sound machine is ideal for hotel rooms, on the go in the go in stroller, or on the plane. It fits in the palm of your hand and is lightweight, so you can easily hang it from your diaper bag or stroller or carry it in your purse. And the battery lasts for hours and hours. And did I mention it can double as a night light?
Feeding Essentials
Make meal and snack times easy-breezy and the hangries at bay with these must-haves.
Collapsible Cups: Baby’s Brew 2-in-1
Save space with this genius 2-in-1 collapsible travel cup. It’s both a straw cup and a snack cup and collapses down to a tiny size. It’s the efficient packer’s dream.
No-Spill Bottle Top: KIDDIKAP
Turn any water bottle into a no-spill, toddler-friendly beverage. These tops easily fit into most standard-size water or soda bottles, They work with reusable straws, as well. The set of three silicone tops is BPA-free, easy to clean and reuse, and takes up practically no space in your luggage! Even my 9-year-old loves these tops!
Baby Food and Snacks
Having plenty of snacks and food on hand is a must for traveling! You don’t want to be caught somewhere with a hangry toddler. My favorite space-saving things to pack are squeezable apple sauce pouches, fruit bars, and goldfish crackers. And of course, some lollipops for the plane ride!
Travel High Chair: liuliuby Travel Harness Seat
A travel high chair can make meal times much more manageable, especially in restaurants or accommodations without suitable seating for toddlers. if you’ve ever tried to eat with a squirrely toddler on your lap, you know what I mean.
This travel harness works on a regular dining chair. It’s the most compact travel high chair I’ve seen. You can literally roll it up, and it’s small enough to fit in your purse or backpack.
The harness is height adjustable, so it works on a variety of dining chairs. And the shoulder straps and anti-slip pads help keep your kiddo more secure. It’s safe, lightweight, and a game-changer for dining while traveling!
Clothing and Comfort
Here are some essentials for keeping your toddler comfortable when you’re on the go.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
This probably goes without saying, but make sure you check and recheck your destination’s weather before leaving on your trip. We’ve been caught off guard by much warmer than previously expected weather and only had long sleeves to wear. Ugh. That’s why I now prefer to plan outfits with layers, so we can adjust as needed.
Extra Sets of Clothes
Toddlers are notorious for spills and accidents, so extra sets of clothes are essential. Pack lightweight, easy-to-clean items. Avoid those white cotton shirts and opt for darker colors.
Comfort Items
Don’t forget your child’s favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier. And bring back-ups! We lost my 20-month-old daughter’s favorite little toy at the airport before boarding, and you can imagine how the flight went after that. Bless the flight attendant who delivered that bottle of wine to my seat.
Health and Hygiene
With toddlers (and older kids) it’s important to be prepared when messes or accidents strike!
First Aid Kit
A travel-sized first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and fever reducers allows you to quickly address any minor emergencies. You don’t want to be running for the drug store at 2 in the morning when fever strikes.
Baby Toiletries
Pack travel-sized baby shampoo, lotion, diaper rash cream, plenty of diapers, wipes, and a waterproof changing pad. If I’m short on luggage space and traveling somewhere with access to diaper supplies, I’ll just pack a few for the travel day and purchase a package of diapers and wipes when we arrive.
Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
Keep those nasty germs at bay with hand sanitizer and use wet wipes for quick cleanups on-the-go. I love keeping a travel pack of disinfecting wipes on hand for wiping down my airplane seat and airplane tray table. The past two times we’ve flown, they had huge delays and didn’t have time to clean the plane before we boarded. Gross!
Entertainment and Engagement
Be prepared to keep your kiddo entertained on those long travel days.
Toys and Books
Bring a selection of your toddler’s favorite small toys and books to keep them entertained during the journey.
Kids’ Tablet with Headphones
For longer trips, a tablet preloaded with child-friendly apps and videos can be a lifesaver! Ensure you bring noise-canceling headphones for a more peaceful journey.
A Mom Travel Bag to Carry it All
When you’re out and about all day, you’ll want the perfect travel backpack to carry all the toddler travel gear and make travel soooo much easier! We’ve created a guide to our faves right here.
Practical Tips for Family Travel with a Toddler
Planning and Booking Ahead: Reserve child-friendly accommodations and transportation options well in advance. Look for places with amenities like portable cribs and
Keeping a Flexible Schedule: Traveling with toddlers requires patience and flexibility. Keep your itinerary loose to accommodate nap times and unexpected delays.
Safety Precautions: Always keep a close eye on your toddler, especially in crowded places. Keep your stroller and diaper bag within reach at all times. And while you might catch some dirty looks, a toddler harness gave me peace of mind when my 3-year-old refused to ride in the stroller or be carried.
Wrapping-Up: Best Toddler Travel Gear
Traveling with a toddler might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can turn into a memorable adventure. Packing the essential toddler travel gear, planning ahead, and maintaining a flexible attitude will help you navigate the challenges and enjoy the journey. Safe travels!
FAQs
- What’s the best way to keep a toddler occupied during airplane travel or on a long road trip?
- Bring a mix of their favorite toys, books, and a tablet with headphones. Snacks can also be a great distraction.
- How do I ensure my toddler sleeps well in a new environment?
- Maintain their bedtime routine and bring familiar items like their blanket or stuffed animal.
- Bring a sound machine and a black out-tent to help block out background noises and make it a dark environment.
- Can I bring my toddler’s stroller on the plane?
- Most airlines allow you to check it at the gate and will have it waiting for you at deboarding.
- How do I deal with a toddler’s ear pain during takeoff and landing?
- Encourage swallowing through breastfeeding, a cup, or a pacifier to help relieve ear pressure. Sucking on a lollipop helps, too!
- What’s the key to a stress-free trip with a toddler?
- I don’t think there’s anything that is stress-free when toddlers are involved. But preparation, flexibility, and keeping your expectations realistic are crucial for a less-stressed journey.
