The Best Gear for Traveling Families

Let’s start with a disclaimer. You do not NEED anything special to travel with your kids. Twenty years from now, you probably won’t remember any travel gear you bought. You will only remember the trip! That said, some things might make your trip a bit easier. Let’s face it: if you are traveling with kids, most of us will take all the help we can get. Some travel gear is frankly just very cool or convenient. From helpful game changers to innovative, nice-to-have gear, this article is dedicated to those items. 

Categories: Best Family Travel Accessories, Best Gear for traveling with a baby, Best Gear for traveling with a toddler, Best gear for traveling with kids

Best Family Travel Accessories

Passport Holder 

Let’s start with the basics. If you are traveling with kids, a family passport holder to keep your tickets, passports, printed visas if needed, and a pen (stop forgetting pens, and have one live inside). Passport holders are great. However, If you have more than two kids or have dual residency with more than one passport each, passport holders will be too small to fit them all! Enter the electronic travel case organizer!  It is large enough to fit everything for the whole family and still has a boarding pass-sized pocket on the outside for easy access. As a bonus, electronic case organizers often have more protective cases to keep contents safe. 

Tracking Tags

In the age of lost and delayed luggage, AirTags are an excellent investment for frequent travelers. You can either stick them inside of your luggage or attach to the luggage tag using a waterproof AirTag holder. If you don’t have an Apple device, opt for Galaxy smart tags instead. You can even get a cute necklace (AirTag) or bracelet (Galaxy tag) holder to put one on your kid. That can be helpful in very crowded destinations such as theme parks, events, tourist spots, or even at a busy airport. Hiding one in your parked stroller at theme parks isn’t a bad idea either. 

Sit and glide carry-on luggage.

This luggage has a flip-out backrest and a firm structure to be used as a seat on the go! It’s not just for toddlers, either—even adults can use it as a seat while waiting in long lines at the airport. There are plenty of smaller kid-specific options as well, but you will get less long-term use out of these. 

First Aid Kit 

Every family should pack a small first aid kit. It should have the basics to disinfect and cover a wound, some chewable medications for older kids, such as Tylenol and Benadryl, motion sickness meds, anti-itch cream, etc. It should also have needed supplies for your family’s specific health needs. For example, asthmatics may want to fill a prednisone prescription and/or an extra inhaler to take before a big trip to have on hand. You can make your own kit by using things on hand around the house. 

You can also buy travel-ready first aid kits that are TSA-approved. Note that while these are marketed as TSA-approved, you might need extra screening for the liquid packets and sharp objects packed inside. To avoid this, pack the kit in your checked luggage and just bring a few essentials in your purse. 

Earplugs

Not just any earplugs, Loops. Loops are different because they come in a standard variety, which is great for everyday use. There is also the “experience” variety – where you can still hear your surroundings but at a lower decibel. Experience loops are great for parents who want to drown out the plane noise but still hear their small kids or who will be attending a loud event on their travels. Loops can be worn under over-ear headphones on a plane or alone. Children-sized loops for kids 6+ are available, too! These are especially recommended for children with sensory sensitivities for use at various times throughout your trip. 

Packing cubes

Packing cubes are great for keeping organized during your trip. Keep each child’s clothing in a separate cube for easy, independent access. I’ve tried packing cubes at various price points. This is not something you want to splurge on. The Amazon Basics set is still holding up for me five years in. I also tried the compression packing cubes and wasn’t impressed. I vote to save your money. They might be good for people heading to winter destinations, though, especially if bringing puffy coats that you want compressed. 

Portable Laundry things

Marketed as a pocket-sized laundry machine, this is very handy for long trips! Pair it with laundry sheets and a travel clothesline, and you are set to wash small loads in your hotel room! For a more straightforward option, you can always wash a few small things in the hotel sink or tub with laundry sheets. 

Pocket-Sized Rain Ponchos  

Don’t get stuck buying $20 rain ponchos at Disney. If there is any chance of rain, buy these ahead of time! If you opt for a disposable option like this, please recycle! 

Plug Adapters 

There are multiple plug converters and travel-sized voltage converters on the market. Look for ones that have the plug points you need, such as USB points, USB-C type, and conventional plug points like this one. If you don’t want to bother switching out the plug type, you can get a slider-type adapter like this, but these can sometimes have longevity and jamming issues. If you need an adapter that is also a converter (to change the voltage) or simply prefer to have a long cord attached to the charging point, this is the one you want!

Best gear for traveling with a baby

Harness for a lap baby

Used for lap babies on flights. This vest will allow you to be hands-free while flying with your lap baby. It can be used along with the infant lap belt provided on many flights (by the way, don’t forget to ask for that; sometimes, they only give you one if you ask). The vest keeps your baby securely on your lap so they can’t roll off if you both fall asleep or get thrown into the air during sudden turbulence. When you land and need to pack up, buckle your baby into the seat by threading the belt through the harness strap making sure to tighten the seatbelt all the way. Now, you will be free to use both hands to get everything arranged while your baby is buckled into the seat with the harness. 

Foldable baby carrier 

I use an Ergo baby carrier at home. When I travel, though, I leave it at home. Instead, I bring the BOBA Air baby carrier because it is so much lighter and smaller than the Ergo baby one. It doesn’t sit in storage at home either; I keep it in the trunk of the car for last-minute needs. The only reason its not my primary carrier is the lack of shoulder padding. It really is perfect for travel and quick errands though. 

Blackout Curtains or cover

Consider these travel-friendly blackout curtains if your little one is a sensitive sleeper. Another option is a cover for the baby crib or pack-n-play. Slumberpod is very popular, but this one is a fraction of the price and well-reviewed. 

Travel high chair

There are many travel highchairs on the market. Highchairs aren’t as popular in other parts of the world as in the US, so if you can’t do without one, it is best to carry your own (depending on where you are heading). Foldable camping-style chairs can be used with or without a tray and can be placed directly on the floor. They do fit on most chairs but are not the most compact. The most compact option is this one. Very easy to carry around. It doesn’t lift babies up any higher but will keep them from falling out of the chair and keeps your hands a bit free. 

Travel Stroller 

Travel strollers are lighter and more portable than traditional prams. They can often fit into the overhead carry-on, reducing wait time after landing and significantly reducing the risk of damage. Three stand-out options are the Baby Jogger Citi Tour 2, Mamazing travel stroller and the Babyzen yoyo2. If you are searching for a double travel stroller, we’ve outlined all your best options HERE. 

Portable Sound Machine

There are many travel-specific sound machines out there. I’ve found it best to use the same machine that we already have at home. This is the one I use (but any small machine that you already have will be best). It plays the same short song each night before bed, whether we are at home or traveling for consistency. 

Lightweight convertible car seat 

If your baby still fits into their infant car seat, it’s best to bring that (leave the base at home if you have one).  However, if your toddler has outgrown that seat, regular convertible seats can be huge and heavy. You can consider a lighter-weight one for travel. A good option in the US is Evenflo tribute. There is always a risk of damage anytime you put anything through baggage handling. A second seat keeps your main car seat safe at home. This lightly padded backpack is a convenient way to get the car seat through the airport. You can bring your car seat onto the plane if approved and narrow enough to fit in your child’s seat. *Check that your car seat is legal in the country you are heading to. For example, American car seats are illegal in Australia, and vice versa.  

Baby Earmuffs 

Protect little ears on planes and at loud events with these baby ear muffs. 

Best gear for traveling with a toddler

Ride Safer Vest

Once your toddler is at least two years old and fits the height and weight requirements, you can carry a Ride Safer Vest instead of the convertible car seat. They are super small and lightweight and will be a literally be significant weight off your shoulders when traveling with kids. You will need to check the age and weight requirements as sizes vary. Crash-tested and approved in all 50 US states, so you can even use it in an Uber on the way to the departure terminal. It is an absolute game-changer! They cannot be used on planes. If you want something specifically for the plane, then you can get a Cares harness. 

Travel potty seat 

This foldable portable seat topper is small enough to fit into a purse or backpack. It fits most standard toilets. If you’d like, you can pair it with a collapsible stool for use with the toilet and sink. Be sure you get one with a splash guard (learned the importance of this the messy way). 

Airplane toys 

Airplane toys are a must for toddlers on planes! Yes, even if you carry a tablet, toddlers need more activity variety than older kids. You want toys that are small, will keep your toddler occupied for the longest time possible, and will not be disruptive to others on the plane. (Definitely leave noise makers and light flashers at home.) For a list of the best airplane toys for toddlers, click HERE. 

Travel Snack Box

Make snacks on the go more interesting with this spinning snack box!  Collapsable silicone containers are also great for travel. 

Toddler Plane seat extender

Help your toddler get comfy and their toys off the floor (because who knows how often those floors are cleaned) with this handy seat extender that doesn’t require inflating. 

Toddler Backpack

Toddlers love carrying their own backpacks. Get a small one so they won’t be weighed down while carrying it. I suggest putting an empty water bottle in there, too. That’s because toddlers and open containers on a bumpy plane can be risky combinations. Fill it up once you are on the plane. (Remember to twist the lid after ascent to depressurize if you’ve packed a water bottle with a straw.) 

Toddler Tablet

If you hate screens, skip this section. I value my sanity and allow unlimited screen time on planes which is a stark contrast to how things are at home. Any tablet will do but my personal favorite is the Kids Amazon fire. It is priced right and the case really does hold up to a toddlers abuse. Pair it with toddler headphones and a stylus for flexible use. A lot of parents love these headband-style headphones for travel – they aren’t our cup of tea, but they might be yours. 

Best gear for traveling with kids

Inflatable booster seat

For older kids who meet the requirements of a backless booster seat, the bubble bum seat is a great buy! It inflates to be a backlist booster and deflates to fit inside a backpack or large tote bag. 

Nintendo Switch

I know, I know—it’s a screen. The Nintendo Switch is an excellent screen for travel, though, and can be used by up to four kids (and/or their parents) at once! If your child is learning to read or needs extra reading practice, you can look at the Animal Crossing game. You literally can’t play it without reading a fair amount so its great practice. It has a five-star rating on Common Sense Media. However, turn off the internet option in the game to protect kids from online interactions. If you are heading on a road trip, you can pair it with this headrest mount holder. 

Kids Tablet

This Fire HD Pro tablet is a bit bigger and sleeker for older kids. It is priced right and does the job of keeping kids entertained on long drives or flights. 

Headphones and plug adapter (toddlers and bigger kids too!)

Many airlines have stopped providing headphones. The ones that do offer them are adult-sized ones that are often poor quality. Bringing your own is a great idea. These headphones are sound-limited, so you don’t have to worry about anything being too loud. They are also Bluetooth compatible, noise-canceling, and can be folded for easy transport. A cord adapter like this will allow the headphones to be plugged into the in-flight entertainment system for planes that still use the two-prong plug points. If you prefer to leave all the cords at home, you can get a Bluetooth adapter instead. If you get the linked headphones, be sure to turn off the small light strip on the side during flights. 

Best travel pillow for kids 

Most travel pillows are pretty similar. It mostly comes down to kids’ preferences. Memory foam travel pillows offer more support than others. Do get a child-sized one to fit their bodies properly. If your child frequently has their head fall forward while sleeping upright, then consider this travel pillow that wraps all the way around with great chin support. 

      Quick Helpful Links: 

• Airplane Toys for toddlers guide
• Savings on Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts!
• Packing a carry-on diaper bag 
• Global SIM cards (buy before you fly)

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