Essential Travel Gear for Young Kids: What to Pack and What to Skip
Travelling with young children can transform a relaxing holiday into a logistical challenge, but with the right gear, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. Based on extensive parent-tested experience, here’s a guide to the must-have items and what you can leave behind.
On the Move: Transportation Essentials
When planning a trip with small kids, consider the type of holiday. For instance, in destinations like Thailand, a lightweight buggy may be more practical than a bulky one. A supportive sling, such as the BabyBjörn One Air, allows babies to sleep on the go, easing sightseeing during nap times. For buggies, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is a portable option that fits in overhead lockers, making it ideal for flights.
For long-haul flights, the FlyAway inflatable kids bed can transform a seat into a comfortable sleeping space, though always check airline policies first. A ride-on Trunki suitcase adds fun and independence for toddlers, while a travel potty like the Penguin potty is essential for emergencies.
Dinner Time: Feeding and Hygiene
Packing toddler-sized cutlery, such as the Doddl set with a travel case, prevents messes during meals. For bottle-fed children, sterilising tablets like Milton offer a compact alternative to bulkier options. The Nuby Rapid Cool portable baby bottle-making pack ensures formula is prepared safely and quickly, reducing wait times for hungry babies.
A thin, dark-coloured bib, like the Liewood printed cape bib, is easy to pack and resistant to stains. Always carry travel wash, such as Dr Beckmann, for inevitable sink laundry situations when clothes run out.
Sleeping Soundly: Rest and Comfort
Portable blackout blinds, like those from Tommee Tippee, help control light exposure, aiding in adjusting to new time zones. The SnoozeShade breathable pram cover blocks sunlight for naps on the go. For sleeping arrangements, the Stokke CloudSleeper inflatable travel bed is suitable for children too big for cots but too small for beds, while the Bugaboo pop-up travel cot offers a compact and easy-to-set-up option for babies.
Let Me Entertain You: Activities and Toys
Keep children occupied with suction spinners, which double as bath toys. The Yoto Mini portable audio player allows kids to listen independently, and the Camp Snap screen-free camera encourages creativity without immediate gratification. Snip, Snip books with safety scissors provide engaging cutting activities, and magnetic toys like Magna-Tiles Micromags in a tin are perfect for travel.
For older kids, a travel Lego suitcase offers building fun, while magnetic animal playboxes and busy boards like the OMY Montessori activity book cater to younger ones. An anthology of bedtime stories, such as A Year Full of Stories, saves space, and multi-game card sets like Go Fish are great for restaurant waits.
Beach Bums: Sun and Sand Gear
The Solar Buddies refillable sunscreen applicator ensures even application on wriggling children. Microfibre towels from Dock & Bay dry quickly and shake off sand easily. Collapsible beach buckets, like those from Sloosh, are space-saving and reduce waste.
What Isn’t Worth the Spend
Avoid unnecessary items like travel baby monitors, which are often redundant in close quarters like hotels. Beach tents can be impractical if children dislike sand, and baby sunglasses may be fiddly compared to brimmed hats. Streamlining your packing list based on actual needs can save money and luggage space.
By focusing on these essentials, families can enjoy smoother travels with young children, making holidays more memorable and less stressful.
