Must-Haves for Traveling with Toddlers

Traveling with toddlers is always an adventure, but making memories as a family is priceless. Preparing for anything that may come up makes things like traveling with toddlers easier. It feels like moving with all the items you need to gather to take with you. You may need items for eating, sleeping, playing, and more.

It can be overwhelming when packing to anticipate all the things you may need while on a trip. It certainly can be helpful to list everything your toddler may need. Then, narrow it to the essential items. I’m sharing all the must-have toddler travel items to make packing easier.

Must-Haves for Traveling with Toddlers

Snacks and Mealtime

1. hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat

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This portable highchair has been an absolute must when on the go and traveling with my son. It folds up easily, and the tray can be removed as needed for easy cleaning. The cover is also machine washable. It can be used on the ground or tethered to an adult chair as a booster seat. We also use it at the beach as his chair without the tray.

2. Munchkin Snack Catcher

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These snack catchers are a must for traveling with toddlers. Fill them with your kid’s favorite snack by removing the top. It has handles that make it easy for them to hold. The opening for the top is spill-proof while still allowing them to get the actual snack out. You can easily clean them with soap and water; they are very durable and are our diaper bag staple!

3. GoBe Kids Snack Spinner

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Take the fun of snack time on the go up a notch with this spinner. Each compartment separates the snack and prevents spilling when the lid is snapped close. There is a button in the center that rotates the compartment. This will give your toddler the novelty of switching compartments and eating their snacks. It makes snack time even more entertaining and fun. And it can easily be taken apart to be washed as needed.

4. Bentgo® Kids Water Bottle

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Staying hydrated when traveling is so important. This leak-proof water bottle will keep you mess-free. It features different fun prints to choose from and has a straw inside for easy sipping. You can easily take it apart for washing.

5. Teivio Reusable Portable Travel Utensils

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This set of toddler utensils includes a fork, spoon, and chopsticks. They come in a set of two or four and various colors. They do not contain heavy metals and are made of wheat straw material. The handles are also designed with a rounded shape, making it easier for little hands to hold and control.

6. Fold-N-Go Baby Plates & Toddler Plates

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These plates are designed to promote self-feeding in babies and toddlers by keeping the dining experience the same in and out of the home. They are foldable silicone plates that are a great travel option. They are also fully microwaveable and dishwasher-safe, which is a huge plus.

7. Bibsters Disposable Bibs

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These disposable bibs are great for the on-the-go family. They have a handy pocket to catch food, and you throw them away when you’re done!

Strollers and Wagons

8. Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller

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This affordable stroller is a perfect choice for travel. It is lightweight (weighing 11 pounds) and easily foldable. Some parent-friendly features included are 2 cup holders, a storage pouch, a storage basket, auto-lock, anti-shock front wheels, lockable rear wheels, and more. The comfort features for baby include a full-sized seat, multi-position recline and padded seat back, hassle-free canopy with pop-out sun visor, padded 5-point safety harness, and more!

9. DOONA Liki Trike S5

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This is another option you could use instead of a stroller. The Doona Trike features a harness, safety bar, and handle for pushing. It also has a canopy for sun protection. We love how it features five phases catering to babies aged 10 – 36 months. It can go from stroller to trike in seconds, making it a product that truly grows with your family! The Doona Trike completely folds into a bag and can even fit under your seat on a plane.

10. Graco ® Modes™ Adventure Stroller Wagon

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Another option instead of a stroller is this foldable wagon. It can haul your toddler and all your things as needed. It has a small, compact fold—one of the smallest in the market (30% smaller)— which ensures easy storage and transportation. There are two seats and a footwell for little legs and feet to rest in this kids’ wagon. We love how you can pull it like a wagon or push it like a stroller; it easily converts from one to the other. Plus, this folding wagon stroller accepts any Graco infant car seat with an adapter (sold separately), so even your infant can come along for the ride from day one. It includes a child’s tray with cup holders, a lightweight aluminum frame, a height-adjustable handle, and 2 large canopies with breathable mesh panels and UV 50 sun protection.

11. Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat

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This lightweight car seat is affordable, making it an excellent choice for travel. It is no-frills and safe for your toddler. It will work perfectly on a plane or in a car. We have used one each time we have traveled.

12. Stroller Travel Bag

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This bag is perfect if you will be checking your stroller during airplane travel. It is water-resistant and has adjustable straps for easy carrying.

Sleeping

13. Lotus Travel Crib

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This is our go-to travel crib. We have used this when traveling with my son since he was two months old. He is just as comfortable and safe in it at two years old. The crib folds up into a handy backpack for easy carrying. It is also straightforward to set up.

14. SlumberPod

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This is an absolute must-have in my book! The SlumberPod tent creates a dark, safe space for your toddler to sleep in and fits over most travel and mini cribs. It allows your child to sleep in the same room as you without being able to see you. It is easy to set up and completely breathable. It also includes a spot for a USB fan and a baby monitor. Your baby or toddler will be able to sleep so much better with this when away from home!

15. hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers

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This will be a great option if your toddler has transitioned out of the crib and into a regular bed. This toddler travel bed includes an air mattress and bumpers all around for safety. It completely folds up into a small carrying bag perfect for easy traveling.

16. Hatch Rest Mini White Noise Smart Sound Machine

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Here is another must-have for travel in my household. We love the Hatch Rest, but this travel-sized one with no cords seems much easier to take on the go. It has eight sounds to choose from, and you can control it easily via the app on your phone.

17. Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine

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This sound machine is another great travel option. It is rechargeable via USB and can be clipped anywhere. We like to keep this close by in or near the car seat to help our little one rest. It is tiny and easy to take with you. The sound machine features three soothing sounds and a nightlight.

18. BlueHills Ultra Compact Travel Blanket in Portable Case

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Traveling with blankets can be annoying due to how much space they take up. This soft travel blanket folds up small into its pouch. It can also be used as a pillow.

Activities

19. Melissa & Doug Water Reveal Activity Pad

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These are one of the best activities for traveling with toddlers. These activity pads are reusable because the color comes from water application. Add water to the pen, revealing the color as you go. My toddler has so much fun with these!

20. Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Book

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Another favorite when traveling is stickers. These puffy stickers by Melissa and Doug are super fun. It comes with two fold-out scenes, and the stickers are reusable. There are several themes you can choose from for your toddler.

21. iClever Headphones

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These headphones are perfect for little ears. They limit the volume to a safe level and come highly rated and reviewed.

22. Fire 7 Kids Tablet

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When all else fails, grab the tablet! This one by Amazon is specifically made for kids. It’s a great size and comes with a protective cover. It contains parental controls and programs for kids. We always make sure to charge our Fire Tablet before hitting the road!

Luggage and Bags

23. Lulyboo Activity Backpack

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Such a neat travel backpack! This one is designed for toddlers and unzips to reveal a contained activity area. There’s a sleeve for a tablet and mesh pockets for other items too.

24. JetKids Ride-On Suitcase

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This multipurpose luggage does it all. It functions as a suitcase for your toddler and has the capability for them to ride on it. Once on the plane, it can also become a bed so your little one can comfortably nap. It is TSA-approved for safe travel.

25. Diaper Bag Organizing Pouches

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When you’re traveling with toddlers, you need all the things! Keep them organized even on the go with these pouches. You can easily keep snacks, medications, toys, and more in the zippered organization bags.

Make sure to pack your extra patience when traveling with a toddler. Keeping expectations low also allows more enjoyment for the whole family. Remember that they are only a little once, and sometimes you must go with the flow. Don’t forget to take photos to look back on. Safe travels!

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