Affordable and top-rated baby and toddler travel gear will make traveling with little ones much easier. Challenging moments become easy-breezy when you come prepared. Take it from a well-traveled mama, even if I learned the hard way to start!
Just a heads up – I always look for quality items but at an affordable price. Otherwise, this all starts to add up. And we want to have plenty of moola leftover for some big adventures and luxurious rooms, right?? 😉
I’ve spent a lot of time researching the best travel gear to make your travels easier. This list will save you time, money, and a big headache. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you use a link below. There is no extra cost to you, whatsoever. These funds help keep my site up and running, so I thank you!!
Bear with me! Amazon recently got rid of image links and I am still updating all of my posts.
My Favorites of 2023:
1) Adorable toddler suitcase
Our little one loves being a part of the travel family and wheeling her little unicorn suitcase on her own. How cute is this?! Or if you really want to see some smiles (and save your arms while going through the airport) then splurge for the ride-on suitcase that comes in unicorn, motorcycle, fire truck and more styles.
2) Duffle Backpack
If you have a lot of luggage and not a lot of hands (or no elevators, as is the case in some Euro cities and train stations), this classy but rugged duffel backpack will really help. The smaller 17″ laptop backpack makes the perfect carry-on for hubby.
3) Inflatable Footrest
Use this inflatable footrest as a make-shift bed on a long-haul flight (for the kiddos, not you!). Our kids slept much better being able to stretch out those long legs on our last flight to Munich. I wish I had used this sooner!
First check your airline policies to make sure they allow these. I thought many did not. I have seen numerous parents post that they had no problem using it on the plane for a number of different airlines, inflating and deflating it when the lights were out and keeping it at the window seat. Do your own research though.
Other favorites:
Crawling Knee Pads and Non-Slip Socks
These cute knee pads protected her knees and kept her pants from getting too dirty. What a lifesaver, especially for airports and outside exploring. The brand in the picture isn’t available on Amazon right now so I linked a different top-selling brand.
Stock up on non-slip ankle socks for when your little crawler starts trying to walk. Some hotel and bnb floors are pretty slippery.
Apple AirTag
As our babies are no longer attached at our hips, literally and figuratively, I am getting these Apple AirTags to help keep tabs on our little runners in busy areas, umm like Christmas Markets!
With one tap setup, it instantly connects to your iPad or iPhone. These devices use the Find My app to locate the associated AirTag. Very cool.
Get a 4-pack if you want to track suitcases, a diaper backpack (don’t wanna lose that!!!), and other travel belongings.
There are a ton of options on Amazon for wearing the AirTags – from holders and Disney wristbands, to this holder that pins on the inside of clothing so it’s hidden. You could consider clipping it to the inside of your child’s clothing if your goal is to keep it hidden.
Adapters for In-Flight Entertainment!!!
One of these Bluetooth transmitters are a must for wireless headphone hook up on planes. If not, don’t forget the cord for your kids’ headphones. Both of our kids prefer watching in-flight entertainment over their own tablets.
Some planes only have a two prong USB outlet, so you need an adapter if you want to connect your own personal headphones (which would be much better than most of the free ones that some major airlines provide). Some charge for headphones, imagine that… after the $700+ you already paid.
Must Have’s:
Diaper Bag Backpack
A backpack with lots of storage space makes it easy to keep your hands free and stay organized. This popular one is classic but trendy, and comes in all kinds of colors, gray being my favorite though.
The Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack has all that and then some, but it’s not currently available! It’s durable and has lasted several trips with no sign of wear or tear. If it does start to fail, the lifetime warranty will save you. That’s huge and worth the cost right there.
Travel Stroller
I researched high and low for the best travel stroller that suits our needs, and I always come back to this one – the Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller.
It’s light (obviously) and quick-folding. It has a deep recline for napping, large enough storage underneath, and it’s tall enough for my husband who is 6’3″ or 6’4″, depending on who you ask.
We are walkers. I’m talking over 15k steps kind of walkers. This perfect little pram has held up for many, many miles, on gravel, grass, cobblestone, you name it.
The separate handles come in handy to quickly hang a backpack on each side, and even a toddler suitcase on top of a backpack! It can withstand a lot more than you’d think!
Don’t let the price fool ya. This stroller has been through the ringer and has never failed us!! If you can go even smaller, opt for the mini one that has a storage pocket and 2 cupholders.
Check out my top-rated travel strollers for more options if this isn’t what you are looking for.
Travel Car Seat
The Evenflo Tribute is my top pick for babies and toddlers. It’s under 10 pounds, it holds up to 40 pounds, and both of ours have loved it. They sleep well on long European road trips with no complaints.
It’s affordable, lightweight, comfortable, narrow and FAA approved.
The Evenflo Sonus and Graco Transitions are good substitutes if the Tribute isn’t in stock.
The CARES safety restraint system is another option if you want your toddler safely secured in an airplane seat without lugging a full-on car seat.
My newest recommendation? The inflatable booster from Hiccapop. It’s intended for travel in taxis, Ubers, or anytime you’re on the go but can’t lug around a high-back booster. We got one but haven’t tried it yet. It exceeds the Federal Motor Safety Standard in the USA.
For the top-rated car seat recommendations by age as well as more tips, read The Best Travel Car Seats.
If you weren’t planning on bringing a car seat, or still aren’t sure, then read about the pros and cons of a car seat when flying.
Car Seat Travel Belt
This car seat travel strap makes it easy to attach a car seat to your suitcase to get through airports (or the plane if traveling by yourself). Just make sure it’s snug so the seat doesn’t slide back and forth to the side.
If you don’t think the belt will work for you, then consider the car seat backpack instead…
Car Seat Bag or Backpack
When we check our car seats at the airport, we check them in a bag.
Keeping your hands free is crucial when traveling with little ones, especially through the airport, so we use a backpack carrier.
This bag is huge – it fits an infant car seat and travel toddler car seat together, diapers stuffed in between the two and even more if you wanted (ahem, like three pairs of hiking boots).
I know, not the most stylish. You have to come to terms with looking like a fool. But I think it’s totally worth it depending on where you are going and how much luggage you have. Soon enough, these little toddlers will be embarrassed little teenagers. Why don’t we just start now?
This one is padded and more stylish but a bit smaller, so it only holds one car seat.
Most major airlines check baby items for free so it’s a great way to save on luggage space.
A heads up that there are safety tips and risks to consider when checking a car seat.
The one I have is no longer available on Amazon, but this one featured below actually had better reviews than mine, for only a few dollars more. Same size at 34x18x18.
If you want something thicker, padded, better quality, and massively less embarrassing, then opt for the Chicco cover that rolls!
But we’re sticking with our thinner “Big Red” for now. It’s worked well so far!
If you want to bring your usual car seat from home, then it’s probably worth getting a foldable luggage cart since your seat is likely a but heavier and bulkier. Fold it up and toss it under your seat!
Baby Carrier
I carried my first son in the carrier a lot. Ask my physical therapist and she’d probably say I carried him too much. I’m also a physical therapist and I second that – too much!
The carrier was great at times when the stroller would have been an inconvenience (like cobble streets, stairs and train stations).
When my babies were really young (<5-6 months), I used the Infantino carrier. It’s no wonder it’s a top seller on Amazon because it’s comfortable, light, cheap and easy.
As they grew, we used one that had a built-in seat built for added support and comfort. It can be a bit bulky to store because of the seat, but you can always toss it in the stroller or car seat bag at the gate.
The one we had is not available now, but this top seller on Amazon exactly like it but more stylish and with great reviews. These seem more appropriate for larger babies and those without any hip mobility issues. Check with your pediatrician if you aren’t sure.
You could even remove the top and use just the hip booster. If you ONLY need the hip booster, you can go with this option. I would only wear these or very short periods of time and change sides often in an effort to protect your back.
We do so much hiking now, so we only bring the hiking carrier. It has been more comfortable than the other carriers even though it looks bulkier.
It fits in the car seat bag with a large toddler car seat. Money well spent.
This one has an overhead cover and is a little cheaper than the Deuter that our happy hiker loves.
Small Travel Purse
I prefer a small, cross-body purse that I can keep close to me for safety. In it I just keep my phone, cards, passports, pen, keys, tickets, and attached sanitizer. Everything else goes into the diaper backpack.
I found this one on Amazon that is almost identical to the one I’ve used. Amazon sold 3k last month. It’s only $10 on sale now!
Kids Tablet
I know you may want to limit or avoid screen time, but the kids Fire can be very helpful and educational. I swear. So, it’s a no-brainer for traveling.
Get it now, keep it charged, and download a variety of games and shows. If you want a smaller one for travel, go with the 7″ kids tablet.
The 8″ is better if they are watching shows or movies. I’d go for the 32 GB at least, whichever one you get. We had a 16 GB and it didn’t hold much for traveling.
Amazon also has a tablet that’s more age appropriate for older kids, ages 6-12.
If you don’t get the one with more storage, then you can opt to get a compatible SD card. I was able to download in advance a ton of his favorite shows.
Kids Headphones
Headphones are worth it to keep your little one’s attention and not disturb those around you.
We have these noise cancelling headphones that are pretty comfy and the sound is great. Our five-year-old really gets in the zone when wearing these for home schooling sessions and Beach Buggy racing on his tablet. I like that we can share them because they fit both of us.
Tip: Airline headphones will not work well in little ears (and the sound quality is terrible). So bring your own comfy ones as well as the cord to connect to in-flight entertainment. You might also need the adapter depending on their plug outlet.
I searched Amazon for the best Bluetooth kids’ set at a nice price and found these foldable ones. They are a bit tight on my tiny adult head, so may not be comfortable if your child has a wide head?
If your toddler or child can’t tolerate headphones, try the cozy headband style. We haven’t needed them yet. At a young toddler age, our little ones just watched without headphones. Let me know what you think!
Waterproof Wet/Dry Bags
These waterproof wet/dry bags are great for swimsuits, cloth diapers…you name it.
Small Diaper Clutch
Keep a small diaper clutch easily accessible so you can just unhook it and go.
Clips onto your wrist or wear it cross body as you barrel your way down a skinny airplane aisle with a baby in your arms. Don’t try to squeeze into an airplane bathroom with a giant diaper bag. Ha – I’ve tried that before, and I could barely get through the door! What was I thinking?!
Stock the clutch with travel-sized wipes pack near the opening obviously (keep closed to maintain moisture), a diaper or two, a thin changing mat, sanitizing wipes, and a travel diaper rash cream, all behind the wipes. Voila, it’s all there!
Stroller Clips
We use these clips a lot, usually clipping a blanket to something. This is to help baby sleep on the plane, in the stroller or hotel room.
Watch my insta reel for a flying sleep tip that has made our flights so much easier. Use this for car seats in the car and plane as well. You’re welcome.
Pacifier Clips, or ‘Pacifinder’
If I had a dollar for every time a teether hit the floor, well, I’d practically be retired by now.
I learned the hard way with our first baby and finally stocked up on these clips that are also teethers.
Ella liked the one with the silicone beads. She went to town on those beads on multiple flights last year.
And speaking of teething, every parent’s nightmare (I’m kiiiiidding!), I recommend bringing a few options and rotating them. Not all teethers are created equal. And you’ll want some back-up options on a long flight. Take note of more ways to keep your baby entertained on a long flight.
I just found these freezable pacifiers that would probably be life-saving during challenging teething times. When Elle was around 11 months old, frozen baby bottles of water eased her teething woes often. Check out my IG reel to see how.
Nice-to-Have’s:
Travel Stroller Bag / Backpack
You’ll need a stroller bag if you want to check the stroller at the airport. Some airlines don’t require a bag if checked at the gate. The bag will also keep any extra items from going loose in the storage compartment and might make it easier to carry, too.
This cheaper one has held up fine through several trips over 3 years. It is for an umbrella stroller, like our 3D Summer Infant.
Baby Bottle and Food Warmer
I don’t warm my babies’ bottles. Don’t shame me. They actually prefer them cold and refreshing. 🙂
When you can, stick with your home routine. So if you typically warm your bottles, use the Tommee Tippee to keep water and bottles warm or warm them using the water, and this one to warm up the bottle (has a charger and everything). You fancy, huh?
Toddler Suitcase
This is the perfect size suitcase for our little guy to use for his clothes and he loves (most of the time) having his own suitcase to pull. It’s going strong with no issues for over four years now. They have unicorn, space, and all kinds of cute designs.
Or if you’d rather stick with the Disney theme, they have a bunch of characters to choose from, like this hard shell one from American Tourister.
Better yet, have Grandma get this for your little ones’ big vacay! They have awesome designs for Avengers, Elsa, Spongebob, like 20 of em!
Toddler Backpack
Our youngest picked out this unicorn bag and loves it. It’s just the right size for her snacks and activities. Your little one will love carrying his or her own snacks and toys, almost as much as you will. She earned her own travel backpack since we no longer needed a DIAPER backpack anymore!! Good job Elle!
Toddler Backpack With Tether (or Wrist Links?)
I know these can look rather silly. Judge all you want, but I prefer a “leash” on my toddler for some peace of mind while we load the car or airport shuttle and carry our luggage.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
This is actually not for your toiletries, but rather to hang on the back of the seat in front of you on the plane for easy access to hand wipes, sanitizer, toys, crayons, snacks, etc. It’s nice having it all there in front of you without having to constantly reach for the backpack and dig around. Especially if you’re traveling alone with little ones.
It also keeps you from having to stick your hand in the nasty netted cubby thing on the back of the seat that can’t possibly be very sanitary.
Be sure to get one that has see-through pockets.
Hook it to the back of the seat in front of you or side of carseat next to you.
I use the smallest travel toiletry bottle I can find and fill it with dish soap. I keep them together in the same side pocket of my diaper backpack.
Universal Travel Adapter
Check the voltage especially before using high-powered devices like blow dryers. Most cannot handle that voltage. But get this travel adapter that you can use worldwide.
Disposable Place Mats
These stick on place mats could last two minutes or an entire meal, depends on how determined your LO is to remove it. But it helps to prevent a mess and it’s to throw puffs or other snacks on while waiting for the real food to come. Throw it on the airplane tray table immediately!
Diaper Trash Bags
It’s just a nice courtesy when you’re in public. Or can’t find a trash right away??? Hope not. Use these diaper trash bags.
A few other items that I haven’t personally used, but could be helpful:
Toddler Inflatable Bedrails
We usually just use rolled up towels, blankets, or small dense pillows to help our toddler feel safe while sleeping away from home. But we’ve also had a few falls out of bed on vacation. So if you want something a bit more structured, try inflatable bedrails.
Toddler Inflatable Bed
If that’s not enough, and you want a full-on bed for your tweener aged kiddo, who may still be used to a toddler bed or large crib (but some hotels don’t have cribs large enough):
Travel crib
Our first trip, our baby was 4 months old, so not quite a safe sleeper that could turn well on his own. The hotel crib in Tahoe – sketchy! I didn’t sleep a wink and we left early. Biggest mistake. I’d bring my own travel crib if I did it over again.
If you want a larger, contained space for your wild one to safely play, consider bringing one of the top baby travel playpens and gates. I never have had the packing space, but one would be helpful in a new place that isn’t baby-proofed!
For all of these sleeping aids, I would try them at home before you leave to make sure they will hold up to your liking. Also, some may take a while to deflate, so don’t try to pack them up last minute.
Travel bath
When my little one was about 4 months old, it was a bit more of a challenge bathing her in the hotel as she could not sit up yet. I made do with some slippery hands but a travel bath like this cute ducky one would have been much safer and easier.
What NOT To Bring
Travel High Chair
This can be a waste of space unless your destination is known for not being baby-friendly. Most places have a high-chair available, you just might have to clean it depending on where you are.
We actually have our little ones stay in the stroller sometimes while we eat. If they are content, why change a thing???
Too Many Diapers and Wipes
Unless your baby is sensitive or particular, don’t bring too many diapers or wipes. Do bring enough to give you plenty of time to pick up more. You may not find a store or have time to get to a store as quickly as you might think. In Europe, many places close on Sundays.
I know this list is pretty extensive, but hopefully in a good way. Keep it simple and get what YOU really need. The more prepared you are, the easier it will go. Now go gear up for your next trip!
If you need more tips, check out my 15 Secrets to Traveling With a Baby or Toddler.
