One thing that is often overlooked is what to pack for your toddler when you’re travelling. You don’t want to pack too much, but you also don’t want to forget anything and then be in a bind.
Below is a list of toddler travel gear essentials that will be life-saving while travelling with a toddler:
1. Backpack
If you are a big fan of travelling with just carry-on, then a carry-on backpack for your kiddo is no different. Because you know it’s likely that your child will spit up, spill, or excrete on their clothes at some point or another, your best bet is to have all you need for any circumstance right within arms reach. When travelling with carry-on for your child, you will easily have access to their clothes, diapers, snacks, drinks, toys, etc. Depending on the size of the backpack, you may even be able to squeeze it under the seat in front of you, making it even easier for you to gather what you need. Use a backpack similar to this, that has multiple pockets to make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
2. Reusable Wet Bags
Everyone knows kids are synonymously known for making messes wherever they go. Whether it’s a soiled diaper or wet clothes, these reusable wet bags will come in handy! Use them to organize the backpack with diapers, wipes, extra clothes, socks, etc. If at any point your child needs a change, simply remove the clean items from the wet bag and place the soiled items into the wet bag instead. They come in various sizes, have two pockets, a strap for easy carrying, and keep any moisture or smells at bay.
3. Travel Stroller
There are tonnes of options for travel strollers on the market, ones that can be used as carry-on, ones that fold with one hand, ones that can be worn when folded up, etc. Fortunately, the Baby Jogger City Mini Tour stroller can do all of the above! No need to continue searching long and hard for the ideal stroller. You want a stroller that is going to make your lives earlier, but also isn’t going to cost you an arm and a leg. It seems that travel strollers are equally expensive; so cheers to finding this stroller online for a fraction of the cost of other travel strollers.
4. Portable Stroller Fan
A more recent invention – the portable stroller fan – and surely most parents wish they had bought it sooner. It can get so hot during the summer months while walking around outside, so this fan becomes a cool-down lifesaver. If your child naps while we on the go in the stroller, simply clip the portable fan onto the sun shade and they’ll able to nap while the cool breeze flows. Find one similar to this stroller fan, and it will surely be money well spent. It charges via USB and has a backup battery (AA) to ensure a long operating time.
5. Lightweight Car Seat
There is an age-old debate on whether to travel with a car seat or not; but it truly depends on where it is that you’re going and how much you trust the process of travelling with your car seat. The Cosco Scenera Next car seat is a great option for smaller kids as it is lightweight and easy to carry. You can find it at a super low price in most shops that sell baby products! It is so easy to transport it to the airport, and into taxis when needed to take longer journeys. If you purchase a seat for your toddler and want to bring your car seat on the airplane, this is the perfect seat to use.
6. Baby Carrier
Another toddler travel gear item some might forgo is a baby carrier. Sometimes the places you visit have streets or sidewalks that are not stroller friendly. A baby carrier like this can often come in handy. It will allow you to be hands free, and you’ll also be able to navigate the streets easily without worrying about busting a wheel on your stroller.
7. Playpen
It’s important for your child to get a good night’s sleep when you are travelling. A lightweight, portable playpen is just what you need to make night away from home go smoothly. Top preference goes to any lightweight toddler travel gear options, because it makes it easier to transport when you’re moving from airport to taxi to your final destination. The Cosco Travel Playard ensures your child can be comfy and sleep safely when you’re travelling.
8. Toys
Your child will need some sort of entertainment while you are on your journey. Bringing some of their favourite toys, along with some new toys will ensure they are entertained for a prolonged period of time. You want to ensure that the toys are small enough so they are easily transportable. Kids enjoy simple things like stuffed animals, stickers, books, playdough, or various mess-free colouring books.
9. Sound Machine
If your child sleeps with the sound machine at home to ensure that they have a comfortable sleep no matter what is going on around them then the same will be true when you are travelling. This sound machine is perfect, as it can be used inside or outside as a portable sound machine for on-the-go naps.
10. Tablet
Depending on the age of your child, something like an iPad or an Amazon Fire Tablet will become useful when they no longer want to play with toys or read books. Before you leave home, make sure to load up the tablet with some of your child’s favourite shows to ensure they have a bit of entertainment. You can also have apps downloaded such as games where they can make music, or apps where they can draw using their fingertips. Be sure to also get an indestructible case, as well as a screen protector because we all know accidents happen!
Hopefully, this list of toddler travel gear essentials helps you better prepare for your next trip with your kiddo. Half the battle of travelling with a toddler is being as fully prepared as possible.