Traveling with toddlers can be a fun and exciting experience especially once you cross the phase of traveling with a baby but let's be honest, it can also be quite challenging! After traveling long haul haul with our son, from the time he was 3 months old, to the journey with traveling during toddlerhood, we learnt this with experience. Dealing with toddler tantrums is not easy, but thats a story for another day, so making the rest of the travels easy was a priority for us. From packing the right gear to keeping our little ones entertained, there are many things to consider when traveling with toddlers to make your travels easy for all and save you any stress.

In this article, we will share must-have items to travel with toddlers, specifically ones that you will find super pragmatic and helpful which won't burden your luggage load, along with specific product recommendations to make your travels easier and more enjoyable. Most luxury hotels will provide the main essentials such as cots, highchairs, kettles and baby toiletries, some might even go to greater lengths where they allow you to borrow even a buggy, car seats, toys (including buckets + spades) and even pottys! I would always recommend that you communicate with the hotel before the stay and request these or try and understand what they can provide so you can take as little as possible.

Our Must have Items when Travelling

Travel Stroller

A good travel stroller is a must-have when traveling with a toddler. You can't place enough value on a lightweight and compact stroller that can easily be folded up and stored in the overhead bin or under your seat, especially one that you can push down the airplane aisle with a wiggling toddler in situ!

We highly recommend the Babyzen Yoyo+ Stroller, which is compact enough to fit in the overhead compartment on most planes.

Child Carrier

If you plan on doing any hiking or walking, a child carrier can be a lifesaver. Look for one that is comfortable for both you and your toddler, that's lightweight yet sturdy, and one that you can use for a good amount of time that suited for a wider age group and is adjustable, so that you don't carry too much weight that strains you.

We particularly loved the Ergobaby Omni 360 and the Babybjorn Harmony Baby Carrier which both have adjustable back systems and a comfortable padded hip belt.

Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is essential for keeping an eye on your little one while you're away from home.

The Motorola VM855 Baby Monitor has a built-in camera, night vision, connects via wi-fi to your phone and two-way audio which was perfect for our travels.

Snack Container

Toddlers love snacks, so a portable snack container is a must-have for travel. We recommend the Munchkin Snack Catcher, which has a spill-proof lid and is easy for toddlers to hold.

Travel Blanket

A travel blanket is essential for keeping your toddler warm and cozy on long flights or car rides. We the Aden and Anais blankets which are soft, cuddly, and come in a variety of beautiful designs & thicknesses for both hotel and cold climates.

Their muslins blankets are especially amazing and can be used in hot climates as a buggy blanket or on the beach.

Activity Book(s)

Keeping your toddler entertained on long flights, car rides and during meal times, can be challenging. We always try to take one new activity book along as it has the novelty factor and keeps our son occupied.

For younger toddlers, we recommend the Melissa & Doug Water Wow Activity Books which come with a refillable water pen and allow your toddler to color and draw without making a mess.

Familiar Toy(s)

I'll be honest, we never travel with a lot of toys as part of the fun is exploring the new destination and finding new fun activities to do! At the same note, what we find helpful is travelling with at 2-3 toys that your toddler is familiar with. Our favourite that even continues now is a favourite Teddy or animal and certainly a small bag of Magformers or Duplo.

Additional Items for a Rental Property

Whilst most rental properties cater for adults and older kids, you will find many with very considerate owners that might include items for toddlers too. Always check with the owner in advance, but these are certainly two things that I would consider taking with me.

Portable High Chair

If you're planning to eat out (or in) with your toddler, a portable high chair is essential. We recommend the Inglesina Fast Table Chair, which attaches to most tables and folds up into a compact carrying bag.

Travel Cot

A travel crib is essential if you plan on staying in a rental property. We recommend the Babybjorn Light travel cot, which sets up in seconds and is lightweight enough to carry or check in.

Travel Potty or Toilet Seat

I'll be honest, we never really travelled with this whilst our toddler was potty training. But if your child wants some sense of familiarity, its worth taking one with you.

Traveling with toddlers requires some extra preparation, but with the right gear, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Happy travels and let me know if you find any other valuable items that have been a game changer for you!

Much Love

Shanti

The Kensington Diary

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