1. A Lightweight Travel Stroller

A lightweight travel stroller can be one of the best investments you make when traveling with a toddler.nnYou want something that's easy to fold, doesn't take up your entire trunk, and isn't a nightmare to maneuver through an airport or busy city. I love the Zoe Stroller, Baby Jogger, Nuna travel…all light weight, easy fold and open with one hand.

Look for:

• Lightweight

• Easy folding

• Compact folded size

• Lay Flat Seat

• Good sun canopy

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*Mom tip: Practice folding the stroller before your trip. The airport is not the place to discover you don't know how it works! Also I don’t even bother with the stroller bag anymore because I don’t have the hands so skip it until you travel first and decide you would like to buy it since its usually an added cost

2. A Travel-Friendly Car Seat

If you're traveling by car, renting a car, or visiting somewhere where you'll need transportation, a travel-friendly car seat can make life much easier. Also travel car seats are way LIGHTER than your everyday large car seat!

Car seat: https://amzn.to/3SV6CnL

Car Seat Bag: This I actually use to check the car seat or carry it on my back through the airport!

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*Mom Tip: This can be used on most airplanes rear and forward facing! Great from naps on long flights!

3. A Kid-Friendly Travel Backpack

One of my favorite toddler travel essentials is a small backpack just for your child.

Let your child choose a few things to bring, such as:

• Headphones

• Ipad

• Small water bottle

• Favorite stuffed animal

• One or two activities/toys

• Snack!!!!

• Change of clothes/wipes etc!

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*Mom Tip: I store my kids backpacks on top of the carseat in the carseat bag for easier transportation!

4. A Leak-Resistant Snack Container

If you're traveling with toddlers, snacks are basically a form of currency.

A good snack container keeps food contained and makes it easier for little hands to eat independently.

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For travel days, stick with foods your child already knows and loves. This probably isn't the time to test whether they'll suddenly enjoy a mysterious new granola bar.

5. A Travel Activity Tray

A travel activity tray can be especially useful on road trips.

It gives kids a dedicated place to color, play, look at books, eat snacks, or use a tablet.

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For airplane travel, always make sure the product can be used safely with your airline's seating and tray-table setup.

6. Mess-Free Travel Activities

You don't need to bring 25 toys.

In fact, smaller activities are usually better for traveling with little kids.

Try:

• Sticker books

• Water-reveal coloring books

• Magnetic puzzles

• Reusable activity books

• Small coloring books

• Window clings

• Small building sets

• Simple card games

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*Mom trick: Don't give them everything at once and when you’re home leave the plane toys in the travel bag to keep them new and exciting!

7. Kid-Friendly Headphones

If your child watches movies or plays games on a tablet, headphones are one of those family travel essentials you'll be glad you packed.

Look for comfortable headphones with volume-limiting features that are appropriately sized for your child.I like plug in ones so I can use whenever, wherever not dependent on bluetooth!

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*Mom Tip: Download everything before you leave. Movies, shows, games, music—whatever your child enjoys. Never assume you'll have reliable Wi-Fi when you need it most.

8. A Portable White Noise Machine

If your toddler sleeps with white noise at home, bringing a small portable sound machine can make unfamiliar surroundings feel a little more familiar.

It's especially handy for:

• Vacation rentals

• Stroller naps

• Road trips

• Early-morning wakeups

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You don't need to recreate your child's entire bedroom while traveling. Sometimes one familiar sound is enough to help them settle.

9. An Ipad

I know how much you want to depend on toys and games but when things start going out of control and hour 23 of traveling trust me this thing will save you! It also has options for learning apps, coloring, letters, and obviously shows! Love this one that has a password and parental controls/app connected to our phone!

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10. A Portable Changing Kit

For babies and newly potty-trained toddlers, a portable changing kit is one of those toddler travel essentials I wouldn't skip.

Instead of carrying your entire diaper bag everywhere, create a small grab-and-go kit with: I keep mine within a wet bag for each kid!

• Diapers or pull-ups

• Wipes

• Changing pad

• Diaper cream

• Plastic or reusable bags

• Extra underwear

• Change of clothes

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The Best Travel Products for Kids Are The Ones You'll Actually Use

It's easy to go overboard when shopping for a family vacation. There are travel gadgets for everything. But you don't need an entire suitcase full of toddler gear to have a successful trip. The best travel essentials for kids are the products that solve a real problem. Travel a little easier, a little more organized, and a lot more manageable. And if everyone arrives at your destination with their shoes, snacks, favorite stuffed animal, and sanity intact?

I'd call that a successful family trip!