Essential Travel Gear for Families

While there’s no magical device that simplifies traveling with kids, certain items can make the journey smoother and safer. TPG has previously discussed the best carry-on essentials for young children here and in-flight seat extenders here. This article focuses on how to transport your children and their belongings with ease while you travel.

Carriers and Strollers

The best accessory for young children is a convenient way to carry them during lengthy immigration lines, throughout the airport, or whenever you need a break for your arms or shoulders. Whether it’s a foldable stroller like the Babyzen YOYO, a ride-on suitcase such as the JetKids BedBox, or a carrier like the Ergo 360, having a method to transport them is essential.

Some airports, like Gatwick, provide free strollers upon arrival, but availability can be unpredictable. For little ones, a carrier or a click-in car seat or stroller (see below) is often the best option.

We frequently use the JetKids BedBox ride-on bag because it eliminates the need for a double stroller and can also function as a seat extender. If you prefer not to use a dedicated ride-on bag for your child due to carry-on efficiency, Micro Scooters now offers a carry-on that can accommodate a child from 18 months up to 44 lbs. (approximately age 5, depending on the child's weight).

Luggage for Children

Kids enjoy having some say over their belongings. From compact backpacks to child-sized suitcases, they can carry a few items themselves starting around age 2, depending on the child. The essentials for children’s luggage are durability, spill resistance, and your readiness to carry it when they tire. We use small Fjällräven backpacks that were a family gift. They’re just the right size for little backs, preventing overloading and fitting a few toys and tech gadgets.

If you have the patience to wait for your child in the airport, kids aged 4 and up can manage their own carry-on from brands like Away. If you have two children, it’s best to wait until the youngest can also handle their own suitcase, or else there may be conflicts over luggage.

Make sure to put your children’s luggage on a credit card that offers purchase protection to withstand your child’s wear and tear.

Booster Seats and Car Seats

Car Seats

When we traveled with our little one, we opted for an infant seat akin to a Maxi-Cosi Pebble, but many parents from TPG highly recommend the Doona car seat and travel stroller combo. Both the Maxi-Cosi Pebble and the Doona are designed for infants up to 28 lbs.

Other traveling parents shared their positive experiences with the Urban Kanga travel car seat, which accommodates kids weighing between 20 and 40 lbs. Weighing only 7 lbs. and featuring a convenient carry bag, it fills a previously empty niche for kids who were too heavy for infant seats but not yet ready for booster seats. Thankfully, the Urban Kanga is here to bridge that gap.

Booster Seats

During our travels in Asia, our family relied on the mifold grab-and-go booster seat, which can be quite rare in that region. Suitable for kids aged 4 and older, weighing between 33 to 79 lbs. and up to 59 inches tall, its compact design led us to misplace it along our journey. We also utilized the inflatable BubbleBum booster, a lightweight travel alternative that's easy to store. While the mifold and BubbleBum might feel less sturdy compared to traditional high-back boosters, they are certified and meet safety standards.

The mifold brand is launching a new product named hifold, which aims to resolve some issues parents had with the original mifold's slim profile. Although it remains foldable, the hifold is a full-sized booster seat instead of one that fits in a handbag. Designed for children aged 4 to 12, it accommodates weights from 33 to 99 lbs. and heights up to 59 inches, and is currently available for pre-order.

Key Takeaway

Even if car seats aren’t necessary for getting around, you’ll likely need travel strollers, carriers, car seats, child luggage, and booster seats when traveling internationally with your little ones. It's wise to familiarize yourself with all products before your initial trip to avoid facing their instructions for the first time after a long day of travel. Additionally, be sure to check the regulations of your destination, as car seat safety standards can vary.