Do you travel with kids? Don’t forget this list of top things to have items when traveling with kids. Close your eyes and think about flying alone; the ease of it all. All you need is yourself and your luggage. You may not even need to check a bag; a backpack or carry-on may do the trick. Now, think about flying with a child – both younger kids and older kids. Imagine all the things you will need: stroller, car seat, carrier, etc. Flying with a child requires a lot more preparation. I have tried several different things and can confidently make the recommendations below.
This article covers the best must have travel items that still earn space in our bags. I kept my original experiences below, but updated the products, prices, safety guidance, and links. For more options by category, see my Best Travel Gear for Families guide. Prices were checked in September 2026 and can change.
Must Have Items When Traveling With Kids
(Last Updated August 2018)
Aiden and I have been on over 100 flights.
He was 18 months old when he flew for the first time, and he flew as a lap baby. Many U.S. airlines allow a child under age 2 to travel on an adult’s lap on domestic flights, but policies and international fees vary. The FAA recommends an approved child restraint system in a separate seat as the safest option.
What is the best must have travel item for travel?
- Safety 1st Ellaris Convertible Car Seat
- Doona Car Seat & Stroller
- CARES Child Aviation Restraint
- gb Pockit Air All-Terrain Stroller
- Shacke Pak Packing Cubes
These best must have travel items solve the biggest family-travel problems: safe seating, easier airport movement, compact packing, and less gear to carry. Always match safety gear to your child’s measurements and confirm airline rules before departure.
Kids Travel Car Seat / Kids Travel Child Restraint System
Before Aiden was born, I spent a lot of time doing research on car seat travel, car seats, and strollers. We decided on the Orbit Baby travel system. He used the G3 Infant Car Seat until he was one. We then switched to the G3 Toddler Car Seat, which he still uses now. I have always taken Aiden’s car seat with me when we traveled. When he flew as a lap child, I took his car seat to the gate hoping that there’d be an empty seat so he could use it on the flight. Sometimes I was lucky, and sometimes I wasn’t. The Orbit Baby G3 Toddler Car Seat, even though the most amazing car seat I have ever come across, is very heavy. It weighs a whooping 40lbs. I have had to carry it on and off each flight that we have taken up until recently.
I recently decided no more and bought the two car seats below from Amazon to try out.
1. Evenflo Maestro Booster Car Seat – FAA Approved
Weighing in at only 11 lbs, is perfect for travel. Remember, this should only be used for children 2 years of age and older.
Also, it cannot be used rear-facing.
2. Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat – FAA Approved
Weighing in at 11.6lbs, lightweight as well and perfect for travel. This car seat can be used rear-facing and forward-facing. It is great for children under and over 2.
3. Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
If you have a baby or an infant, or are pregnant and expecting, I highly recommend that you invest in the Doona Car Seat. This is a game changer when traveling with infants and babies. This is a car seat and stroller in one, and it is very convenient.
All 3 car seats above are lightweight and perfect for travel. Most of all, they are also FAA-approved.
No car seat, no problem.
If you are flying somewhere and you know that you will not need a car seat at your destination, another option for you is the CARES Child Safety Device. “It is the only approved harness-type restraint for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. This type of device provides an alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft.” – Quoted directly from the FAA website.
Travel Booster Seats
1. MiFold Booster Seat – Not for use on Airplanes
This car seat is not approved for use on airplanes, but we do use it for short trips via Taxi/Uber/Lyft etc. I much prefer Aiden in a 5-point harness, but when we travel, we use public transport most of the time. So this booster seat doesn’t get used as often. Make sure your child fits the weight limits first. It is designed for kids 4 years and up weighing at least 40lbs.
4. BubbleBum Inflatable Travel Booster Car Seat – Not for use on airplanes
This is an inflatable, portable, and safe travel booster seat for kids aged 4 to 11 years old. It can fit kids who are up to 150cm. It is meant to be used for kids from 40 to 100 pounds.
3. Immi Go
This is a 5-point harnessed travel car seat perfect for travel, weighing only 10lbs which fits in the plane overhead compartment. It is easy to install and fits children from 11 – 55 pounds using the latch, and 22 – 65 pounds using the car seat belt. We haven’t used this yet, but I plan to try it soon.
Kids Travel Pillow
We used the 1st Class Kids Travel Pillow on our most recent vacation to SE Asia, and it was a blessing. We flew for about 13 hours one way to Beijing, and Aiden slept 85% of the flight. He slept well, and he slept comfortably. It is also very easy to blow up and folds flat when the air is out. Aiden carried it in his backpack, and my husband blew it up once we were in the air, and Aiden was able to lie on it as soon as the seat belt sign was off. Perfect for long flights. We’ve also used it with Aiden and his cousin to Japan, and the boys slept 8 hours of the 10hr flight. It was bliss, for me at least, lol. Click here to purchase it for 15% off -> 1st Class Kids Travel Pillow 15% Off.
The Trayblecloth below is also great because it covers the airplane tray table and can also store toys/pens/pencils as needed.
Travel Car Seat Stroller
This is essential if you are going to use your child’s car seat on the plane. I purchased the Go-Go Babyz Mini Travelmate Car Seat Stroller from Amazon. It attaches to the back of a toddler car seat, and it is very easy to install. It weighs 4.8lbs and can easily fit in the airplane overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
The GoGo Babyz Travelmate turns your car seat into a stroller – WATCH HERE
A few other options are:
- GoGo Babyz Travelmate – This is just the bigger version of the GoGo Babyz Mini Travelmate above
- Britax Car Seat Travel Cart – This is another version of a car seat stroller made by Britax. It is also cheaper if you don’t want to buy the GoGo Babyz.
- Go-Go Babyz Travelmate Car Seat Luggage Strap – If you decide not to travel with a stroller, or even just to take your carry-on with you on the plane/train, there is an option for you. This luggage strap will enable you to attach your car seat to your carry-on bag, and all you have to do is push or pull your luggage, and off you go.
- Brica Smart Move Car Seat Travel Cart
What should you look for in must have travel items?
1. Check FAA approval and airline restrictions before purchasing.
2. Compare folded dimensions with your airline’s carry-on limits.
3. Match age, height, and weight limits to your child.
4. Choose durable, washable materials that withstand frequent family travel.
5. Compare price, warranty, accessories, and expected usage.
Best Stroller For Kids
Aiden’s Orbit Baby car seat system has its own stroller base, the G3 Stroller Base, and that’s the only stroller he has ever used. When I decided not to use his Orbit Baby car seat for travel, I had to find an alternative. It may sound crazy, but it took me weeks of researching, reading reviews, and watching YouTube videos. If you know me well, that won’t surprise you, lol. I finally decided on the UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller. It is soft and comfortable for Aiden, stylish, and easy to maneuver. It also has a great canopy for sunny days, and it reclines for nap time.
We also have a GB Pockit Stroller – This stroller actually holds the record for the world’s smallest foldable stroller. No need to gate check it; you can actually take it in the plane with you, and it’ll fit in the overhead bin with no problem. It is perfect for travel with 2 kids.
Other lightweight stroller options (all of them weigh under 13lbs): OR Check out my post on “Top 10 Travel Strollers“
- ZOE XL1 Lightweight Umbrella Stroller
- Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
- Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
- Joovy Groove Ultralight Lightweight Travel Umbrella Stroller
Using A Carrier When Traveling With Kids (infant and toddler carriers)
This should have been the first item on this list of must-haves. I do not go anywhere without my carrier. Aiden is 3.5 years old, and I still use my carrier (YES, I do). It allows me to be hands-free at the airport. When he was an infant, I used a Baby K’Tan as well as a Ring Sling. When he got too big for both, I bought an Ergo. After he turned 2, I bought a Toddler Lenny Lamb. Best investments I’ve ever made.
Baby K’Tan, Ring Sling, Ergo
Toddler Lenny Lamb: He fell asleep on the flight & I didn’t have to disrupt his sleep after the plane landed
Early morning flight, toddler Lenny Lamb to save the day
Best Backpack For Kids and Best Luggage For Kids
Aiden’s first luggage was a Sesame Street Luggage. He loved taking it everywhere we went. It was very small, and perfect for him say. I’d say, it’s perfect for a one- to two-year-old. I have looked everywhere for that same luggage set and cannot find it anywhere. This is the closest thing to it – Sesame Street Kids Luggage. This one looks even cooler.
When it was time for a new suitcase, a close friend of mine who knows Aiden’s love for Thomas & Friends surprised him with a Thomas the Train Kids Pilot Case Wheel. He loves this one just as much, and it goes everywhere with him.
[ Best Carry On Luggage For Kids ]
Sometimes instead of luggage, Aiden takes his Paw Patrol Backpack when we travel. It’s the perfect size for him to carry and has a side pocket for his water bottle. He got this as a gift from his aunt. We use this backpack on short day trips as well.
We recently upgraded Aiden’s backpack to an Osprey Jet 12. Then, we purchased one for him and his cousin, and they love their backpacks. This is the BEST backpack for kids out there. Read more here:e “Best Luggage For Kids“
I use Samsonite luggage. It has gone through a lot of TSA rough handling and is still doing well. Having luggage with 4 wheels is a must. It makes getting around the airport with more than one person ten times easier.
On our trip to SE Asia in 2016, we decided to backpack through it. We had 4 countries to visit and didn’t want to risk checking in a bag in case it got lost. My husband and I used the Osprey Porter 65-Liter, and Aiden used the Osprey Pogo Daypack. The Osprey Pogo is a little on the bigger side for him, so I also got him the Osprey Youth Jet 12 Backpack (photo above), which is smaller and would work great on day-to-day trips.
Kids Travel Headphones
Headphones are essential in keeping kids entertained on the flight and even long car rides and/or road trips. You can use headphones with a tablet, or simply to watch in-flight TV. You can also download videos/songs on your phone so that your child can use them. Consider keeping some white noise on hand as well to promote sleep.
Aiden has gone through so many pairs of headphones. Kids’ headphones don’t seem to be made for heavy usage. Especially for a kid who uses them on a weekly basis. It’s usually a cord issue, gets stuck somewhere or pulled, and then there’s no sound.
Aiden’s first pair was Kid Safe Over-the-Ear Headphones – Spider-Man. They worked great for a while until they broke.
Because we travel so much and Aiden uses his headphones quite often, my husband decided to buy him durable headphones – Beats Solo2 Wired On-Ear Headphones. They’re great and comfortable also.
We also recently discovered JBL headphones for Aiden, which are wireless and just perfect!!! My husband and I both use the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones (and yes,s it really cancels out noise and is totally worth the splurge)
Other good headphones for kids are LilGadgets Wired Headphones, CozyPhones Kids Headphones, and Kidz Gear Wired Headphones.
Packing and Staying Organized When Traveling With Kids
How and why didn’t I know about these sooner?
TSA always seems to go through my luggage and ramshackle things in there (my luck, right). Packing cubes are an essential part of staying organized, especially when you pack only one piece of luggage for the entire family. No more digging through bags to find things. It’s also so much easier when everyone has an assigned color.
Packing Cubes:
Shacke Packing Cubes pictured below. Seriously, I can’t imagine my life without packing cubes !! Really
Other good packing cubes are:
- Gonex Packing Cubes
- Pro Packing Cubes
- Rusoji Premium Packing Cube System
- Travelwise Packing Cube System
- Bago Packing Cubes
Space Saver Bags
- Travis Travel Gear Space Saver Bags
- Acrodo Space Saver Compression Bags
- Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Sac Set
Packing Envelopes
Travel Car Seat Bag and Travel Stroller Bag
We own one of each below, one for Aiden’s car seat and one for his stroller. It is necessary when checking in a car seat or stroller at the check-in counter or at the gate. TSA doesn’t handle things very well, and you may be surprised when you get your items back. So, yes,s this is important.
Travel Stroller Bag
- J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag For Standard and Double Strollers
- JL Childress Gate Check Bag for Umbrella Strollers
Travel Car Seat
Kids Travel Water Bottle And Lunch Container
If you have a picky eater like mine and need to travel with food, then you absolutely need this. I would warm up his food immediately before we left for the airport, and it stayed warm until it was time for him to eat. I’ve used it for oatmeal, rice, soup, etc.
I also purchased the matching water bottle,e which is great for keeping water warm or cold when you need it. Just remember to be careful when opening a straw bottle on the plane,ne as it may splash due to air pressure. I actually purchased 2 sets, so 2 water bottles and thermos flasks. I only travel with one water bottle, but sometimes I need to use the second thermos to pack something different.
If you want to avoid a possible mid-airplane water spill, then I suggest one of these highly rated water bottles below that don’t have a straw. There are water stations at the airport, so you can take your bottle through TSA and fill it up as needed. When it comes to serving food before and after your flight, consider investing in a portable high chair. It will really come in handy when feeding your young children in your hotel room (or other accommodation) later.
Please contact me with any questions you may have. As time goes on,n I will update this page with more travel essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Must Have Travel Items
1. What is the best budget must have travel item?
The wired JBL Junior 320 is my best budget pick at $19.95. It has an 85 dB volume limit and works without charging. Among the best must have travel items, it solves a real in-flight problem at a low price. Check that your child’s device or seatback screen has the right audio port.
2. Are expensive must have travel items worth it?
Sometimes. The best must have travel items are worth a higher price when one product replaces two, fits your child correctly, and gets used often. The $550 Doona can replace an infant car seat and stroller during its short fit window, while a $25.99 packing-cube set may deliver better value for older children.
3. What size/weight is best for travel?
For items you must carry, I prefer the lightest option that safely fits the user and the job. A stroller around 10–17 lbs or a child backpack under 1 lb can be manageable, but folded dimensions matter as much as weight. Measure the product and compare it with your airline’s current limits.
4. Airline rules for must have travel items?
Airline rules vary. The FAA permits approved child restraints in the appropriate mode, but boosters and baby carriers cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing. Carry-on limits and stroller procedures are airline-specific. For example, American and Delta publish their own stroller and car-seat checking policies. Check again before each flight.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Accommodation
Book family-friendly hotels, apartments, resorts, and vacation rentals with Booking.com. It’s an easy way to compare accommodations and find the right fit for your family and budget.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect your trip in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Before your next international trip, check Nomad Insurance for coverage options.
Want to Travel for Free?
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Need a Rental Car?
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Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Viator makes it easy to discover tours, attractions, day trips, and local experiences. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or unique adventures, you’ll find plenty of options to enhance your trip.
Shopping for Travel Essentials?
From packing organizers and travel gear to family travel must-haves, you can find many of my favorite travel essentials on Amazon.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
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