Toddler Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Stress-Free Trips

Traveling to a new destination is a great adventure, but travelling to that destination with a toddler is an ever greater one. Sometimes it can look like you can never be prepared enough for it. BUT, with some thoughtful packing, patience and proactive-ness, travelling with toddlers can be very fun.

We’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that having the right toddler travel essentials makes most, if not all, the difference. From keeping them comfortable on long-haul flights to making sure they’re entertained during road trips, packing smart can save your sanity. This guide covers everything you need to pack to keep your toddler (and yourself) happy, comfortable, and entertained.

Toddler Packing List To Cover Every Single Thing

Whether you’re doing air travel or road trip with your little one, a pre-planned packing list can help you avoid a lot of unpleasant experiences. Grab a pen and paper so you don’t miss out on anything. 

Comfort and Safety Essentials

There’s absolutely no debate about it that a well-rested, comfortable toddler is much easier to handle than an overtired, overstimulated one. A few small but essential items can help them stay cozy and relaxed, no matter where we’re headed. Here is what you need:

A Lightweight Travel Stroller: Go for one that reclines (for midday snoozes) and has a decent storage basket for tossing in snacks and essentials.

Travel-friendly Car Seat: For road trips, a car seat with extra padding and proper ventilation is a must to avoid a sweaty, cranky toddler.

Travel Pillow and Blanket: Always bring a lightweight blanket because it doubles as a nursing cover, sunshade, or an extra layer if the air conditioning is too strong. 

Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs: Airports and planes can be loud. Noise-canceling headphones (or even soft toddler earplugs) help reduce sensory overload and make it easier for them to rest.

Snacks and Hydration

The term “hangry” applies to toddlers as well. To help them stay fed and happy during travel, carry some healthy snacks that won’t make a sticky mess all over their hands, and clothes. Some of the healthy snacking options could be puffed snacks or rice cakes, cut-up fruit in a spill-proof container, cheese sticks, pouches of yogurt or fruit purée, and whole-grain crackers. 

We also recommend carrying a spill-proof sippy cup or straw bottle, a small, reusable water bottle, and some electrolyte drinks or coconut water for hot weather.

Entertainment and Activities

To keep the little minds occupied with activities and entertainment, simple, mess-free activities like coloring books, sticker books and story books are perfect. Magnetic travel games are great for older toddlers since the pieces stay in place. Pre-downloaded shows or audiobooks can also be super helpful for longer trips when they need a quiet break. We also highly recommend carrying a familiar comfort item, like a soft toy or blanket. This can also help them feel more at ease in new surroundings. A little variety keeps the trip fun and enjoyable for both you and your toddler.

Hygiene and Health Must-Haves

Toddlers are little explorers, and they love to get hands-on with their exploration expeditions. Instead of expecting them to limit their activity during travel, pack some hygiene essentials like wipes, tissues, sanitizers to wipe down sticky fingers or surfaces. A compact first-aid kit stocked with toddler-friendly medications, band-aids, and antiseptic cream can also help handle any unexpected scrapes or bumps. Sunscreen and insect repellent are always helpful, especially if your little one loves outdoor adventures. Saline nasal spray is another handy item that makes breathing easier during dry plane rides or in stuffy hotel rooms. And, of course, packing extra clothes and diapers in easily accessible spots for any accidents. 

Toddler Airplane Travel Essentials

Airplanes and airports are tricky, even for adults. The recycled air, heaps of people, noise, constant announcements, rules, regulations and airplane anxiety can be pretty shaky and over-stimulating. A few simple things can help keep them comfy and calm:

A travel pillow and a lightweight blanket are perfect for airport and airplane naps. Flights can get chilly, and a cozy blanket can help with it. It also adds a bit of familiarity and comfort in a new environment, which helps calm the toddler’s nerves. If your toddler has a favorite stuffed animal or comfort item, bring it along.

Noise-canceling headphones are also a lifesaver. With constant announcements, plane engine, and sounds of all kinds, noise-cancelling headphones give them a little quiet time. You can also play their favorite rhymes or poems as well to keep them entertained.  

Snacks are another non-negotiable. Mess-free options like dry cereal, fruit pouches, or crackers keep little hands busy and tummies full without making a sticky mess.

A spill-proof sippy cup or straw bottle is great for keeping them hydrated without mid-flight spills.

For entertainment, carry some sticker books, and a few small toys. If all else fails, a pre-downloaded show or audiobook can be a lifesaver when they need a little screen time to wind down.

A few pro tips:

• Try to book flights around nap time so they can sleep through part of the journey.
• Let them burn off some energy before boarding by engaging them in play areas or just walking.
• Keep an extra set of clothes in your carry-on for surprise spills or accidents.

Toddler Road Trip Travel Essentials

The four horsemen of a relaxed road trip with toddlers are: Comfort, snacks, entertainment and naps.

A well-padded, properly installed car seat is a must. Add a plush blanket in there and their favorite toy so they can feel cozy and relaxed. Carry a clip-on sunshade to keep the glare out of their eyes, so they can nap whenever they like. If it’s a long drive, take frequent stops for stretching, relaxing, bathroom breaks and snacks.

Speaking of snacks, pack a variety of easy-to-reach, low-mess options like crackers, cut-up fruit, and cheese sticks. Carry a small cooler bag to keep things fresh, and a spill-proof water bottle.

Add a mix of activities for the little one because they can get bored with the same one. Try to add entertainment options that they can enjoy either entirely independently or with little help.  Audiobooks or storytelling games like “I Spy” make for great distractions between naps.

And of course, have a survival kit. Extra clothes, wipes, plastic bags for trash (or emergencies), and a small first-aid kit should be within easy reach.

Conclusion

We are not saying that travelling with toddlers is easy. But is it rewarding? A 100%! Exploring new places and going on new adventures with your little one can teach you so much about life and create some wonderful memories for them. To make the most of your trip, be prepared, pack every essential and remember to enjoy the time with your little bestie.