Toddler Travel Essentials (2024) – 22 Must-Haves For Any Trip
Traveling with a toddler can be a delightful yet challenging experience – trust me, I have experience on that. We have been traveling a lot as a family of four and I know what are the toddler essentials. Luckily our younger boy is not a toddler anymore, but this list helped me a lot when he was! So I hope it will help you too.
Ensuring you have all the necessary items can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your little one. Packing thoughtfully can help you manage everything from unexpected delays to mealtime messes with ease.
In this blog post, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of toddler travel essentials, divided into practical categories to help you stay organized.
From clothing and feeding supplies to entertainment and sleep aids, these essentials will help keep your toddler comfortable, happy, and entertained throughout your travels.
With these tips you will have all the travel essentials for a toddler and your trip is going to be so much easier!
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Toddler Travel Essentials
Let’s have a look at 22 must-have toddler travel essentials. I hope you’ll find this list useful!
Clothing and Comfort
Have multiple outfits suitable for different weather conditions is an important toddler travel essential. If you are traveling some place warm, make sure you have enough outfits packed that are suitable for warm weather. The same with traveling to that are cold.
Sunscreen and swimwear
If you go to some place warm, I suggest packing sunscreen with you (even though you can probably buy some from the destination). I like to use some good quality sun screen for my kids so I like to bring them with us. Also a good swimwear with UV-protection is a must!
Sleepwear
Have pajamas appropriate for the destination’s climate. But I’ve noticed that even if the destination is hot, there is usually air conditioning that can make the room cool. So make sure you are aware of that.
Extra Layers
Take a jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures. Even some hot places the nights can be more chilly. So it’s good to be prepared.
Getting Around
A stroller
A stroller is usually needed when traveling with a toddler whether it’s a domestic or international travel. Our favorite stroller for travel was Babyzen Yoyo. It was the only stroller that time that fit the overhead compartments of the plain so we could take it with us inside the plane.
However, I think Babyzen Yoyo was quite expensive. There are other similar strollers available now. Check out a review of the best travel stroller.
A toddler carrier
A toddler carrier has been very useful on our trips. If we go to some places where the strollers can’t be taken with us, a toddler carrier has been a lifesaver! It doesn’t require a lot of space from the suitcase, so I highly recommend having that with you if your toddler likes to be in the carrier.
Feeding Essentials
Snacks
Have healthy, non-perishable options. I’ve noticed that these are especially good while traveling. It’s a good way to keep the toddler entertained.
Sippy Cup/Water Bottle
It’s good to have a water bottle that is spill-proof and easy to use. It helps minimize mess and spills, keeping your child and their surroundings clean and dry, whether you’re in a car, plane, or exploring new destinations. This is especially important during long journeys when access to cleaning supplies may be limited.
Portable Utensils
Consider if you should take toddler-friendly forks, spoons, and plates. Some hotels don’t have those and I’ve found it easy to have them with me at some trips. This of course also depends on your toddlers age.
Hygiene and Health
Diapers and Wipes
It might be a good idea to get enough diapers and wipes for the trip duration, plus some extras. However, sometimes I called the hotel before hand and asked if there was a store that provided diapers and wipes. I did bring a lot with me still, because I never know the quality of the diapers in other countries.
Travel-Sized Toiletries
Take some baby shampoo, soap, lotion, and toothbrush. You can find travel-sized toiletries here. I always wanted to bring own toiletries for the toddler, because I never know if toiletries at the hotel are too strong or are not suitable for children.
First Aid Kit
Have a first-aid kit with some basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic, and toddler-safe medications. This is important! You never know where the nearest pharmacy is and especially if your toddler have allergies, I would make sure I have all the medication with me that he needs.
A Thermometer
Having a thermometer on hand while traveling with a toddler is a smart precaution for several reasons. It allows you to monitor your child’s temperature and detect any signs of fever or illness early on, enabling prompt action and medical attention if necessary. This is especially important when you’re away from home and may not have immediate access to healthcare facilities or medical professionals.
Sanitizing wipes
Sanitizing wipes are an essential item to have while traveling with a toddler for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a convenient and effective way to maintain hygiene and cleanliness, especially in situations where soap and water may not be readily available.
Whether you’re wiping down airplane tray tables, restaurant high chairs, or public restroom surfaces, sanitizing wipes help minimize the risk of exposure to germs and bacteria, keeping your toddler and family healthier during your travels.
Also, sanitizing wipes can be used to clean your toddler’s hands and face before and after meals or activities, reducing the likelihood of illnesses spreading.
Travel potty
If your toddler is potty trained, it might be a good idea to have a travel potty with you. It provides convenience and peace of mind, especially during long car rides or when access to public restrooms is limited. A travel potty allows you to quickly and easily address your child’s bathroom needs, reducing the risk of accidents and discomfort.
A travel laundry bag
A travel laundry bag would be more to an travel essential for mom, but I wanted to include it in the list. I’ve found it to be very useful for all the dirty clothes of our kids!
Entertainment and Activities
Toys and Books
Take some compact and engaging options. Don’t take books that are too big. They are heavy to carry. Also make sure not to have toys that break easily.
Toys For 1-2 year olds
Toys For 3-4 years olds
A Tablet
This is for movies and games (with headphones). This has been really good during long flights.
Coloring Books and Crayons
Have some non-messy creative options with you. A good tip: buy a new coloring book so your toddler is excited about it! A mess free coloring kit is also a good idea!
Sleep and Rest
A Travel Crib or Playpen
If it’s possible, consider having a portable sleeping solution with you such as a travel crib. We’ve always have a travel crib with us in our domestic travels and it has been great!
I think a travel crib is an absolute game-changer for any family who is traveling for several reasons. Firstly, imagine the convenience of having a safe and cozy spot for your little one to sleep, no matter where your adventures take you.
A travel crib provides a familiar and secure environment for your toddler to rest and recharge, ensuring everyone gets a good night’s sleep.
Plus, these cribs are designed with portability in mind, folding up compactly and weighing much less than traditional cribs, making them a breeze to transport and set up.
And let’s not forget about versatility – many travel cribs double as playpens, providing a safe and contained space for your toddler to play and explore while you’re busy unpacking or relaxing.
Trust me, once you experience the convenience and peace of mind that a travel crib brings to your travels, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one.
Blanket or Lovey
Have a blanket or lovey, a familiar item from home for your toddler. It has been important for our boys to have a lovey with them wherever we travel.
A Pacifier
If your toddler uses a pacifier, make sure to pack it with you. I suggest having a few pacifiers with you, because you never know if some of them get lost or drop at the floor.
A Monitor
If you sleep in a different room with your toddler it’s a good idea to have a monitor. But if you are planning on sleeping in the same room, the monitor is not essential.
Conclusion
In wrapping up “The Ultimate List of Toddler Travel Essentials 2024” it’s clear that careful planning and preparation are key to a successful and stress-free journey with your little one.
By ensuring you have all the necessary items on hand, from clothing and feeding essentials to hygiene and entertainment, you can navigate any travel scenario with confidence and ease.
Remember to tailor the list to your toddler’s specific needs and preferences, and don’t hesitate to share your own travel experiences and tips with fellow parents.
With the right toddler travel essentials and a positive mindset, you’ll create unforgettable memories and cherished moments with your toddler wherever your adventures take you. Happy travels!
PS. In case your next trip is going to be to Spain, check out my ultimate travel guide to Costa Del Sol.
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