Travel Essentials When Traveling With a Toddler
Traveling with a toddler doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right essentials, you can turn travel days into smooth (and even enjoyable) experiences. After traveling with our daughter, we’ve narrowed down the must-haves that always come with us — whether we’re flying, road-tripping, or heading to a resort.
Here are our tried-and-true toddler travel essentials:
1. Snacks… and then more snacks
Snacks are non-negotiable. They help with:
Delays
Takeoff and landing (great for ears!)
Preventing meltdowns
Keeping little hands busy
We pack a variety: easy-to-eat finger foods, pouches, and a “special” treat they don’t usually get at home. The novelty alone buys you extra time. Some of our favorites:
Apple Sauce Pouches
Solely Fruit Jerky
Goldfish
2. Yoto Mini Player with Favorite Music
Our Yoto Mini player is a game changer. We preload cards with our daughter’s favorite songs and stories. It keeps her entertained without screens and helps create a calm environment during travel.
Bonus: It’s small, lightweight, and toddler-friendly. Also, gives her buttons to push.
3. Extra Change of Clothes (For Everyone!)
Accidents happen — spills, diaper leaks, or unexpected weather changes. We always pack:
One full outfit for toddler
Extra socks
A lightweight layer
Pro tip: pack a shirt for yourself too! Don’t ask me how I know.
Drybag - something to put soiled clothes or diapers in if needed.
4. Diapers: One Per Two Hours of Travel
Our rule of thumb: 1 diaper for every 2 hours of travel. This usually leaves a couple of extra to be safe. If you are an overpacked like me, I wouldn’t blame you for packing a few extra. Delays are real, and running out is not fun.
Don’t forget:
Travel-size wipes
Small changing pad
Disposable diaper bags
5. Favorite Stuffed Animal + Small Blanket
Comfort items make unfamiliar places feel safe. Our daughter’s favorite stuffed animal and a small blanket:
Help with naps on the go
Provide comfort in new environments
Create routine while traveling
If you are traveling overnight and your child wears a sleepsack, bring it and use it.
6. Simple, Mess-Free Toys
We keep toys minimal but engaging:
Sketch pad
Magnetic blocks
A favorite book
Push pop bubble toy
Rotating these throughout the trip keeps them “new” and exciting. Avoid anything with lots of small pieces.
7. Water Bottle
A spill-proof water bottle is a must. Staying hydrated is important, and toddlers love having their own special cup. We have the 14oz Summit Kids Water Bottle it is great when on the ground, not so great in the air. We are still on the hunt of the perfect bottle for flying.
8. Doona Trike
Our Doona Trike has been incredibly helpful for travel days. It’s compact, easy to maneuver, and keeps our toddler contained while moving through airports or exploring destinations. It’s also great when they’re too tired to walk but don’t want to be held. Bonus: it fits in the overhead compartment!
Final Tip: Keep It Simple
You don’t need to pack everything — just the essentials that keep your toddler:
Fed
Comfortable
Entertained
Rested
When those needs are met, travel becomes much more enjoyable for everyone.
Traveling with a toddler may look different than before kids, but it’s just as rewarding. Some of our favorite memories have already come from seeing the world through our daughter’s eyes.
