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Must-Have Items for Traveling With Kids

Must-Have Items for Traveling With Kids


Moms, are you ready to hit the road? Traveling with kids can be stressful, especially when lugging around toys, bags, and other items they’ll need and want along the way. 

But have no fear! I’ve got you covered with the best must-have items for traveling with kids to make your trip stress-free.

No more irrelevant products and too much baggage – from bags to snacks, I've got you covered. Read on to discover my tried and tested travel must-haves for kids!


10 Must-Have Items for Traveling With Kids

1. Travel Toiletry Kit

To save space when packing for your next getaway, you may want to consider swapping out full-size bottles to travel-size containers. Not only will this help to make your kid’s toiletry bag much lighter, but it will also allow you to fit more of their other essentials in their bag.

The contents of the bags should be tailored to the individual; however, here are some must-have items that you can start with:
You may even want to consider packing a few extra items just in case they are needed during the trip, especially the baby essentials.

Once you have all the necessary items, label each bag with your kid’s name, and you’ll be all set! 

2. Baby Carrier

A baby carrier should be at the top of your travel must-haves! 

Not only will it give you and your little one a cozy spot to snuggle, but it will also make your life easier when you're trying to get from point A to point B. With this baby essential, you'll be able to get around with ease and still have the freedom to explore.

When buying a baby carrier, invest in one that works for everyday and travel use. There's no shortage of options, so don't settle until you find one you love!


For starters, I swear by the Solly Wrap for tiny babies. We also love the Beco Gemini in organic black.

3. Extra set of clothes

Traveling with kids can be a chaotic experience, but packing an extra set of clothes can make all the difference. Having extra clothes ready makes it easier to respond to any potential messes or spills during a road trip.

Make sure to bring two to three extra outfits, as well as extra underwear and socks. Packing cubes are an excellent choice to keep all your items organized and to easily separate clean and dirty clothing. This is a great way to make your travels easier and more enjoyable.

Read here for a list of eco-friendly travel packing cubes!

4. Diaper Bag

A convertible diaper bag is a must-have item that allows you to carry your diapers and all other essentials wherever you go. 

When choosing a diaper bag, there are a few features I consider. The lining should be wipeable and easy to clean, and the bag should have insulated pockets for snacks or bottles. 

Additionally, I love a bag with plenty of pockets for all my baby essentials. 

You may also want a bag with a removable changing pad and a convertible crossbody strap that makes it easy to carry or attach to strollers.

The Honest Company provides a range of eco-friendly diaper bags. These bags are made with recycled polyester and nylon and are 100% vegan, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. 

So, if you are looking for a functional, stylish, and eco-friendly diaper bag and other baby essentials that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, check out their selection!

5. Travel-friendly toys

One travel must-have for kids that you should never forget is their toys. Search for independent, quiet, small, lightweight, and battery and charger-free toys. 

For younger kids, sensory toys are great for keeping them busy. Sensory play is a great way for your little ones to calm themselves if they become overstimulated or anxious.

Sensory toys like Busy Boards will give them the opportunity to explore different textures and practical life skills. 

Fidget toys also provide a great outlet for their anxiety and are easy to pack away when not in use.

My kids have gotten Panda Crates and Koala Crates with developmentally appropriate toys. These are super easy to grab and go too. 

These have been life-savers for us, keeping our kids entertained on long roadtrips.

6. First Aid Kit

When you’re traveling with kids, having a first aid kit is an absolute necessity. Whether it’s for the occasional scraped knee or bumped head, you never know when you’ll need it. 


Start by filling your kit with the basics. I love having my go to oils like Lavender, Helichrysum, Balance, Copaiba, and Tamer. Bandages and Correct-X ointment. Add first aid kit tools items such as gauze, adhesive tape, tweezers, scissors, and safety pins.

If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, don’t forget to add any specific ointments that work well for your child. These baby essentials can be anything from cream for skin rashes to a nasal salve for colds and allergies.

Make sure that your first aid kit is easily accessible and that items are labeled so that everyone knows how and when to use them.

No matter where you’re headed, bring essential items like hand sanitizer, wipes, and extra face masks if needed. 

I trust doTERRA On GuardÂź Sanitizing Mist which kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, and Sanitizing Wipes which contains 70% ethyl alcohol that is 99.9% effective against the most common germs.

7. Travel Pillows

A travel pillow is a must-have item for traveling with kids!

Read here for ideas on where to get the most comfortable and eco-friendly pillows! 

On top of comfort, choose a travel pillow that supports your child's head, neck, and back. Make sure it’s not so thick that it pushes your child’s neck forward when sitting in the car seat. 

This may cause neck strain and discomfort on long road trips and may compromise car seat safety.

And as a mom, I also look for travel pillows that are easy to clean. Kids can be messy, and a spill on their travel pillow is almost guaranteed at some point.

8. Reusable water bottle

Keeping your kids hydrated is a must, and a reusable water bottle is a travel must-have!

Invest in high-quality insulated water bottles which are made of premium-grade stainless steel or glass – these are free of toxins, so the water stays clean and pure. No more worries about harmful chemicals leaking into the water.

Not only that, but insulated water bottles are perfect for carrying all the beverages your kids love – juices or health drinks– and with double-walled insulation, their drinks remain at the perfect temperature for much longer. There are insulated water bottles that can keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours.

9. Snacks

To make sure your journey is a smooth ride, snacks are a must-have for kids! So don't forget to pack some nutritious, filling snacks - it'll help prevent any mid-trip meltdowns.


I’m a big proponent of packing your food while traveling with kids. Not only is it the most convenient way to make sure everyone gets the nutrition they need, but it also eliminates the need to stop at fast food places and all the sugar and preservatives that come with it. Plus, it's a great way to save money and have a few treats for the road.

So, if you’re going on a road trip, I’ve listed 10 healthy snack ideas for kids on the go to help you plan!

10. Sheets

This last recommendation might surprise you, but kids’ skin tends to be sensitive. A lot of AirBNBs or hotels use harsh or fragrance-heavy laundry detergents and polyester sheets. 

After experiencing a rashy baby, we always travel with our own sheets.


Traveling with kids is a great experience, but it’s not always easy. Even if you’ve done it before, you’re likely to run into some challenges. 

Planning ahead is the key to making the most of your trip and preventing any hiccups along the way. 

I hope this list of must-have items for traveling with kids can help set you and your family up for an amazing adventure.

If you’re looking for more travel must-haves for kids, drop a message here, and let’s connect!

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