Traveling with a toddler can be challenging, but having the right toddler travel essentials makes all the difference, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable trip for everyone.
Travelling with a toddler on a plane (or anywhere, really) can be a mix of fun and chaos. While it’s amazing to explore new places with your little one, the key to a stress-free trip is being well-prepared. Trust me—I’ve been there! Having traveled with my toddler (who is now four), I’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t when it comes to packing.
In this guide, I’m sharing all the toddler travel essentials that made our journeys smoother—both on the plane and at our holiday destination. From must-have comfort items to entertainment and practical gear, these essentials will help keep your toddler happy, calm, and entertained while making your trip a whole lot easier. Whether you’re packing for a long-haul flight or a quick weekend getaway, this list will ensure you’re fully prepared.
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Travel Essentials For Toddlers
1. Potty/Toilet Training Essentials
The first must-have on this toddler travel essentials list is all about potty and toilet training—because if your little one is already toilet trained, you definitely don’t want to forget this!
We opted for toilet training rather than potty training, and these foldable portable toilet seats have been a game-changer. We’ve had ours since we toilet-trained our daughter at two years old, and we take it everywhere—whether we’re out for the day or traveling abroad.
I highly recommend getting two in different colors—one for family homes, hotel rooms, and familiar places, and another specifically for public restrooms, like airplane toilets. These portable seats make standard toilets much more comfortable and safer for little ones, as regular toilet seats can feel way too big for them. It’s a simple but essential item that makes traveling with a toddler so much easier!
And of course, if your little one is potty trained, bringing a mini portable potty is a must! I’ve seen plenty of parents at airports with these, and for good reason—they make on-the-go potty breaks so much easier. Having a compact, travel-friendly potty ensures your toddler has a familiar and comfortable place to go, whether you’re at the airport, on the road, or exploring your destination. It’s a small but essential item that can save you a lot of stress while traveling!
2. Travel Bag
This is the best bag for air travel with a toddler! It has plenty of pockets, making it perfect for organizing all your toddler’s essentials. You’ll always know exactly where everything is, so you can quickly grab what you need without any hassle. A well-organized bag can make all the difference when traveling with a little one, especially during flights!
3. Stainless Steel Water Bottle
I’ve always preferred a stainless steel cup for my toddler because it keeps her water nice, cold, and fresh. She absolutely refuses to drink it once it warms up, so having an insulated cup has been a game-changer. If your little one is the same, a stainless steel water bottle is the perfect travel essential to keep them hydrated and happy on the go!
4. Lots of Snacks
I have a blog post with 9 healthy travel snacks that are perfect for toddlers too! I packed these for my 3-year-old on our latest trip, and they were a huge hit. If you’re looking for easy, mess-free, and nutritious snack ideas for traveling with a toddler, be sure to check it out!
5. Snack Container
We used this snack container and it fit so many snacks. They have multiple compartments, so I could pack a variety of snacks, keeping my toddler entertained with different options to choose from. She absolutely loved it, and it made snack time so much easier while traveling!
Other Helpful Travel Posts:
- 12 Airplane Essentials You’ll Actually Need
- How To Travel With Kids
- All Year-Round Travel Packing List
6. Bibs
When my daughter was 1-2 years old, we used full-sleeve bibs because she was a very messy eater, and they provided the best coverage.
Now that she’s getting better at eating neatly, these silicone bibs have been perfect! The built-in pocket catches any food she drops, keeping her clothes much cleaner and saving us from constant outfit changes—especially at the airport, on the plane, or while out and about on holiday. They’re a simple but essential item for stress-free mealtimes while traveling!
7. White Noise Machine
If your toddler uses a sound machine to sleep, this is something you definitely don’t want to forget on your packing list. While you might not need it on the plane since the engine noise creates a natural white noise, it’s a must-have when you’re at the hotel. Having their familiar sound machine can help your little one settle into a good sleep routine, even in a new environment!
8. Blackout Pram Cover
If your little one is anything like mine and can’t sleep in the pram no matter how tired they are, then pram covers are a game-changer! These covers make sleeping on the go so much easier. They provide a bit of darkness to help your toddler sleep better, and they’re breathable even in the heat, so your little one stays comfortable. Plus, it has a zip so you can open it a little for ventilation when needed. It’s one of those travel essentials that really makes a difference!
9. ‘Surprise’ Travel Goodie Bag
A travel goodie bag with new activities is so important for flights! Seriously, it keeps little ones entertained for ages. Since the activities are new, they’re more intrigued and engaged, which helps reduce tantrums and gives you a bit of peace too. It’s a simple but brilliant way to keep your toddler busy during the flight!
10. Toddler Friendly Tablet
If you don’t already have one, this toddler-friendly tablet is perfect, especially because it comes with pre-downloaded shows. Even if you usually limit screen time (like we do), having a tablet on hand can be a lifesaver when snacks and activities stop keeping your toddler entertained, and tantrums and boredom start setting in.
We always bring our tablet along and keep it as a last resort. Most of the time, we don’t even end up using it because we plan our trips around a time when we know she’s going to need a nap (even though she doesn’t nap anymore!), followed by activities and snacks. But when all else fails, the tablet really helps keep her calm and entertained!
11. First Aid Kit
This is so important: your little one can easily get unwell while on holiday, and having medication you trust with you is crucial. It avoids the stress of using unfamiliar medicines from abroad. Even small items like plasters are essential to pack, as toddlers are more likely to fall and scrape themselves. Being prepared with the basics can save you a lot of worry and make the trip much smoother!
12. Lightweight Travel Pram
This lightweight travel stroller has been a game-changer for us! We got it nearly 3 years ago and took it with us on our first trip abroad together, and it was amazing. It was the most affordable one we could find with great reviews.
The best part is how easily it folds up and how light it is to push around, which is perfect when navigating airports or exploring your holiday destination. It’s definitely a must-have for stress-free travel with a toddler!
13. Airplane Leg Rest
If you’re going on long flights (8+ hours), this airplane leg rest will be a lifesaver! It helps keep your toddler’s feet from getting restless, and it makes sleeping so much more comfortable. Having something to rest their feet on can make a big difference in how well they sleep and how much more relaxed they feel during those long stretches of travel.
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