road trip essentials for 4 year old

24 Road Trip Essentials for Toddlers [2024 Edition]

A family car ride is always much more fun for us if we have packed all of our road trip essentials for toddlers. Because, let’s face it: if the toddlers are happy everyone is happy.

So, what should you bring? The best travel items for toddlers are those that work for your family or are already a part of your day to day routine.

Think snack containers, water bottles, toys, etc. While “new” can sometimes be more exciting, we have found it is less stressful to bring things our toddlers already know how to use independently.

[Frustration with a new electronic or snack container is sometimes more stressful than not having one at all.]

We broke our list into categories to help you find what you’re looking for. These toddler road trip survival categories are as follows: best gear for car travel with toddlers, snack essentials, entertainment, and some “honorable mention” items.

Best Travel Items for Toddlers in the Car

The items in this category make riding in the car with a toddler more convenient. After all, the best travel items for toddlers are those that help them be independent and enjoy their ride (so that you can enjoy yours)!

Car Seat Travel Tray

A car seat travel tray is one of the best travel items for toddlers and young kids. These trays fit on top of the car seat and helps organize a variety of things.

Lusso is our favorite brand of car accessories! We personally own seat protectors and seat organizers made by Lusso, in addition to the travel tray.

The travel tray includes a dry erase surface, multiple storage compartments, a tablet holder, and a secure strap to attach the tray to the carseat.

Car Sunshade

We have tried a few different types of sun shades over the past few years. The retractable shades did not work well for our family because they kept losing suction.

We also did not care for the black out shades because they make it hard to see out of the window.

The enovoe sun shades , however, use static cling to attach to windows! They are 21×14 and fit most car windows while blocking 97% of UV rays.

Toddler Neck Pillow

A toddler neck pillow is a great investment for any car trip that involves some form of sleeping (and for us, that’s all of them).

The Bcozzy neck pillow is specifically designed for toddlers and young kids by providing more support under the chin, which supports the neck.

This is our #1 pick for a toddler neck pillow!

Looking for more options? Check out our post on the best travel pillows for kids!

Insulated Cooler Bag

This is not one of the most obvious road trip essentials for toddlers, but hear me out. A soft cooler bag is a must!

Refrigerated snacks and drinks, especially for beach trips, fit conveniently in these insulated cooler bags. It also allows you to pack a road trip lunch.

Plus, a soft outer shell allows it to be positioned anywhere: between seats, in the floor board, or in between luggage bags.

The Lifewit collapsible cooler bag comes in three sizes (we like the jumbo) and two colors.

Portable Diaper Changing Pad

A portable diaper changing pad is definitely something we take with us on every toddler car ride, whether long or short.

The Keababies changing pad is designed for up to age 3 but could definitely be used for older ages as well.

It is waterproof and folds very neatly. We prefer this type of changing pad instead of the kind that include diapers and wipes. We always have those things on hand anyways and do not need them wrapped up in the pad also.

It is very affordable and packs in any bag or purse!

Car Seat Organizer

We have already mentioned Lusso gear once, but let me reiterate. This brand is made to last!

We love these kick mats! They perfectly organize all of the essentials needed for a toddler road trip to keep them out of the floorboard.

Please note: Toddlers cannot reach these organizers from their car seats. However, parents can attach them to the back of their seats and easily access all of the items.

They are waterproof, machine washable, include 4 large mesh pockets, and come in 5 colors.

Travel Potty

I think we can all agree that this is a great thing to have for car travel with toddlers, no matter the length of the ride.

This OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty converts from a toilet seat to an actual travel potty. Just attach a disposable bag to the seat!

It is perfect for urgent bathroom breaks that pop up in between gas station stops.

It is easy to clean, easy to pack, and works well for boys and girls!

Looking for more options? Check out our post on the best travel potty and toilet seat for kids!

First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is a must-have for travel in general, but especially for travel with kids.

We like the Swiss Safe kit because the items are high quality and the Swiss Safe name is a trusted brand. There are cheaper kits with more pieces but the quality is questionable.

Snacking Road Trip Essentials for Toddlers

This category includes all things eating and drinking. We travel with older toddlers and younger toddlers so we have included all of the snacking road trip essentials for toddlers of any age!

Insulated No-Spill Sippy Cup

A no-spill sippy cup is truly one of the best travel items for toddlers under the age of three.

The Munchkin Miracle 360 Insulated cup is perfect for warm or cold drinks and it is truly no-spill.

We own the plastic and stainless steel varieties and LOVE them! Perfect for little hands learning to use a cup.

It comes in three colors: blue, pink, and green.

Water Bottle

We recommend transitioning from a sippy cup to a water bottle between ages 2 and 3. Our kids at three years old have done really well with these!

The Yeti Rambler Jr. it leak-proof, sweat-proof, and shatter-proof. We really love the handle on this water bottle! It is perfectly positioned for little hands.

This 12oz water bottle comes in 8 fun colors! It has has an easy to open mouthpiece and is the perfect size for little hands.

SNACKS! This is really how we survive any trip in the car. We bring mostly dry snacks in the car (because smushed grapes in between the seats are gross) and water (no explanation needed).

We usually hand out small amounts of snacks about once per hour unless we are getting close to eating an actual meal.

Have you tried Crunchables ? They are delicious and are a perfect road trip snack for kids! They are made up of dried apple and banana pieces. Clean eating and easy clean up.

My Travel Tray

Guys. The My Travel Tray is perfect for kiddos. The base of the tray fits into car seat cup holders to provide a tray that holds a drink and snacks.

My Travel Tray is perfect if your toddler needs something small to hold their snacks while they play with a toy or “read” a book.

The tray itself is about 6 inches wide. It could theoretically hold a small lunch but is definitely designed for snacks.

My Travel Tray comes in 6 fun colors and is BPA free. It also comes with 2 adapter pieces to ensure it fits in your child’s car seat cup holder.

Snack Catcher

If you road trip with a 2 year old then you know that a snack catcher is a must have. Bonus points-these have lids, which keep crumbs in and keep the snacks fresh!

The WeeSprout snack catchers are made of food-grade silicone and are sturdy yet soft. Perfect for little hands!

They are about 3.5 inches wide and come in 6 color combinations.

Reusable snack bags

We buy most of our snacks in full-sized containers because they are cheaper/last longer. So, we divide them up in these awesome reusable snack bags that we, well, re-use throughout the trip!

Stasher makes an awesome silicone reusable food bag that is easy to clean and open/close.

It comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and they even offer a starter kit!

Snack container/Snack tackle box

Have you tried a snackle box?! This idea is definitely for older toddlers or kids who can follow directions and portion control.

A snackle box has a variety of snacks packed in different compartments and allows the kids to choose. You can actually fit a whole days worth of snacks in there!

We bought this set so that our older kids would each have their own color. Note: the grids are removable so wet/leaky food is not recommended.

Toddler Road Trip Entertainment

Toddler road trip entertainment is anything that helps mom and dad keep their sanity. Car travel with toddlers means lots of potty breaks, lots of snacks, and lots of entertainment. Below are some of our favorites!

Travel Toys

We have some tried and true activities we take with us on any toddler car ride. The first thing on that list is books ! Regular, turn-the-page, read upside down, books. We actually keep a basket of books in the car at all times and just refresh/update about once per week.

We also have a basket of toys that genuinely travel well, so we keep them put away to make them more enticing during a road trip.

To see a list of awesome toys for any toddler car ride, check out our post!

Kids’ Kindle Fire

Our family is still pretty young so my toddlers are not independent tablet users yet. But, I know some families do not travel without a kid-proof tablet!

Option 1: Fire 7 Kids – 16 GB

This is the cheapest option out there for a kids tablet! The Amazon Fire 7 Kids comes with a 2-year guarantee, kid-proof case with built-in stand, 1-year access to Amazon+ kids content, a 7″ display, 10 hours of battery life, and easy parental controls.

This is the most affordable option for a kids’ tablet and is designed for ages 3-7.

Option 2: Fire HD 8 Kids – 32 or 64 GB

The Fire HD 8 is the middle option, price-wise. This is a great tablet for toddlers! It features an 8″ screen, 13 hours of battery life, and the same Amazon+ access, kid-proof case, 2-year guarantee and parental controls that are featured in the Fire 7 (the older model).

It also comes with two solid color choices and two theme choices for the case. The storage options on this Fire include 32 or 64 GB of digital storage, 2 GB of RAM and up to 1TB of expandable storage.

Option 3: Fire HD 10 -32 GB

The Fire HD 10 Kids offers the largest screen and the most advanced graphics in a tablet for younger kids. The Fire HD 10 features a 10.1″ screen, 1080p full HD, 3GB RAM, dual cameras, and a screen made with aluminosilicate glass.

This tablet is the most comparable Fire Kids tablet to an iPad, but is designed specifically with kids in mind unlike the iPad.

There are three purchase options: the tablet, the tablet + backpack, and the tablet + bluetooth keyboard.

Tablet Holder

For those of us traveling in vehicles that do not have built-in screens, a tablet holder is a must for long road trips. There are three different kinds of tablet holders and we have highlighted our favorite in each category below!

Macally Car Headrest Mount

For families with a shared device, this tablet holder is for you! The headrest mount securely attaches to one headrest and extends the tablet to the center of the viewers.

This is perfect two (or three) kids to watch the same movie/show. It works very similarly to a drop down, ceiling DVD player but it is mounted to the headrest instead, making it eye level.

This tablet holder does not work for multiple rows of children! It can only be seen by the viewers sitting directly in front of it because of the level it is mounted at. I.e. kids in the third row cannot see a tablet mounted in the second row.

This tablet mount is adjustable and works for all tablets, phones, and devices.

FANGOR Car Headrest Mount with Anti-Slip Strap

This tablet holder is truly designed for tablets ranging in size from 7-12.9 inches. Note : It will not work for a phone!

The unique design includes anti-slip straps that are flexible yet secure. They stretch around the four corners of the tablet to hold it in place. This allows the tablet to be mounted to the headrest (rather than the headrest supports) which puts the tablet at eye level for taller kids, or above eye level for younger children.

The headrest mounting strap uses velcro to quickly and securely attach to any headrest! It is also thin and foldable so it can be stored in a seat pocket when not in use.

Lamicall Tablet Headrest Holder

The Lamicall Headrest Holder works for any device between 4 and 10.7 inches wide, making it a great choice for phones or tablets. It supports all major phones and tablets!

The connectors are retractable so they can adjust to varying widths of headrest posts. Simply push them towards each other, position the holder in between the headrest posts, and release the connectors. They will expand to fit the width of your headrest.

Please note: in order for this holder to work, the distance between your car headrest posts should be 5.1-5.9 inches. It will NOT work in these cars: Honda Odyssey/Pilot, Subaru Forester/Cross trek/Outback, Mazda CX5, Chevy Traverse, 2007 Toyota Prius, 011 Infiniti QX56v, Audi Q7 (2018).

Headphones / Headphone Splitter

Just in case you do not want to hear The Jungle Book on repeat, a pair of headphones is a great investment to go along with the tablet mounted to the back of your seat!

Snug Play+ Kids Headphones

There are a TON of headphones out there for kids. We love these Snug headphones for a few reasons.

First, they are volume-limited! Even turned all the way up, they can never reach a damaging noise level.

Second, they are designed with toddlers in mind! They are specifically made to fit kids ages 3-8 (made possible by the adjustable head band) and the padding is super comfy.

They also offer audio sharing, meaning one pair of headphones can connect to another pair of headphones that is already connected to a device. Both listeners can hear the same audio without a headphone splitter.

The Snug Play+ headphones come in 24 different colors/designs to choose from and have over 18,000 5-star reviews!

Syncwire Headphone Splitter

A headphone splitter is perfect for kiddos who share a tablet. If you have one device mounted in your car, the headphone splitter will allow the audio to travel through two different pairs of headphones.

Honorable Mention Road Trip Essentials for Toddlers

Essential is a loose word these days. We think essentials are things that make your trip as smooth as possible with toddlers. For us, that makes them necessary because we need to have a smooth trip.

There are also some “added bonus” road trip essentials for toddlers that are not necessary for a smooth ride, but they can definitely come in handy! See our list of honorable mentions below.

Toddler Suitcase

Does a toddler need his/her own luggage? Nope. Is it more fun? Absolutely! It has also helped teach our children how to be more independent with packing, which I am all for.

There are a ton of options for toddler luggage including ride-on suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks, and rolling luggage.

See our complete list of toddler suitcases here to choose the best option for your kid(s)!

Plastic Bags / Diaper Disposal Bags

We always keep plastic bags of some kind in our car. More often than not, we reuse plastic grocery bags that we keep in the back pocket of our seats. However, it does sometimes come in handy to have an actual diaper disposal bag when changing a stinky diaper.

Ubbi On The Go Bag Dispenser + Refills

The Ubbi on the Go diaper disposal kit is perfect for changing diapers on the go. It conveniently secures to any bag and dispenses durable, lavender scented bags.

We use these quite often to hold diapers or even smelly food in the car until we can get to the nearest trash can. They also help mask the smell!

This kit includes one dispenser and 5 rolls of refill bags (60 count total).

Toddler Travel Bed

Though a travel bed does not help your car ride, it can definitely make your road trip home more successful by promoting some good sleep at your destination!

Toddler travel beds range from collapsible cots to inflatable mattresses to bed rails.

See our complete toddler travel bed list here to choose the best one for your toddler(s)!

Laundry Bag (for dirty clothes)

A laundry bag is not one of the most important travel must haves for toddlers, but it is a great accessory for their dirty clothes!

Toddlers are generally pretty messy so it helps to have a designated place to put all of their dirty laundry.

Is a laundry bag necessary? No, it really is not. But does it make re-packing the car easier? Yes, it absolutely does.

These bags are HUGE (3.5 feet tall), come in a variety of colors, and comes as a 2-pack.

What are your best travel items for toddlers?

Let us know! We love to update our list and help parents survive these trips. Happy traveling!

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49 Road Trip Essentials for Kids to a Stress-Free Drive

August 8, 2023 · In: Travel with Kids

Going on a road trip with kids can be daunting, and it's easy to forget the small essentials that keep them entertained and comfortable during those long drives. Trying to find the right items for your car journey can be time-consuming and expensive–but it doesn't have to be when you're well-prepared!

My family and I absolutely adore road trips! Our last adventure took us on a thrilling 10-hour journey around Quebec . But guess what? This time, we're going for a whopping 21-hour road trip to sunny Florida!

After hours of meticulous research, I've curated a list of 49 must-have road trip essentials for your kids on any family road trip. Trust me, this ultimate survival kit will transform your journey into an unforgettable and stress-free experience! Let's make this road trip the best one ever!

Related : 22 Best Road Trip Tips For Travelling With Kids (Educational)

What Essentials Do I Need for a Family Road Trip with Kids?

Embarking on a family road trip is more than just plotting routes on a map. It's about ensuring that every member of the family, especially the kids, has a memorable and comfortable journey.

Related : 13 Benefits of Traveling with Family

When planning your trip, you need to consider various aspects from entertainment to snacks, essential items, and safety.

How do we keep the kids entertained during long drives? What sort of snacks should we pack that is not only healthy but also appealing to the children? What are the essential items that can't be overlooked? And most importantly, how can we ensure everyone's safety during the trip?

These are the critical questions that we'll be addressing in this blog. With the right preparation, you'll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure that awaits! So, buckle up and let's dive in.

Entertainment

First and foremost, let's talk about entertainment. Whether your road trip is a couple of hours or a full day's drive, keeping the kids occupied ensures a calm and serene travel experience .

Remember, a bored child can quickly turn a fun road trip into an exhausting ordeal. Let's keep those little minds busy and the journey enjoyable!

1. Audiobooks, Music & Podcasts Playlists

Audiobooks, music playlists, and podcasts can transform your family road trip into an enriching and enjoyable journey.

Audiobooks bring stories to life, sparking imagination and fostering a love for literature among kids, while music playlists can be tailored to include everyone's favorite tunes, creating a sing-along, cheerful atmosphere in the car.

Podcasts , on the other hand, offer educational content in an engaging format, making learning exciting and fun.

Related: 15 Best Podcasts for Kids in 2023: English and Chinese Options

These three forms of audio entertainment can diversify your travel experience, making every mile an opportunity for bonding, learning, and creating unforgettable memories.

2. Tablets/ iPads

Stock up on your kids' favorite apps and games or download some movies/shows for them to enjoy during the trip.

Check out: 313+ Movies & Shows to Prepare for Disney World (2023)

3. Tablet Mount for Car

Introducing the ultimate companion for your road trip – the car cup holder tablet mount! This amazing gadget securely holds your tablet for the best viewing experience and easy access. It fits perfectly in your car's cup holder, so no more wobbling on bumpy roads. Plus, the holder can be adjusted and rotated to fit any tablet size. I love how I can place it up front and enjoy movies with my kids in the back (of course, not while I'm driving!)

4. Road Trip Printables

Age recommendation: 1+ years old

Road trip printables are fantastic for keeping kids entertained and learning on long drives. They boost observation and thinking skills as children find items or landmarks on the printables.

Check out these free road trip printables available in different languages: English, Chinese (Traditional, Simplified, Zhuyin, Pinyin), and French.

5. 3D Stickers for Kids & Toddlers

Stickers are always a great entertainment for kids. These safe and non-toxic stickers are puffy and 3D! You can provide them with a notebook to stick on.

6. Colorful blank books

These books are great size for children to express their arts and thoughts. They can write a journal, stick stickers, draw, scribble and more with these notebooks.

7. Crayola Washable Markers with Retractable Tips

Age recommendation: 3+ years old

Say goodbye to smudges, misplaced caps, and dried-up markers! These fantastic art tools are specially designed to resist drying out, and they boast easy-click tips that make creative on-the-go activities a breeze.

8. Kids Digital Camera

“I'm bored!” will be said less frequently by your kids when they have a digital camera. I strongly recommend this product, because after your kids take photos from the trip, you can upload and print them to create a photo album together. This way, you can all relive your road trip experience again!

9. Binoculars for kids

Age recommendation: 2+ years old

This is perfect for kids, especially when it comes to watching objects from far away such as animals, landmarks, buildings, and more.

10. Pop it fidget Toy

Age recommendation: 1+ year old

I'm amazed how this can entertain my kids for a long time. They will pop it, flip it, pop it again! Make sure they each have one, so they can trade and do it again.

11. Reusable water activity pad

This mess-free activity allows kids to color each page with water. Dry the pages, and they can color each page again!

12. Conversation Starter Cards for Families and Kids

Make your car trips even better with the portable question box! It has 100 interesting questions that make road trips more exciting. It's great for entertaining and engaging younger kids during the journey. Plus, it's a wonderful gift idea for family and friends. Get ready for lots of fun and special times!

13. Suction Toys

These toys are great for entertainment during car rides. They can stick the suction toys on the windows; best of all, these toys can relieve stress!

14. Assorted Travel Bingo Set

This set includes four reusable bingo cards that offer hours of entertainment for families, whether at home or on the road.

15. Puro Sound Labs Bluetooth Headphones

These headphones are made just for kids' ears, giving great sound and keeping their hearing safe. They have a special tech that keeps the volume under 85 decibels, which is safe for children. They also connect with Bluetooth, so no messy wires, perfect for using in the car. They're comfy and strong, so they'll keep kids happy for hours during your road trip, making it even more fun!

16. Packs of 4 Sports Balls

These soft and safe balls are ideal for toddlers to enjoy both indoors and outdoors. It's a good idea to use them outside where there's more room to play. Using different balls can help toddlers practice rolling, coordination, kicking, and have lots of fun.

Food & Drinks – Road Trip Essential for Kids

Moving on to the second crucial aspect – snacks! You absolutely cannot overlook the importance of packing plenty of snacks for the journey. Kids get hungry quickly, and having a stash of their favorite treats can keep those hunger pangs at bay.

Road trips can be long and tiring, so it's important to pack healthy snacks and drinks to keep everyone up. To make it convenient, provide a snack container for each kid. This will help keep everyone fed and happy during the trip.

18. Skip Hop Stackable Container

Here is the snack container I've got for my kids since they were babies. I started putting formulas in the containers. Now, they are filled with snacks. I love this container because they fit perfectly in backpacks. In addition, this solves the problem of how my toddler loves all food to be separated.

19. Camping Cookware kitchen set

This super convenient cookware is set for road trips, camping, etc. I'm amazed how so many cookware can fit in a mesh bag. This is perfect when we want to cook and do not want to go out and eat fast food for dinner.

Related : Camping with Kids: 25 Essential Tips for a Successful Trip

20. ROCKBROS Soft Cooler Bag

This bag is fantastic; it contains enough food for the family and has three insulation layers that will keep the food cool all day. I'd prefer it over a box cooler because it can fit nicely in a corner of the car trunk, whereas a box cooler would use up too much space.

21. Hydro Flask Standard Cap Bottle

I love these water bottles for ourselves (parents) because they can keep water cold and hot. They are easy to clean. And best of all, they can fit in the car cup holders!

22. Thermos 12 oz bottle

These bottles are perfect for kids! They are not too big and can keep water cold for 12 hours. They can also fit in car cup holders right beside their car seats! This is essential because they can drink from their water bottle anytime during every car ride.

23. 1 Gallon Stainless Steel Water Bottle

To ensure we have plenty of water for our road trip, we have two 1-gallon water bottles in the car trunk.

24. 5L Collapsible water container

We put these water bags at the side door slot. Since they are made of plastic, we use this water to wash our hands with the addition of travel soap sheets .

25. Brita space saver water filter pitcher

We will begin filling the Brita Filter pitcher with tap water as soon as we arrive at our hotels, turning it into drinkable water.

26. Foldable electric kettle for travel

Another must-have for hot beverage lovers! Before drinking, we also like to boil the water. (Just to be on the safe side!)

General Road Trip Essential for Kids

Now, let's dive into comfort essentials. Imagine yourself in the car for hours – comfort is key, right? The same goes for our little ones. Familiar items from home can provide a sense of security and comfort in an unfamiliar environment. Aim for a journey that's as cozy as possible, because nothing puts the brakes on a fun road trip like a cranky, uncomfortable kiddo!

27. Extra clothes & Diapers

Accidents, spills, and unexpected changes in weather are a part of any family road trip. It's essential to always pack extra clothes, diapers, and towels for the little ones. Just make sure that they're within easy reach so you don't have to rummage through multiple bags or luggage cases when needed.

28. Mini disposable travel soap sheets

I prefer using these hand soaps than hand sanitizer–my hands feel cleaner afterwards. They're also helpful when you can't get to a sink since they start melting as soon as they come into contact with water and form foam pretty quickly.

29. WaterWipes

Age recommendation: All ages

WaterWipes are a must-have for road trips with kids! They are the purest baby wipes in the world, super gentle on your child's skin. They're perfect for quick cleanups of hands, faces, and messes during the trip. Made with mostly water and a bit of fruit extract, WaterWipes are hypoallergenic and don't have any strong chemicals, scents, or alcohol. They're safe for your little ones and good for the environment since they're 100% biodegradable. No more dirty faces and sticky fingers – WaterWipes make road trips easier!

30. Babyganics Foaming Pump Hand Sanitizer

I use Babyganics Foaming Pump Hand Sanitizer on trips. It's plant-based, effective against germs, and gentle on my kids' hands. The foaming formula is fun for them and it's compact for easy use on the go. With Babyganics, our family stays safe and ready for adventure!

31. Aden + Anais Dream Blanket

My kids have been using these blankets since they were babies. I love how they become even softer every time we wash them! They are high quality, lightweight, and breathable muslin. Therefore my children still love to use them! These are perfect blankets for the car trip!

32. Kids Travel Pillow

Age recommendation: 3-7 years old

I really like this ergonomically designed pillow – it gives my child the perfect neck and chin support, stopping their head from falling to the side or forward. The soft, plush fabric is super comfy, so my kids can rest, sleep, or just chill during our long travels. And the best part is, it's machine washable, so I can easily clean it after each adventure.

33. Backseat Car Organizer

A backseat car organizer is a must-have for every family road trip! These handy storage solutions attach to the back of the front seats and feature multiple pockets to hold everything from water bottles and snacks to gadgets, toys, and travel-size activity sets. They're a lifesaver for maintaining order in the backseat, keeping essential items within easy reach of your little ones, and ensuring the car stays neat and tidy throughout the journey. Plus, they often come with a clear pocket that can hold a tablet for hands-free viewing – perfect for keeping the kids entertained during those long stretches on the road!

34. Car Seat Organizer with Cup Holders

This practical add-on attaches behind the front seats, providing lots of pockets to keep toys, books, snacks, and essentials tidy. The cup holders hold bottles securely, preventing spills and keeping drinks accessible. It keeps everything neat, making the ride comfy and fun.

35. Super Fast Car Chargers & Coiled Cable

Get super fast charging anywhere with this 60W car charger. It has a Type-C cable and a 30W SUPER FAST Charging port that supports various fast charging protocols. Charge up to three devices at once, five times faster than regular car chargers. Stay powered and connected on the move.

36. 2 pieces 3d Sleep Mask for Kids

I've got a package with two sets of eye covers, each in a different color. These travel-friendly eye masks are designed with a wider and deeper 3D eye area, giving my kids more room to blink and ensuring they fit comfortably. I can relax without worrying about any pressure on their eyes.

37. Car Trash Bag

We keep our car clean and tidy with this car trash can. It holds 1.85 gallons and helps me stay organized on the go. The sturdy bottom support board keeps it in shape and prevents accidental closure. Enjoy a clutter-free drive with the convenient car trash can.

38. UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter

Stay worry-free on the road with a car battery jump starter that also charges gadgets! This handy device can quickly restart a dead car battery, so your trip goes smoothly. And it's even better – the modern jump starter has USB ports to charge your devices. Whether it's your phone or the kids' tablets, this small device can charge them all. It's a must for any road trip, making life easier and stress-free.

39. Oxo tot 2-in-1 go potty

The OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty is a total game-changer for my family when we're on the road. I don't have to worry about finding public restrooms or dealing with emergencies for my kids anymore. This small potty seat is super portable and I can use it on its own with disposable bags for quick stops. If needed, I can place it on a regular toilet seat to help my kids feel more comfortable. It's light, easy to clean, and folds into a neat travel bag. Trust me, it's one of the most practical things to bring for a road trip with young kids!

40. Toilet Seat Covers Disposable

Disposable toilet seat covers are a must for my road trips, especially when I have kids with me or if public restrooms aren't very clean. These covers create a clean barrier between me and the toilet seat, which helps prevent germs. They're easy to carry, flushable, and good for the environment. I just keep them in my bag, and they ensure a safe and clean restroom for my family wherever we go on our road trip.

41. Reusable Grocery Bags

Adding a reusable foldable grocery bag to my road trip essentials is a smart idea. It's good for the environment and really handy. I can use it to grab snacks, shop at local markets, or keep my car neat. When I'm not using it, I can fold it up small, so it doesn't take much space. These bags are tough too, so they can hold heavy things without ripping. They come in lots of colors and designs, so I can pick one that suits my style. I wouldn't go on a road trip without one!

42. Portable Travel Umbrella

With a weight of just 15 oz and a compact size of 11.5″ (29cm) when folded, our travel umbrella is incredibly portable. It serves as an excellent choice for various purposes, such as a small umbrella for your purse, a convenient car umbrella, or a reliable companion for your travels.

Lastly, we can't forget the importance of safety! So, always be prepared, because safety should never take a back seat on a family road trip!

43. Emergency contact details

Make sure to store the contact details of local hospitals and doctors in your phone, in case of any emergency.

44. Medication

Check with your child’s healthcare provider before you take off, and make sure that you have the appropriate medications available. For example, if your child has asthma, allergies, or any other chronic condition, it is important to make sure they have their medication on hand in case of an emergency.

Additional Note : Pack a fever reducer like ibuprofen or any other medicines that your child might need. Having these things ready will help you be prepared for any sudden health issues and keep your kids comfortable during the drive.

45. Cash & Credit Cards

Don't forget to bring cash and credit cards on your trip. You never know when you might need them! This is especially true if you're travelling in a remote area or a foreign country. It's always better to be safe than sorry – so make sure you have the necessary payment methods as backup just in case.

46. Thinkbaby Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must too, even in the car! The sun's rays can still reach your kids through the car windows.

When it comes to protecting your children's sensitive skin from harmful UV rays, Thinkbaby Sunscreen is a superior choice. With a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection, this sunscreen is perfect for outdoor activities during your road trip. It has been specifically created with children in mind, being a mineral-based sunscreen that avoids harmful chemical UV absorbers. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you don't have to worry about frequent reapplication.

47. Waterproof Car First-aid emergency Kit

I found this amazing waterproof First Aid Kit – it's a compact kit with high-quality supplies for emergencies. It has survival tools and trauma supplies, all neatly organized in a bright red bag. So, I can quickly grab what I need during any emergency. It's a must for my safety and a great gift idea too!

48. Roadside assistance emergency kit

This roadside assistance packages is a perfect gift. This contains the necessary roadside kits, snow shovel, flashing lights, reflective triangle warning signs, advanced jumpers (8.2 feet), powerful towing rope, safety hammer and seat belt cutters, life blankets, raincoats, compasses and more!

49. Barf bags

Don't let nausea spoil your fun-filled family road trip! Barf bags, also known as sick sacks, are a lifesaver when it comes to long drives with kids. These compact, leak-proof items are perfect for sudden bouts of car sickness that kids might experience. They are easy to use, disposable, and provide a handy solution to keep your car interior clean and odor-free. Just stash a few in the glove compartment or the back seat pockets and you're good to go.

Other Travel Related Posts

Here are some more travel related articles you can read:

Final Thoughts on Preparing Essentials for Kid-Friendly Road Trips

Here is a summary of the 49 road trip essentials for kids:

Indeed, planning for a road trip with kids necessitates a comprehensive checklist to ensure a stress-free and memorable experience. From safety measures like first aid kits and emergency contact details to essentials like snacks, medicines, and entertainment options, every item contributes to the overall success of the journey. Remember, the key to a smooth trip is details preparation and considering your children's needs. With these 49 essentials, you are now well-equipped to create an enjoyable and carefree road trip for your entire family. If you are gearing up for a road trip with your little ones, make sure to save the image below on Pinterest. It'll come in handy and simplify your planning process.

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How to Take a Road Trip With a Toddler

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, tips for taking a road trip with a toddler, consider your departure time, plan for breaks, read this next, map your route, bring out the entertainment big guns, but don't hand everything over at once, alternate drivers, if possible, prepare for queasiness, expect some stress, road trip essentials for toddlers, personal care items, entertainment, toddler comforts, best snacks for a road trip with a toddler, toddler road trip activities.

Long car trips with toddlers can certainly be taxing, and reaching your destination will likely take longer. But with a little advanced planning (and plenty of breaks!), you can navigate the inevitable speed bumps and reach your destination with a happy passenger. 

What to Expect the Second Year , Heidi Murkoff.  WhatToExpect.com, 9 Fun Travel Games for Kids on the Go , October 2021.  WhatToExpect.com, Healthy Snack Ideas for Toddlers , February 2021.  WhatToExpect.com, Toddler Air Travel: What to Know Before You Fly , January 2019.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours At a Time? , August 2021.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  KidsHealth From Nemours, Staying Healthy While You Travel , January 2021.   

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20+ Road Trip Essentials with Kids (after 60k miles on the road)

Road trips are such an amazing way to see the world with kids and to have opportunities to explore in nature. But with more space than on a flight, packing for a road trip can be a bit overwhelming! Over the last 11 years of parenthood (and road tripping over 60,000 miles), we’ve gotten better at streamlining our road trip essentials with kids.

Here are the things to pack for a road trip that always come with us, whether in the car or RV. These family road trip necessities always help our road trips with kids go much more smoothly!

Child Restraint

Of course, the most important thing when taking a road trip with kids is to ensure they’re properly restrained. This is definitely at the top of the list for baby and toddler road trip essentials! Be sure to check into legal requirements wherever you’re traveling in addition to the safest situation for your child. If you’re uncertain, child passenger safety technicians can provide invaluable advice so it’s great to check in with them. Here’s more on the car seats for travel that we use.

Snacks + Cooler

Number one on this list of road trip essentials for toddlers and kids has to be snacks. There’s nothing that will ruin a road trip for us faster than having hangry, grumpy kids. We like to have mostly healthy foods they already love. We find we all feel better and act better when we’re not just eating tons of junk. But of course we always have some fun snacks that we wouldn’t have regularly at home, too!

Here’s a list of some of our favorite healthy road trip snacks for kids . We also like keeping fresh foods handy in a soft-sided cooler. This one keeps things cold for forever and is great to add to your road trip must haves.

Books: Kids Kindles + A Few Physical Books

I try not to overpack entertainment because I find that my kids tend to actually use the items less when there are too m ≤e category: BOOKS.

My older 3 kiddos (currently ages 11, 9, 7) love their Kids Kindles , which makes it easy to take lots of books without packing tons of stuff. They also allow us to download more along the way if needed. They tend to be best for kids who enjoy chapter books, but aren’t great for picture book readers. (More about the Kids Kindles for travel in this post .) Here’s a list of a few diverse novels for road trips that we love. And here are some kids books about the world that would be great for a road trip.

Here are some tips that have helped us raise kids who love reading to prepare for this must have on our family road trip packing list.

Audiobooks (Yoto Player)

Speaking of books, we also always stock up on audiobooks before a road trip. We usually use the Libby app to download them through our library, but also use the following audiobook services:

• Audible free trial  and get up to 2 free book credits
• Libro.fm membership  and get a free audiobook credit for  Aru Shah  (this supports local bookstores!)
• audiobooksnow.com free trial  and get it for $7.88 (or  $15.75 without signing up for the free trial )
• audiobooks.com free trial  and get 3 free book credits
• 30 day free trial of Scribd

We also LOVE using our Yoto player . It’s especially great for our younger kiddos because it’s so young-child-friendly. One of the road trip must haves for toddlers! They love being able to control exactly what they’re listening to with the cards. Seriously such a lifesaver on family road trips. This also allows my 4 year old, for instance, to listen to a different book than what the older kids are listening to in the car. ( More about the Yoto player here .)

We love these toddler headphones for our younger kids (and my older daughter still uses hers because they’re so soft and comfortable). Perfect to use with the Yoto player or to listen to something on a tablet if needed. We also like these for older kiddos on our family road trip checklist.

Trash Bags (and/or Vomit Bags)

It’s frankly quite incredible just how much trash manages to accumulate on road trips. Like, where does it even come from??

A trash bag in each row of the vehicle is one of our road trip must haves for kids. That way, there’s easy access while kids are buckled. We usually just use plastic grocery bags (the Target and Walmart ones tend to be really sturdy). You could also use something fancier like this .

They’re also useful to have on hand if you happen to have kids who tend to get motion sick. We don’t generally, but we’ve had once or twice on a very windy road where a kiddo has been reading and suddenly felt sick. We were very grateful to have some bags handy. (I’ve also heard good things about disposable vomit bags if you have kids who puke regularly.) Add this to your family road trip packing list!

Baby Wipes/Cleaning Wipes

I’m convinced it is impossible to have too many baby wipes. I shall purchase them until all my children are grown adults, forever and ever, amen. They’re just so darn useful in so many situations! Spilled drink? Baby wipes. Scoop up crumbs? Baby wipes. Clean the floor of the RV? Baby wipes. No toilet paper in the public restroom? Baby wipes.

And yes, I have actually used baby wipes for every one of these situations and many more. They’re a staple on our road trip packing list. You’re welcome. It’s even one of those road trip essentials for couples!

Sanitizing wipes are also helpful, especially during pandemic times, for cleaning anything and everything.

I have oddly strong opinions about the thickness and texture of baby wipes and quite like these . I personally love the cucumber scent but the regular works just fine, too.

Travel Backpack

I love having each of my kids pack their own travel backpack with their activities, water bottle, and a few personal snacks. This helps keep some fighting to a minimum and my kids are usually more excited about things they personally picked out and packed. The biggest benefit is that things tend to stay tidier when they have a specific space to contain their things. This is also one of those great road trip essentials for teens so they can be sure to have what they like handy.

Here’s what our kids usually pack in their travel backpacks – all great things to add to your road trip essentials with kids.

As I mentioned above, I try hard to not go overboard with the activities because I find that my kids tend to use them less the more there are. But we do like to pack a few things that keep them engaged for longer periods of time. Here are some of our favorite road trip activities for kids when putting together your packing list for family road trip.

Water Bottles + Bento Style Containers

Nothing makes me feel more ragey on road trips than spilled drinks and food. I know I should anticipate it, yada yada, but it still stresses me out. We find that everyone having their own water bottle helps significantly with keeping spills to a minimum and is one of our road trip necessities.

I like this hard spout insulated sippy for babies and young toddlers. THIS and THIS are great travel water bottles for younger kids. I also like this one (which is surprisingly spill-resistant, but the straw can get dirty since it doesn’t have a cover).

My older kids absolutely LOVE this water bottle – it’s a great size, fits in a side pocket, and keeps drinks cold for sooo long. For adults, we really love THIS one and THIS one.

We’ve also had a few trips where we’ve taken the kids’ Bento-style school lunchboxes as part of our road trip checklist for family. These are great for keeping food neat, especially if you’re having a whole meal while moving. It also makes it easy to close up leftovers without them spilling everywhere. We love these lunchboxes because they’re leakproof, both to the outside and between compartments.

We don’t often drive super late at night as neither Dan nor I is great at staying up to drive. But we do sometimes we do drive past at least the younger kids’ bedtimes. We find it’s easier for everyone to fall asleep if they have similar sleep cues to what they’d have at home or in a bed. So we include pajamas, pillow, stuffie, and possibly an eye mask in their road trip essentials list. We usually turn on some calming music ( this is our go-to) or white noise over the car speakers to help them drift off.

First Aid Kit + Medications

It’s amazing when kids manage to get injured, and it’s definitely happened to us on road trips before, too. We always like to keep a first aid kit handy – this is for sure a road trip essential that you always want to not need but will be very grateful to have it if a need does arise. These are our very favorite bandages that actually stay on so they always stay on our road trip packing list.

Don’t forget any specific medications you might need to add to your road trip essentials with kids, as well – we always carry a pain relief roller since a couple of our kids get growing pains. We always take children’s melatonin, as well, if we need help adjusting to sleep, especially if we’re changing time zones. ( This one isn’t specifically made for children but it’s the exact same formulation and dosage, cheaper than kid-specific ones, and works faster. Be sure to check with your medical professional before using.)

Sunblock/Insect Repellent

I always like to keep these two things handy in the door of the vehicle on road trips so we can find them easily as we’re leaving.

This is our favorite sunblock for kids – it’s a mineral sunblock that blends and protects so well (and is reef safe). It also comes in stick and spray form . I personally love this facial sunscreen to go under makeup, and this brush on mineral sunscreen is great for refreshing over makeup during the day. We always have this in our vehicle for summer adventures and on our summer road trip packing list.

When we’re in very buggy areas (or in areas where mosquitoes have a greater risk of carrying disease), we always use this Deet-based lotion repellent . It works super well and stays on for a long time. When we’re not as worried about diseased mosquitoes, we typically use this kind .

An Easy Outdoor Toy

Everyone gets a bit stir-crazy on a long road trip, so it’s nice to get in as much movement as possible when you stop. We like to head to a playground or even an empty field. We always keep a ball or frisbee on hand, and possibly even a couple of baseball gloves, for some easy and fun movement. Usually, we just keep this with our other road trip supplies so we don’t forget!

Extra Diapers

One of those things that’d I’d rather have too many of than too few! Especially if you’re road tripping through more remote areas, be sure you have a good stash handy with your road trip car essentials. For my younger kids who are toilet trained, I try to make sure to put them in a diaper before napping or if there’s risk of them falling asleep in the car; washing car seat covers is absolutely no fun, especially while on the road.

Binoculars/Scope

It’s so fun to spot wildlife, buildings, and other landmarks while on a family road trip. We recently got these mini spotting scopes for kids for summer travel and I think they’ll be great for entertaining the kids on all kinds of road trips. They’re powerful enough to not just be a toy, but small enough that they’re easy to pack. Each of our kiddos got their own and I think they’ll quickly become one of our favorite fun road trip essentials, especially in places with lots of animals.

While we often rely on map apps on our phones, it’s always good to double check with a physical map of the area where you’re driving, especially if it’s a more remote spot. Plus, map-reading is a great skill for older kids to confirm routes, detours, stops, etc.

We don’t do a ton of electronics or road trip movies, but it’s always nice to have this as an option when needed. we just use an old iPad if we’re in the car or our DVD player if we’re in the RV. Nothing fancy. It’s not highest on our list of road trip essentials with kids but definitely useful in a pinch.

Travel Journal

I love having my kids keep travel journals of our adventures. I don’t have them necessarily write about days when we’re just driving, but it’s such great practice to have them write details about the special adventures and excursions. Plus, it’s delightful to read about the experiences through their eyes, and I hope they’ll enjoy reflecting back on them when they get older.

I let each of my kids pick out their journal – we chose thick, sturdy ones that have a strap to hold it closed. We have this one , this one , and this one (in 2 colors) so far.

Portable Charger

It seems something is always running out of charge (or someone forgot to charge it) while on the road. This portable charger is powerful and fantastic for road trips. This is another terrific one that charges really quickly. And I love this tiny but powerful little power bank for on the go.

Car Seat Protector

It is truly remarkable just how gross cars get beneath car seats. We like to have these especially under our younger kiddos’ car seats to protect the actual vehicle a bit.

Travel Towels

We usually like to keep a few quick dry travel towels handy when road tripping with kids. These are great if there’s a spill, but also if we go out and someone gets wet and needs to get cleaned up. In the RV especially, we love these Turkish bath towels . They dry fast and don’t take much space (and everyone has their own color). We also always take a few of these microfiber towels to pack along on hikes or to the beach. We always fly with a couple of those, as well!

Trunk Organizer

What kind of post on road trip essentials with kids would this be if I didn’t include some sort of trunk organizer solution? Like everyone else, we love these things , and not just for the trunk. We love storing one under the table in the RV to hold books and activities. Smaller ones are great to go on an empty seat in a car. Basically, anything that can keep all the STUFF that comes along with road tripping with kids somewhat organized and available to find when needed is a lifesaver.

There you go! Some of the road trip essentials with kids that we never travel without. How about you? Are you a road trip family? And if so, what is crucial to your road trip with kids success?

A Few Other Useful Items:

These items aren’t really for kids, but they’re super useful for a road trip!

• Portable Car Jumper (Car Battery Booster) (also available at Home Depot )
• Spare tire + tools
• Car top carrier & protective roof liner

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS WITH KIDS, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:

• Toddler Road Trip Tips
• Toddler Road Trip Activities
• 50+ Healthy Road Trip Snacks for Kids
• Tips for Travel with Baby or Toddler

DON’T NEED THESE FAMILY ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS QUITE YET? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

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20 Toddler Travel Essentials for an Easy Life on the Road

Traveling with a toddler can through up some unexpected challenges that have the potential to completely ruin large chunks of your travels. However, the wise parent will be ready to rise to any obstacle with the simple method of being prepared.

As I consider myself neither wise nor prepared when it comes to the parenting stakes, I decided to turn to my fellow family travel bloggers who also have toddlers to pack for. I asked them if they would be happy to share their key toddler travel essentials to keep trips with little ones as smooth as possible.

While I am almost certainly putting this post together for you, having recently celebrated the arrival of a new baby daughter to complement the little toddler already in my life, I’m hoping it will help me too!

I’m lucky enough that some of the best travel bloggers around agreed to contribute to this post so I truly hope that you not only find some really useful travel tips , but also some new travel blogs to follow and enjoy. 

I’ve split the post into two sections, travel essentials and packing essentials .

Travel will be focussed on items that make the planes, trains, and automobiles a breeze. Packing will then focus on great things that you should take with you on day trips and just every time you head out really.

So let’s get going.

You may also like: How To Store Breast Milk While Traveling

Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->

Toddler Travel Essentials

1. inflatable airplane bed.

Recommended by Celine from Baby Can Travel

As parents, we always appreciate anything that can make traveling with kids a little easier. Like most parents, the idea of flying with a toddler can cause some anxiety. Thankfully, we have found just the thing to make it a little easier. We never fly a long haul flight with a toddler without our inflatable airplane bed. These inflatable cushions fill the space between your child’s seat and the seat in front of them, creating a bed that your toddler or child can lie down on. 

We used one of these flying devices for the first time on a 10 hour flight from Canada to Japan. We loved how it gave our little one an area to play and sleep. The even bigger benefit was not having a child sleep across my lap for the duration of the flight. With plenty of space to spread out, our kids have successfully slept on almost every flight we’ve brought them on.

Without hesitation, we recommend bringing one of these for any overnight flights, just make sure your airline hasn’t banned them. Many airlines have either approved certain devices or leave it up to the discretion of the flight crew.

You may also like: Best travel crib for a toddler

2. A Lightweight Collapsible Stroller

Recommended by keri from our globetrotters.

A real game-changing piece of baby travel gear we invested in was a collapsible stroller.  We went with the Mountain Buggy Nano, but there are plenty of similar products these days including the ever-popular Yoyo (pricey) and the GB Pockit – the smallest of its type.  The beauty of these strollers is not only are they super lightweight compared to clunkier travel systems, they can fold up small enough they are permitted to be taken onboard a plane and stowed in the overhead locker – as well as any other form of transport.

There are a few compromises to be had with a collapsible stroller, the primary one being the size of your wheels as this is where the width of your product comes from, even when collapsed. We’ve found the ultra-micro products giveaway too much in wheel size making it hard to navigate on bumpy surfaces, and you also want the product to have a decent recline so nap times are still possible, which again can add a little necessary weight and cost. These are a few small sacrifices though to make your overall travel journey with your under 4’s much easier.

I have found the collapsible stroller of most use when flying solo with my three kids . It’s simply impossible for me to carry that many children, so even if I was using a sling or barrier for my youngest, I could still throw at least one tot (and on occasion two!) into the collapsible stroller from as soon as I got of the plane, not needing to wait for my baby gear to be returned from oversized baggage to easily navigate through the airport.

3. Inflatable Booster Seat

Recommended by Jo from Where Jo Goes

One of the challenges of travelling with young kids is how to take the booster seats. Taking a booster per child overseas soon becomes cumbersome and yet another thing to carry. If getting a taxi to the beach or through the city you don’t want to be carrying booster seats around all day, right? 

Bubble bums are inflatable booster seats that roll up when not in use. You blow into them to inflate them and then you deflate them, roll them up and stick them in your backpack. We’ve used these on buses, taxis and hire cars all over the world and on planes so the kids can sit higher up, or theatres or cinemas at home for a seat boost. We used these for years until our kids no longer needed booster seats and they were a real travel game-changer. Bubble bums are award-winning and much safer for your child than a seat belt alone.  My top travel tip for getting out and about with young kids, take a bubble bum!

4. Ride Safer Travel Vest

Recommended by Melissa from Travel Car Seat Mom

Our most essential travel gear for 3 and 4 year olds is the Ride Safer Travel Vest. It’s a fully tested and approved car seat alternative for American families. Unlike typical car seats that weigh at least 10 pounds and are a pain to lug around, the Ride Safer Travel Vest only weighs 2 pounds and rolls up to about the size of a soda bottle. It easily fits in the bottom of your daypack for unexpected taxi rides when you’re exploring a city and it’s also a great choice if you’re traveling by plane and then renting a car at your destination.

For our family, the vest was most helpful for our family gap year trip around the world. We used the vest in 16 countries on 6 continents, and I don’t know how we would have survived without it! Even when we traveled in remote areas where car seats aren’t regularly used, as long as a car had a lap-shoulder seat belt we were able to keep our daughter safe on the go. It is a child safety device, so it’s extremely important to use it only within the manufacturer’s guidelines (since that’s how it’s been tested). You can learn more about the pros and cons of the Ride Safer Travel Vest here .

5. Toddler Pillow

Recommended by diana from travels in poland.

Traveling with kids is a fascinating journey .  Many first time parents aren’t too sure what they need to bring when traveling with children under the age of 4. Many times, they overpack and usually forget an essential item. One item we have found that we never thought to be essential but that has been a lifesaver is a toddler pillow.

Typically, we are very light packers, usually traveling with kids with only carry-ons. However, our firstborn and now our second toddler, have found the toddler pillow to be very comforting.  On planes, they can snuggle upright on top of it and feel safe. In cars, it is always being used as an additional way for them to get comfortable in their car seats, whether they use it to support their head or use it to just hold like a stuffed animal.  

A 12-hour car ride with frequent stops was saved by the toddler pillow.  It was a comforting item to our toddler particularly as she was getting grouching around naptime. After having a snack, she was wound up but very tired, and we reached over and got her pillow for her and she instantly started hugging it and fell asleep with her head resting on it. Sometimes bringing a pillow may not be the best way in terms of space, and we don’t always bring it.  But when we do, it’s always been a winner and a great item for our travels.

6. Portable Blackout Blinds

Recommended by marta from learning escapes.

One of our favorite family travel items and one we always pack when traveling with our two kids are portable blackout blinds.

We learned how useful they were at home, where they helped up block out the light for afternoon naps but we never thought they would come handy while away, until we found ourselves in a bright hotel room with two overly tired toddlers and no proper curtains!

When you are new to traveling with kids, it is easy to overlook things like the type of curtain a hotel has however, this is just the type of detail that can make or break your vacation, especially in countries with very long daylight hours or if you have to overcome jet lag. 

Blackout curtains are an easy and inexpensive solution: they fold small, fit easily into carry on luggage or even your baby bag and they use sucking cups to attach to windows, which means they leave no marks and can be used anywhere.

They are also easy to clean so you don’t need to worry too much if they get a little ruined and battered while moving around.

Now we travel with them regularly and I always also recommend them to overseas travellers asking me about advice on what to pack to come to visit Ireland with kids.

7. Trunki Suitcases

Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins

When we were living as expats in Oman with kids , trips home could be tough.

These involved ten-hour flight times plus transfers and changes – all with two four-year-olds in tow.  They were too big for a pushchair but not big enough to walk the length of airports.  Our saviour came in the form of Trunki – a suitcase designed for kids to use as a ride. 

Trunki is a small plastic hard case with wheels.  You can use the strap to tow it behind with kids sitting on it, or they can ride on it by pushing with their own legs. It’s great fun for kids, even to the level that when we were getting ready for a trip, the girls would be making suitcase-races around the house to practice. And they were handy too.  I remember running late for a connection in Istanbul. They were zooming through the corridors on the Trunki faster than I was running. 

The only minus of the Trunki is when you are boarding from a bus rather than across the airbridge. So now it can be a struggle on the aircraft steps, managing your own carry-on plus two little suitcases and perhaps carrying a tired child too. But on balance the benefits far outweighed the downsides. The girls have outgrown them now but our Trunkis remain with us as very happy memories. 

8. Travel Kettle

Recommended by martina from placesofjuma.

One of our favorite items for a perfect road trip with kids is our car travel kettle. This travel gadget is particularly handy for long journeys and exhausting trips by car or camper . And we love the fact, that we don’t have to look for gas stations when driving somewhere.

Connected to the cigarette lighter, it boils water while driving in only 10-16 minutes. Perfect if you want to make yourself and your little ones some tea, some milk or cocoa on the go. But also instant noodles, soups and even boiled eggs can be cooked with a good travel kettle. That can be a live safer, especially when your kids need get something warm. It really made going on road trips with the little ones so much easier! 

We recommend the kettle by SPARDAR. Amazing is here the digital temperature display and the high-quality, scratch-resistant stainless steel that is used as the material for the inner and exterior walls.

9. Hydro Flask

Recommended by marcie from marcie and the mouse.

Both of my young boys prefer drinking milk over water. But, that can be hard to find everywhere we travel. So, we fill up Hydro Flasks with milk in the morning and it stays super cold all day long. Our trick is to keep the Hydro Flasks in the fridge overnight so that the metal bottle is super cold before we put the milk in. But, you can also put ice in it, if your kids don’t mind. 

The Hydro Flask is especially useful for family vacations in warm climates like Disneyland with toddlers . Our 3-year-old gets really cranky just waiting in line for some of the Disneyland rides. Most of the time, he’s just hungry or thirsty. So, we bring our Hydro Flask with us in line to keep him fueled up and mellowed out. Plus, we save a lot of money not having to buy milk at restaurants all day long. In fact, we usually buy the largest size milk container that will fit in our fridge.

10. Pop-up Highchair

Recommended by victoria from tori leigh.

Lightweight, compact, and easily washable, a pop-up highchair is one of the most versatile items for families traveling with young children. Often overlooked, this inexpensive item will make any trip with toddlers easier and more convenient. Meals, snacks, and playtime can be enjoyed safely and conveniently with this family travel essential.

We’ve used our pop up high chair when visiting family who didn’t have a safe toddler seat, during camping trips, and when staying in hotels. Easily set the high chair up on a tent or hotel room floor to make meal times seamless when traveling. Stop at any restaurant without worrying about highchairs and booster seats – a pop-up highchair easily affixes to a typical dining chair. Pop up high chairs pack up easy, as well, making them perfect for road trips with toddlers , especially if you’re planning multiple stops.

11. Electrical Outlet Covers

Recommended by catherine from to & fro fam.

Family vacations are all about having fun and making memories with your kiddos. You’ll be much more able to let loose and enjoy yourself if you know your young children are as safe in your hotel room or vacation rental as they are at home!

To that end, I always packed a handful of electrical outlet covers when vacationing with my young kids. 

When your baby begins to crawl, you meticulously plug every outlet throughout your home in order to prevent tiny fingers from getting shocked. But most parents never think to do the same when they’re in a hotel room or vacation home. 

The good news: Electrical outlet covers are cheap, light and small. That means they’re super-easy to pack in your luggage. What’s more, since they’re inexpensive, it’s easy to buy an extra set and stash them with your suitcase. That way you don’t have to pull the covers from outlets at home, and you never forget to pack these baby safety supplies. 

Then, when you arrive at your destination, spend 10 minutes ensuring that all outlets within your child’s reach are safely covered. You can even enlist a toddler’s help in finding them all!

If you’re looking for more travel tips for families with young children, check out Catherine’s post on successfully sleeping in a hotel room with kids .

12. Growbag Baby Sleep Bags

Recommended by cath from passports and adventures.

One essential item we always took with us when travelling with our son when be was a baby and toddler was his Grobag Baby Sleep Bag . Grobag Baby Sleeping Bags changed the way babies sleep and were something we were never without after a friend gifted one to us. There are no need for blankets or sheets with these and by using the right tog rating, your baby is kept safe and at the right temperature.

The reason these were essential when travelling with our son was, because it was a firm part of our bedtime routine, our son never had any problems sleeping in new and strange environments. By keeping to our routine and placing him in his Grobag right before putting him down, he knew exactly what was coming and what was expected of him. Plus, it also had the comforting smells of home on it. Along with his white noise machine, this baby item meant we never had a baby who didn’t sleep when we were away from home.

13. White Noise

Recommended by nicolette from semi-budget travel.

When I consider the most essential items to pack when traveling with kids under 4 , I think of two words: white noise. From a one-hour road trip to visit the grandparents, to jetlag adjustments in Malaysia, white noise can be the difference in kids (& parents) getting to sleep and staying asleep or…not.

While there are white noise machines you can purchase (Amazon alone has a ton), we found that a $0.99 track on iTunes entitled “Waterfall” works perfectly. Installed on all our devices, the waterfall track is always available when we need it. Just play the almost-10-minute track on repeat.

We’ve been using it to help our kids get to sleep since birth. It’s also helped in the car, when an overtired child needed a nap. And, halfway around the world, it’s helped our whole family get to sleep, covering over a multitude of things, including street noise, a too-quiet room, and jetlag wakefulness. 

Packing for Toddlers

So we have covered some awesome ideas fo things to make travelling with toddlers a bit easier. I love the idea of a pop-up high chair and electrical outlet covers, i’ll be honest and say I had not thought about that. I hope you have found a few good ideas so far too.

Now I want to shift a little to packing ideas. So ideas for what to pack for toddlers when you actually head out for the day, so keep on reading for some more excellent nuggets of advice.

14. Children’s Eating Utensils & Collapsible Water Bottles

Recommended by Nick from Spiritual Travels

On our recent trip to Prague with kids , one of the items we found the most useful was the set of eating utensils we brought for our 4- and 5-year old. This saved us in multiple situations. When dining out, restaurants often didn’t provide children’s sized cutlery. Having our own avoided the awkwardness (and possible dangers) of the kids trying to use adult-sized ones. What’s more, our kids were born and raised in Taiwan, so they are accustomed to eating pasta with children’s chopsticks, not a fork.      

As anyone who has traveled in Europe knows, dining out for every meal on a trip can add up to a lot of money, so we also enjoyed meals on-the-go from supermarkets, both in public and in our hotel rooms. This is when having little bowls and utensils for the kids became especially useful, saving us not only money but also a big mess. 

Last but not least, we highly recommend collapsible water bottles. We had one for each member of our family. Ours were the pouch type that can be rolled up when empty and takes up almost no space when packed in luggage. For full days outside, we would fill all four with drinking water at the hotel, but for shorter ventures outside we might only share one. They easily fit into our day packs and helped us to minimize our family’s footprint while traveling.

15. Spare Set of Clothes

Recommended by melissa from queensland camping.

When we took our daughter on her very first overseas trip at the age of around 18 months, we learnt that one of the most essential items to pack is a spare set of clothes for baby!

We had flown halfway around the world without any dramas whatsoever and yet upon the plane landing; our daughter decided to vomit absolutely everywhere!  And not only all over herself but also all over my husband too.  While we had some wipes etc to clean them both up and a spare set of clothes for her, we did not have spare clothes for my husband.  It was dreadful having to be on that plane waiting to get off and I’m sure all the passengers around us couldn’t wait to get off either.

To make things even worse, this was not our final destination.  We had a few hours to wait for our flight and then another short flight to our destination.  It was also late in the evening and while we looked around for a store that sold shirts, nothing was opened.  My husband had to make to with washing his shirt out in the bathroom.

We were so grateful though that we had spare clothes for our daughter to change into, that was an absolute lifesaver for us.  However, we realised that we should also pack spare clothes for ourselves too, as you never know when your child is going to vomit all over you.

16. Ergobaby carrier

Recommended by Emily from Kids & Compass

The Ergobaby carrier is without a doubt my go-to piece of travel equipment when travelling with babies and toddlers.  It’s a flexible sling which allows you to carry your child either on your back or on your front (very handy if you’re breastfeeding your baby).  

Using a carrier means that you never have to take a pushchair away with you and it leaves both your arms free so you’re able to deal with any older children, or bags, which makes travelling much easier.  You can also take your kids on long days out hiking where a pushchair isn’t suitable.

The Ergobaby carrier was especially useful on our family trip to Jordan, where I was able to hike up to the Monastery with my 15 month old son in it – something I’d have missed out on if he had been in a pushchair.  When we visited Iceland with our small kids a year later we were able able to visit all sorts of natural sights where a pushchair wouldn’t have been practical, such as the lava flows at Lake Myvatn.    

Plus, keeping young kids close to mum usually keeps them happy (and quiet!), so it’s a win-win.  You can use the Ergobaby from around the age of 4 months, until your child weighs 20 kilos.

17. Hand sanitiser

Recommended by clara from petite capsule.

Hand sanitiser is one of the most essential items I pack when travelling with my little one . It is particularly important when your little one is on the move – crawling or walking.

Babies and toddlers are full of energy, love to explore, and touch everything . They will touch the escalators in the airport, sit on the ground, crawl under seats, play on equipment, press the lift buttons, hang off rails, hide under tables, roll on the ground, pick up ‘interesting’ items off the ground, play with dirt, play with sand, play with the wheels on your suitcase, touch the soles of their shoes.

The list goes on. Their hands get so grubby from touching everything. Then, your little one wants to put their hands in their mouth, or use their hands to eat something. Of course, washing their little hands with clean water and soap is the best way to remove germs. But when you are travelling, you don’t always have ready access to clean water and soap. The next best thing is hand sanitiser. Hand sanitiser kills germs and viruses, helping your family to stay well when travelling.

18. Baby Wipes

Recommended by priyadarshini from glorious sunshine.

Baby wipes come in super handy for keeping things clean for your young kids especially when you are traveling. There are plenty of situations you face like the little ones puking in the air, or in need of bottom-cleaning. 

The one time I forgot to pack my wipes and was feeling that I could just wing it because my baby bag had so many extra towels, I got into a serious inconvenience. I was traveling with my two young kids under five and the 9-month-old continuously threw up. I ran out of towels pretty quick and the baby was still gooey. A pack of baby wipes would have lasted me the whole trip to clean the baby.  After this trip, I always make a point of packing at least one new pack of baby wipes in my diaper bag and it saved me getting into sticky situations many times.

Wipes also help you quickly clean up the kids’ toys which inevitably land on the plane floor at some point of time. Cleaning the food tray, seat handles and the diaper change table in the bathroom all can be done with your baby wipes and keep it clean for the kids.

19. Swaddle Wrap

Recommended by sharee from inspire family travel.

Travelling with children is an exciting time, but not everyone loves the packing stage, as it can be an overwhelming process to know what essential travel items to pack for kids. One of the biggest tips I can offer is to take what you always use at home, and for us, that item was a muslin swaddle wrap or blanket.

A muslin wrap is a handy accessory, as it can be used for a variety of reasons when you are travelling. We have used our baby wraps as a shade cover for the pram and car seat when exploring. It has been rolled out as a rug or playmat for when we wanted to relax on the grass. It is a brilliant shawl or cover-up when nursing or if the weather turns cold. Made from lightweight material that can be easily folded into a compact size, a muslin wrap is easy to store in carry-on luggage or a tote bag.

While on a flight, our swaddle has been useful as a comforter and even a change mat. Once the adventures are over, a muslin wrap can be thrown into a washing machine for the next time it is needed. Travelling with children is an exciting time, but not everyone loves the packing stage, as it can be an overwhelming process to know what essential travel items to pack for kids. One of the biggest tips I can offer is to take what you always use at home, and for us, that item was a muslin swaddle wrap or blanket. A muslin wrap is a handy accessory, as it can be used for a variety of reasons when you are travelling. 

We have used our baby wraps as a shade cover for the pram and car seat when exploring. It has been rolled out as a rug or playmat for when we wanted to relax on the grass . It is a brilliant shawl or cover-up when nursing or if the weather turns cold. Made from lightweight material that can be easily folded into a compact size, a muslin wrap is easy to store in carry-on luggage or a tote bag. While on a flight, our swaddle has been useful as a comforter and even a change mat. Once the adventures are over, a muslin wrap can be thrown into a washing machine for the next time it is needed.

20. Flashcards

Recommended by marissa from postcards to seattle.

The item that has saved me on family trips with my 18-month-old is flashcards. We have a brand of Seasame Street flashcards, so he gets excited to recognize the characters as we go through each card. He also gets to practice simple words and numbers that he’s learning, and he often wants to go through the entire batch multiple times.

These have been great to pass the time on the airplane and in the car during road trips , as he forgets his boredom and is quickly entertained. There is nothing better than being able to pass even 30 minutes when you’re stuck on a plane! They’re small enough to put in his diaper bag or my purse so I can pull them out anytime I need them. We have several different ones stored in different places for emergencies.

Wrapping it all up

I hope you have found some inspiration and some helpful bits of advice in my roundup of 20 toddler travel essentials, I now know of a few cool things I want to buy for my little man now.

Travelling with a toddler is daunting, even though it doesn’t need to be. With a few of these items and a bit of helpful advice from any of the top family travel bloggers that have made this piece possible, you’ll have no problems at all.

If you have anything else you’d love to recommend, please let me know in the comments, why stop at 20, let’s keep this list growing!

Until next time, happy travels to you and your littlies.

1 thought on “20 Toddler Travel Essentials for an Easy Life on the Road”

Great list – toddlers can seem to need so much when you travel. The good thing is, every year they need less and less. Hang in their Matt!

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15 Must-Have Items for a Family Road Trip With Kids

Keep kids of all ages happy and entertained while on the road with these gadgets, games and more.

Related To:

Heading out on an adventure with kids is exciting and a test of patience (for both the old and the young!). Watch those long hours speed by with our favorite items for keeping everyone, from preschoolers to tweens, happy and entertained as you hit the open road.

Trunk Organizer

This trunk carryall keeps you organized when running everyday errands and toting kids around to extra-curricular activities. And it takes all that accessible storage with you on the road. To corral all those last-minute additions that kids are throwing at you — beach balls, flippers, frisbees — or to hold all your picnic and quick-stop needs, this tote makes life just a little bit easier.

YETI Hopper Flip 8 Soft Cooler

Food is an absolute necessity when traveling with kids. Fend off those hangry moments with a fully stocked cooler that can be easily stowed between seats. Cheese sticks, squeezable yogurts and fruit are healthier, but also delicious options, to throw in along with dry snacks, like pretzels, crackers and nuts.

Stasher Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bag

Storage bags for all those snacks are a must. For those of us trying to be more mindful about our plastic consumption, invest in a few of these reusable silicone food bags. Available in snack, sandwich and half-gallon sizes, as well as a variety of fun colors and patterns, these bags are a smart addition to your cooler and can be used over and over again on your trip.

Car Trash Can

Instead of stuffing napkins and straw wrappers in doors and cup holders, contain all your trash in this portable garbage bag. Simple to empty when you stop at a rest area or gas station, it'll keep your car neat and tidy as you ride down the highway.

You really can never have enough wipes when traveling with kids. Whether cleaning up spills, washing hands and faces or wiping down picnic tables, you'll never regret having an extra stash or two of them in the car.

Ginger Chews

If anyone gets car sick, having these ginger chews handy is a lifesaver. Not only does ginger help curb nausea, but it also settles an upset stomach if roadside food doesn't agree with your kiddo's tummy.

Go! A Kids' Interactive Travel Diary and Journal

Encourage your kids to remember every moment of the trip with this smartly designed travel journal, which is full of fun graphics, clever prompts to get them writing and playful stickers and badges. They can even share their journeys with friends and grandparents by mailing back the included postcards.

Toddler Backpack

Road trips often include a one-night stay at a hotel on the way to your end destination. Make your life simpler by having each kid pack a small backpack with overnight essentials. When you stop, everyone grabs his or her bag and you (thankfully!) don't have to unload the entire car.

Amazon Fire 7 Kids' Tablet

Let's be honest, very few of us are going to tackle a road trip without a single screen. The Fire Kids Edition Tablet has a kid-proof case and a two-year worry-free guarantee. Let them listen to audiobooks and music and watch their favorite shows to give everyone some peace and quiet during this very enclosed family time moment.

Riwbox Bluetooth Kids' Headphones

When everyone needs a little break from each other and are ready to settle in with their tablets, grab these Bluetooth headphones so that your car is not bombarded with a combination of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse , a Harry Potter audiobook and BTS all at the same time. And you can enjoy a moment of silence … until they're ready for their next snack.

Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils

Make sure your kids have plenty of art supplies to get creative on the open road. We love these twistable colored pencils. No tiny shreds of crayon paper all over your car and no sharpening required. They are truly a parent's dream.

Melissa & Doug Mini-Sketch Pad

These mini sketchpads are easy for even your younger kids to hold in their laps and give everyone space to play and create, including games of tic-tac-toe or hangman, drawings of the sights they see and a place to create their own comic book.

Crayola Color Wonder Activity Set

Mess-free markers are ingenious, allowing kids to color without parents ever worrying about getting markers on seats, clothes or the car. They only show color when used on the matching Color Wonder paper. Tuck this activity set up front with you and around hour five when the kids start getting stir crazy, hand it back for a new lease on your car life.

Briarpatch Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game

Classic road trip games, like I Spy, 20 Questions and The Alphabet Game, are the perfect way to involve the whole family while you're traveling. This Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game is a great addition to your arsenal of pass-the-time games, letting players race to search for objects found on the cards.

Sorry! Road Trip Series

Travel-sized versions of family-favorite games, like Sorry!, Battleship and Scrabble, are another fun and inexpensive way for kids to entertain themselves in the backseat. Specifically designed for a moving vehicle, the cases have spots to hold all the pieces while playing so you're less likely to lose anything.

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23 Road Trip Essentials for Kids for a Calm-ish Drive

Are you planning a family road trip and not sure what to pack for your kids? We’ve got you covered. We’ve been road tripping for years now with our kids, from short weekend road trips to month-long cross-country road trips, so we’ve got a few tips on what are the road trip essentials for kids to bring with you.

If this is the first time you are going on a road trip with kids, it can be difficult to know what to pack. Plus, it’s very easy to overpack because you’ll probably think you need lots of your day to day items.

However, we’ve got you covered! This packing list will help you get all the essentials that you need for your kids. And if your road trip is still far away, you can download our printable road trip checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.

If you’re planning a camping road trip, you can check this article for more must-have items .

Let dive in! Here is our list of road trip essentials for the family, mostly for kids.

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links . If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost . Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you .

Road Trip Essentials for Kids: The Basic Stuff

1. Kids’ Car Seats

This is one of the most important things when planning a road trip. kids. You want to make sure your kids are safely restrained in the car. 

If you’re renting a car at your destination for a road trip in another region or country, make sure to check local legal requirements about kids’ car seats.

2. Change of clothes

Depending on the length of your road trip, it’s always a great idea to add a day bag to your road trip packing list. Same things as when you’re flying with kids, it’s important to have a change of clothes easily accessible.

It’s not rare that kids will get their clothes dirty when drinking, eating and even colouring. 

So pack a change of clothes or a few different clothing options is a bag pag that is easy to reach without having to empty the entire car.

Snacks are a road trip essential for kids, and even adults! You can spend many hours on the road and it isn’t easy to find a place to stop and eat. Whilst you can be more patient about food, kids won’t be.

Also, petrol stations may not have the healthiest snacks for your children.

Before starting your road trip, pack some healthy snacks for your little ones. For example, some pre-prepped vegetables and fruits, homemade granola bars, and sandwiches.

You may also want to consider bringing a cooler so you can store more fresh food on a longer road trip so you don’t have to stop at the store every day.

For more ideas, check out this article where we share our favorite road trip snacks for kids.

4. Wet wipes

We always have a few packs of wet wipes when we go on long road trips. They are perfect for cleaning up the kids after they have their snacks. Kids will need some wipes to clean their hands, or you may need to clean up any mess in between. 

Make sure to take enough wet wipes for the journey!

For a more eco-sustainable option, reusable Swedish cloths can be a great alternative. They are easy to wash and they dry fast.

Water is an essential item to add to your family road trip packing list for you and your kids. We love using reusable water bottles that we can refill in most places. Not only will you save money but be more eco-friendly.

Having said so, we also pack a few large bottles of water in case we really need water and we can’t find a safe place to refill our bottles.

6. First aid kit

Small scratches, injuries or mosquito bites can happen on the road. A good first aid kit will have all the essentials (plasters, bandages, small scissors, etc.) you need in case you have to treat a small injury.

We always keep a first aid kit in the car to be safe, and we also have one in our day backpack for our family hikes .

7. Sickness bag and Trash Bag

Sickness bags are always useful to have in your car, especially if you know your kids get motion sick. You never know who may need them, and they’ll help you avoid a mess that you’ll have to clean later.

But we really hope you won’t have to use them.

One thing we often forget is trash bag. On long road trip, you want your car to stay relatively clean so having a trash bag that you can dispose at the end of the day is always a good idea.

8. Blankets

The change of temperature from day to night can make your kids cold or they may want to feel cosy with a blanket when they sleep, that’s why you need to add blankets to your family road trip checklist.

Plus, blankets are a comforting item, so it should also help the kids at bedtime when your traveling.

9. Portable Chargers

There is no road trip without electronics, you need your phone to keep in touch with the world. In addition to this, it’s very likely to also pack a tablet or other devices so your kids can watch movies or listen to music.

In any of these cases, you need to remember to pack chargers. For longer road trips or campervan adventures, a bigger portable charging station is essential. Jackery and EcoFlow have good options.

10. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are super handy for kids when you’re on the road as well as walking in a national park or sunny city.

11. Sunscreen

Using suncream is very important regardless of the season and weather. We always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

A good tip is to put it on before entering the car. That way, the kids will be able to open their windows while you’re driving without risking sunburns.

Road Trip Essentials for Kids: The Entertainment Stuff

This really depends on the age and interests of your children. Some kids love an old fashioned printed book whereas others prefer an ebook or audiobook.

In our family, we prefer physical books, but it limits the number of books each kid can bring. But we do have a few audio stories downloaded from Spotify.

EBook and audiobooks are very convenient because books take up space which matters when you’re packing for a road trip .

A good option is children’s podcasts too! 

You’ll need to find road trip activities for the kids to entertain themselves while driving.

If you have two or more children, games are a great solution if you don’t want them to be on the screen for long. There are plenty of games that you can take with you on your road trip.

Some fun games for kids are:

• Magnetic board games
• Travel scavenger hunt
• Family Talk 2

For more ideas on road trip games for kids, check out our detailed article here .

14. Music playlist

No matter how old your children are, they’ll love a music playlist. Download some of their favourite songs from series and movies and let them sing along.

Here the boys love the soundtracks from Vivo and Encanto. But they’ve also started liking some of our own music.

15. Headphones

We’ve just talked about a music playlist, but we must admit that it can get a bit annoying if they’re replaying the same song, so to avoid this, pack some headphones.

It’s also good if you’re traveling with more than one kid and can’t agree on a song or an audiobook.

16. Coloring books and pencils

Kids usually love coloring, so we always pack a coloring book and some pencils to keep them happy during the journey. And it’s a great way to pass the time in the car, but also at destination.é

The Melissa & Doug water WOW books are one of toddler road trip essentials. They are mess-free and can be reused once they dry.

For this it is important you get a foldable plastic table so they can color or draw with ease.

Toddlers and smaller kids love their toys, and although we wouldn’t advise packing lots of toys, it’s good to let them pick two or three with which they can play along the way.

Also, don’t pack noisy toys if you don’t want to lose your patience. 

Some toys that are good for road trips are little action figures, Pokémon cards, teddy bears, Wikki Stix travel set.

18. Small Sport Items

Balls and frisbees are great for your kids to play on rest stops on a long journey. They’ll make your kids move and they’ll love playing with them.

We try to stop every few hours to let the kids burn off some energy. We try to find kids’ playgrounds, but when we can’t, we simply stop in a park and run around with a soccer ball.

19. Swim Gear + Travel Towels

Same as for the small sport items, always bring swim gear with you on road trips. You’ll want to pack them strategically in the car so you can use it along the way without having to unpack the entire car.

Kids will love having a rest stop by the beach, or at a spray pad park after being stuck in a car for a few hours.

Make sure you bring towels that are light and that dry fast. We love our Decathlon microfiber towels .

20. Binoculars

We love packing binoculars for our two children. They’re always very excited to see animals or unique landscapes when we’re traveling around a National Park. Plus, they can be used when doing outdoor activities.

21. Travel journal

Older kids and teenagers may love the idea of documenting the family trip and will be very happy to take a travel journal in which they can write anecdotes, stick stickers and photos, etc.

We’ll be totally transparent here.

We’ve decided not to allow screen time in the car…. For now at least. Long road trips would probably be more calm if we did, but we are dealing with it.

But I totally understand how practical it can be. 

Road trips are long, and although you don’t want kids to be on a screen for long hours, you sometimes need to give them something to keep them entertained and happy.

Before your trip make sure to download your children’s favourite movies on their tablet. 

Baby and Toddler Road Trip Essentials

If you are traveling with a baby or toddlers, you may want to add those items to your list:

23. Baby Food/Formula

If you’re traveling with a baby, you need to pack enough baby food or formula at least to get to your destination.

Of course, you can stop at a pharmacy or grocery store, but it’s always nice to have everything on hand when needed.

Not only for babies, but toddlers and smaller kids can use bibs to avoid getting their clothes dirty when they eat.

This will help you reuse some of their clothes and avoid a big pile of clothes to wash when you get home or to your accommodation.

Final Thoughts: Family Road Trip Essentials

There are a few things to pack when planning a road trip with kids. Hope this list helped you get ready. And don’t forget to download our printable road trip checklist for families.

Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.

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Clever ways to pack for Road trip with kids: Family + Toddler essentials packing list (FREE downloadable Checklist )

Road trip with kids – things to pack and prep (for local trips and abroad).

Though not always, but sometimes we do travel impulsively and make plans on the go. But packing for a road trip isn’t a hassle for us as we frequently go on long drives and quick packing has become a routine. We have been road tripping with our son since he was 5 months and it feels proud to say that he is a travel bug like us too! He has travelled to more than 10 countries as of now and many more to come. We learn new things from the challenges thrown in every trip we take and that has made us almost perfect this art of packing – by adding new things to our checklist and deleting some as the child grows. Initially I used to get blank thinking what to take on a road trip. Are you too wondering what to pack for a road trip with kids, then read on. We recently returned from a road trip and I was tempted to write this article on how we pack – some tips and tricks and how be prepared for a packing list for   road trip with kids. (Scroll down for a FREE downloadable checklist)

This above picture is from our road trip in Iceland. Read more about it here.  We have road tripped in Italy and Croatia too. In India, we have travelled extensively on road. We have road tripped 6000 km from Bangalore to Rajasthan and 10,000 km from Bangalore to  Ladakh !

Road trip in Croatia

My lil one posing on a Road trip in Italy . He was 3 when we did a self drive trip in Italy

Road tripping Slovenia

Rajasthan Road trip

Our Punto in Ladakh

We being so upbeat about road trips, has reflected upon our son too. He’s all geared up and excited about every trip we take and pesters us constantly for a trip if we haven’t travelled in a while! So, it has been a good learning curve for us to travel with him, learning and adopting to situations on the go. I shall add different checklists for children of different ages , so it can be easy for you to pack what you need without going through a lot of stuff! Let’s get it started!

Basic things to pack for a road trip with kids:

First, let’s see some common things to pack irrespective of your child’s age. These are some basic things you need for any travel. Again, I shall divide this section into – stuff to pack from home, things to buy and handy things to keep in car . This article also has details on what to bring on a long road trip and ace your road trip with children.

Pin it to your roadtrip Pinterest board:

Family road trip packing list

➡ stuff to pack from home.

These are the things you already have at home (unless you are planning to shop some new clothes :P). So it’s just a matter of pulling our luggage bag and arranging these 🙂

One tip I’d like to give here is – first, decide what stuff goes into your bag and neatly arrange them on your bed. Then, segregate and arrange those into either person specific (like mother, father and baby) or categories (Pants, shirts and tops) or you can even arrange it day wise and then place those into your duffel bag/suitcase. If the trip is for 3-4 days or less, then we do not carry a bulky suitcase but opt for a sturdy  duffel bag like this one . So, let’s see what goes into our road trip items bag.

How to pack for a road trip:

• For Father -> ‘Sets of clothes taken = Number of days in the trip + 1’
• For Mother -> ‘Sets of clothes taken = Number of days in the trip + 2’
• For child -> ‘Sets of clothes taken = Number of days in the trip + 3’ (Takes less space plus always good to have spares in case of emergencies)
• P.S: Sets here refer to – pants + shorts/kurta + undergarments
• For grandparents, they pack it themselves, so I leave it to them.
• Out of these, I keep one set for each of us outside so that we can wear it on the day of trip. If we plan to leave home really early in the morning, like 3 AM to 6AM, then I shower my son in the night after an early dinner, slip him in comfortable clothes for the road trip and then put him to sleep. Morning, after he wakes up, he freshens up and is good to go. (Only to sleep again in the car!)
• Apart from casual clothes, I pack one set of night dress for each one of us for every three days of trip. If we are traveling on a road trip abroad, then, I change the formula of the number of clothes I pack. I use the same formula above and divide by 2 and book accommodations which have access to washing machine and then laundry the clothes in the apartment. This is to minimize the luggage taken and to fit into the baggage allowance by airlines.
• We always don’t do luxury trips, sometimes, we do book budget accommodations when we travel to religious places. In those cases, I pack 2-4 towels too depending on the number of days we travel.
• Handkerchiefs
• Newspapers – To separate used clothes from fresh ones
• Toiletries – Toothbrush + small toothpaste + Face wash + Body wash + Shampoo + small tissue roll + few ear buds + emergency sewing kit +  Fevikwik + small bottle of  Coconut oil + small bottle of Castor oil

P.S: The reason I always carry castor oil with me on my travels is a secret that has been passed onto me from my mother. Castor oil is a very good soothing agent. Times when we or the child experience heat pangs, a few drops of castor oil massage on the navel or a nice pat on the top of head with 10-12 drops of castor oil, shows immediate results.

• Make up pouch – Moisturizer + Compact powder + Kajal + Lipstick + Lip liner + Deo/Perfume + Safety pins (for safety :P) + Cotton balls + Nail cutter (Even if I forget it that’s ok, because I always have a small scissors + nail cutter in dashboard of our car)
• Medicines kit – I always have 2 separate kits – one for the tonics/syrups, which constitutes most of all my son’s medicines and another pouch with tablets which contains common medications for cold/cough, fever, headache, body pain, dysentery and vomiting. And my syrup box too contains children medications for the above mentioned conditions. I also carry a small sachet of pain relieving cream like Moov .

I pack these in a hard case, lock and seal, food grade box like this one . My son is 5 years old now and I have been using the same box from 5 years and have taken this to many local and abroad trips, I’ve never had a situation where there was leakage or spillage. I bought it here .

P.S: Since we trip frequently, I have a dedicated kit for Toiletries, Make up pouch and Medicine kit. I have kept smaller versions of whatever I have mentioned in the toiletries section in that kit. All I do is check the expiry date before I leave and replace the ones that have expired or refill the empty ones. For makeup pouch, except the durables like cotton and safety pins, I take out the other stuff and use it daily. As of medicines, I keep them in the kits as it is. If there is a need to use anything, I take it, use it and keep it back. While getting ready for a trip, I recheck the expiry dates and the quantity and note down the stuff I need to buy from the chemist.

• Water – Local trips – Big 20 liter can, 2 big bottles for refilling and small one for the champ.
• Water – for trips abroad – I carry empty water bottles, so we can fill up water as we go.
• Homemade snacks – Tripping with a five year old means that we need to be ready with tasty snacks for frequent hunger pangs of the little one. If it is a short local trip within our state, then we carry some fruits, bread and his favourite biscuits. If it is a long trip, either abroad or a longish trip here covering various states, then we often carry some handy homemade snacks – especially a few chapatis cooked with ghee. This will stay fresh for 3 days and will be a quick fix for my son Rinith’s untimely hunger pangs.

Tip : I always carry a small empty snack box with me when I go on road trips. This will ensure that I can pack some food in case my son doesn’t have mood to eat food when we stop for a restaurant break.

Btw, are you following us on Facebook yet? I put up travel tips like this one below, every Tuesday. So don’t miss those. Like our Facebook page now! Link is here .

• Gadgets – Don’t forget to carry essential gadgets like a nice camera and Go Pro to save the memories which will last forever. Apart from that – phone chargers, laptops, children’s’ tab, their doodle board etc are some other accessories to be taken on a road trip. Maybe I should write an entire post on this. Noted, will do it soon 🙂

➡ Fun things to bring on a road trip

Here are some of my recommendations from Amazon for things that keep children busy on a road trip:

➡ Stuff to buy from outside before setting out on a road trip:

While doing the primary and basic trip packing with stuff already at home, make a list of things you need for a road trip which are missing in our kit and note them down. After I make a comprehensive list, I go for a short drive, stopping at necessary shops, buying required things. And usually, my last stop will be the fuel station. More about this in the next section. Once I source these products, voila, 90% of my road trip packing is complete! Here’s what I usually get:

• Snacks at supermarket or a bakery – for us and the kid – some biscuits, salt crackers, bread, jam, my son’s favourite milkshake and some dry fruits.
• Fruits – Few apples and oranges.
• Medicines – As I mentioned earlier, I check expiry dates of the medicines in my kit and list out the ones that need replacement.

➡ What to bring on a long car ride – Stuff to keep in your car to make it road trip ready:

Just before I get back home , I shall refuel the car to the brim and get the nitrogen levels in tires checked. I also verify that necessary documents like RC papers/car documents, Insurance and emission papers are in place. This time around, the emission test had lapsed, so I got the emission test done too. A quick look to check the condition of the spare tire/stepney is also a good practice.

There are some specific things I always keep in the car dashboard which will help me not only during road trips but also on a usual day as a mom!

– Things to bring on a long car ride – Roadtrip packing list

• Hand Sanitizer
• Nail cutter
• Plastic bags for puke situations (You never know when the child will have a bad stomach day!)
• A small Swiss knife ( to cut Apples/Mangoes)
• Small foldable scissors
• Car phone chargers ( This one has over 10,ooo reviews on Amazon! )
• USB loaded with our favourite songs (I’m so talkative that we hardly turn it on! :D)
• Tissue papers
• Some dry tablet tissues which make great glass cleaners when dipped in water.
• A small pouch with moisturiser and hair clips
• First aid kit
• A paper bag – to collect wrappers and garbage in general to dispose into the bin once home.

Tip: I usually have a few paper bags which we get at supermarkets in the vegetable section. These serve as eco-friendly garbage bins in car.

While these go into the dashboard, let’s see what stuff we have in our boot.

• A car electric tire inflator
• Puncture kit
• Spare tire/Stepney
• Spare cloth to clean car

You can even add a Jump Starter cable to this list. In spite of my constant pestering, Neetan talks me out of buying this!

Age specific : Road trip with kids packing list

Now that we are sorted with basic things everyone needs to pack for a road trip, let’s look at the specifics. I shall try to segregate and make a list of things needed to pack according to the age of the child . Once the child is over 10-12 years, their packing list almost resembles ours and doesn’t require much thought. I can say this with confidence because often my sister-in-law’s kids accompany us on some road trips and packing their stuff is as easy as ours! So, I shall concentrate more on babies and young children. Below you will find Road trip tips with kids for all ages. Hope you make the most of this list.

Also read: Tips for flying with kids

Road trip essentials for kids

➡ Infants – Newborns to 1 year

Travelling with newborns is quite a challenge but definitely not impossible. A little preparation prior the trip to keep things handy and we will be good to go. Let me list out some things that I used to take on my road trips when my son was an infant . I will link some products to Amazon, you may click on the product and check those on Amazon.

• Hand tissues
• Formula milk
• Bin bags or paper bags from supermarkets which comes in handy to keep soiled diapers.
• Baby food – Cerelac or similar
• Potty chair/ baby toilet seat – I started potty training my son when he was 9-10 months old.
• Spare set of clothes handy – for baby and mom
• Mittens and socks
• Warmers, Sweaters, coats and warm wraps.
• Teethers for babies
• Medicines for colic aid, fever, Vicks baby rub, nasal drops. Just in case the baby is ill or for immediate relief in case of emergency in a long road trip.
• Cotton swabs
• Coconut oil or baby oil
• Cotton bedding for the baby
• Baby carrier bag
• Water bottle
• Flask – to keep hot/warm water handy.
• Car seat for the baby
• Foldable Stroller
• A small cooker – I used to carry a small cooker to cook rice and dal for him once he was 10 months. This made my travel easier as a well fed baby is a happy baby.
• A baby food maker – I so wish this product was around when my son was an infant. A best buddy introduced me to this product recently and I was blown away how easy it is to make fruit/vegetable purees for babies. Do check it out.

➡ Toddlers – 12 months to 36 months Checklist:

Children grow and as they do so, some things need to be added while travelling with toddlers and a few might be left out – like cerelac, teethers, mittens and so on. Here’s the detailed list on possible things to take while traveling with a toddler:

• Diapers – If they haven’t been potty trained yet.
• Water proof sheets – to put under their bedding in case of bed wets.
• Potty chair/ baby toilet seat
• Warmers, Sweaters, coats and warm blankets.
• Medicines for fever, cold, Vicks baby rub and nasal drops. Just in case the baby is ill or for immediate relief in case of emergency in a long road trip.
• Water bottle/ sipper
• A small cooker
• A baby food maker
• Snacks – that can be nibbled when they get cranky or some untimely hunger pangs like chocos, biscuits, fruits, dry fruits.
• In car entertainment for toddlers – Small toys or building blocks to keep them occupied.

My baby sleeping comfortably in the back seat 🙂

➡ Pre-schoolers – 3-5 years

This time around, we can drop a lot of things from our packing list. By the time they are 3, the child would have grown wiser and it would be easier for parents to manage kids. They will understand our words and signs and will try reciprocate accordingly. They start to walk effortlessly without much fatigue and they would have grown stronger. They also would have adjusted to our food habits hence eliminating the necessity to cook separately for them. So let’s see what to pack for a road trip with preschoolers .

• More toys/games (especially newer ones so that they can be engaged for a longer duration)
• Comfortable pillow and a small blanket
• Warm clothing
• A small empty lunch box in case they are not in a mood to eat when we stop at the restaurant
• Their favourite snacks
• Color pencils and color books
• A children’s backpack to make them feel responsible.

Once children cross the preschooler age , packing for them will not be much different from ours except the fact that we need to change the games and toys in which they will be engaged during the time we are on the road. I do not give a tab or a mobile phone to my son while we are road tripping as it is highly addictive and hampers his creativity and drastically reduces his attention towards the surrounding nature. He has an educational tab with limited functionality such as spelling alphabets, numbers and shapes. He gets bored out of it very easily and gets hands on it rarely. It is so much better than handing over a cell phone or a tab with lots of games and videos. It will silence them for sure but do we want our children to be silent or want them to ask more questions? Once in a while some digital indulgence is ok, but on a road trip, where we want to get away from the mundane life and want our child to experience new things, it’s not fine at all. Instead, I talk to him. I tell where we are going, what he can see there and educate him about different crops, trees, and about the places en route. Sorry for some preaching there. It’s just my opinion. To each their own 🙂

So, packing for a long car trips with kids isn’t as difficult as we thought it would be. Right? Things to take on a road trip has now become easy. So, organize things, break them down and tick off each part as you complete. Easy, isn’t it? Watch out for more posts on travelling with kids on this blog. Subscribe for updates and like on Facebook  and Instagram to stay informed about our new posts 🙂

Family Road trip with kids checklist

If you’d like to get a printable copy or a soft copy of the parents guide above, then drop your mail id here and you will receive a FREE copy of Checklist of things to pack when travelling with kids. Even if you don’t print it out, you can keep a soft copy of the PDF on your phone and just open it and tick it off as you pack. So, what are you waiting for? Get your copy of checklist now!

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16 comments

This is such a comprehensive list! We go on roadtrips quite often, and I usually feel a bit unprepared. Saving it for the next time!

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful 🙂

Wow! Super informative, Ashwini. Truly helps me for our first road trip with our little one. Also it was great to read about the number of road trips you have done so far. Thank you for the detailed life hacks list.

Thanks Geeth 🙂 Happy to be of some help 🙂

This is probably the most detailed article written about road trips with kids that I have ever read. And, I have read a lot of such articles. Origami can be a great toy to keep them busy when you don’t want them disturbing you. On top of that, frisbee is an also a great toy for the break time, and it doesn’t require much space as well.

Thanks. Good tips Abby 🙂

Thanks for sharing so much information. Ideas like these are so useful for travel freaks like me! Looking forward to going for a road trip soon! 🙂

Thanks Daniel! Happy road tripping!

This looks so amazing. I love the pictures

Really Really nice to read this. As a mother, your blog is very very useful for me when I do a road trip with my family.

Thanks Kim. Glad it helped 🙂

Hi, This look so amazing. Love the pictures. As a mom it is super useful tips for me. I will keep remember this when we are going for a trip with my whole family. Thanks for your useful article with lots of information.

Thanks a lot Deborah! Happy travelling!

Hi, Thanks for the sharing such an informative article about the road trip with kids. Your guideline is too useful. As a mom, I totally agree with this. Looking forward to going on a road trip soon. I already bookmark your site for future reference.

Thanks Robert 🙂

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12 genius travel accessories for kids that will make your family vacation so much easier.

by Taylor Lane , Sabrina Rojas Weiss

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Best Kids Travel Accessories at a Glance

Remember how good it felt the first time you figured out just what to pack in  your diaper bag  to leave the house for half an hour? (Change of clothing, extra wipes and diapers, and … an extra shirt for you.) You have it in your power to feel that mastery when you pack for family vacation now, too.

The Kinds of Kids Travel Essentials Pros Recommend

Depending on the type of traveling you’re embarking on, you will need “a plethora of engaging diversions is paramount to mitigating restlessness and maintaining harmonious spirits.,” says Justin Crabbe , CEO and Founder of Jettly . “Portable electronics, beloved times, coloring accouterments, and diminutive playthings can work wonders in captivating young wanderers.”

And if you’re camping Edenburgh shares “during a recent camping trip with my kids, I found that giving each child their own little backpack with personalized items made them feel involved and kept them entertained. This not only helped them to manage their belongings but also built their independence and enjoyment in the outdoors.”

Below, reference our guide to the best travel accessories for kids to have for your next trip.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Kiki Pure is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Kids Travel Gear for Weekend Trips

Kiki pure a2 uv & 3 stage h13 hepa air purifier.

Travel purifiers are handy, especially when you’re traveling for a long weekend. Whether you’re visiting a humid and stuffy climate, or if your children have breathing sensitivities, this purifier will help them feel soothed like they’re at home. Kiki Pure’s A2 UV & 3 Stage H13 Hepa Air Purifier is one of the best to consider for your next adventure. It features a sleek design, two fan speeds, and up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge (meaning: It’s ultra travel-friendly, which is why it made this list). Most importantly, the air purifier covers up to 150 square feet and is 99.96% effective at controlling allergens, bacteria, viruses, and odors. It’s great for hotel rooms, guest bedrooms, camp sites, RVs, and more.

Entertainment

Tonies peppa pig toniebox starter set.

Tonies are an excellent travel item to take with you on a long weekend trip. Each one is packed with your child’s favorite characters, like this one with Peppa Pig . The Tonies box plays stories, songs, sounds, and more, which gives little ones a break from screen time and a chance to explore their imaginations. Plus, it gives parents a break too!

Kids Travel Gear for Road Trips

Chicco kidfit adapt plus 2-in-1 belt-positioning booster car seat.

Hopping into a car that’s been roasting in a hot parking lot is kind of the worst. And shoving your kid into a hot car seat while you run around to turn on the air conditioning is a dance we’ve all performed. At least we know the breathable fabric in these  Chicco booster car seats  have “naturally derived volcanic mineral particles” so that heat won’t stay trapped there for long.

The Table Tyke Store 100% Silicone Placemat

Toddlers and babies aren’t especially well known for having the best table manners, and getting them to keep their food on a plate at home is challenging enough. This  silicone mat  provides a clean, safe space for them to eat on any flat surface and rolls up easily for storage or travel. It also doubles as a playmat and features a table-hugging bumper mat to prevent your little one from teething on germy corners. 

iClever Kids Headphones 

When you finally decide to plug your child into a screen (or audio device) to get your own vacation peace and quiet (no shame in this), we definitely recommend headphones that won’t get too loud. These inexpensive and durable headphones also feature a built-in splitter, for when siblings and parents want to listen in.

Cubcoat Kids Transforming 2-in-1 Hoodie

You don’t need to pack too many layers for warm-weather travel, but whenever your kid isn’t wearing their  Cubcoat , they can cuddle with it. They also make for excellent little pillows in the car or plane.

Kids Travel Gear for Long Plane Rides

Jetkids by stokke bedbox ride-on suitcase .

If your kid has outgrown their stroller or you’re just not taking it, you will whining when it comes to long walks through hotels, airports, and the like. This  ride-on suitcase  will solve that problem (for kids ages 3-7), and then some. It also converts into a clever footrest that many airlines have approved for use during flight, turning an economy-class seat into a first-class naptime bed.

Melii Snackle Box

Long plane rides mean the kids are going to need plenty of snacks to keep them nourished. Sure, plane snacks are fun, but there’s nothing like their favorite picks from home. That’s where the Melii Snackle Box comes in. It has 12 compartments with removable dividers, so you can completely customize the box for smaller and larger items. The lid also securely fits the box, so you don’t have to worry about spills.

PLUS PLUS Travel Case

It’s a pretty good idea to bring along at least one or two toys to keep kids occupied on vacation, but finding something that’s both compact and engaging for hours and days is a challenge. This  PLUS PLUS Case  comes with 100 pieces and a building base. (We can’t guarantee you will be bringing all 100 of those piece back home with you, sadly.)

Kids Travel Gear for Camping

Kidco peapod plus.

Whether you’re at the beach all day, camping, or crashing at a family member’s home with no crib easily available, your little ones need a comfy, safe, and shady place to sleep . The sleeping pad is built into the bottom of this little tent, and UV protection is built into its cover.

Summer by Bright Starts Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster Chair

So you could rely on restaurants and friends to provide you with high chairs wherever you go, and then be resigned to feeding your kiddo on your lap when none is available. Or you could get one of these clever  fold-up boosters , which work just as well on the ground as attached to a chair. They’re easy to clean, light, and may even have you tossing out your high chair at home, too.

Kid Made Modern On-The-Go Vacation Journal

If your child loves art, you will always be on the lookout for an easy way to pack some art supplies for vacation. This little vacation journal kit includes pages for documenting the trip and markers, and it will be perfect to pull out during any down-time.

Experts in This Article

Stephanie Edenburgh , CEO of Bizzie Mommy and mother of three Justin Crabbe : CEO and Founder of Jettly

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11 Road Trip Essentials for Trips with Babies & Toddlers

If a road trip with your rugrat has you stressed—don’t fear! A smart stash of supplies will keep your little one comfortable and content on your travels. This road trip with baby checklist includes everything from snacks for all parties involved, ways to keep kiddo comfortable in their car seat, and extra supplies like books and new toys to make the trip actually enjoyable.

1. First Aid Kit

Buy a ready-made kit to keep in the car or put together your own with the essentials (adhesive bandages, antiseptic pads, gauze pads, tweezers, cold packs, scissors). Bonus: A box of bandages can keep a toddler busy in a pinch. Simply open up the box and let your little one take out the strips and put them back in, over and over. If that loses its magic, let them peel and stick bandages all over themselves and the car seat.

2. Bags to Hold Dirty Clothes

You may be leaving your house, but you’re not leaving laundry behind, unfortunately. Pack a few plastic bags you can use if there’s a blowout or spit-up situation. Better yet, buy Wash.It.Later’s Soak & Save Bags to give you a place to stash dirty clothes until you can toss them in the wash. These bags are pocket-size, leak-proof and have built-in stain-busting solution inside them.

3. Sun Shade

Who doesn’t get cranky when they’re too hot? That air conditioning doesn’t always reach the back seat. To keep kids cool and block UVA and UVB rays, attach one of these sun shades to your car window.

4. Diaper-Changing Kit

When you’re dealing with a dirty diaper on the road, a good diaper kit is a game-changer. You’ll want one that includes a changing mat, wipes, and diaper sacks that lock in wetness and odor, for when you don’t want your car to smell like…you know. No more digging through bottomless diaper bags looking for changing necessities in a panic! Now your trip just got a whole lot smoother.

5. Extra Baby Blankets

Muslin swaddling blankets are lifesavers on long road trips, and in general. They can keep your baby cozy when it’s nap time, act as a light and sound-reducing cover, mop up messes, and can even be folded into a makeshift diaper in a pinch.

6. New Toys & Old Favorites

Pack your little one’s favorite toys, especially a lovey, and throw in a few newbies, too. Put a cardboard box or plastic bin on the seat next to your child’s car seat and fill it with a mix of easy-to-grab toys, like this Oball Shaker and a drawing board . Small trucks and dolls are always a hit too. To maximize the wow factor and keep kids busy longer, wrap each toy before the trip. For more ideas, check out The Best Baby & Toddler Toys for the Car .

7. Mini Vacuum

Crumbs and toddlers go together like peanut butter and jelly. If all that mess drives you nuts, buy a portable vacuum cleaner with a car-compatible power plug, like this one . You’ll use it (and love it!) for years to come.

8. Extra Outfits—for You & Your Babe

Bring at least two or three changes of clothes for your baby, and keep it easily accessible. Keep a clean shirt nearby for yourself, too, as there’s a good chance you’ll get soaked in spit-up. It’s the law of the road.

9. Board Books

A few board books are perfect road-trip distractions for babies and toddlers. Littler ones love to gnaw on Indestructables , drool-friendly books featuring faves like farm animals and smiling faces. Interactive  lift-the-flap books  and texture-packed books are made to mesmerize toddlers. For more book ideas, read 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs .

10. Tunes for Days!

Your favorite jams will help put everyone on board in a good mood! No need to resort to the Wiggles; put on any music that makes you happy, and chances are your baby will bop along to the beat too. Just be sure to put together a lullaby-packed playlist for nap time.

11. Munchies

Road trips always induce snack attacks, no matter what age you are! We have some smart travel-friendly snack ideas  here .

Make sure to capture all your adventures on the road—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app . The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

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Creative Ideas for Motherhood

Motherhood · April 20, 2022

7 Must Have Toddler Essentials for a Road Trip

Going on long car rides with little kids can be a challenge but when planning and packing ahead it can make the whole trip a whole lot smoother. Today I want to share our top toddler essentials for road trips, that have made traveling with our small children a lot easier and enjoyable. 

(This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here .)

Flying alone can be stressful for some, now add little humans to the mix that need to be fed, changed, and entertained. I was extremely nervous flying for the first time with my then three months old but have learned over the years that being prepared can definitely make a flight with one or multiple children a lot more enjoyable. While I can’t promise you for every flight to go smoothly, I’m here to share all my tips and trips for flying with young children, that have helped us over the years.

This post is all about the best tips when going on road trips with kids

1. Car seat travel tray

It doesn’t matter if your toddler is hungry or bored, this car seat tray does it all. It comes with tons of pockets and compartments that make it easy to organize and store crayons, snacks, and toys. It even has a cup holder and the tray itself is large enough for the kids to color, play, and eat at the same time. We even use it on the plane and it’s super easy to fold up and very lightweight to carry with you. It definitely makes long car rides a lot more enjoyable for the little ones, as they have room to read a book, color some coloring pages or watch a movie on the iPad, all while eating some snacks. I also know that back seat organizers are very popular but just don’t like that the kids can’t reach anything. The car seat tray is so much more convenient for them, as they can pretty much reach all their toys and snacks on their own, which makes the whole car ride a lot more relaxing for us parents.

2. Toddler Road Trip Activities

Activities and entertainment are one of the most important things you need to add to your road trip checklist. Toddlers have a ton of energy and sitting in a car seat for several hours without being able to get out is not very appealing.

To make the long car ride fun for them, make sure to pack a ton of different activities. I’ve listed some of our most used road trip toys that are screen-free.

Activity Book

We have a couple of different activities that we bring on every road trip and one of my daughter’s favorites is this activity book . We have collected a couple of them over the years and they are always great for entertainment while on the road. All the buttons and little toys are attached to the book so nothing falls down or gets lost.

Drawing Book Set

This reusable drawing book set includes multiple drawing pages and pens. The kids can wipe it clean and reuse the drawing pages over and over again. It is super lightweight and we also bring it to restaurants and airplane rides.

Magnetic Activity Book

My kids love this all-in-one activity book that includes dinosaur magnets, dry-erase markers, a built-in magnetic dry erase board, and several pages of activities for them to work on. I know this book is available with other themes as well, in case your kids aren’t as into dinosaurs as much as mine are. 

3. Toddler Road Trip Snack Essentials

Let’s be honest, there is nothing that my toddler loves more than snacking! Bringing snacks wherever we go is essential to preventing meltdowns and I always keep some in my bag.

For a road trip, I like to bring a variety of different snacks that my toddler can pick from. The best way to pack it all up is in a container that comes with different compartments (so the carrot and crackers don’t touch).

We’ve been using Bento Boxes for preschool, car rides, and on the plane for a while now and are big fans. I love that it offers little compartments and it is very easy for little hands to open and close. Bento Boxes are super sturdy and leakproof. You can fit a lot of different snacks in it and I always keep some extra snacks in the front with me and refill the box every now and then. Since the kids are only eating their snacks out of the box, we can avoid random wrappers and garbage in the car.

Spill-Proof Sippy Cup

A no-spill Sippy Cup is an absolute must when traveling with little kids. We’ve gone on many car rides with many spills, followed by meltdowns over wet clothes, that I never ever leave the house without this exact sippy cup anymore. It is a bit pricey, but you will thank me later.

4. Change of clothes

Even though you packed a spill-proof sippy cup and car seat travel tray, let’s be honest, your toddler will manage to get his or her clothes dirty or wet. In this case, I like to always have a fresh outfit with me, that I can easily change my daughter into if needed.

For this reason, I always keep an extra set of clothes and laundry bags with me.

Laundry Bags

I prefer packing extra clothes in these mesh bags , so I can see who’s kids’ clothes it is. Once we do an outfit change, I can just put the dirty clothes in the bag and put them straight in the laundry once we are back home, without having to touch any of the dirty laundry.

5. Portable Potty

If your toddler is ready to use the potty, a portable potty on the road is a must to pack. I like this specific potty because it folds up in seconds and is very easy to clean.

In case your toddler is not yet ready to use a potty, don’t forget to pack a portable changing pad.

Portable Changing Pad

While public restrooms offer changing stations, I personally prefer to just change my little ones in the back of the car or somewhere where I can lay down on this changing pad and I don’t have to worry about my toddler falling off a changing station.

This one is amazing, as it is waterproof and has a wipe dispenser included, and fits in pretty much any diaper bag. The large pockets give you enough storage, for extra diapers, toys and wipes. There is a padded pillow; to keep your little one comfortable during diaper changes.

6. Toddler Headphones

While I don’t let my toddlers watch a ton of TV at home, they are allowed to watch movies on long car rides. Headphones will keep you from going crazy, as you don’t have to listen to the same songs over and over again. My kids get super excited when they get to use their headphones and look forward to it since they really don’t use them unless we are traveling.

These exact headphones also come in boy colors and are super comfortable for little heads. They are very affordable and hold up pretty well compared to other brands we’ve used in the past, which literally stopped working after the first use.

7. Motion Sickness Relief

This might not be a problem for every child, but I still wanted to include it in the essentials road trip list, because I’ve you’ve never done a long road trip with your toddler, you might not even know if your child gets motion sick after that many hours of being in a car.

My daughter who is 4 now, always had trouble with motion sickness, and we had many incidents of vomiting in the car and therefore avoided long drives until I found out about motion sickness chewable for kids . This particular brand is formulated for children 2-12 and it has been such a lifesaver! You can find these at your local pharmacy, or I usually pick them up at Target.

I hope this post was helpful and will make your next road trip with your little ones a bit easier. If you have anything that needs to be added to this list, feel free to leave a comment.

If you are looking for travel tips with kids, check out these blog posts:

{  7 helpful tips when flying with toddlers  }

{  tips when traveling to santorini with a baby  }, this post was all about the 7 must have essentials for road trips with toddlers..

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Road Trip With a 1 Year Old: A Handy Guide

• Date: July 18, 2022
• Time to read: 5 min.

Traveling in the car is a great way to vacation with a one year old! It can be tricky, but I got all the tips and tricks you need!

Plan to Stop every 2 hours, pack a variety of snacks and travel during nap times to make the trip go as smoothly as possible. Plan stops where babies can walk around and get in some exercise. Pack the essentials in arm’s reach to make stops easier. 

When you are traveling with a 1 year old I like to keep a diaper basket under the seat. Keep diapers, wipes, diaper cream and a changing mat in this basket so that you can quickly grab everything for a diaper change. 

Older babies can enjoy some toys on a road trip as well. Pack some books, small toys and snacks in another basket that is in easy reach. 

Stopping every 2-3 hours is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help prevent positional asphyxia. This can happen when babies slouch down in their car seats and stop breathing. 

This happens more often in younger babies, but it can happen in older babies if they get themselves in a weird position and cannot get out of it. 

As a general rule, you should have an adult ride next to the baby to monitor their breathing and their comfort. 

Be careful when offering snacks on the road and be sure that you monitor the baby if they are eating to ensure they are not choking. 

Be sure to slow down and enjoy the trip. Traveling with a baby has it’s own pace and it may take some getting used to, but slowing down will make the trip much less stressful. 

Spend an extra night at the hotel, make an extra bathroom stop, slow down and embrace the trip. 

Packing for a 1 Year Old 

When you are packing for your one year old I recommend that you pack 2 extra outfits per 5 days of your trip , and be sure to have a plan if you need to do laundry. 

Eating habits can change on vacation and that can result in some messy outfits. 

Be sure to pack your regular brand of diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream. This can avoid a painful rash or allergic reaction while away from home. 

Choose engaging toys for travel times when your baby is awake and ready to play.

I have a packing for kids guide that might be helpful when you are making your packing list and organizing all the little outfits. There are some free printable checklists included in the linked post.

Great Road Trip Toys for a 1 Year Old

A 1 year old may be distracted by some well chosen toys on your road trip. 

These are the best, low mess, solutions that have worked for our family on 10+ hour road trips. 

Small board books are a great toy for the car. We love big sets of small books like the linked set, and classics in small board book form. 

Corduroy , We’re Going On a Bear Hunt , and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? have all been winners with my babies. I often find these at local thrift stores. 

Reading these to babies can be a great distraction on a long stretch of driving. 

When you need a sure fire distraction bubbles can be really special in the car. Choose a bottle that fits in the cupholder to keep the mess down. 

If you have responsible older kids this can also be fun for them to blow bubbles for the baby. 

Magnet toys are great for the car and they stay contained very well!

We enjoy magnet blocks like Magna Tiles . Just 2-3 blocks are really fun for a 1 year old. They also rattle when they are shaken, which is fun for a baby as well. 

Light Up Toys 

If you will be traveling at night, a light up toy can be super engaging. 

Simple toys like a small flashlight, a puck light, or glow sticks can be magical in a dark car. 

I know that my kids love traveling at night because it is such a new experience and the light up toys are just magical even for my 7 year old. 

Tips for a Traveling Alone With a Baby

I recommend that you travel with two adults whenever possible, but I know that sometimes you must travel on your own with a baby. 

I love a good adventure and this is what I have learned by traveling alone with my babies. 

Stop Frequently

You should plan to stop every 2 hours or less. This gives you time to check in on the baby and to be sure that they have what they need. 

This also gives you a chance to feed and change the baby. 

Mirrors that allow you to see your baby can be helpful, or a deadly distraction, consult your pediatrician about installing a mirror. 

Pack snacks and drinks for both of you in case you need to change plans suddenly. 

Be sure to pack any special foods that your baby needs, formula, snacks or medicine should be well stocked. Don’t forget mom’s favorites too, pack substantial snacks and cold drinks in the cooler. 

Having everything you need just feels good and makes you feel more secure. 

If you don’t feel comfortable stopping or your baby is sleeping you can choose to keep rolling and eat out of the cooler. 

I always think of my car like Mary Poppins carpet bag, or Herminone’s purse. Full of everything we could possibly need. Magically prepared. 

Be Sure To Rest

Drowsy driving is really dangerous and traveling alone with kids is exhausting. 

Be sure you are getting enough sleep to safely drive. Caffeine can help for a short time, but if you find yourself getting tired, plan to stop. 

The biggest tip I have for you is to go slowly. Do one thing at a time and try to be intentional. 

For example, be sure to put the keys in your pocket before leaving the car to unbuckle the baby, be sure to change diapers at each stop and double check buckles before you start driving. 

There are so many little things to do and check it is easy to forget and become overwhelmed. 

Rushing can make things much more stressful. 

When I travel with my husband he loves to rush and do things quickly, but I have to go slow or we will regret it later. 

Don’t be embarrassed by your pace if you are with a group of kid free companions. Focus on mindfulness and be present in each task. 

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15 Road Trip Essentials to Pack for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Posted: May 5, 2023 | Last updated: October 19, 2023

Universal Backseat Electronics Mount

This road trip essential will save the day when traveling with kids. Attach this adjustable universal mount to a front-seat headrest and keep your passengers entertained with a smartphone or tablet for hours. Then position your device at the perfect angle for comfortable viewing with the mount's sturdy, adjustable arm that keeps things firmly in place. It's compatible with most popular devices of varying sizes, like the iPad mini, iPad Pro, Kindle Fire, Nintendo Switch and smartphones as small as 4.5 inches in length.

Gentleman's Hardware Road Trip Trivia

Long road trips can become tedious, but with the Gentlemen's Hardware American Road Trip Trivia Game, there are hours of fun and entertainment to be had. This game has 1000 trivia questions designed to be engaging and challenging. Questions cover a wide range of topics like history, geography and pop culture. Learn a few facts and have some fun at the same time!

TripTips Portable Toilet

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the TripTips Portable Toilet is definitely a road trip essential. This lightweight, compact poop shoot is only two inches thick when stored in its handy carrying bag, making it easy to stash in the trunk and carry along into the woods. Simply unfold the toilet, attach a plastic bag and do your business. Lastly, tie up the bag and trash it when you're done.

W&P Reusable Food Storage Containers

A high-quality reusable storage container like this outstanding set from W&P is a must for any road trip. Pack your favorite foods without worry of torn bags, leaky containers or accidental spills with this road-trip essential. Two extra-large reusable silicone storage bags are perfect for holding homemade treats and can be continually refilled with snacks whenever you stop to refuel. The tight-sealed bowls are fantastic for packing BBQ items and storing leftovers. A ceramic-coated insulated bottle keeps your beverages at optimal temperatures, and a flip-top lid prevents spills and sloshing.

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Pillow

Of all the road trip essentials you'll pack for your trip, a comfortable travel pillow should be at the top of the list. The Dot&Dot Twist is made of high-quality memory foam that conforms to your body, providing the perfect amount of support to relieve any discomfort or pain. Use its customizable design as a neck pillow or backrest. Its flexibility means you'll always find the perfect position to make your ride as comfortable as possible. This travel pillow includes a removable and washable cover for easy cleaning on the road.

Gerber Gear Multi Tool

Having a multi-tool on hand during a road trip is always a smart idea, especially if you're traveling long stretches in desolate areas. The Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Pro Scout is about as good as it gets, with superior quality that you can trust. It cuts, crimps, saws and acts as a screwdriver , so you can easily handle any unexpected situations. Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, Gerber Gear's multi-tool won't bend or break, getting you through any emergency and keeping you well-equipped for a lifetime of adventures.

Survivewear Comprehensive First Aid Kit

Always have a first aid kit in your car in case of emergencies. The Survivewear Comprehensive First Aid Kit has over 100 medical essentials organized in labeled compartments. It includes clear instructions and diagrams to walk you through medical emergencies , even if you're not a trained professional. Easily stash this lightweight and compact kit in your backpack, trunk or under the seat of a car. It's also durable, water-resistant and made of high-quality materials that can withstand harsh conditions.

Dakine Split Roller Gear Bag

Get ready to take on any adventure with the Dakine Split Roller Gear Bag . With a whopping 5,500 cubic inches of storage space, this bag is built to accommodate everything you need. The unique split-level design provides easy access to all your gear, while the multiple compartments and pockets allow for effortless organization. The gear bag has durable construction and a rugged exterior but still easily fits into a crowded trunk. Easily move it around with its heavy-duty wheels and retractable handle.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Staying hydrated when locked in a car for hours on end is important. This insulated wide-mouth bottle from Hydro Flask holds up to 32 fluid ounces (one quart). Most importantly, the stainless steel flask with double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot beverages warm for 12 hours. Keep one hand on the wheel and another on the signature flex straw cap.

Righteous Felon Craft Jerky

Beef jerky is a high-protein snack that will help keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals. Righteous Felon's Craft Jerky Sampler Pack comes with 12 different savory and spicy flavorful jerky varieties like Teriyaki Balboa and Maryland Monroe and classic meat stick favorites like OG Hickory. Stay satiated with the jerky's all-natural ingredients and no added preservatives.

Hontry Compact Binoculars

This pair of compact binoculars is perfect for sightseeing and exploring new destinations. It features a 25mm objective lens with powerful 12x magnification, giving you sharp and clear images full of bright, vivid colors. These binoculars are easy to adjust and focus yet are lightweight and compact. Bring them when bird watching, visiting a national park or exploring a new city. Oh, and if you're looking for more options, consider these waterproof binoculars by Nocs Provisions , too.

Multiport USB Charger

A USB car charger adapter with multiple ports is a must-have accessory for any road trip. Compatible with a wide variety of devices, this multiport car charger keeps your smartphones, tablets, GPS and other USB-powered devices running. Plug it into the car's 12V port and it's ready to go. There are three USB ports for the front seats and a long double-port extension for passengers in the back.

Coleman Xtreme Wheeled Cooler

A cooler is great for storing snacks and drinks on the road. The Coleman Xtreme Wheeled Cooler has a 50-quart capacity and keeps ice cold for up to five days. This cooler's rust-resistant exterior and UV inhibitor coating protects it from harsh outdoor conditions. Its durable insulated walls and lid keep it safe while stashed in the trunk. Use the large wheels to move the cooler around easily when it's time to pull over for a picnic.

High Road CarHop Bench Seat Organizer

Amazon's bestselling bench seat organizer keeps all your road trip essentials in place. The multiple compartments and pockets are perfect for storing snacks, drinks, books, toys and more. An insulated vinyl-lined bin keeps drinks and snacks cold for up to eight hours. It fits in the middle of the backseat and is easy to reach. This car organizer installs quickly, and once it's in place, it stays securely fastened.

Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit

A roadside emergency kit is the most important item of all road trip essentials. This kit is designed with safety in mind and contains tools and supplies needed to handle any roadside emergency, from flat tires to dead batteries. Get everything you need in this kit, including a carry case, jumper cables, a durable aluminum flashlight, a screwdriver, duct tape, an emergency poncho, a shop cloth, cable ties, bandages, towelettes and a reusable zipper-lock bag.

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