From babies to preschoolers, 7 essentials to help you travel easier with little kids.
I have three boys under the age of four, so I know that traveling with a pint-sized pack can be anxiety-inducing, to say the least. However, I don’t let the fear of flying or road-tripping as a family get in the way of vacationing with my children. To me, travel is the greatest gift that you can give your family… and yourself. With that being said, escaping with young kiddos does take some work… and the right gear.
Here are my favorite finds for traveling with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers on the go.
1. Balboa Baby Carrier
This sling will become your favorite accessory. I get asked all the time about it, and I admit that my third born and I have grown quite reliant on the Balboa Baby Carrier. It’s easy to wear, convenient, and comfortable. Great for getting through the airport, the sling mimics a kangaroo pouch, giving your little Joey a cozy place to chill or sleep. The Dr. Sears-developed design lets mom enjoy holding her baby (8-35 lbs.) hands-free. It grows with your child, is machine washable, and is available in array of colors. Cost: $49.99+.
KidTripster Tip: While this carrier is perfect for travel, you’ll also find yourself wearing it around the house, running errands, and to events. Plus, it can easily fold to fit in a diaper bag.
2. Keenz Stroller Wagon
Throw this bad-boy in the backseat when heading to the beach or on a road trip. Keenz has thought of everything. The Keenz Stroller Wagon 7S securely holds two kids with a 5-point safety harness and has plenty of storage. It also sports a retractable roof with mesh sunscreen, built-in cushioning, cooler, and optional beach wheels for cruising on the sand. Cost: $389.99.
3. Nido 2-in-1 Travel Play Tent
Your baby will go gaga over the Nidö 2-in-1 Travel and Play Tent. Compact and light, the Nidö is perfect for the beach, park or hotel room floor. It protects from UVA and UVB rays (SPF 50+), sand, wind, and mosquitoes. It comes with three toys and a removable mat, making cleaning a breeze. The canopy and retractable mesh keep baby happily napping or playing in comfort. Plus, the “pop-up” system makes folding and unfolding easy and fast. It includes a carry bag and fits easily in your luggage. Cost: $79.99 for mini.
4. Beanko
Have a blowout and need a clean space to change your baby? Fear not! Beanko is a mobile changing station. Simply change, stow, and go! The handy station features a foldable wedge design, built-in diaper and baby wipe holder, plus an attachment for toys. The detachable changing pad doubles as a tummy-time mat for indoor or outdoor play. Cost: $89.99.
KidTripster Tip: Keep a spare change of clothes in the pockets, in addition to diapers and wipes. This way, everything is in one place should clothes get soiled. And don’t forget a spare bag to stash yucky clothes!
KidTripster Tip: Don’t need a changing station anymore? Simply detach the changing pad, and Beanko becomes a storage bag that you can attach to the back of a driver or passenger seat for additional car storage.
5. Bumkins Travel Bags
Here’s a perfect item to store in your Beanko: reusable bags from Bumkins. The Bumkins Travel Bags are lightweight, easy to wipe clean, machine washable, and feature heat-sealed seams for true waterproof protection! These bags are perfect for holding anything from dirty clothes to wet swimsuits. A smooth zipper closure locks away the mess, while single-ply construction means no worrying about icky stuff growing between the layers of fabric. Plus, these bags come in so many cool colors and designs. Cost: $13.95.
KidTripster Tip: Alternatively, you can use Bumpkins as reusable snack bags.
6. Graco Turbo GO Folding Backless Booster Car Seat
Don’t waste your money on renting a car seat for your little kids; instead get the Graco Turbo GO Folding Backless Booster Car Seat. The booster protects kids (40-100 lbs.). Plus, weighing in at just four pounds, it’s designed to travel. Cost: $19.99.
KidTripster Tip: Remember, you can check your car seat at the gate for free.
7. HapTim Multi-Functional Baby Diaper Bag Backpack
Here’s something for Dad: an oversized diaper backpack that’s both cool in looks and fabulous in functionality! Whether you’re going on a long trip or a day out with the kids, the HapTim Multi-Functional Baby Diaper Bag Backpack is the perfect companion. It’s designed to hold all your essentials and it can even strap to your stroller. And the best part for Mom? Dad gets to wear it! Cost: $45.99.
Nadine Bubeck is a TV personality, fashion designer, author, blogger, and Scottsdale, Arizona-based blessed boy mom times three.
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