Travelling with kids? Here’s our fave products that are a must for a smooth trip
Ah, travelling with kids—where relaxation goes to die, and logistics become an extreme sport. Here at The MotherFlock, we’re BIG advocates of travelling with kids. Having lived in three different continents, our oldest has done almost 40 flights by age four. Jeez, I even took my 6 week old to Scottsdale, Arizona for a bachelorette party (Okay, this one is not advised! 47 degree heat and a Scottish person does not mix well… but, I get extreme FOMO. You live and you learn).
While it’s extremely overwhelming on the brain, and there’s aways some sort of hiccup (last week, our kiddo projectile vomited all over the jetbridge while boarding the plane), in our opinion, anywhere that has kids, is fair game. Fear not, MotherFlockers, because while we can’t promise you a stress-free journey (LOL, as if), we can hook you up with some hints and tips, as well as the best travel products to make the chaos slightly more manageable. I just can’t help with a screaming, tantruming toddler who’s pooed all over themselves, refusing to cooperate in a dirty airport washroom. 100% do not recommend. But, whether you’re jet-setting or road-tripping, these tried-and-true essentials will help you survive and maybe even enjoy the adventure *cough*.
Baby’s first flight. Travelling with kids is easiest when they are are pretty young (and will fall asleep anywhere).
1. The Ride-or-Die Travel Stroller
Let’s be real, lugging a full-size stroller through the airport is a punishment worse than stepping on a rogue LEGO. Enter the Babyzen YOYO2, Bugaboo Butterfly or the gb Pockit+—lightweight, compact, and actually fits in the overhead bin. While these are cabin-sized, some airlines prefer you to not take them on board due to lack of space. So always gate check, and pop your little one in the carrier before you board. Because waiting at baggage claim with an overtired toddler? Hard pass.
2. Snack Survival Kit (a.k.a. The Peacekeeper)
Snacks can make or break a trip. A Bentgo Kids Snack Box or a GoBe Snack Spinner keeps things organized and tantrum-proof. Pack a mix of favorites and new surprises—because food bribery is both an art and a science, and is KEY to getting through a long-haul flight.
3. Noise-Canceling Headphones (for Them and You)
Planes are loud. Kids are louder. Keep everyone’s eardrums intact with Puro Sound Labs BT2200 headphones for the littles and AirPods Pro for you (so you can pretend you don’t hear “Moooom” for the 17th time in 10 minutes). Alternatively, try these headbands… great for smaller kids, and can double up as an eye mask when your little finally falls asleep.
4. A Magical Sleep Setup
Bruges, Belgium
If you want a chance at anyone getting sleep, a solid travel crib like the Babymoov Travel Crib is a must. Add a SlumberPod for blackout conditions, even in the brightest Airbnb. Expensive, but totally worth the investment, as it will save you needing to splash out on that extra bedroom. We’ve used ours so much! While you’re at it, grab a rechargeable, portable white noise machine that you can attach to your stroller… we love this Dreamegg one, which has a built-in night light. Because sleep deprivation is not a vacation vibe.
5. The Ultimate All-in-One Carry-On
A well-packed bag is the difference between calm and chaos. We swear by the RUVALINO Travel Diaper Bag—it’s sleek, functional, and has enough pockets to make Mary Poppins jealous (19 to be exact!). Because you need to get to those snacks/sick bags/toys/diapers real fast!
6. The ‘I Can’t Believe I Didn’t Have This Sooner’ Item
A TushBaby Hip Carrier saves your back when out exploring, and stroller hooks make hauling all the things slightly less painful (watch it doesn’t tip your lightweight travel stroller over!). Oh, and disposable potty seat covers? Non-negotiable when public restrooms are involved (see airport story above!). But our biggest game-changer? This Snoozeshade Stroller cover. It’s air-permeable, protects baby from those UV rays, and darkens the stroller when you need to get a nap in on the go (just watch on sunny days as it can get hot in there real fast). Nobody needs to be nap-trapped in a hotel room on holiday… aperol spritz & people-watching on the square anyone?
What germs?
7. Entertainment Lifesavers
Screen time rules don’t apply at 30,000 feet—download a few fave shows on an Amazon Fire Kids Tablet, let them watch Frozen four times over, and call it a day. For non-screen entertainment, Water Wow books and reusable sticker sets are gold. And if your kiddo is into cars, make a super track in your Airbnb using this road tape. But honestly, when our kids were too young for screens, it was empty water bottles, packs of tissues, and painters tape that were the real heroes!
8. First-Aid Kit for All the Situations
Tiny humans = big accidents. I learned this the hard way this past trip to Hawaii. A mini first-aid kit with Band-Aids, Tylenol, sick bags, and motion sickness bands is a must. Pro tip: Pack extra Ziploc bags for those unexpected messes (because you will need them). You can usually take a carry-on for each kid, so packing some extra outfits (I went through 3 for one kid on our most recent flight), and even a spare for you (they WILL vomit over you at some point in their childhood) can come in useful. Luggage lost in Frankfurt again? Hey, you’ll thank me later.
9. A Solid Baby Carrier
If your little still wants to be carried, or needs help with naps, a carrier like the Ergobaby Omni 360 is a must. This one can handle up to a four year old kid (the carrier does, not sure about your back!), and the airmesh version comes in handy in warmer climates. Maybe you can even sip on that airport coffee while it’s still hot.
10. The Car Seat Conundrum
Okay, so once you have multiples, the cost of renting car seats can add up REAL fast. They always feel unsafe, and you invitably end up exhausted, with a crying toddler trying to figure out how to install the damn things. We finally came to a realization this past trip… invested in some “cheaper” seats (that we wouldn’t care as much if they got damaged mid-journey), like the Cosco Scenera Next and the Evenflo Chase 2-in-1 Booster Seat. Chuck them in these Travel bags for added protection, and throw them on your back to get through the airport to the luggage drop. A million times easier, and the seats and bags have already paid for themselves. Win!
Positano, Amalfi Coast
Final Thoughts
Traveling with kids isn’t easy, but with the right gear, it’s at least doable. Toddler tantrums at home in your house among the laundry piles, or in the Austrian Alps? I know which one I’d rather do. So pack smart, embrace the chaos, and remember—one day, you’ll actually miss these wild adventures. Maybe. Kind of.
What are your must-have travel items? Share your tips in the comments and help a fellow MotherFlocker out!
Uluru, Australia
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