One thing that makes traveling with children easy – the proper gear.
Everyone knows you gotta have the right tools for the right job. The right equipment for the right activity can make all the difference.
Like that trusty pair of jeans, perfect for any occasion – or those shoes you can both dress up and dress down, the right baby gear fits your family like a glove – and after one good experience, you’ll never return to traveling without it.
Some are cheaper while others are higher price ticket items – this is the gear you need for flying with toddlers.
The Gear
We’ve discussed our tips for flying with children, perfect for developing a gameplan and getting in the right mindset before take off – now let’s talk about some of my favorite gear for airline travel.
1. MiaMilly Carry On Luggage
Simply the best luggage for traveling with kids. Toddlers can literally sit on top while parents pull or push them through the airport.
Instead of constantly prodding youngsters to pick up the pace — feeling panicked as you scramble to the gate (“hurry up, we’re gonna be late!”), MiaMilly turns the whole experience into a kiddy coast through the crowds.
The sleek design looks great while also being super functional – complete with a backrest to ensure no spills occur as you wheel to your terminal.
Kitted with a safety belt and a 3-digit lockpad. I have seen it up close at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas, and if you’re a parent in the market for new luggage, MiaMilly should be on top of your list.
2. Tush Baby Carrier
It’s a sling – it’s a belt – it’s a baby carrier.
There are many similar items designed to help hold a baby, but for my money, when you’re traveling with a child, Tush Baby is the best option.
Whenever I learn of a pregnant friend, this is pretty much my go-to first gift. With a variety of different colors and materials, you will certainly find one to match both personality and wardrobe.
The product is recommended for ages 0-3, and if you’re flying with a kiddo in that age range it will offer several advantages.
The first being a hands-free mobile platform to rest your child’s bottom. Don’t get me wrong, you still need to keep one hand on your little peanut – but this makes it possible to both hold a baby and use an arm for brief moments. A game-changer when rushing from terminal to terminal, grabbing a ticket from the attendant, or answering a quick phone call.
The best perk of the Tush Baby is that it will save you from backaches. Unless you are upgrading to first class (is there room on that itinerary for two?), airplane seats aren’t the most comfortable. Combine that with a rambunctious toddler demanding to be carried – and one day of airline travel is going to leave your body aching.
Complete with a secret little pocket to help keep tickets and wallets at an arms reach, this carrier has it all.
3. Kibou Bag
If for whatever reason the Tush Baby isn’t for you, I can’t recommend the Kibou Bag enough.
Similar in style, the Kibou bag is less of a baby carrier and more of a high end, versatile fanny pack built specifically for parents.
It can be worn across the waist or also slung over the shoulder, making it a bit more gender neutral. I think my husband secretly likes to pretend he’s Rambo walking around the airplane with it draped across his back.
The cadillac fanny pack, I love this bag – read my stand alone review on the Kibou bag, or discover more of the best diaper bags for travel.
4. Inflatable Airplane Bed
Our family took a long cross-country flight earlier in the year, my three-year-old girl and one-year-old boy wouldn’t have survived without these.
Kids just love to spread out their legs. Little inflatable beds also give them the ability to more comfortably nap when the moment strikes (and it can happen in the blink of an eye).
Anything that will encourage and assist in mid-flight naps is well worth it in my book, as peaceful moments are hard to come by on a busy day of airline travel.
Make sure you get beds that come complete with the mini electric pump. The initial inflation may be one of those moments to prepare for a few stares from fellow passengers (“what the heck is she doing?”). Don’t worry, it will be worth it once those kiddos get cozy and zonk out for some sleep.
5. Stokke JetKids BedBox
This one’s kind of a blend between luggage and an inflatable airline bed. The JetKids Bedbox is going to serve as both your child’s baggage (rideable luggage, similar to MiaMilly, but just for kids), and double as a bed while flying the skies.
This is another item I was able to see up close at the ABC Kids Expo, and I can honestly say there is nothing quite like it on the market.
I’m a bit of a germaphobe (babe, where’s the Purell?), and I just love how the BedBox gives children their own personal space while flying. It keeps little arms and legs off of airplane armrests and seat cushions – a first-class mini seat for your first-class mini-passenger.
6. Travel Crib
Once you arrive at your destination, those tots are going to need some cots.
One option is to rent gear. Not a bad move if your child just needs that real-crib-feel. IMHO however nothing beats a good floor resting travel crib.
I’ve personally reviewed a bunch of travel cribs, each having their own distinct nuances and perks. To find out which one suits you best, check out my review on the best travel cribs.
The TLDR would be to go for the Guava Lotus, or Travel Crib and Bed 3-in-1 Moov & Comfy from Babymoov.
Guava is built to last and includes backpack straps for hands free travel (its portability cannot be overstated). The Moov & Comfy includes a bassinet insert and has the lowest price point.
7. SlumberPod
Along with a crib for sleep, you’ll want to create those similar sleeping conditions for your toddler in their new abode – nothing does it better than a SlumberPod.
These are great for creating a dark environment (blocks up to 95% of light). The Slumberpod will fit over most any travel crib or pack-n-play.
The SlumberPod is a must when hubby and I spend a night in the same room as our children — from disaster to quiet manageable. It gives kids their own little world to sleep in while allowing us to stay up with the lights on. We can play on our phones and feel free to move about the space without disturbing the sleeping beauties.
8. Portable White Noise Machine
While we’re talking sleep, don’t forget a good white noise machine.
Other guests moving about out in the hallway. Construction vehicles beeping loudly while workers excavate a property next door. You just never know what sounds are going to come along at 6AM in a hotel or at an AirBnB.
Our family doesn’t take any chances once arriving at our new destination. I like to help drown noise out, and keep babies asleep regardless of what’s going on outside their new sleepy nook.
My favorite is the DreamEgg Sleep Lite D11 Sound Machine, Hatch also makes some wonderful products.
9. Portable Milk Warmer
Can I let this milk get cold?
How do you warm up milk when you’re out and about? If you’re on a plane you’re going to need a little cooler (most breast pumps typically come with a cooler) for breast milk and a portable milk warmer to make the process doable.
10. Wearable Breast Pump
When you’re on a plane or at the airport a wearable breast pump allows you to be hands-free to help with luggage or carry a baby when needed. I like how discreet many wearable breast pumps are – most people won’t even notice you have it on.
This allowed me to pump and change diapers simultaneously while traveling. Elvie is a good choice.
11. Breastfeeding Cover
Feeding a newborn in public is tricky business. When you want to keep private, a good breastfeeding cover can make a world of difference.
Look for something both functional and fashionable. I love the ‘We Are AMMA’ cocoon, and my cover typically matches my outfit on the big travel day.
12. Wireless Kid’s Earphones
Another great one for the plane, wireless earphones for children.
The multitude of noises and conversations simultaneously occurring on a plane is enough to give anyone a headache. Instead of blaring Paw Patrol and Blippi, take one noise out of the mix by purchasing a set of kids earphones.
This helps children listen to their devices without disrupting other passengers.
Be sure to pair the earphones (the one I use is the same as in the photo, called Bandou) with your cell or child’s device before travel, being ready will save you any more hassle on the flight.
That’s a Wrap Jack
We’ve begun our descent into diaper town. These are my top twelve pieces of baby gear you need when flying with toddlers. Pick and choose the items that will best help your family jet about the skies in style.
As always, thank you for choosing Amy Baby Airlines to offer you suggestions on baby products that matter.
