The essentials for traveling with a toddler – from strollers to entertainment

YOU survived the newborn period and now you have a toddler who’s up to mischief.

It’s time for a holiday – whether it’s abroad or a staycation – and you’ll soon find that there’s a lot to consider when packing for a little one.

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Look no further because here is the ultimate list of essential items that will make your life easier and take the stress out of traveling with a toddler.

From the item that will get you through the airport to keeping your little one entertained during the flight, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t forget to pack your passports!

IN MOTION

Whether you’re flying abroad or taking the car, you want a stroller that’s lightweight, easy to fold and, most importantly, easy to transport.

Look no further than the Joolz Aer+. Weighing in at just 6kg, it’s light as a feather and folds in just one second.

It has a UPF 50+ sun canopy, ideal for warm destinations, and a basket that can hold up to 5kg… perfect for shopping on the go.

Best of all, it’s the ideal option for a flight, as it’s small enough to fit in an overhead bin. Plus, most planes will let you take a stroller on board for free (check with your airline to avoid disappointment).

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It’s expensive, starting at £380, but you should get several years of use out of it – so it’s worth the investment. And for those who don’t want to blow the budget, you can easily pick up second-hand frames on Facebook Marketplace for as little as £20.

If you have children who find the stroller too restrictive, why not opt ​​for a tricycle so they feel a little more grown up?

Being slightly larger than the Joolz, it is probably more suited to car adventures, but it also offers another option for taking a toddler out to see the sights.

The Doona Liki Trike S5 is billed as the world’s most compact folding trike. It folds out at the push of a button, so it can be easily stored in the boot of your car, while still leaving room for luggage.

For those traveling with more than one child, a ‘buggy board’ can be a solution.

The Lascal Mini attaches to 99% of strollers and won’t take up much extra space in your luggage. This means tired adventurers can easily get out and about, while still having the stroller handy for a nap on the go.

For those carrying a newborn, there is the lightweight Izmi Essential Wrap. Made from pure material, it can be folded much smaller than other carriers. It also offers UV protection, making it perfect for sunnier climates.

Are you a parent who likes to travel with super light luggage? Then you can rent essential baby and toddler items for your journey from British rental service Tiny Explorers.

From prams and carry cots to high chairs and sterilisers, they have thought of everything. Even car seats can be hired from £40 per week.

DAILY ESSENTIALS

Any trip outside with a toddler requires a diaper bag – and vacationing is no exception. Keep it simple and try to pack as light as possible.

Kit & Kin’s reusable nappy can be rewashed whilst you’re away or you can pop into your local supermarket for own brand disposables to keep costs (and packaging) to a minimum. Don’t forget the swim nappies too if you’re planning on taking the plunge!

The Storksak Eco Backpack comes with a built-in insulated pouch for milk bottles, as well as a padded changing mat. It also has clever straps to attach to a pram and can be linked to a cabin size suitcase for easy transport – great for when you’ve got your hands full!

I have used this myself for recent travels and I can’t praise it enough. It is well worth the money.

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The Selby bag from Finnson is a great shoulder option if you prefer a tote style over a backpack. It is water-resistant and wipe clean, so it can double as a beach bag. Or you can keep it simple with the infamous ‘Ryanair bag’.

The Narwey foldable duffle bag is popular with holidaymakers as it fits neatly within budget airline hand luggage requirements.

In addition to diapers, a change of clothes, water, and snacks, you’ll probably also want to pack a travel blanket in your diaper bag.

The Little Green Sheep knitted cellulose blanket can be used from birth to childhood. It is especially useful for keeping your little one’s legs warm during cold flights or long car journeys.

If you have room in your checked baggage, it’s definitely worth taking extra wet wipes and a first aid kit in case you need them during your trip.

And for those with little ones who struggle to sleep without the comforts of home, it’s worth bringing along some sleepwear so they can still have some common ground at bedtime.

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TRENDY AND SAFE

Supermarkets and thrift stores are by far the cheapest places to buy children’s clothes.

Going on holiday doesn’t mean you have to buy a whole new wardrobe. You can just take the essentials with you to the locals.

Swimwear can be found at bargain prices at most major supermarket chains, while thrift stores are a great place to pick up T-shirts, shorts and accessories such as hats.

For those who want to splash out, Swedish brand Polarn O. Pyret is a huge hit with influencers for its colourful range of swimwear – all made from sun-protective fabric and boasting the highest UPF rating. Prices start at £14.

For a beach towel, it’s hard to disagree with the thousands of reviewers who recommend Cuddledry. I’ve used a Cuddledry towel for my own baby, now toddler, for the past two years and I can attest that it’s not only still just as soft, but it also far outlasts other ‘baby’ towels in terms of quality and convenience.

I would recommend them to all my friends. The penguin version is especially cute for the beach.

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To ensure you don’t lose any of your belongings while you’re away, the clever Stamptastic lets you quickly and easily name label your clothes in one go.

The tool can be used on most items, from shoes to clothing and even lunch bags. It is a faster way to label stamps than having to work over labels endlessly.

To keep the sun out during nap time, celebrities love the SnoozeShade, which is said to block 97.5% of the sun’s rays, making the stroller pitch black while still allowing air to flow.

Similar sunglasses are available on Amazon. Just be sure to check the UPF rating to make sure your little one is safe.

ENTERTAINMENT

Keeping kids entertained during travel is perhaps one of the most nerve-wracking things for parents, which is why you need to be armed with a variety of toys, activities and distractions – not to mention snacks!

Maped has a bunch of creative travel ideas to keep little ones busy. The Travel Board comes with 4 erasable colored markers, while the Magical Tablet is a device to encourage drawing and learning.

For older children, Janod’s Magneti’stories (£9) allow the littlest ones to build a masterpiece out of magnets, but are small enough to pop in a handbag.

If you have a Toniebox at home, you can take it with you to keep your little one entertained.

With a 7-hour battery life, it can play their favorite stories without Wi-Fi access – perfect for long car rides. But don’t buy one just for the holidays, as they’re often discounted during Black Friday or Prime Day deals.

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