As a mom who tries to be prepared but also runs on coffee and chaos, I rounded up our go-to-travel items (from the younger years or now) that help keep my daughter happy, comfy, and entertained. Whether it's a long road trip, a short flight, or a wee...
This fits perfectly in a Pack n Play and makes overnights way more comfortable for your little one.
Tri-fold Pack and Play Mattress Pad 38x26
Total game-changer when you're trying to mimic bedtime at Grandma’s or in a hotel. Blocks light. Packs easy.
Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain 50"x78"
I use this to keep my daughter's clothes, jammies, and shoes organized in one spot. Put it inside my suitcase and just hang-up once we get there!
Stow-N-Go Portable Travel Hanging Shelves
Keeps little hands busy in the car or on the plane. Surprisingly entertaining for adults too.
Handheld Push Game Fast Puzzle Toy
Open-ended, compact, and zero mess. These come with us everywhere—from road trips to restaurants.
Magnetic Men Toys
Quick and fun matching game that's fun for the family. Great to throw in a backpack or diaper bag.
Zygomatic Spot It! Classic Card Game
This tray gives her a surface for coloring, snacking, or playing with small toys. Bonus: pockets for allll the random things.
PILLANI Kids Travel Car Seat Tray
Couldn't live without it! Stays in our car at all times.
Portable, Foldable Potty Seat
Stick them to windows, the refrigerator, or even airplane tables. Simple distraction for the littles that keeps them mesmerized.
3PCS Suction Cup Spinner Toys
These water coloring cards let kids trace upper and lowercase letters with a refillable water pen, and each one reveals a corresponding picture that starts with the letter. Bonus, it comes on a ring to keep them all together in one place.
Alphabet Water Coloring Cards
Reusable water coloring with zero mess. Just fill the pen and let them "paint" again and again—great for cars, planes, or waiting rooms.
Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow!
Velcro-based and full of interactive pages. Helps with colors, shapes, letters, and more—quiet entertainment with a learning bonus.
Busy Book for Toddlers - 36 Themes
Stick and re-stick! My girl loves stickers, and these are reusable. Each set comes with a fold out scene and a page that holds all stickers. Folds up and stores nicely for on-the-go!
Reusable Sticker Books for Kids (Vehicles/Animals)
Built-in flippable tiles mean no loose pieces! My kid loves memory, so this was perfect. Includes multiple game cards and themes!
Melissa & Doug Flip to Win Travel Memory Game
Kid-sized, wireless, and comfy with built-in volume limits. They last a long time on one charge. Great value!
iClever BTH12 Kids Bluetooth Headphones
Total travel hack if you're near sand, mud, or messy adventures. We use it to rinse off feet or gear before packing up. And I always have one in the car just in case!
3-Piece Portable Outdoor Water Sprayer
Inflatable and super easy to pack. We got these for an Airbnb when she had her own bed. Great option for a hotel bed too!
Toggloo 2Pack Travel Bed Rails for Toddlers
Yoto is amazing for screen-free time, and they have an extensive selection for cards that are both entertaining and educational. This mini Yoto is great for on-the-go!
Yoto Mini 2024 + Make Your Own Card - Kids Audio Player
A must if you are traveling with a baby! The little soap dispenser is great if you use a special baby soap. Keeps everything organized and stores flat. Even great for pump parts!
6 in 1 Baby Bottle Brush Set with Drying Rack
When we retired the stroller, we got one of these and love it! The canopy is great to have for sunny days. My daughter is 4 and still fits comfortably in this with bags and snacks.
Creative Outdoor Wagon, Double Stroller, HOT Pink
We used these constantly before my daughter was old enough to wash her hands independently. Wipes are good for cleaning, but I like having something antibacterial for hands! A diaper bag and car must!
Boogie Wipes Antibacterial Hand Wipes, Aloe, 5x20
I use these for everything! Toys, games, markers, packing, you name it!