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Travel with a Toddler
20
items The gear we use to stay organized and mobile in airports and hotels AND Our favorite tools for keeping a toddler busy without a tablet
Sections
5
Screen-Free Entertainment (The "Montessori" Way)
Organization & Logistics
Yoto Cards
Logistics & "The Big Stuff"
Snacks & Feeding (The "Anti-Hangry" Kit)
Screen-Free Entertainment (The "Montessori" Way)
I never travel without these because they are truly zero-mess. My toddler stays busy in the car seat, and I don't have to worry about crayon marks on the upholstery
Water WOW! Animals - ON the GO Travel Activity - Melissa & Doug
These stick to airplane windows or high-chair trays and provide great sensory play.
ALASOU 3PCS Suction Cup Spinner Toys for 1 Year Old
it’s my #1 travel essential: This is the portable version of the full-size Yoto, and it is the perfect size for little hands to hold in a car seat or on a plane. I love that it gives my son the independence to listen to his favorite stories and music...
Yoto Player
It is rare to find a building toy that is this portable and completely plastic-free. These are sustainably sourced wood with "hidden" magnets inside, which is a lifesaver during travel because the pieces actually stick together—no more chasing runawa...
Tegu: on-the-go - Amazon.com
No mess, no loose crayons, and infinitely reusable for "drawing" on the go.
ORSEN 8.5 Inch LCD Doodle Board Tablet
Organization & Logistics
For family travel, these are an absolute must. I use a different color for each family member so I never have to dig through a giant suitcase to find a tiny pair of toddler socks. It’s essentially like having dresser drawers inside your luggage. It k...
Shacke Packing Cubes 5 Set - Luggage Organizer
You don't realize how much you need these until you're dealing with a leaky sippy cup or a wet swimsuit in your carry-on. I always keep one empty in our travel bag for "accidents" and one for organized snack storage. They are waterproof, machine wash...
babygoal Wet Dry Bags 3 Pack Waterproof
Instead of the cheap plastic bags that rip, I upgraded to these clear zippered pouches. They make the security line so much smoother because everything is visible, and I use a separate one just for "Toddler First Aid" (Band-Aids, thermometer, and med...
MODENGKONGJIAN TSA Approved 3 Pcs Toiletry Bag
Yoto Cards
Why I love this for our bilingual home: This card is a must-have if you’re raising a child in two languages. It’s interactive and helps my toddler associate sounds with images on the Yoto screen. It’s been such a helpful, low-pressure way to build hi...
Ladybird Language Stories: My First Words in Spanish - Yoto
This is a classic for a reason! The repetitive rhythm is amazing for early language development. My son loves "reading" along with the card, and because he already knows the book, it gives him so much confidence to use the Yoto independently.
Brown Bear And Friends: Books - Amazon.com
We use this card every single night, especially when we are traveling and in a new environment. The music is incredibly calming and helps signal to my toddler that it’s time to wind down. It creates a sense of "home" and routine no matter where we ar...
Dreams of Space - Yoto
This fits perfectly with a Montessori approach to introducing high-quality, real-world content. It’s beautiful background music for "quiet time" or focused play. I’ve noticed it helps keep the energy in the room calm, which is a lifesaver on busy aft...
My First Classical Music Collection - Yoto
Logistics & "The Big Stuff"
If you travel often, you need a "one-second fold" stroller. I love the Butterfly because it’s ultra-compact and actually fits in the overhead bin of most airplanes, so you don't have to wait at gate-check. It’s lightweight but still feels sturdy and ...
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Ultra-Compact Stroller
This is a total game-changer for hotel stays. Most travel cribs are a struggle to put together, but this one literally pops open in one second. It’s super slim when folded, which makes it easy to slide into a car trunk or a closet. I love the high-qu...
Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot One Size - Amazon
When you’re traveling, "organized" is the name of the game. I use this to keep my phone, keys, and my son's water bottle right at my fingertips. It attaches easily to the handlebar so I don’t have to keep bending down to the under-seat basket. It eve...
Bugaboo Organizer - Amazon.com
If you do decide to gate-check your stroller, please don't do it without a transport bag! This padded bag protects your investment from getting scratched or broken by luggage handlers. It has wheels, so you can roll it like a suitcase, and it folds u...
Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Stroller Travel Bag
I know we aim for screen-free, but as a mom navigating a new city, I constantly need my GPS! This holder keeps my phone secure and visible on the stroller handle so I can find my way around without having to stop and dig through my bag. It’s a small ...
Bugaboo Phone Holder - Amazon.com
Snacks & Feeding (The "Anti-Hangry" Kit)
This is the ultimate "investment" lunch box. It’s 100% stainless steel, so no plastic touches the food. I love the bento-style compartments for keeping snacks organized on a flight, and it’s virtually indestructible. It’s a bit heavier than plastic, ...
PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Bento Box
We try to avoid plastic, and these are perfectly sized for toddler hands. They are high-quality, non-toxic, and look beautiful.
Zak Designs Kelso Tumbler Toddler Cup
Most toddler "melts" are full of sugar and fillers, but these are just real fruits and veggies. I love that they are plant-based and use organic coconut milk instead of dairy, which is much gentler on my son’s tummy when we’re traveling. They melt qu...
Amara Smoothie Melts Mango Carrot Organic