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Must-Have Travel Accessories for Busy Parents
Traveling with kids while having a busy professional life can be challenging, but with the right gear, you will be able to handle everything with ease. From a weekend getaway to a long holiday, these must-have travel accessories will keep you organised, stress-free, and ready for anything.
1. Travel-Friendly Stroller
A lightweight, compact stroller is a busy parent’s best friend. Look for simple one-handed fold models that fit in airplane overheads. Some of the best include:
Babyzen YOYO2
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GB Pockit+ All-Terrain
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UPPAbaby MINU
Parent Tip: Sarah, working mom of two, offers: “The Babyzen YOYO2 has been a lifesaver on flights! It’s so easy to fold up and fits right in the overhead bin, so it’s stress-free at airports.”
2. Multi-Functional Diaper Bag
A diaper bag that has a number of compartments can save time and hassle. Opt for those with changing pads and insulated bottle pockets built in, such as:
Skip Hop Forma Backpack
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Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack
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Freshly Picked Convertible Bag
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Parent Tip: James, a busy traveling father, remarks, “The Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack keeps all my essentials in one place, and the backpack design makes it convenient to tote even when my hands are full.”
3. Portable Car Seat
A portable, folding car seat can be a lifesaver for families on the move. Some of the top ones include:
WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
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Cosco Scenera NEXT
Mifold Grab-and-Go Booster Seat
Parent Tip: Lisa, a single mom, offers: “The Mifold booster seat fits in my purse! It’s perfect for Uber rides and rental cars when traveling.”
4. Kids’ Noise-Cancelling Headphones
To entertain (and silence) young kids on long flights or car trips, invest in a kid-friendly, comfortable noise-cancelling headphone pair:
Puro Sound Labs BT2200
BuddyPhones Cosmos+
JBL JR 460NC
Parent Tip: Seasoned traveller Chris suggests: “My son is addicted to his BuddyPhones Cosmos+. They keep him occupied with his favourite programs, and I get some quiet time on flights.”
5. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes make clothes, diapers, and necessities neat and organised inside luggage. They also enable you to grab what you need without having to rummage through all of it. Look for brands like:
Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes
Veken Packing Cubes
Amazon Basics Packing Cubes
Parent Tip: Megan, a mother of three and travel blogger, suggests: “Packing cubes have changed the way we travel! I give each child a different colour, and there’s no fighting when unpacking.”
6. Travel Crib or Portable Playpen
A portable crib ensures your child has a safe, familiar sleeping environment no matter where you go. Some top-rated ones include:
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Lotus Travel Crib
Guava Family Lotus Everywhere Crib
Parent Tip: Tom, father of twins, says: “We love our Lotus Travel Crib! It’s so lightweight and easy to set up, which makes a huge difference after a long travel day.”
7. Collapsible Water Bottles & Snack Containers
Hydration and snacks are essentials when traveling with kids. Look for spill-proof, collapsible water bottles and snack containers that can easily pack into your bags:
Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle
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Munchkin Snack Catcher
Stojo Collapsible Bottle
Parent Tip: Emma, a nutritionist and mom, suggests: “I always carry a Stojo bottle for my son—it’s spill-proof and folds up small when empty, which saves space in my bag.”
8. Entertainment Kit
Keep kids entertained on the move with an activity kit filled with:
Colouring books and crayons
Stickers and activity pads
Downloaded games or films on a tablet
Parent Tip: Two-kid dad Mark suggests: “I put together a little ‘surprise bag’ of new colouring books and stickers for each trip. Novelty keeps them interested longer!”
9. First Aid & Hygiene Kit
Accidents and spills will occur, so a small first aid and hygiene kit is vital. Pack:
Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and fever medication
Hand sanitizer and baby wipes
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Motion sickness medication
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Parent Tip: Laura, the mother of a toddler, recommends: “I always carry a small first aid kit with me that contains items such as fever medicine and antiseptic wipes. It’s been a lifesaver more times than I can remember!”
10. Baby Carrier or Sling
A comfortable baby carrier is a necessity for hands-free travel, especially for navigating airports and strolling through busy city streets. Some great options are:
Ergobaby Omni 360
Baby K’tan Original Wrap
Tula Explore Carrier
Parent Tip: Traveling dad David says: “Wearing the Ergobaby Omni 360 has made it so much easier to get around crowded spaces without having to deal with a stroller.”
Final Thoughts
Traveling as a busy parent does not have to be stressful. With the proper travel gear, you can keep your kids comfortable, entertained, and secure and make the experience more enjoyable for you.
What are your travel must-haves?
Share with us in the comments below!
