10 Essential Items for Traveling With Kids 

Gear every parent needs in their arsenal

August 15, 2023 12:33 pm
Traveling with kids hero
Getty Images / insideHook

Nota bene: All products in this article are independently selected and vetted by InsideHook editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether you were an avid traveler before having kiddos and don’t want to give that up, or you just love the idea of showing your little ones the world, I’m here to tell you it’s entirely possible to jet set with them in tow. The caveat is that it’s vastly different from adventuring without them For starters, traveling with kids requires more planning and packing (yes, you can still be team carry-on, but it will take some creativity). Tots — tiny as they may be — simply require more stuff: diapers, bottles, toys, clothes, modes of transport (spoiler alert: I will dive deep into the benefits of strollers and carriers) and other miscellaneous gear.

While I’m certainly not suggesting that first-time parents have to run out and spend thousands of dollars on pack-and-plays, convertible blackout shades, state-of-the-art travel strollers and every little trinket that promises to keep kids busy, stocking up on a few go-to items will make your life a lot easier while traveling. Trust me, I’ve taken our little guy along on dozens of different adventures. From quick weekend getaways to Cape May to a month bopping around Portugal, it’s forced us to get creative with on-the-go naps and turned the act of transforming a hotel room into a baby-friendly sleep sanctuary into second nature. These essentials for traveling with young kids easily get my stamp of approval. 

MEET US AT YOUR INBOX. FIRST ROUND'S ON US.

Join America's Fastest Growing Spirits Newsletter THE SPILL. Unlock all the reviews, recipes and revelry — and get 15% off award-winning La Tierra de Acre Mezcal.