Top 10 Tips for Traveling with Young Children
Before we had kids, my husband and I made it our goal to take a minimum of 2 trips per year. We traveled out of the country, took cruises, and explored a lot of the United States. Exploring new placed together was one of our favorite things to do so when we had our first son, we decided we would not let having children stop us from traveling. We took our first son on his first airplane at 6 weeks old and never looked back. We learned lessons along the way but we are so glad we took that jump and figured it out. Now with 3 sons, we have continued to travel and explore but with a bit more preparation than our pre-children trips. We take our boys everywhere we go and are so glad we get to share our experiences with them! Here are my top tips for traveling with young children that make all the difference! (This post contains affiliate links)
- Snacks, snacks, snacks
- Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need—then add a few more. Familiar snacks can prevent meltdowns and help during delays. Bonus points if they’re mess-free. Click here for our favorite on the go snack box
- Use a Lightweight Stroller or Carrier
- Airports, long walks, and busy destinations are so much easier when you have a reliable stroller or baby carrier. Go lightweight and easy to fold. Here’s my favorite comfy baby carrier
- Pack Smart (Not Heavy)
- Instead of overpacking, focus on essentials you’ll actually use. Think mix-and-match outfits, travel-size toiletries, and one extra outfit per child in your carry-on (trust me on this one).
- Keep a “Surprise Bag”
- Pack a few small toys, books, or activities your child hasn’t seen before. Pull them out one at a time throughout the trip to keep things exciting and buy yourself some quiet time. I bring these lollipops and these Water Wow books every trip!
- Don’t Skip the Comfort Items
- A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or even their pillow can make unfamiliar places feel safe and help with sleep routines.
- Give Yourself Extra Time
- Everything takes longer with kids—security lines, bathroom breaks, snack stops. Build in buffer time so you’re not stressed.
- Embrace the Mess (and Pack for It)
- Spills, crumbs, sticky hands—it’s part of the deal. Pack wipes, a change of clothes, and a plastic bag or two for the unexpected.
- Lower Expectations, Raise Flexibility
- Things won’t go perfectly—and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s making memories. Stay flexible and roll with it.
- Bring a Portable White Noise Solution
- Hotels, rentals, and even family homes can be noisy. A small white noise machine—or even a phone app—helps kids fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Total game changer for naps and early bedtime when you’re sharing a room. Here is my Amazon travel white noise machine!
- Use Packing Cubes to Stay Organized
- Kids’ clothes, pajamas, swimwear, and diapers can explode all over a suitcase fast. Packing cubes keep everything separated and easy to grab—especially when you need something right now. Here are the packing cubes my family uses
- Use one cube per child or per category to make unpacking (and repacking) a breeze
Final Thoughts
Traveling with young children might look different than it used to—but it can be just as meaningful (and honestly, even more memorable). A little preparation goes a long way in creating a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone
