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Travel with small children is travel distilled to its most elemental version. You pack less but need more from what you bring for those planes, trains and automobiles. The indispensable things tend to share the same qualities: great design, durability and value for everyday use – from airport essentials to clever ways to keep them entertained. Below, the clobber that makes the cut.
Joolz Aer² folding pram
Now in its third iteration, the Aer makes a compelling case for bringing along a buggy, starting with the class-leading effortless one-handed fold. Suitable from newborn to 22kg, it feels properly engineered rather than flimsy. This new version adds a true full-flat recline, an integrated leg rest, a larger basket and larger wheels for better stability. At 6.5kg it’s slightly heavier than its predecessor, but it remains cabin-approved on most airlines.
Mini Boden Pack-away padded jacket
Available in sizes from two to 10 years, this lightweight insulated jacket is a useful travel layer for children of all ages. It packs down neatly into its own Velcro-fastened pouch, making it easy to stash in a rucksack and pull out when temperatures dip. Ideal for waits on cold platforms, draped over a child as a makeshift duvet on a flight, or thrown on at your destination. Reasonably priced and machine-washable, it’s a practical, low-fuss addition to any family packing list.
Topologie Utility Sacoche EW organiser
Travelling while a parent is less about style and more about not losing passports. But this French-Japanese brand deftly sees to both, keeping essentials safe while leaving your hands free to juggle luggage, kids and cappuccinos. The modular system has high-quality buckles and a wide choice of interchangeable, thoughtfully designed straps. The main compartment is nicely sized for documents, phone and valuables.
Yoto Mini Explorer Bundle
Calm, contained entertainment that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi is worth its weight in gold. The Yoto Mini really earned its stripes during a 10-hour drive last summer that stayed incredibly screen-free. Kids simply slot in a card and listen; there are hundreds available, from Peppa Pig to Paw Patrol, BBC Earth to Horrible Histories, or longer story collections such as those by Julia Donaldson or Roald Dahl. The device is palm-sized, robust and thoughtfully designed. This bundle includes a travel case and kid-safe Bluetooth headphones, making it perfect for planes and trains.
Stanley 0.4l 1913 Classic Legendary food jar with spork
A compact food jar like this – filled with a familiar and properly filling meal – can really help keep things on the right track. The wide neck makes it easy to eat directly out of, while the double-walled stainless-steel insulation keeps porridge, pasta or soup warm for hours. It’s tough enough to be thrown into a child’s backpack; the integrated spork that slots into the side is a small but brilliant detail.
The White Company Cloud Down travel blanket
A little comfort goes a long way for kids on the move. This travel blanket is filled with goose down and feathers, so it’s warm without being heavy or bulky. Measuring 170cm x 130cm when unfolded, it’s generous enough to properly wrap around a child on a flight or keep them cosy in a chilly car. It packs down neatly into its own zip bag, which doubles up perfectly as a pillow.
Osprey Daylite Junior backpack
The rucksack my children reach for time and time again – lightweight, properly proportioned and comfortable to wear, so they actually carry their own things. The 9l capacity is just right for day trips (anything else is overpacking). A sternum strap keeps it secure on the move, while the pocket layout is simple and intuitive. Durable fabrics and easy-grab zip toggles show real thought in the design. It’s not gimmicky, and it works extremely well.
Trunki BoostApak two-in-one booster seat and kids’ backpack
The BoostApak is a compact backpack that unfolds into a legal, backless booster seat, making it just what you need for taxis, hire cars or lifts with relatives. It meets safety standards, fits neatly in overhead lockers, and the hollowed-out section doubles up for storage with enough space for snacks, books and a jumper. Not plush, but exactly the sort of problem-solving design that earns its place on family trips.
Vallon Junior Waylon sunglasses
When heading somewhere sunny or snowy, it’s easy to forget that children’s eyes need proper protection too. Designed specifically for ages four to nine, these lenses are mirror-coated and polarised to cut glare, while the frames are flexible and bendable, built to withstand overenthusiastic handling. At just 19g, they’re impressively lightweight, so they sit comfortably without constant adjusting. There’s also a Mini version for ages one to three, making them a sensible option for toddlers as well.
Flyaway kids’ bed
This could be a game changer. The Flyaway creates a flat, extended sleep surface that slots neatly into all economy, business- and first-class seats, giving children room to stretch out rather than curl up. It inflates quickly via the included pump and packs down small. Most importantly, it turns a seat into something resembling a bed, which can mean the difference between a meltdown and a few solid hours of sleep. It’s an investment, but one that earns its keep quickly for the frequent fliers.
