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Must-Have Travel Essentials for Kids
Planning a trip with a toddler is no small feat, especially when it involves long-haul flights. We recently took a 10+ hour journey from San Francisco to Paris with our almost 2.5-year-old, and having the right gear made all the difference. Here’s our in-depth review of five travel essentials that turned a potentially stressful travel day into a manageable (even enjoyable!) experience.
Stick 4 Ever Jelly Sticker Book
Why We Love It:
This reusable sticker book provided hours of entertainment. The jelly stickers stick to airplane windows without leaving any residue and are easy for little hands to remove and reposition. It’s a mess-free activity that encourages creativity and keeps toddlers occupied.
Pros:
• Compact and lightweight
• Reusable and residue-free
• Engages toddlers for hours
Who It’s For: Parents looking for a quiet, mess-free activity for long flights or road trips.
Why We Love It:
Snacks are a toddler’s best friend, and this snack dispenser was a lifesaver. With multiple compartments, we could pack a variety of options to keep our little one fueled and happy throughout the trip.
Pros:
• Easy to clean and refill
• Keeps snacks organized and fresh
• Perfect portion sizes for toddlers
Who It’s For: Families who want to avoid meltdowns by keeping snacks within easy reach.
Why We Love It:
These mini Magna-Tiles were a surprise hit. The magnetic tin doubles as a building surface, making it perfect for small spaces like airplane tray tables. Our toddler loved building and dismantling creations, and we loved how compact and portable they were.
Pros:
• Magnetic tin for easy play and storage
• Encourages creativity and fine motor skills
• Compact and travel-friendly
Who It’s For: Little builders who need a hands-on activity for travel downtime.
Why We Love It:
While screen time is often a debated topic, the iPad Mini was a game-changer for our trip. Having a familiar show or movie on hand helped us manage those tougher moments, especially during a 10+ hour flight.
Pros:
• Portable size
• Endless entertainment options
• Useful in moments of high emotions
Who It’s For: Families who are okay with occasional screen time as a tool to keep the peace during long travel days.
CozyPhones Toddler Wireless Headphones
Why We Love It:
Paired with the iPad Mini, these adorable, soft headband-style headphones kept our toddler entertained. They’re volume-limited for safety and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.
Pros:
• Comfortable fit for toddlers
• Safe, volume-limited design
• Fun animal-themed designs
Who It’s For: Parents who want to ensure their child can enjoy media without disturbing fellow travelers.
Overall Thoughts:
These five items helped us survive—and even enjoy—a long-haul flight with a toddler. From fostering creativity to keeping hunger and boredom at bay, each item served its purpose. While every family’s needs are different, these essentials worked for us and may just become staples for your next trip.
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