The Fit Traveller

50+ Best Travel Toys for Kids, From Babies to Teens

Skye Gilkeson — Sat, 20 May 2023 04:58:57 +0000

Travel toys for kids can make the difference between a terrible trip and an opportunity for the whole family to relax and have fun. Young kids can be the most enthusiastic travelers. But, long-haul flights can feel like several days when you are struggling to entertain a child on a plane. Whether you are taking a plane ride with kids or a family road trip we have put together a list of the best travel toys for kids, from babies to teens.

Skye Gilkeson

Choosing the right travel toys for kids can transform your trip. © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Travel Toys for Kids

The beauty of long haul flights is that any premium carrier will provide personal entertainment screens. But, screen time isn’t going to offer hours of entertainment to your children on a long flight.

Not only does the novelty wear off fast, but there really are limited options for kids when it comes to airplane entertainment systems.

That’s why you need to make sure to pack a selection of toys and activities for each of your kids.

This is a comprehensive list of the best travel toys for kids.

Obviously, you don’t need to pack all of these items. But use this as a guide so you pick and choose those which you think would suit your own kids’ interests and ages.

The Best Travel Toys for Babies

Sensory toys are perfect for babies and toddlers.

Not only are they great travel toys to help develop their fine motor skills, but they are also a particularly great distraction during take-off and landing when the pressure may be affecting your little ones’ ears.

A rattle or pretend keys. If you’re traveling with a baby and you have to use the insanely small change table in the airplane bathroom, keeping a small toy in the diaper bag is a clever idea.

These Hit The Road Activity Keys are a great toy that we carried on planes (anything with a mirror is a winner with babies).

We must have taken Sophie the Giraffe on at least 30 flights when Alaska was a baby.

Great for teething, chewing during take off if they won’t feed, or as a travel toy to entertain during the flight or car ride, this is one of our favorites.

Suction spinner toys are the perfect toys to stick to the plane window during take-off to entertain babies when they can get frustrated and tired of being in that infant seat belt.

A tummy time book with a mirror and teethers were one of my daughter’s favorite travel toys as a baby.

It was the simplest and easiest travel toy to carry in the carry-on, the baby backpack or to use in the hotel room for playtime.

Musical pram toys. While most traditional pram toys are too bulky to take traveling, a small pram toy can be surprisingly entertaining for your baby during transit.

We would attach a pram toy like this one to our travel pram, then place it in the car seat of the rental car and use it again when exploring. It easily hooks onto a travel backpack for transit.

Picture books. I’ve mentioned my love of the chew-proof books the Indestructibles series, before. They are lovely and thin, colorful, and cannot be ripped by little hands.

Read Next | What to Pack for Travel With a Baby

Screen time will likely only occupy your kids during take-off and landing. Pack some fun travel toys as well. © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Travel Toys For Toddlers Aged 1-2 years

Toddlers love to build and flex their growing independence.

The best travel toys for toddlers are colorful and tactile and help them master their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Soft toys are one of the best travel items for toddlers who can easily be overwhelmed by the intensity and unfamiliarity of a long-travel day.

Bringing a soft toy (not their favorite) from home is a really important comfort, particularly for little kids.

If you choose to buy a new soft toy for the trip, buy one that has either a keychain or a hook so you can attach it to the pram or bag while in transit or an educational soft toy that serves a double function – play and comfort.

Busy books are the perfect travel toy for toddlers. Small children love exploring with their hands so these books are ideal.

You don’t need a huge busy board, simply choose the right size quiet book that’s the right size for your carry-on.

A Melissa & Doug refillable water pen and coloring pad is a genius idea as there is no mess, no fuss and you don’t have to watch them like a hawk as you do if you carry markers or sharp pencils.

A magnetic play set will get their little fingers working and test their imagination as they design different scenes.

Animal playsets are the best toys for your toddler to take in the car, plane, or even the bath. You don’t need to pack a whole set, just throw a few in their pencil case.

A Duplo set is a double-duty travel activity as your toddler can build the scene and then use it for imaginary play.

Fingers puppets are a super packable fun travel toy for toddlers. Choose silicone or plastic as they then double as bath toys.

Popper fidget toys are a simple yet effective travel activity for toddlers. The mickey mouse poppers with a key chain are easily attached to your travel bag for entertainment while in transit.

A silicone coloring placemat sits neatly on their tray table and is another fun way for kids to color and draw and is reusable.

A collapsible bucket and sand set is such a handy toy to keep in the car for road trips or to squeeze in your luggage for a holiday.

They are underrated travel toys. But, we have taken beach toys to the beach, used them in the bath, or for park picnics.

Activity books and craft activities make the best travel toys for preschool and early school-aged kids. © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Travel Toys for Kids Aged 3-5 Years

Kids’ creativity and imaginative play really flourish at this age, meaning they have a much broader range of interests when it comes to play.

Dot books are a fun travel toy for preschool to school-aged children. They are a new take on a coloring book. Older toddlers will love these too.

Coloring books are the perfect travel toy for a budding little artist. If you travel or go out to eat frequently, I recommend you buy a pack in bulk and keep them in the cupboard.

Twistable crayons are a great idea as there is less chance they will make a mess and you don’t need to carry a pencil sharpener.

They are suitable for toddlers to school-aged children and we’ve found they last a long time compared to regular crayons.

Reusable Sticker Books. Reusable stickers are a clever option over a single-use sticker pad as they can design the scene, pack up and start all over again.

Magnatiles are a great way to play with your child on the plane. You can build structures and shapes together and they easily pack away afterward into a ziplock bag or carrying case.

Suction toys are fun airplane toys but also double as bath toys once you get to your hotel.

A talking flashcards toy is one of the best travel items for toddlers for long road trips. This is a good way of entertaining and educating a toddler while they sit in the back seat as they can learn unassisted.

A small magnetic drawing board. Kids follow the pre-made pattern by placing colored magnets to create a picture.

A mini Etch A Sketch is great for small hands as you simply draw with the knobs and shake to erase.

Wikki Stix are bendable crafting sticks of twine that children can shape into whatever they like.

Both little kids and older kids will like getting creative with these and as they are waxy, they don’t require glue to stick onto surfaces.

An airplane tray table cover. A tray table cover is a simple way to keep your child’s snacks and hands on a clean surface (because we know they never keep their food on a plate).

This cover keeps the space clean while adding a couple of extra activities to their schedule.

A foldable travel tray. If you are doing a lot of long-haul travel or a big road trip, consider a tray table organizer. Your child can settle in and get set up and you don’t have to crawl on an airplane floor every five minutes in search of a missing crayon.

Simple, fun, thin books. Both of my kids love the School of Monsters series.

The Best Travel Toys for Kids Aged 5 to 7

Preschool and early school-aged children love to learn in a practical way. So, the best travel toys for 3-5 year olds are fun, educational, and creative activities.

Kids’ tablets can come in handy when you are on a long car ride or family road trip (or you’re flying with a budget carrier that doesn’t provide screens – check that before flying).

While it’s simple to download shows and movies onto your children’s tablet, they can be educational too by adding games like Reading Eggs, World of Peppa Pig, or the Grandma’s Garden series.

If you don’t have the budget for an Apple iPad, buy the top-selling kids tablet with built-in software, parental controls, and a shock-proof case.

We have these kid’s wireless headphones for our kids to watch tablets or the inflight-screen. They are fun colors, the kids get stickers to customize them and they have a safe, maximum sound limit.

Don’t forget to grab a headphone adapter for flying.

Handheld water games are not only compact but can be quite challenging. These are the perfect game to keep your kids occupied while waiting in those long airport lines.

An activity book is the best travel toy for preschool and early school-aged children, particularly on long trips. They can do coloring, solve puzzles, answer questions, and draw.

We like activity book kits that come themed with their favourite characters and include stickers.

Mini Lego sets will keep those with a keen eye for building busy. There are so many different sets to choose from. These have small parts so be mindful of that if you are travelling with younger children.

Explorer Flash Cards. If your 5-year-old is anything like mine, they won’t be able to learn enough facts in a day and love to show off their reading skills.

So, these cards will be a fun learning activity to do with your kids. Choose one of the different themes for each international flight.

A Polly Pocket travel toy is a small play set that your child can get to play with in the lounge and carry on to the plane themselves with its necklace or fanny pack options.

There are so many simple travel toys and activities that will keep your kids engaged during the journey. © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Travel Toys for Kids Aged 7 – 12 years

The tween age group is all about self-expression and exploring their passions. Creative toys for travel are a great option to entertain your tween kids on your next holiday.

Card games. Older kids will enjoy card games like UNO, Memory, or Go Fish. These are also a fun way to pass the time playing together in an airport lounge.

Foldology is an origami-style game that challenges the brain and coordination by creating different shapes out of paper to reveal a photo.

Craft kits. Let them immerse themselves in some craft with a friendship bracelet-making kit.

Drawing Kits. Fashionistas will love trying their hand at designing with this fashion drawing kit including stencils and stickers.

A Rechargeable Game Activity Cube will test their problem-solving skills and enables your kids to play together too.

It includes arcade games, brain games, and disco lights with music for dance parties when you reach your destination.

Tween coloring book. The young artist in your family will love tween coloring and good quality pencils to keep them entertained on the plane.

Mad Libs is a fun word game that can be played with the whole family – perfect for a holiday road trip.

DIY designer water bottle. Let them get creative and decorate a brand-new water bottle that they can then use on their trip so they get a great travel gift too.

Travel Activities for Teens

A Kindle means your teenager can dive into their favourite new travel reads without having to weigh down their carry-on with paperbacks.

This is the perfect gift too for your teenager who commutes a lot between home and school.

A travel journal. Why not encourage them to record their travel memories for later? They can write, draw and scrapbook as they go.

These travel games will fit easily into their carry-on to ease the boredom when it hits promising hours of fun.

Road trip riddles. Get the whole family involved on your next family vacation with some brain-twisting riddles in this book.

Vlogging camera. Is your teenager an aspiring vlogger? Get them an entry-level vlogging camera so they can record your next vacation.

Activity books and craft kits are great travel toys for airport lounges. © Skye Gilkeson

Sticker books are always a hit when travelling. © Skye Gilkeson

Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Toys for Your Trip

Be Smart About Which Travel Toys You Take

You absolutely do not have to pack an entire suitcase full of toys for your kids to travel with.

A handful of different toys is the perfect amount. Be smart about what you choose to pack.

The best travel toys for kids are those that are dual-function (like a soft toy with sensory extras like teethers), reusable, compact, and easily washable.

Opt for Quiet Toys

Consider your neighbors on that flight, train ride, or airport lounge. The majority of toys should be quiet toys that don’t disturb others.

If your kids are using a tablet, ensure they have headphones plugged in. And, don’t use musical toys or loud rattles unless you are in the car or out in the open.

New Toys Are Key

New toys are key to keeping them engaged for longer. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune or go overboard with how many you take.

Ration Your Kid’s Travel Activities

Be strategic about the way that you present the travel toys and activities you pack.

You need to ration each activity out. Then you have an ongoing supply of surprise toys which is especially important on a long journey.

Make sure you have some travel toys in your carry-on and some in your checked baggage for when you arrive at your destination.

You may need them for the wait in the luggage hall, the transfer trip, or the hotel waiting area.

How to Pack Kids Toys for the Plane

Encourage each child to decorate their own packing cubes that will fit easily in a carry-on.

Make sure you have two separate bags or activities for younger and older siblings or a bag for each child, so you don’t risk arguments over who owns which toys.

Make sure each child (if they are 5 years old and up) knows they are responsible for their own travel activities, including packing everything away once they’re finished.

When you’re packaging up your toys into different bags, ensure anything that could leak is in a well-sealed snap-lock bag.

Ask For Inflight Entertainment

Don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendant whether the airline has any travel toys for kids.

Some airlines have great kids activity kits like the Qantas kids pack that contains a mini Etch A Sketch style toy.

We hope this comprehensive guide to the best travel toys for kids gives you some inspiration and helps you pack for your next trip with the kids.

More travel tips and inspiration:

4 Lake Como Towns You Must Visit

A Guide on Epic Things to Do in Queenstown New Zealand

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Banff

How to Spend Two Days in Zurich – Tips From a Local

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Baby Packing List: A Travel Checklist For Your Baby (2023)

Skye Gilkeson — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 11:17:58 +0000

The way we pack now has changed a lot since we had kids. So, has the way we travel. But, being organized in the lead-up to a holiday is key. There’s no need to stress though, we’ve made things easier for you. This is a complete baby packing list so you know exactly what you’ll need to pack for your baby (and what you don’t).

Skye Gilkeson | Updated 2023

A Complete Baby Packing List for Your Next Trip

This baby packing list is comprehensive and it seems like a lot of stuff. Of course, you won’t need all of these items for your baby if you are just going for a night away.

But, if you are traveling with a baby on a plane or going on a long vacation together for a week trip or longer, this complete baby travel checklist should be really useful to help you work out what baby gear you need to take on a trip and what you can leave at home.

Baby Packing List: The Big Ticket Items

A travel stroller

While a travel stroller is a more expensive item, it absolutely belongs at the top of any baby packing list.

A lightweight stroller is really essential for anyone taking their baby overseas on a family vacation.

The best baby travel gear should be light, compact and simple to operate. So, the right stroller will save you space, save you back pain, and should fold up to fit in the overhead compartment of the plane or easily in the rental car trunk.

Most have heard of the Baby Zen Yoyo stroller and you will find at almost every check-in and gate you will be asked if your stroller is a Yoyo.

If you opt for a Yoyo, beware of the many fakes on the market and ensure you are getting an authentic Yoyo from a Baby Zen seller.

After asking a number of other people, we chose the Mountain Buggy Nano stroller instead and we absolutely love it.

It costs about half the price of the YoYo and it weighs slightly less. Both strollers can be carried onto a plane and stored in the overhead compartment in a stroller cover.

Stroller accessories

These stroller acceessories are probably baby items you don’t immediately think of when planning a trip but they can come in handy, especially when you’re trying to get baby to fall asleep al fresco.

The Mountain Buggy Nano weather cover pack was game-changing for use in winter in Japan.

We added some stroller hooks to the handlebar for shopping bags or extra pram clips that we use with a cotton muslin to cover the baby when she is sleeping in the pram.

A stroller liner

We also invested in a stroller liner. I wasn’t sure at first whether it would be worth the money, but it turned out to be one of the best things we bought as it saved us a couple of times. When exploding nappies soiled the pram liner, instead of the pram. it was easily washed and the good news was that it dried in a hotel room overnight.

It also provided more comfort for our daughter. Just ensure whichever liner you buy, it will fit in your travel stroller.

Baby carrier

We use a Baby Bjorn and love it and it is definitely one of our essential items when traveling with a baby.

Other friends love their Ergobaby carriers, particularly for older babies.

Travel cot

After chatting with other family travel writers we took the leap without a travel cot and we are glad we didn’t take one on our latest trip where we were on the move and had a lot of planes.

It did mean there was a mix of travel cots from hotels or co-sleeping during our trip but we didn’t mind that too much.

If we were taking a road trip or staying at a friend’s house closer to home, we would definitely take one with us and the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib would be our pick.

Car seat

Again, we spoke to many people about whether to take a car seat overseas for our baby and most said it is a safer bet to take one.

We took the risk and didn’t take one when we traveled to the United States and found we got a real mix of seats, some of which I really wasn’t happy with.

Also, in the United States and Europe, be prepared that you will likely be collecting and installing your own baby seat into your hire car. Unlike Australia, the companies won’t do it for you.

We had an amazing, brand-new infant car seat on our recent trip to Italy. So, it really is the luck of the draw I think. For those with children in booster seats.

Travel booster seats

There are travel booster seats too if you have older children. They are suitable for kids over 4 years old and should be on your kids packing list if you are happy to carry it on your trip and they want the comfort of their own seat.

Car seat insert

We use our own car seat insert in rented car seats, to help protect our little lady from germs and also so it feels and smells familiar.

We wipe all parts that she can touch down with disinfectant wipes too.

Nappy (diaper) bag

I highly recommend you choose a nappy/diaper backpack as opposed to a regular diaper bag.

I have tried both options while traveling and the backpack is definitely the winner for me.

We went for the Skip Hop Main Frame black backpack which, while at times a little small generally works really well for us and hooks easily to the stroller.

One of us generally had it slug across our front, while the other wheeled the pram.

When choosing a nappy/diaper bag to hook onto a travel stroller, remember it can’t take nearly as much weight as your regular stroller and will tip easily.

Carry on suitcase

We generally use a bigger backpack as a travel nappy/diaper bag while on flights with items like extra nappies carried in our cabin bag on travel days. Our nappy/diaper backpack then becomes a day bag when out exploring.

This is essential because it’s easier to have more room to move around in a bigger bag than trying to repack a smaller bag perfectly, all the time.

We actually use our Patagonia bag as an extra bag for our daughter’s things when on a plane as it is easy to pack and sits upright on its own really easily.

While some little travelers start to carry their own bags or get ride-on suitcases as toddlers, keep it simple with babies, you already have your hands full.

A Bassinet cover

We have friends who love their travel bassinet covers. We simply fashioned a cover out of a muslin wrap and pram clips when we needed to (generally on long-haul, not domestic flights).

A baby monitor

A baby monitor is definitely something we never leave home without when traveling with a baby.

Baby Packing List: Travel Documents

Passport

Birth certificate

Two copies of your baby’s birth certificate so you have proof you are their parents. Store them in different places; one in your carry-on and one in your luggage in case you lose one.

Your baby’s travel documents

Check their name is correctly spelled and that they have been added to all flight bookings etc.

Having different surnames has meant our daughter’s tickets have been booked incorrectly on more than one occasion, leading to some long delays at check-in.

Travel Insurance

Carry a copy of the travel insurance policy covering your baby. Or, get a confirmation in writing that your credit card covers them as well.

Extra passport photos

Extra passport photos are a little thing but are really handy to have just in case you need a last-minute visa while traveling, especially as it’s really hard to get babies to take passport photos.

Baby Packing List: Carry-On Packing list

A baby’s first trip is such an exciting and nerve-racking time and that first flight with a baby can be daunting. From worrying about other passengers to feeding and wondering will my baby sleep on this flight.

Know that we have all been there, and most people with children sympathize with how hard air travel with babies can be.

This carry-on packing list includes everything we take on a plane with a baby.

Baby Toiletry and First Aid Kit

We create a little carry-on kit containing baby essentials and items you may need if your baby becomes unwell. When it comes to medications, consult your doctor to determine what you carry and are comfortable using.

These are the basics of what we carry in a plane toiletries kit for a baby:

Nasal saline drops

Nasal aspirator

Thermometer

We are in love with our digital thermometer. We were given it as a baby shower gift. It comes with us on every trip with its disposable covers and a spare battery with us (don’t forget the batteries need to be in your carry-on bag).

Nappy/diaper cream for diaper rash

Hand sanitizer

Disinfectant surface wipes

You should always wipe down your tray table on a flight with baby safe wipes. It is the dirtiest part of a plane for travelers, least of all babies who touch everything and proceed to put those hands directly into their mouths.

Give yourself peace of mind by wiping the tray table, seat belt, buttons, and anything else they may touch before you get seated.

We use pacifier and bottle wipes and wipe the tray table the armrests, the bassinet and anything else she may touch that may carry germs.

Baby Panadol/Tylenol

Baby Nurofen/ibuprofen

Travel Baby Change Essentials

Travel change mat

Invest in a good portable baby change mat – ensure it is big enough and it is waterproof.

A loop handle can be really handy too just to sling over your wrist and grab the baby.

We keep our travel change mat loaded with a couple of nappies, wipes, and nappy/diaper bags so we can just grab it and head straight for the bathroom, making diaper changes a little easier.

Nappies (diapers)

The first time you fly with a baby, it’s hard to know how to pack nappies and how many to take.

As a general rule, we pack about one every hour or two for a young baby.

They do offer nappies on most flights if you find out you don’t have enough diapers. So, don’t panic just ask the flight attendants for anything you need.

Make sure you have enough in your suitcase to get through your first night at your destination too. The last thing you want to do is to go looking for nappies as soon as you get to your hotel.

Baby wipes

We store our baby wipes in our change mat ready to use and extra wet wipes in our carry-on for feeding and extra clean up.

Burp cloths

We use cloth nappies as burp cloths and take two on the plane and an additional in our luggage.

Crisis Kits

Thanks to some advice from friends we now carry several kits we call Crisis Kits when travelling.

Essentially, they are large sandwich/packing bags (a plastic bag), each carrying a onesie, singlet (vest), nappy/diaper, and nappy/diaper bag in them, in case the worst happens.

The zip lock bag is essential in case you have to dirty clothes that have to wait for the duration of long haul flights to get to a washing machine.

We carry 2 or 3 depending on how long the trip is.

Spare Clothes for Parents

An outfit change for Mum and Dad is also really important for any spills, vomits, food or the like.

Our daughter checking out the street art in Venice, LA in her Mountain Buggy Nano. © Skye Gilkeson

Baby Travel Toys

What entertains a baby can change by the month but toys are definitely considered baby travel essentials.

Generally speaking, the younger the baby, the easier it is to distract them, so really simple new toys and books will do the trick.

The key in all cases though is to take one of their favourites and introduce new books or toys as well on the plane or in the car, so they feel safe with their go-to comforter and they are stimulated (or more importantly distracted) by a few new friends.

New toys

For little babies; small toys like rattles, linkables , or tactile books are great options. Here are some more of the best travel toys to take along.

New books

Choose thin, lightweight books. I found some amazing books in the U.S. called Indestructibles which were perfect.

Read our guide to the best travel toys for kids from babies to teens here

Baby Feeding Essentials

When flying, a good time to feed your baby milk is during take-off and landing as the sucking action helps unblock their ears and it gives them comfort, and with any luck leads directly into nap time.

If you can get that timing right (which can be harder than it seems), then you may avoid a lot of upset (and noise).

Baby Bottles

We carry 4 sterilized baby bottles that are ready to use. We love Pigeon baby bottles.

Formula (if applicable)

The best way to carry formula is with tin in your carry-on and some pre-measured portions in your bottles, so you just need to add water.

Breast Milk

If you are bringing on bottles of milk, you’ll need to show it to security on the way through.

Carry it with some ice packs to keep it cool as you’re waiting in the lounge and ask the flight attendant if they will store it in the fridge once you’re on board.

Portable Breast Pump

Don’t forget your breast pump if you are on a long-haul flight.

Reusable water bottle

Don’t forget a reusable water bottle for Mum. You can carry it through empty and fill it up in the lounge so she has plenty of water when feeding. Breast feeding makes you really thirsty and being in the dry air of a plane makes that much more intense.

Bottle Sterilising tools

Microwave sterilizing bags or sterilizing tablets are both great options.

We generally request a kettle to be in our hotel room before check-in as well. Use a sterilizing tablet in the kettle before you drink from it too.

An insulated bottle bag

Even if you have room in your baby bag, carrying a separate bottle bag is a good idea.

Simply hang it on your stroller hook through the airport and hand it to security as you’re folding down your pram for screening.

Food pouches

You can also pre-request a baby meal for the flight if your baby is eating solids, but you need to do it before your flight.

I would recommend you to take baby food pouches or food your baby has eaten before so they are familiar and you aren’t risking any kind of allergic reaction.

Sippy cups

If you have an older baby you may need sippy cups. We didn’t need these until we were travelling with older kids (toddlers)

Bibs

Keep an easy-to-clean silicone bib in the insulated bag with your bottles.

Baby spoons

We carry regular baby spoons and squeeze feeders are great things to reduce mess when feeding too.

A portable high chair

While we have never traveled with a portable high chair, we have friends who absolutely love them.

Baby Clothing and Other Items

Fresh clothes

A change of clothes for each parent in case of a mishap.

A muslin wrap

We use our muslin baby wrap for everything and anything.

They come in very handy on planes to protect babies from the lights, strangers, and an air conditioner blasting their little head and face.

They are great for covering over the pram while the baby is sleeping and many other uses too.

A piece of clothing that smells like you

This may sound a little unappealing but I’m not talking about something you’ve been wearing on a week-long trek in Nepal.

Even if it’s the jumper you board the plane wearing or their favorite blanket, it might give your baby some extra comfort when trying to settle them in your arms, the baby seat, or the plane bassinet.

Baby Packing List: What to Pack in Your Baby’s Suitcase

Our daughter has a medium Lojel Cubo suitcase which is the perfect size for our travel.

Our entire family has Lojel suitcases. We have the large suitcases and they are amazing.

I pack our baby’s suitcase in the same way we pack our own.

We divide it into compartments and packing bags (one with onesies, one with dresses, one with pants and tops in outfits, etc) to make it easier to navigate, find exactly what we need, and re-pack quickly.

Muslin baby swaddles

We choose 100% cotton or bamboo so they are breathable and we can simply layer them when needed.

A bunny rug (baby blanket)

Cotton is the best.

Cot sheet

If you are taking your own travel cot

PJs x 3

We love Bonds Zip Wondersuits for traveling. Always choose onesies with zips over buttons or clips for traveling. It is so much easier to change your baby quickly or in tight spaces.

Sleeping bags x 2

We love the Ergopouch sleep suit bags

Disposable Nappies (disposable diapers)

A few to get you through the first night at your accommodation.

Clothing

Exactly what you pack will depend on how long you are traveling and where you are going.

A sun hat

A sun hat is essential, even in cloudy weather. If we are travelling in a car on a road trip with a baby, we always have one handy in the baby backpack.

A reusable swim nappy or disposable swim diapers for your summer or beach trips.

Travel play mat

Not essential but great for road trips, your next beach vacation and if you have the room/weight allowance on the plane.

Toiletries kit

Including a hairbrush, nail clippers, baby shampoo, soap, baby oil, toothbrush, sunscreen, and other creams.

Our daughter’s Lojel suitcase was divided into compartments and then sectioned off into bags by style. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Baby Packing List: What to Pack for a Road Trip With a Baby

While these aren’t must-have items, there are a few non-essentials that we found useful when traveling in a car with a baby, particularly for long periods of time.

They helped make things a little easier when she became bored or had enough of the car. So, if you have room, pack these too.

A mirror

We found a lightweight portable mirror handy for traveling with a baby in a rear-facing baby seat to help keep her distracted.

Car window shade

A window shade is a great idea if you are spending long periods in the car, particularly in hot weather. Young children can get very hot and even sun burned through the window of a car. So, it’s important to protect them with a window shade, clothing and SPF.

A portable sound machine

A portable white noise machine or shusher can help settle younger babies, particularly when you can’t get to them straight away.

Take a portable sound machine with you. Or if you don’t like the bulk of sound machines simply download a free white noise app to play when needed.

I hope this baby travel packing list helps ease the stress of planning and packing for your trip with a baby.

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Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Qantas Dreamliner Business Class Review: Melbourne to Los Angeles

Skye Gilkeson — Tue, 29 May 2018 09:03:22 +0000

There’s an almost palpable feeling of anxiety carried by parents when you step on to a plane with a baby. It’s actually something that starts to simmer as soon as you book your ticket. This feeling was particularly strong when boarding our recent Qantas Dreamliner Business Class flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles; our first long-haul flight with our five-month-old daughter. Our fears were immediately eased by warm smiles, introductory handshakes and an all important glass of French champagne thanks to the friendly Qantas crew.

Skye Gilkeson

Qantas Dreamliner Business Class

Check-In

As we were flying through from Brisbane, we checked in at the Premium Lounge Entry check in at Brisbane airport which takes you directly through to Qantas Club and Qantas Business Lounge.

Lounge

Business Class passengers in Melbourne are given access to the Qantas International Business Lounge, located Airside, Level 1, via departures concourse.

As a Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer, we were able to enjoy a drink and a quick bite to eat at the Qantas First Lounge in Melbourne, where the food and the service were second to none, as expected.

Plane

Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Route

QFA95 Melbourne to Los Angeles, Australia

Duration

13 hours 10 minutes

Seat

We were seated in the smaller business class cabin so we had access to a bassinet but no doubt also so that we were spaced away so as not to disturb their regular frequent flyers at the pointier end of the plane. We were seated with another family of four which strangely gave me more comfort as we were flying with a baby.

The cabin seat configuration is 1,2,1, meaning every passenger has direct aisle access from their B787 business suite. I was seated in 10E as it had the bassinet. If I was travelling alone, my pick of the cabin would have been 10K as it had the bulk head seating cubby and full privacy screen to the aisle.

I expected the seats to be spacious, given they are described as Business Class Suites but I was pleasantly surprised at just how much room we had, particularly given all of the extra items I was carrying for the baby. The suites are particularly private too, with a screen between the middle seats (ours was broken, however it didn’t bother us as we were travelling together).

Qantas Business Class amenities with unique local artists’ designs as part of their collectible series. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Comfort

The Dreamliner Business Class seats are fully equipped with every possible comfort from a semi-recline setting for take off and landing, a two-metre long lie flat-bed which creates a private, pod-like feeling, ample storage for electronics and carry-on items, a do not disturb light, in-seat charging for personal electronics, a reading light and mood lighting (which came in very handy when feeding a baby).

The Qantas Business Class amenities feature unique local artists’ designs as part of the collectible series. The pack includes the standard mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, ear plugs and Aspar toiletries that also feature in the bathrooms.

Seats are fitted with every comfort from noise cancelling headphones to plenty of storage and a do not disturb light. Image © Skye Gilkeson

In-Flight Dining

As usual, the menu curated by Neil Perry was impressive. Although, travellers can’t yet dine on request, there is now the option to choose your meals online before the flight.

Supper was served just after take off with a couple of options cleverly marked as lighter choices that are delivered straight away so you could “sleep sooner”. The Sleep Sooner menu includes a selection of cheese with accompaniments and a Poached chicken breast with kale, edamame and grain salad and a few other options.

I opted for the Beef fillet with soft polenta, caramelised onion and sage, slow roasted tomatoes and rocket. It also came with seeded bread served with Pepe Saya butter and a Green leaf salad with Rockpool vinaigrette. Andrew ordered the Seared Cone Bay Barramundi with herbed garlic potatoes, broccolini, Lemon Olive and Almond Salsa. While we had enjoyed glass of Duval-Leroy Brut on boarding, when we asked for another with the meal it was seemingly nowhere to be found, so a glass of sparkling wine was served in its place.

The supper of Beef Fillet with Soft Polenta, Caramelised Onion and Sage, Slow Roasted Tomatoes and Rocket. Image © Skye Gilkeson

For dinner (or breakfast as it were) coming into Los Angeles, I enjoyed the Baked egg, Gruyere and bacon tart, tomato relish, cos, tomato and cucumber salad and Andrew chose the poached eggs with kale, haloumi and pistachios. We both enjoyed a nice strong Australian-style coffee before stepping off into the land of Starbucks.

Of course, a range of snacks such as pastizzi, chips, chocolate and sandwiches, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are available throughout the flight from the self-service bar located between Business Class cabins or delivered by the crew.

Related: Qantas First Class Lounge LAX

Service

As expected with Qantas, the service was fabulous, with each member of the crew making us feel welcome and well taken care of which is something we particularly appreciated as this was our first long-haul flight with our daughter.

Flying With a Baby

Having finally surrendered to sleep while waiting to board, we carried her on and strapped in, mid-slumber, hoping she would stay so for the hours that followed. Thankfully, when the plane took off we were able to transfer her to the bassinet, without issue and she continued to sleep for the next 5 hours, which was no doubt a relief for both ourselves and the surrounding passengers.

The bassinet was built into the bulk head right in front of my seat. The cover popped out and locked into place and the baby is set into the bassinet with a baby seat belt placed across them. Cleverly, there is also a mirror set into the cover of the bassinet to allow parents to check their babies without having to get up from their seats. I found the mirror hard to use, particularly given we were on a night flight and the cabin lights were dimmed, so I was jumping up all the time from the seat, which wasn’t really a problem for me. We chose the seats in the middle section so we could both attend to our baby but found Andrew had to walk around to my side to reach her properly from the bassinet.

While having the change table easily accessible in our nearest bathroom, it was a slightly narrow leaf-like shape and somewhat difficult to use.

The crew was very accommodating when it came to anything we needed for our daughter and checked in often. We never felt like we were imposing, even when I buzzed for fresh bottles of water for her bottles in the middle of the night. Surprisingly too, we both got some sleep on this flight which for all new parents is simply invaluable. We are looking forward to travelling with Qantas again as a family.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.