Traveling can be stressful. Adding children into the equation can double (or more) that pressure. Anything that can make you feel more prepared and help your little ones stay comfortable and entertained while you’re flying from one place to another is a win. We hunted down 10 of the best accessories, gadgets and even snacks for taking a flight with your kids. Many are designed for jet-setting families; consider them for your next trip to make your journey just a little bit easier.
1. Ride-on Luggage
When the walk from security to the gate is long, you’ll be especially thankful to have the Trunki Kid’s Ride-on Suitcase, which your toddler can sit on for easy towing. The carry-on-sized suitcase comes in lots of fun designs, including one that looks like a unicorn and another like a fire truck; your child is bound to find one they’ll love packing with all their favorite belongings. $100, amazon.com
2. Pint-Sized Headphones
If you’re planning to bring a tablet so your child can have some in-flight entertainment, consider grabbing a set of LilGadgets Connect+ PRO Wired Kids Headphones, too. These comfortable headphones are volume-limited to protect your kid’s hearing and have passive noise reduction. And thanks to their SharePort technology, you don’t need a splitter if you have two kids who want to tune into the same device. $30, creativeqt.com
3. Pre-Packed Activities
Not sure how to keep little hands busy on a long hauler? The Keke Grab-and-Go Bag can entertain and educate at the same time. Each of its zippered pouches targeted to a different skill, such as social/emotional learning or fine motor skills. If you join Keke’s subscription service, you’ll get three new pouches to swap into the bag every three months so you have plenty of material for a year’s worth of vacations. $65, kekekid.com
4. A Tiny Diaper Bag
Made from vegan leather or canvas that’s easy to wipe down when things get sticky, Kibou’s minimalist fanny pack diaper bags are stylish and useful. With a waterproof pocket perfect for wet wipes, a detachable changing pad, a pacifier hook, and money slots, you can fit the essentials you need quick access to during your flight without having to saddle yourself with a bulky bag. $98, kiboubag.com
5. A Portable Breast Milk Chiller
Need to pump on the go? You can deposit milk directly into the airport-friendly Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller, which offers more than 20 hours of continuous chilling without the need for a fridge or chargers—simply place ice cubes inside to keep the milk cool. You can also swap your pump attachment for a nipple, so your baby can drink right from the bottle. $69, cereschill.com
6. Travel-Sized Toiletries
Keeping your baby clean, healthy, and happy during your journey isn’t as hard with the Earth Baby On-the-Go Kit. This cute zippered pouch includes sunscreen, diaper rash cream, hand sanitizer gel, and aromatherapy calming mist—all of which is hypoallergenic, pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested, and under the TSA’s 3.4-ounce limit for liquids. Toss it in your carry-on and you’re ready to go! $35, earthbabystore.com
7. A Tray-Table Organizer
Your personal space is limited on a plane. Make the most of what you’ve got with one of Serenity Organizers’ Tray Organizers. Made from lightweight, antimicrobial fabric, it easily slips onto standard seat back tables and has different-sized pockets to keep all the toys and books your kid might want within reach during the flight. Choose your favorite from assorted color options like fire orange and powder blue. $45, serenityorganizers.co
8. Noise-Protecting Muffs
The plane-engine noises can be annoying no matter your age. But given how delicate little ears can be, it makes sense to shield them against the racket. (It also might cut down on the fussing.) Banz offers Hear No Blare Earmuffs in one design for babies and another for kids; both have thick foam-filled cushions and soft head support so they’re comfortable for children to wear. $30, usa.banzworld.com
9. Better-for-You Snacks
You don’t want to have a hangry child on your hands during a flight. Blake’s Seed-Based Crispy Treats are tasty, portable snacks that come in a variety of kid-friendly flavors like chocolate chip and birthday cake. Made with a mixture of pumpkin, sunflower, and flaxseeds, they’re vegan and free of all the major food allergens, including peanut, milk, egg, wheat, and soy. From $22, blakesseedbased.com
10. A Spill-Proof Snack Cup
Speaking of snacks…it’s nice to have somewhere to put them that your child can handle on their own without making a mess. Cue the BraveJusticeKidsCo. Snack Attack Snack Cup! This spill-proof silicone cup has a top with flaps that’s easy for a child to reach inside. If dropped, it will plop, not break. Plus, it’s collapsible so you can tuck it into your suitcase when not in use. $18, amazon.com
