I am a bigggg believer in less is more when it comes to traveling with kids. Less STUFF = lighter hands for mom and dad = a more LIFE-GIVING (less stressful! Is that possible?!) trip with kids!!

So from a traveling OFTEN, die hard “less is more” Mom of 4…here are my, I actually don’t think I could travel without, ESSENTIALS!

These must-haves truly do make our trips with kids in tow POSSIBLE…or a heck of a lot easier (i.e. mom keeping her sanity!)

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The MVP- SlumperPod

I will NOT travel without this magic, sanity saver. The SlumperPod makes our family vacations SIGNIFICANTLY more enjoyable. A baby/toddler that is sleeping well while traveling changes *literally* everything.

✈️ Shop the SlumberPod HERE (🚨🚨 Big Prime Day 2025 SALE!)

The only car seat I will travel with

I avoid traveling with car seats at ALL costs (like I despiseeee it). So when I say I will without hesitation bring along this car seat, that is saying a LOT. It is hands down the most lightweight (like SO lightweight), easy to install travel car seat on the market! A total game-changer.

✈️ Shop the best travel car seat HERE

Oh, the tablets…

Let’s be honest…travel days are 100% less stressful when each kid can be independently entertained for long periods of time. For us travel days = close to zero screen time rules (and are ONLY used when traveling!).

I actually prefer the standard ones HERE for older kids because they are much more compact and easy to travel with, but this is our go-to for toddlers and young kiddos!

✈️ Shop the best kids travel pad HERE (🚨🚨 Big Prime Day 2025 SALE!)

The packing cubes of ALL packing cubes

IYKYK…they are superior in ALL the ways and not just useless floppy pieces of fabric- the firm sides are everyyythinggg. Staying organized, even while traveling = LIFE.

✈️ Shop the superior packing cubes HERE (🚨🚨 Big Prime Day 2025 SALE!)

Portable sound machine!

Again a well sleeping baby = happiness for ALLLL. Heck I won’t leave the house with baby without this thing, let alone across the country or world 🙂 Love that this one also lights up too!

✈️ Shop the portable sound machine HERE

My go-to travel shoes

Depending on the trip, I can getaway with packing JUST my Tevas for an entire getaway. So comfortable, great for walking, can dress up or down…I wear these all day everyday (at home and while away). Hands down my shoes that get the most wear on ALL vacations. I love the “slims” but you can find the “originals” HERE!

✈️ Shop Tevas HERE

The OG baby carrier

Truly a non-negotiable when traveling with a baby IMO. Whether its a hike or exploring through cobblestone streets, sometimes a stroller isn’t practical. A solid carrier is something I wouldn’t dream of traveling without if I have a baby in tow. The OG Ergo is unbeatable (the cover for naps is KEY)!

✈️ Shop the Ergo Baby Carrier HERE

Speaking of travel strollers…

We’ve been traveling for a whole lot of years with kids, and these are our top two game-changing travel strollers.

✈️ The Doona– need I say more? If you have a little little one, I cannot express how much EASIER this makes my life when traveling with a baby (or at home). Worth EVERY penny.

✈️ The Zoe Traveler– SO lightweight, fits in every airline overhead compartment, one hand close, seat recline and cover for on-the-go naps…the BEST!

The king (queen?!) of portable chargers

The built in cords are EVERYTHING. It also has multiple types of cables built in. We won’t go out exploring without this thing!!

✈️ Shop the best portable phone charger HERE (🚨🚨 Big Prime Day 2025 SALE!)

Actually reliable headphones

How many pair of cheap kids headphones have you run through already?! Yeah I thought so. The iClever ones are our favorite and seem to hold up the best of allllll the ones we’ve purchased. (bonus points they are noise cancelling for naps!)

✈️ Shop the most reliable kids headphones HERE

Two last baby essentials

✈️ Portable Bottle Cleaning Kit- Both of our sweet adopted kiddos were formula fed, so being able to clean bottles efficiently and without taking up a ton of space and weight was SO important. This little compact kit is CLUTCH (even comes with a mini soap dispenser!)

✈️ Rechargeable Travel Fan- An uncomfortable baby is a fussy baby. We use this travel fan religiously…wrapping around his Doona, attaching to his crib, putting it in the SlumberPod. A MUST!

SHOP ALL OUR FAMILY TRAVEL MUST-HAVES BELOW!!