Traveling with kids stresses us out — every parent we know feels it before the trip even starts. So over the last few flights, we've been testing everything we packed to see what actually earned its spot in the bag. Here's the honest breakdown: the wins and the passes.
.png "Traveling with kids stresses us out. Here's what we packed on our trip—and which items were actually worth it or not.")
The Luggage Connector Strap — 10/10
We had three carry-ons, personal bags, and a booster seat. Two adults physically could not carry it all through the airport.
We used a simple strap to bridge our two carry-on suitcases together and secure our booster seat on top. That gave our toddler a stable spot to ride while we pushed both bags through security and to the gate — no tipping, no wobbling.
Another mom actually stopped us in the airport to ask how we'd connected the luggage together. That was the moment we knew this one was worth sharing.
Shop the luggage connector strap
The Toddler Sling — A Huge Win
Once we gate-checked our stroller, this sling became a lifesaver. With connecting flights, some of our gates had us boarding via outdoor tail stairs instead of a jet bridge — which meant carrying our toddler up the stairs by hand.
The sling freed up both our hands for bags while still keeping him secure and close. Simple fix, big difference.
The Toddler Airplane Bed — 50/50
This one's a genuine coin flip. On the flight there, he slept the entire way using it. On the flight home, he wanted nothing to do with it.
Great concept, and worth trying — just don't count on it working the same way every time. It really depends on their mood that day.
The Fidget Pack Set — Total Pass
We bought this expecting it to buy us some quiet time on the flight. Both kids played with it for about five minutes, moved on, and one piece was already broken before we even got home.
Our takeaway: skip the fancy toy sets and the bulky snack boxes. Download their favorite shows ahead of time, and pack their actual favorite snacks in one big Ziploc bag instead of a fancy container. It's lighter, it's easier to grab, and it works just as well.
Three Quick Honorable Mentions
Phone strap — This gave us real peace of mind. No more worrying about dropping the phone or losing track of it in the chaos of an airport with kids in tow.
Rental car seat — If you're renting a car at your destination, ask about renting a car seat too. It's one less bulky item to carry through the airport.
Empty water bottles — Bring them empty and fill them up right after security. Simple, and it saves money too.
What's your #1 travel hack with kids? Drop it in the comments below — we're always looking for the next thing to test.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part of A Glad Diary — family life, real moments, honest reviews. Family. Faith. Real Life.