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Between four military moves, trips home to family, and vacations from Iceland to Cancun, we’ve spent a lot of days in airports and cars with little kids (and now a puppy). Here’s the gear that makes those days easier.
Nothing fancy, just the gear that works for us. Each link goes to the product on Amazon, where you can pick the size or color that fits your family.
The product links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Carrying the baby
- Hiking child carrier. Our oldest rode in one on the sea cliff in the photo above. It’s great for trails and sightseeing days when a stroller won’t work, and this one has a sunshade and plenty of storage.
- Soft baby carrier for airports and quick errands. Hands-free through security is a game changer, and this one works from newborn to toddler.
Strollers and car seats
- Lightweight travel stroller. About 11.6 lb with a one-hand fold, so it’s easy to gate-check.
- Car seat travel bag to keep the car seat clean and in one piece when you check it. It’s padded, with backpack straps so you can carry it hands-free through the airport.
Keeping kids happy on the plane or in the car
- Kids headphones with a volume limit so they can watch shows without blasting everyone around you. These cap at 85 dB, and siblings can share audio.
- Kid-proof tablet case with a handle, shoulder strap, and stand. It fits several iPad models, so check yours on the product page.
- Spill-proof snack container with spinning compartments, so they can pick their own snack without dumping the rest. We always pack more snacks than we think we’ll need.
- Folding travel potty seat for potty-training kids. It turns any public toilet into a kid-size one, then folds into its own bag.
Staying organized
- Packing cubes in different sizes. Give each kid their own cube so you can find a change of clothes in seconds.
- Diaper backpack with a built-in changing pad, for hands-free carrying.
Traveling with a puppy
Puddles joined the family in Virginia, so our road trips have a new passenger.
- Soft travel dog crate that folds flat, for safe car rides and hotel stays.
- Hard-bottom dog seat cover to protect the back seat from muddy paws and give the dog a stable place to stand.
- Collapsible dog bowls that clip onto a bag, for water breaks at rest stops.
Our travel day checklist
More snacks than you think · water bottles · wipes · a change of clothes for every kid (and you) · loaded tablets and headphones · car seats or a travel stroller · a medicine kit · the puppy’s food, bowls, leash, and papers.
Getting ready for a PCS? Grab our free printable PCS checklist and see the moving supplies we actually use.
