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    29 Travel Products Other Parents Swear By, So It's Time You Tried Them

    Like a collapsible stroller, a spill-proof snack spinner, and a six-port charging station to keep everyone's devices powered up.

    1. A very thorough travel checklist so you can avoid having a Kate McCallister moment of panic as your plane's about to take off. It's already done all of the work by listing pretty much any travel need you could think of, so all you have to do is cross items off as you pack!

    The pad has 60 sheets, so it'll last a long time — even for frequent fliers!

    Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming — especially for trip longer than a few days. I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. Variety of clothing options and space to add more. As my children reached their pre-teen years I have been able to make them their list on these sheets and then they can use it to do their packing. I just show them how to highlight each item after it has been packed so it is easy to see you took that one off the list. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —I-really-bought-this

    Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in three styles). 

    2. A travel-size pack of resealable antibacterial wipes, which will make you feel better about letting your family sit on some rather ~questionable-looking~ airplane seats. Give 'em a quick once-over and breathe easier knowing these kill 99.99% of germs. 

    reviewer photo of a pack of travel wipes
    reviewer lifting up the flap on one of the packs to show the opening that the wipes come out of

    Promising review: "Perfect for parents. We use these constantly and they work so much better than hand sanitizer. You can actually 'clean' with them. And they are great for wiping down restaurant chairs and tables, too. So glad we can get them monthly on a subscription." —Ray

    Another promising review: "As a flight attendant I always need wipes. These small packs are great for putting in your purse and having on the go. The bundle pack is a great value." —SJ1326

    Get 20 packs of 10 wipes each from Amazon for $15.69 (also available as a subscription). 

    3. And a set of portable soap paper sheets that'll ensure everyone's hands stay clean, even en route. They instantly foam up when you rub your wet hands together, so don't fret the next time the soap dispenser is empty in Terminal D's b-room — tsk tsk, Terminal D!

    Promising review: "I got these for my kids to have on them during our trip to Mexico. It turned out to be one of the most useful things to have, since public bathrooms didn't always have soap and you can keep this in your pocket. Just make sure to pull a leaf of soap out with dry hands before you start washing your hands. Otherwise they will start to stick together. Very...HANDY." —Beatrice E Beardworth

    Get a four-pack (200 sheets total) from Amazon for $7.99.

    4. An Apple AirTag, which, yes, is often used as a luggage finder, but can also give you peace of mind if you have young, adventure-seeking kids. Attach it to their clothing or have them wear it on a band, and use the Find My app to track them if they happen to leave your sight. 

    reviewer's children wearing wristbands containing airtags
    reviewer photo of the find my app showing their luggage on a map via the airtag

    You can put the AirTag on Lost Mode to receive a notification when it's been detected by the Find My app. Here's an AirTag keychain and AirTag bracelet for easy attachment!

    Promising review: "These are fantastic for trying to keep track of things. Keys, purses…you can put them on your dog's collar. Personally, I have a flight-risk child of six years old. Since we are visiting Disney and I will be the only parent attending with her for the specific trip, I bought one to literally attach to the inside hip of her clothing so I can keep track of where she is. I am literally tracking my child lol." —Alyssa Burns

    Another promising review: "I bought a pair of these AirTags for a trip to France, and I’m so glad I did! First of all, the setup is super easy; I had zero problems and both were done in like five minutes. I put one in my purse and one in my suitcase. On the way back home, the airline lost my luggage. Checked the Find My app where the AirTag is tracked, and I could see that it never left the Charles de Gaulle airport. I felt more assurance being able to track my bag through the app as it made its way across the world back to me. 10/10 would recommend!" —Lindsay Kirby

    Get it from Amazon for $29.

    5. collapsible stroller that folds up so small, it'll fit in most overhead compartments — no more waiting around at baggage claim! Plus, it weighs less than 10 pounds and comes with a handle for easy carrying when it's not in use. 

    gif of reviewer showing how quickly and compactly the stroller folds up
    same reviewer's photo of the black stroller folded up next to the stuffed bunny for scale

    It's designed to hold kids who weigh up to 55 pounds and has a UPF 50+ canopy!

    Promising review: "Best stroller ever! WE LOVE THIS STROLLER! My husband originally purchased it because I was afraid to take our big stroller on the plane to gate check. I was traveling alone, so ease of use and portability was really important. I was amazed at how convenient it was to collapse and slide under my seat on the plane and it maneuvered well through the airport and throughout our trip. I received multiple compliments and a few moms even asked me where to buy one. Since then, we have been on a few more flights and many excursions and are still in love with this purchase!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $259.99 (also available in two other styles). 

    6. And a JetKids carry-on suitcase your little ones can actually ride throughout the airport, meaning you'll know exactly where they are at all times. Not only will your kids enjoy being wheeled around on it, they can also use it as a foot rest so they'll have a more comfy flight!

    child model being pulled while riding the rolling suitcase
    child model sitting in a plane seat and using the suitcase as a leg rest
    JetKids, Amazon

    It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 and fits most standard economy seats. Plus, it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder, a top handle, and a mattress inside that can be removed and used while in the air. Parents have even used this product while waiting for their flight to keep kids comfy and content. 

    Promising review: "I dragged my feet on this purchase because of the price tag, but I have zero regrets after traveling solo with my 2-year-old and 5-year-old. This thing was so easy to maneuver through the airport and through the plane aisles that my 2-year-old pulled it herself for most of the trip. It was slightly too big for her to ride on, but my 4-year-old loved riding on it. The bed feature was super easy to set up and we used it to and from our destination. I was able to pack clothes for a five-day trip, the bed, a blanket and stuffie. I will definitely be dumping more money into this company for our next trip. Happy customer!" —Casie Wilds

    Get it from Amazon for $229.

    7. six-port USB charging station, which is a game-changer when you're at the airport and need to charge your phone, and tablet, and your kids' tablet, and your SO's tablet...and there's only one outlet at your gate. 🙃 Oh, and if you get to your destination and realize your hotel room is short on outlets, this bb has you covered. 

    the outlet with five chargers plugged into it
    the outlet placed in a suitcase
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This wall charger is fantastic. It isn't extravagant, but does the job I need it to do. We use this while traveling and it has come in so handy, as I have three kids all with their own specific technology that needs charging. The speed at which everything charges is comparable to it being plugged into the wall on its own. I would highly recommend this for any application where you have a lot of tech to charge and take care of at one time." —Joel

    Another promising review: "This is a great product! I travel frequently, and I am always challenged with the number of USB ports I can get with the number of outlets available (and where) in hotel rooms. With this product, the number of ports problem goes away, and what's great is that it extends the charger interface out from behind a bed or nightstand, or other inconvenient receptacle location, up onto a work surface for easy access. As far as power, I have had an ASUS transformer, two iPads, HTC One M8, and two iPhones connected to it at the same time, charging for hours with no heat on the device whatsoever. It works great at home too. I have always had good luck with Anker products, good quality." —bishop

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in black or white).

    8. A five-compartment snack spinner perfect for long trips, since it'll keep young kids content while they play with their food! Plus, you'll breathe a sigh of relief knowing it's spill- and leakproof, meaning no surprise messes in the backseat.

    Reviewer spinning the container to reveal the snacks in each compartment
    reviewer photo of the snack spinner filled with things like skittles, pretzels, goldfish, and dried fruit

    Promising review: "A must-have for kids! I rarely leave reviews, but this product is so amazing, I felt the need to share it with as many parents as possible! As a mom of three young children, the GoBe Snack Spinner has been truly life-changing! Seeing as how we are always on the go, packing snacks is a constant for my family. The problem was I was wasting so many bags and containers, in addition to the fact that my kids were always spilling their snacks. The GoBe snack spinner has changed everything!! Now I can pack multiple snacks for each of my kids in ONE safe and convenient place. Not only do they find using the snack spinner to be entertaining, but there are no more spilled snacks! I also love how easy it is to clean! An amazing product for any age!" —Ellen S

    Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in three colors).

    9. An AirFly Pro transmitter so you can connect your wireless earbuds to the plane's entertainment system and (try) enjoying a movie. When you're traveling with little ones and constantly having to grab snacks, wipes, and activities from the bag at your feet, you don't want a bunch of cords in your way!

    reviewer photo of the AirFly Pro plugged into the headphone jack on the back of a plane seat
    reviewer close-up of the AirFly Pro plugged into the headphone jack on the back of a plane seat

    It just plugs into the headphone jack! You can also connect up to two pairs of earbuds at a time, and it has 16+ hours of battery life for suuuper long flights. 

    Twelve South is a husband-and-wife-owned biz based in Charleston, South Carolina. They've been designing accessories inspired by and made for Apple products since 2009.

    Promising review: "Y'allll! This is a travel must! I don’t know how many times I look at my AirPods and realize I cannot connect to the (plane's) little screen and need some wired headphones. I have two toddlers and let me tell you, my husband and I can be hands free and are able to watch our shows on a long flight without wires all over the place. We can connect both of our AirPods. It is required for travels!" —Anny

    Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (also available in two other styles).

    10. And an in-flight phone mount that'll turn your kid's phone into a viewing screen in case whatever airline you're flying doesn't have any good entertainment options — if they even offer them at all! Clip it onto the seat-back tray and let your child watch movies and TV shows while you enjoy some peace and quiet.

    reviewer photo of the phone mount attached to their stowed away tray table
    same reviewer's photo of the phone mount attached to their folded down tray table

    Promising review: "Recently traveled with my two boys and I bought all three of us one of these. They worked great! They're a little clickety-clackety, but you'll get the hang of it. We even had an airline steward tell us how cool they were! Compact, great price, sturdy, multiple positions/clamping ability. Totally worth it for not hearing your kids complain about their wrists hurting from holding their phones or that their homemade phone prop wasn't working great. Tack this onto the back of the seat in front of your or even on your tray table, easy peasy!" —alisathegirl

    Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three colors, as well as a pack of two). 

    11. A set of packing cubes you'll wonder what you ever did without once you see how much room they magically create in your family's suitcases. They take the guesswork out of optimizing luggage space, and because each child can have their own dedicated compartments, unpacking will be a lot less chaotic than usual once you reach your destination. 

    reviewer photo of the pink and mesh packing cubes in a suitcase
    the set of six beige and mesh packing cubes

    Promising review: "I have four kids to pack for and I was very impressed with how much a could fit in each of the packing cubes. It will make our traveling easier because everyone’s things are together. I also feel like I’ll be able to fit more in the suitcase because the cubes compact it all together. Made well. Impressed with them so far, especially for the price point! Got what I was looking for without breaking the bank!" —Paul E. Pilblad Sr.

    Another promising review: "I absolutely love these. I’ve actually purchased a few different sets in various colors. They help organize the suitcase better and save a ton of space. It was so much easier to pack and combine outfits into separate bags. I had a bag set up for each day of my vacation and everything I needed was in there. I was all set. No searching or digging around my suitcases. Just a little planning before we left and everything went smoothly using these bags." —Owl Lady

    Get a set of six from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 20 styles).

    12. And a pack of vacuum storage bags that are absolute lifesavers when you're packing for a family, since they'll vastly increase the amount of space in your carry-ons. Place everyone's garments into the bags and suck the excess air out with the included travel pump — no more spending a ton of cash on extra checked bags!

    A BuzzFeeder's bulky clothes in a sealed bag with text:
    The BuzzFeeder's same clothes now vacuum-sealed with text:
    Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Jasmin Sandal says: "I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes, but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period of time. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*."

    Promising review: "I purchased this for a trip knowing I would be sharing my luggage with my kids. This is such a lifesaver because we were able to fit a lot of clothes into our luggage and it was easy to sort the clothes by each child. The directions were easy to follow and the kids had fun using the pump to suction out the air. So far we have had multiple uses out of the bags and plan to keep reusing them for future trips." —Tricia W

    Get a six-pack from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four sizes, as well as other multipacks).

    13. A portable door lock to give you more peace of mind when you and your family are staying in a hotel or Airbnb. It works on pretty much any inward-opening door to keep people from being able to open the door from the outside — even with a key! — and requires zero tools or installation hardware.

    lock on door
    how to guide for door lock

    Just note that if you're flying with it, you'll want to keep it in an easy-to-reach spot in your bag, as one of our BuzzFeed Shopping editors said TSA flagged hers at two separate airports.

    Promising review: "Must-have on trips. I’m a single mom and travel with my two kids by myself. This was easy to use, works really well, and helped me feel a little extra secure when staying in hotels and Airbnbs." —Jade

    Another promising review: "I took my first solo trip and ordered this for extra security. It was super easy to install and didn't require me to leave my hotel door ajar for an extended amount of time for installation. My hotel door didn't even move when I tested out the lock. 10/10 recommend for a peace of mind." —Haley Gribble

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in multipacks). 

    14. A luggage-mounted dual cup caddy that'll free things up so you can hold your phone, boarding passes, passports, child's hand — you know, the ~essentials~ — while you're racing through the airport. Not that an XL iced mocha isn't an essential when flying with kids, but, you know.

    Reviewers say it's ideal for a suitcase that can roll on four wheels! If you have a suitcase that has to tilt while it rolls, just be careful if the drinks are open at the top.

    Promising review: "A product I didn’t know I NEEDED!! I used it to travel with my kid. She never complained about having to hold her drink and food while walking through the airport!!" —Toya Barker

    Another promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 26 styles).

    15. A portable white noise machine for anyone worried about their baby getting a good night's sleep in a potentially noisy hotel. If you've ever tried putting them to bed while the people in the next room were throwing a rager, you probably wished you'd had one of these. It's also really tiny!

    It features 11 sleep sounds, and can also be paired with your phone and used as a Bluetooth speaker!

    Promising review: "BEST PURCHASE FOR BABY. We sleep with a white noise machine, so we knew we needed one to take around with us so baby girl can sleep soundly no matter where we are. This thing is awesome! It’s loud and the charge seems like it lasts forever! I keep it on most of the day and charge it at night. We always have it in her stroller and people are always asking us what the noise is, but they are so intrigued when we show them the tiny little speaker. I would suggest it for any parents!" —Ali S.

    Get it from Amazon for $34.95.

    16. A nifty gadget called the Bug Bite Thing in case you're taking your kids camping and are absolutely dreading the mosquito-related meltdowns — from the kids and adults! This ingenious device sucks out the saliva or venom that causes itching and irritation in bites, and since it doesn't rely on creams or chemicals, it's completely reusable.

    A BuzzFeed editor's arm with a bite on it
    Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

    This works on mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice (sea lice?!), and more!

    Promising review: "My son swells up every time he gets bitten by any type of bug, so Benadryl cream was my only choice. He would scream every time I reached for the cream, and the bites would stay swollen for days. After buying the Bug Bite Thing, I was in shock by how fast it worked to relieve his bug bite and AVOID any swelling. My son asks for the Bug Bite Thing now if he gets bit. This thing really does work! It's a must-have in your parenting or outdoor survival kit." —Ray Celiceo

    Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in four colors, as well as packs of two or three). 

    17. A space-saving Stojo collapsible travel cup, which is as practical as it is fun. Once your kid's finished their drink, it shrinks down into a two-inch disk so the contents of your bag don't end up consisting of 75% water bottle like they usually do. More room for snacks, tissues, and toys!

    A small pink coffee cup with a lid
    The coffee cup folded to the size of a hockey puck

    It even comes with a straw, can hold both hot and cold liquids, and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. 

    Stojo is a small biz aiming to eliminate single-use plastics with their portable and reusable products. 

    Promising review: "I have been loving these cups for outdoor adventures with my kids. I have been looking for a cup that can have a warm liquid that is also dishwasher-safe and my kids won't spill all over, and these are perfect. The straw is so nice for sipping, and then they fold back up when we're done and we can toss them back into the backpack. I plan on getting more for camping, since they won't take up space and can easily be washed. Added bonus is the colors — my kids know which drink is theirs, so fewer germs shared between them." —Wanderlust432

    Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes and 24 colors). 

    18. stylish travel belt to ensure your carry-on bag or personal item stays securely fastened to your rolling suitcase. Rushing through airports with a young kid can be super stressful, but with this you'll be able to hold your child's hand rather than your purse. Oh, and no more slipping bags!

    model sitting behind their suitcase with a bag strapped to the handle with a cherry-print belt
    model standing next to a green suitcase with a black carry-on strapped to the handle using a pink and black belt
    Cincha Travel

    It's conveniently adjustable and comes in the ~cutest~ designs. Plus, you can also personalize it!

    Cincha Travel is a small BIPOC-owned biz based in Oakland, California, specializing in adjustable vegan leather travel belts. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase to help reunite migrant families.

    Promising review: "This is something I didn't know I needed, and boy am I glad I have it. Makes travel so much easier, especially with kids when trying to juggle holding hands and lots of other bags. Great product!" —Danielle

    Another promising review: "Such a simple yet brilliant solution for the ever falling bag when trying to juggle all your luggage. It definitely made traveling less stressful." —Samantha

    Get it from Cincha for $37.99 (available in 13 styles).

    19. And an unassuming luggage strap, which may not look like much but is actually super convenient in terms of freeing your arms of the zillions of things traveling with kids entails. Hook it onto your luggage handle and attach a diaper bag, backpack, neck pillow, jacket, or pretty much anything else you'd rather not schlep around the airport yourself. 

    the yellow luggage strap attached to a rolling suitcase holding a tote bag
    gif showing someone attaching a yellow strap to a white suitcase and hooking a black tote bag to it
    Amazon

    Note that the yellow color pictured is currently out of stock.

    Promising review: "I bought two straps to use for my trip. It was so worth it! It held my family's light jackets and kid's travel neck pillow. We also used it to hold our water bottles on our hikes. I wish I knew about these sooner!" —Lisa H

    Another promising review: "I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse." —Michele

    Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in black or gray).

    20. digital luggage scale, because if you've ever tried cramming everyone's stuff into one suitcase and hoping for the best — only for the airline to present you with a whopping over-capacity fee — you'll be glad you have this little gizmo for future trips. Use it to ensure your luggage meets the requirements before you leave and save your souvenir money!

    reviewer using a digital luggage scale to weigh a red suitcase by attaching it to the handle and lifting up
    reviewer weighing a suitcase using the digital scale, which reads 21.5 pounds

    Just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. BTW, BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly recently put this scale to the test while packing for a trip to Iceland — check out her demo of how it works on TikTok!

    Promising review: "I have used this on several trips now and love it. We travel with two kids and need every spare pound when flying; this makes it so easy to check our weight before arriving at the airport." —M. Hovland

    Another promising review: "Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle." —B. M. O'Connor

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in six colors, as well as a two-pack). 

    21. waterproof toiletry bag reviewers say is surprisingly spacious, so you can keep all of your family's bath products in one compact place. Oh, and it conveniently has a hook so you can hang it on a towel rack or shower curtain rod — hotel b-rooms are notoriously low on counter space! 

    reviewer photo of the unfolded toiletry bag filled with products hanging on a bathroom wall
    reviewer holding the pink toiletry bag, which is folded up into a small carrying case

    Promising review: "I’ve had two other travel bags, and they worked fine, but there was always something lacking. This bag has it all! I travel for my kids’ sports regional teams, and this bag is perfect. I can fit everything I need for my family (of five) and then some!" —Christine Tutor

    Another promising review: "I waited too long to review this amazing bag. It's incredibly well made for the price, holds so many items, but somehow feels like it fits just fine in your suitcase without being too bulky. It's really nice to hang once you get to your destination, especially if the bathroom space is tight like in city hotels, or if you have numerous people using one bathroom, you can leave it hanging without being in the way. Anyway, buy now!" —Sarah B

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 styles).

    22. A water-resistant lock box perfect for beach trips, since it'll keep your belongings safe while you play Marco Polo with the kids. Just fasten it around a few beach chairs and enjoy your swim!

    reviewer photo of the white lock box attached to a wooden beach chair
    reviewer showing the inside of a white lock box, which is holding cash and passports

    You can also use this in your room to keep valuables protected in case there isn't a safe.

    Promising review: "Spend time with the kids instead of worrying about your stuff. I bought this for a trip to the beach. As the only adult with two kiddos, I knew I'd want to spend time away from my chair and not worry about my phone getting taken, and it worked beautifully. It's not huge — like a small purse — but I was able to put two phones, my ID, and cash in it. I don't know if it's waterproof, but I had all of this in plastic baggies to keep out the sand anyway. I carried it with me as I moved between the beach chair and the pool chair and have zero complaints. It has a combination lock and a key option, so I kept the key in my hotel room safe as a backup. The combination dials did get tricky when they were full of sand, but I never had an instance where I couldn't open it. I've recommended this to all of my friends and I will take it to the local pool and waterpark going forward." —Melissa

    Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in five colors). 

    23. A Pocket Blanket, which — yes — literally folds up small enough to fit in your pocket! How many of us have thought, "A beach trip sounds like a fun idea!' only to find ourselves carting bulky umbrellas, beach bags, and a million toys from the parking lot to the sand in blazing hot temperatures? With this, you'll at least be spared some headache, and it can fit up to four people!

    writer holding matador blanket in hand
    matador blanket on the beach
    Ciera Velarde / BuzzFeed

    It's also perfect for outdoor concerts, park visits, and one reviewer said they loved using it at Disney!

    Matador is a small biz specializing in durable, innovative products with the intention of making travel easier. 

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Ciera Velarde swears by this thing: "I have this blanket and it really, truly fits in your pocket! When folded completely out, it fits two people lying down and would probably fit up to four people sitting. It's super thin without being flimsy, and any water, dirt, or sand just rolls right off of it. I did get some sunscreen on my blanket the last time I used it, but I threw it in the washing machine when I got home and hung it to dry and it was as good as new. I took this to the beach this summer, and the stakes in the corner and the sand pockets were super helpful at keeping it from flying away in the wind. It also has a very subtle stitched guide on the blanket that you follow to fold it back up to pocket-size. This blanket is so great and is a must for spontaneous hiking trips, beach days, or even a date in the park."

    Promising review: "Must-have for kids. I keep this in a small zippered pouch with other items for the kids. You can throw this thing out and never have to worry about needing to carry a full-size blanket in your truck/car again. Folds super easily, we use it at the lake/beach, summer festivals, or just going to the park and eating lunch before they play. Game-changer." —James Turpin

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three colors, as well as a mini size).

    24. A BevLedge for window seaters who need more space for bottles and everything else young travelers require. It fits right into most airplane window shade slots and has dedicated places for cups, pens, sunglasses, earbuds, and your phone — no annoying tray table in your way!

    reviewer photo of the bevledge attached to a plane window holding an infant's bottle and water bottle
    someone placing earbuds into holes on the bevledge, which is attached to a plane window and holding two drinks, a phone, and sunglasses

    Plus, it folds down flat when not in use for easy packing, and one reviewer said it helps keep their kids from spilling their drinks!

    Promising review: "Do not wait! I can’t even tell you what a blessing this was to travel with. I flew over 15 hours from Tel Aviv to San Francisco with an infant, this kept me organized. I won’t ever travel by plane without it again." —please 6102

    Another promising review: "This is a very useful product and I take it with me on all my flights. Almost every time, the person next to me asks about it. It's especially useful on long-haul flights and international flights when you want that space the tray table takes up. It's light and thin, so takes up little room in my carry-on. Great accessory overall!" —Trung L.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

    25. Or a seat back organizer that'll keep all of your family's flight essentials (water bottles, snacks, phones, tablets, magazines) close at hand. Let's face it, the built-in ones on plane seats never have enough room and often result in lost items. Plus, haven't we all had the misfortune of touching a sticky mystery substance while reaching into them?! 

    Promising review: "Very useful, especially when traveling with kids. Provided easy access and storage to things like water bottles, hand sanitizer, snacks, wipes, headphones. I didn't have to access my carry-on." —JJ

    Another promising review: "Every time I whip this thing out, someone leans across the aisle, asks what it is, and then makes a note to buy one when they get home. On a long-haul flight, it's simply a must for organizing your reading materials, headphones, sanitizing wipes, etc. One seat back pocket just doesn't do the trick! My favorite use for this thing, though, is when I've fallen deep asleep along the way only to wake up in a fog and in a rush to deplane. Instead of having to hastily dig things out of the seat back pocket (and wherever else I've squirreled things during the trip), I just slip the entire thing off of the tray table, pop it in my bag, and worry about sorting things out when I get to where I'm going — safe in the knowledge that I didn't leave anything behind because it's all in the pouches. Love it!" —justinglen

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

    26. A highly rated fold-up booster seat reviewers say is a cinch to assemble and take down. If you have young kids, you've probably schlepped around a bulky highchair at some point, but this absolute lifesaver weighs less than 5 pounds and fits into a neat little pack — tray and all!

    reviewer photo of the teal booster seat on a table
    reviewer photo of the booster seat disassembled next to its carrying bag

    It's designed for children aged six months to 3 years old, and can hold up to 30 pounds. Convenient features include a machine-washable cover, dishwasher-safe swivel tray, and removable "duck feet" to keep it from sinking into surfaces like grass!

    Promising review: "We got this seat for traveling to visit family and it worked great. It fit on all the chairs, and the extra feet attachments were perfect for making it so it wouldn't dig into the seat cushion while strapped down by spreading out the force. It's easy to clean and compact enough that we were able to store it in the car seat while traveling by air, so it did not take up any extra luggage space. At home, we also use it as a chair for our child, who loves to sit in it because it's the perfect height to sit on when it's on the floor." —Sachleen Sandhu

    Another promising review: "I use this every time we go out to eat or to a friend's house. I love how easy it is to set up and take down. If it gets dirty, which it does with a messy 9-month-old, it’s easy to wipe off or take off completely and throw in the wash for the harder messes." —Courtney Embry

    Get it from Amazon for $39.92 (available in three colors). 

    27. The cutest travel games set that'll keep your kids — and probably even you! — entertained during long layovers and unexpected delays. It comes with six dry-erase game boards, with favorites like Connect Four, tic-tac-toe, and hangman, along with markers and a handy carrying case for compact storage. 

    The Travel Games set, including dry-erase boards, markers, and a carrying case
    Jonley Gifts / Etsy

    Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jonley Gifts is a small, family-owned biz you should check out for home decor, personalized items, and cheeky T-shirts. 

    Promising review: "So adorable! Out of several similar travel game options, my kids liked this one best. The quality is amazing for the price." —Samantha Grace

    Another promising review: "My kids enjoyed this so much. It was a great distraction during our layovers! Very well made and will be enjoyed for quite some time!" —Johanna Manbeck

    Get it from Jonley Gifts on Etsy for $27

    28. A bear-y practical fan, flashlight, and USB port in case you've ever gone on a warm family getaway and realized...there is such a thing as *too* warm. Now you'll have a compact heatwave remedy right in your bag at all times, and the flashlight will come in handy when you're exploring at night! Plus, you can never have too many phone chargers when you're traveling with a group.

    reviewer holding the white bear-shaped fan, flashlight, and usb port folded up
    reviewer using the pink fan while walking in the woods

    It's rechargeable (no batteries!) and can be folded and propped up on a desk or other flat surface. Lots of reviewers said it's great to hand on hand if you're experiencing hot flashes!

    Promising review: "Impulse bought this for a 90-degree day at Disneyland and now my kids cannot live without it. It lasted all day on one charge, even with the kids playing with it for hours. Also brought it camping and the flashlight was great for them. Bringing it on every trip from now on." —Michelle

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four colors). 

    29. And finally, a 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow that'll keep your little one warm and comfy on flights — so much cozier than those flimsy airline-distributed ones! It comes in several pretty colors and has a convenient handle pass-through that slips right onto your suitcase.

    reviewer's child sleeping on the pink pillow under the pink blanket on a plane
    reviewer photo of the pink blanket and pillow wrapped up in its carrying case and attached to the handle of their suitcase

    Promising review: "Essential travel item for kids. I bought two of these, one for each kid, on a recent nine-hour redeye to Italy. These blankets were absolute godsends. Using them on the flyaway beds, my kids slept through the entire flight, despite being two and five years old. The scratchy airplane blankets and paper-towel-wrapped pillows they give you on the plane just can’t compare. I will never let these things go." —Courtney Corbello

    Another promising review: "I bought this product before taking a six-hour flight and it was a lifesaver. The pillow has a strap behind it to put it on your luggage so that it doesn't have to be carried. Very convenient when traveling. The blanket kept me warm on the plane and when the blanket is folded into the pillow it is also comfortable. Would definitely recommend." —Robynn

    Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in six colors). 

    You to your child as they're quietly watching a movie on the plane:

    Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.