7 Must-Have Items You Need in a Kid Carry-On

Packing up the kids for an amazing flight to their next adventure on vacation? Here is our go-to list of items that parents sometimes forget to put in their child’s carry-on.

Kids, spills, and accidents all kind of go together. Things happen while traveling and it’s best to have a back-up change of clothes (or two) in case an emergency switch is needed. Pack these in a ziplock bag for safekeeping or for containing any super messes on clothes that will need to be washed later. Even if your children are beyond the age for wipes, a travel size container of them can be a lifesaver for cleaning up kiddos and messes in-flight.

Many children, especially young ones, have a special object that helps them stay calm. Whether a blanket, stuffed animal or a favorite toy, these special items belong in a carry-on and not checked bag. If a checked bag is lost, many things can be replaced. However, a favorite item needed to sleep is NOT something that can easily be found at the resort gift shop. Many parents chose to attach an item locator to a child’s favorite object while flying just in case something goes missing in transit.

Airline service isn’t what it used to be. If you are remembering the glory days of flying when you got served meals and beverages every 20 minutes, you will want to jump to the 21^st century while packing your kids. The served snacks, if there are any, may also not be super kid friendly. Hungry kids aren’t happy kids, so it’s best to bring TSA-compliant snacks your kid would enjoy. Your pastes and liquids (things like solid peanut butter, milk, or applesauce/yogurt pouches) are considered liquids by the TSA and counted towards your liquid allotment inside a quart-sized clear bag. We recommend instead: granola or protein bars, sandwiches, crackers, cookies, carrots, and dried fruit. Any fresh fruit and veggies will need to be discarded before customs. Remember: get your kiddos a beverage after security to bring on the plane. Planes don’t have kid’s cups, so make sure you have whatever cup, straw, or disposable sippie you need to help your child out.

Once you arrive at your destination, your room may not be ready. You won’t be stuck waiting if you have your swimwear ready to go. You can leave your luggage with the front desk, change in the lobby restrooms, and head out for fun while your room finishes up.

Kids often struggle to pop their ears and adjust to the pressure of an air cabin. This can make for cranky kids. If your children are old enough to chew gum, this can help. If not, lifesavers, skittles, or other candies that promote chewing and sucking can help younger children. For the tiniest travelers, nursing or drinking from a bottle or straw during take-off and landing can help pop their ears.

If you are counting on a tablet or device to get you through a flight, make sure you pack the device, cord, and a backup power bank. We also highly recommend you make sure all your entertainment is downloaded to the device and does not need the internet to work. Make sure you turn off cellular capability to any kiddo devices so you don’t end up with international roaming!

If you are traveling internationally, you will need your child’s passport as ID. If you are traveling domestically, airlines have the right to ask for ID (though many don’t). Make sure you have a birth certificate in case you get asked. Also, if only one parent or a non-legal guardian is traveling with a child internationally, it’s always good to have a notarized letter from both parents stating permission to travel.

About The Traveling Compass:

The Traveling Compass is a full-service luxury travel agency. Our success is built on a foundation of unmatched expertise and outstanding customer service. Our travel agents specialize in international travel, corporate incentive trips, destination weddings & honeymoons, multigenerational travel, luxury leisure, and family travel. We are also Authorized Disney Vacation Planners with experience assisting families that have children with special needs or large families or groups with complicated dining reservations for over 20 guests.  Our personalized travel itineraries are designed to help discerning, time-pressed travelers plan the most elaborate vacations, down to the smallest detail. As luxury travel agents, we are dedicated to creating and facilitating travel experiences that expand awareness and give each person a real sense of the country and culture they are visiting. It is our mission to make sure you have the travel experience of a lifetime, every time.