4 awesome products for flying with toddlers

We all know flying with young ones can be tough. We have found travel products that make taking to the skies with tots just a little less stressful.

JetKids™ by Stokke® BedBox™

RRP $299

This nifty suitcase doubles as a fun ride-on with swivel wheels for pint-sized travellers aged from three to seven, as well as a seat extension to provide extra room on a plane, ferry or bus seat for little ones aged two and up. It may weigh just over three kilos, but it offers enough packing room for young travellers’ essentials, before it converts into a lie-flat bed. Plus, it was voted as one of TIME’s 100 best inventions of 2021! Just remember, if you’re planning on using your BedBox™ in-flight, check Stokke’s® list of approved airlines before booking.

Verdict Can we call genius on this one? We love the Scandinavian-chicness and aviation-inspired design. It’s a real winner for kids who want a fun suitcase as well as the ease and comfort of being able to lie down while travelling.

ErgoPouch Sleep Suit Bag

RRP: $59.95—$84.95

Getting your little person to sleep is high on the agenda for most parents flying with tots. It’s not just the glares from fellow passengers that fill you with fear; it’s the jet-lagged baby at the other end of the flight. Soften that landing with an ergoPouch Sleep Suit Bag. This cosy suit converts from a stretchy sleeping bag with nappy-change access to a sleep suit with legs and grip pads on the bottom of the feet. With TOG ratings (measure of thermal resistance/warmth) of 0.3, 2.5, and 3.0, you can select the right weight for your destination.

Our verdict Especially good for combatting freezing in-flight air conditioning.

Standout sit-down luggage – Trunki Design Your Own

RRP: $99.954

Let your kid design their own Trunki suitcase for the ultimate in pre-travel novelty. Trunki’s range of ride-on suitcases doubles as a source of entertainment for kids who are stuck waiting in airport lounges. Make their bag stand out by logging into the Trunki site’s customiser tool and letting your kid go nuts with the colour and pattern selector. Made from lightweight durable plastic, these suitcases come with a free five-year guarantee against even the most destructive toddlers.

Verdict Ideal for getting a nervous traveller excited about an upcoming trip.

Safe and dry – Plane Pal Pram Pal

RRP: $49.95

Have you ever arrived at your destination only to find that your pram has taken a beating in transit? Or been sitting in the rain on the luggage trailer? The Pram Pal universal pram protector is a zip-up cover that ensures your pram arrives dry, clean and undamaged. Made from high quality waterproof nylon, it is available in two sizes: large for double prams and regular for narrower prams, strollers and cots.

Verdict This is a no-brainer for protecting an expensive pram from rough handling.

General advice for heading overseas with kids

Check the Smart Traveller website for the country you’re planning on visiting for the latest advice and safety updates. This will help you understand the travel requirements, as they vary between destinations.

Before you book

Ensure all members of the family who are eligible to be, are fully vaccinated, as your immunity will not only help protect your unvaccinated little ones but help minimise the risk of you falling ill. Looking after a baby when you are away on holiday and sick is no easy task.

Insurance

While you’re planning, make sure you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy and read through the product disclosure statement thoroughly to know what you are, and are not, covered for. Not all insurers will cover COVID-19, while some only offer limited cover. Cover-More and NIB Travel Insurance are two insurers providing COVID-19 travel insurance benefits across selected policies. We recommend choosing the plan that has the best cover, rather than the cheapest one.

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.