Traveling safely and comfortably with children can be a challenge, whether you are traveling by air, road, water or rail. Keeping the kids happy from the start and giving them a way to participate in the act of traveling is a good experience for the children and will reduce the stress level for the parents as well.
One of the great tips when traveling with children is to see that items that they need during travel are readily at hand. Childrens luggage is a great tool for active participation from the child that gives her or him a sense of responsibility and a measure of control over their own things. Pack the kids suitcases with items that they can get themselves when they need it, or at the very least, you can get child’s items from their own suitcase instead of having to dig through your own to find the right thing.
Childrens luggage should be fun! Go shopping with the kids and let them choose their own. Kids suitcases come in so many colors or with different characters on them that you’re sure to find something your child will like. Keep in mind the ease and accessibility of getting things out of the various pockets and compartments. Remember, you want your child to be able to get to their stuff without an adult having to open or close pouches for them. And if you are planning on air travel, be sure the suitcase will fit comfortably beneath the seat in front of your child so they can get to it.
If you have more than one child, and even if you don’t, consider getting personalized kids luggage. Not only will your child have a sense of pride of ownership, but it will save any unnecessary mistaken identities with other travelers luggage. An alternative to a suitcase could be a backpack. You can buy personalized kids backpacks for the kids, and I’ve even seen a kids rolling backpack with wheels.
How to Choose Good Kids Suitcases
The two main features of good childrens luggage should be 1) lightweight enough so that your child will still be able to carry and/or maneuver it when it is packed. And 2) durability and maintenance. Kids suitcases are for kids, so you need a size and weight that is appropriate for the age and size of the child using it. Handles, straps or wheels (on kids rolling luggage), need to be comfortable for them to grip, carry and maneuver. Durability is important because kids tend to be rougher with their things and you want this suitcase or backpack to last awhile. Ease of cleaning is also important to keep the kids suitcases looking bright and cheery for the next trip.
One of the better options is lightweight kids rolling luggage which has large compartments for storing clothes, books, shoes and other necessities while a number of pockets both inside and outside can provide them with more storage capacity and easier accessibility during the trip. The best part is that it can easily be rolled on its wheels, so your child doesn’t have to carry the entire weight of the luggage. Be sure to avoid luggage with cheap plastic wheels, as these are not durable and if they break someone is going to end up carrying the luggage instead of rolling it as it was intended.
What Goes Into Kids Suitcases
Think comfort, necessities and entertainment! Depending on the length of time for your trip and any restrictions you may encounter, you’ll want to pack those items your child can use for herself or himself during the trip. Comfort and necessity items might include medication, tissue, a sweater, slippers, a change of underwear. Unrefrigerated snacks might be appropriate, water or juice boxes if allowed. Be sure to keep them entertained with their favorite books, games, mp3 player with their favorite music, and other fun diversions. And while you’re at it, include a plastic grocery bag for trash, so you can keep your traveling area neat. You might also want to keep a supply of wet wipes available to clean fingers, faces and accidents, which can then be tossed in the plastic bag for disposal.
Your children can be good travellers if you help make the journey an easy one. Let them take part in the adventure and get a sense of self-sufficiency by letting them have some control over their own things, whether it’s getting a toy or a snack out of their suitcase or backpack when they want it. It will make them feel less vulnerable during the trip and your entire family can have a good traveling experience.