best buys
The most brilliant buys for travelling with kids
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
Going on holiday with small children can seem even harder than staying at home - just with better weather!
We've rounded up the pick of the latest clever buys to make going on family holidays easier (even if it's just for the weekend), whether you're travelling by plane, car or by good old public transport.
These products will help to make the trip run much more smoothly for both you and your little ones!
Read our other guides to keeping the kids entertained in the car. as well as tips for travelling abroad with a baby.
1. Pop-Up Travel Bubble
*A comfortable cot ideal for use at home and on holidays or weekends away
*Ideal for babies aged 6-18 months and when outgrown, makes an ideal playhouse for little ones
*Measures 100 x 60 x 58 cm
Suitable for babies between 6-18 months, this handy bassinet pops up in seconds and has a super-comfy padded mattress. The fun spotty print will be loved by toddlers, and it's great for little ones who like their own space to play or go for a nap. It comes with its own carry bag, too, and is super lightweight, so ideal for you to carry around when travelling.
2. Suitcase Scooter
*Super fun suitcase with scooter attached to the back
*Folds up so it can also be pulled along or carried
*Suitable for children up to 50kg in weight
Wow! This innovative new travel case has a fold down scooter at the rear to keep tots entertained and is available in two sizes, from 2-4 or 4-8 years old.
It'll make packing that bit more exciting, and means children won't be complaining about having to walk in the airport or when out and about. Just make sure to check that the suitcase is the right size for your airline carrier regulations.
3. Skybaby Travel Mattress, £27
*Suitable from birth, fully-washable mattress for use on aeroplanes
*Works with or without the airline infant belt
*Comes in its own self-contained bag and weighs only 300g
A clever roll-up mattress that makes a cosy nest for your baby to sleep in when travelling by plane. It's washable and suitable from birth, plus the mattress is very lightweight and rolls up into its own compact bag for carrying around when not in use. It works with an airline infant belt, or can be used without one.
Your baby will be so much more comfortable, and you'll just be thankful that they're more likely to sleep.
4. Babyzen Yoyo2, £429
*Weighs 6.1kg
*Two year guarantee included in the price
*Suitable for babies aged six months up to around three years old (22kg), but can be converted into a pram for newborns
One of the first super compact models on the market, the YOYO2 can be carried onto a plane as hand luggage and has a 'soft drive' system so the wheels glide over any type of terrain with ease.
It can also be converted into a pram suitable for babies from birth, using a newborn pack sold separately.
5. Pod Clip-on Highchair
*High chair which can be clamped onto any table (except for glass)
*Suitable for little ones from three months to three-years-old
*Folds down flat so you can easily store it when not in use
This portable highchair can be clamped onto pretty much any table and folds away easily after mealtimes. It's lightweight and can fit in your bag, making it great for eating out too.
The adjustable clamps fit almost all table sizes, and the seat holds little ones up to 15kg (around three-years-old) It's available in four colours, and is very comfortable for babies thanks to the soft fabric.
6. Yondi Head and Neck Cushion
*Super comfy head and neck support for traveling toddlers that stops little heads falling forward
*Fun animal character designs mean your little one can choose their favourite (and it doubles as a toy!)
*Ergonomically-designed to keep your little one's head comfy at all times when travelling
This cosy head and neck cushion will make napping on-the-go much easier, and you can choose from ten different animal friends.
It also comes with the unique Trunki Grip so your little one can attach their favourite comforter or blanket.
7. Tron disposable travel potty (12-pack)
*Solves the problem of not having a toilet when travelling
*Must-have for trips out in the car, long or short
*Also a brilliant camping buy for children's potty training routine
Lightweight and made from biodegradable materials, this disposable cardboard potty is small enough to fit in your changing bag when folded. It's ideal for taking on road trips or when camping, as your little one won't have to use big toilets or nappies which may disrupt their potty training. Plus, it's good for the environment, can withstand weight of up to 50kg and is hygienic.
8. Mini Messenger Changing Bag
*Comes with a padded changing mat and insulated bottle holder
*Ideal for travelling thanks to the shoulder strap
*Has both an outside zip pocket and an inside zip pocket
A cross-body style bag is perfect for freeing up your hands and it still has enough room for all your changing gear. The zip pockets ensure your belongings such as passport and phone will be kept safe, and it comes with a removable drawstring thermal insulated bottle pouch which keeps liquids insulted for up to four hours – just what you need to keep your baby fed and happy when in long queues at the airport.
9. Baby Bottle Warmer
*Bottle warmer which is powered by your car
*A must-have for long car journeys, or for warming up baby's bottle on day trips out
*Made from insulating and waterproof material
A winner for long-haul car journeys, the Miniland Warmy can heat baby food as well as milk, and is powered by your car's cigarette lighter.
It's suitable for both milk and baby food, and it's suitable for all sizes of baby bottles and jars of baby food – plus it has Velcro fasteners to attach to a pram or bag once you get out of the car.
Read on...
- Clever ways to beat jet lag when you're travelling with kids
- The best travel buys for nights away with your baby
- The best travel products to stop the kids fighting in the back seat