Travelling with a toddler is one of life's great adventures — and we mean that in the most honest way possible. It can be magical, chaotic, hilarious, and exhausting, often all within the same hour. But with the right kit packed and a little preparation, long journeys with little ones can actually go smoothly.
Whether you're facing a four-hour motorway drive or a flight to somewhere sunny, here's everything you need in your ultimate toddler travel kit.
Before You Pack: The Golden Rule
The secret to stress-free toddler travel isn't packing more — it's packing smarter. Focus on items that are lightweight, reusable, and genuinely engaging for your child's age and interests. And always, always have a backup plan.
Snacks (More Than You Think You Need)
Pack double what you think is reasonable. Toddlers are unpredictable eaters at the best of times, and travel tends to throw their routines completely off. Go for a mix of familiar favourites and a couple of exciting treats held in reserve for moments of genuine desperation.
Good travel snacks: rice cakes, raisins, cheese portions, breadsticks, fruit pouches, and a secret chocolate biscuit for emergencies.
Entertainment: The Real MVP
This is where your travel kit lives or dies. The key is variety — rotate activities every 20–30 minutes to keep things fresh.
Printable activity packs are an absolute game-changer for travel. You can print them the night before, pop them in a folder, and hand them out one at a time throughout the journey. Three of our most popular picks for travel are:
- Fluffy Friends Kids Colouring Book — gorgeous animal illustrations that keep little ones colouring happily for ages
- Cute Dog Colouring Pages — 26 adorable dog designs that are a hit with animal-loving kids
- Preschool & Year 1 Activity Worksheets — tracing letters, shapes, and numbers, perfect for keeping young minds busy and learning on the go
All are instant downloads — print them the night before and they're ready to go.
Other entertainment essentials:
- A small colouring tin with a few felt tips and pencils
- Sticker books (mess-free and endlessly absorbing)
- A favourite small toy or comfort item
- A simple card game like Snap or pairs
- Audiobooks or a familiar playlist for quieter moments
Comfort Items
Never underestimate the power of the familiar. Pack their favourite blanket or soft toy, a travel pillow if they're old enough, and a spare change of clothes (for them and, honestly, for you too).
The Changing and Cleaning Kit
Wipes. So many wipes. Also: nappy bags, a portable changing mat, hand sanitiser, a spare outfit, and a small first aid kit with plasters and infant paracetamol. You won't need all of it — but you'll be very glad it's there when you do.
Pacing the Journey
Build in stops if you're driving — every 90 minutes or so gives everyone a chance to stretch, run around, and reset. If you're flying, time your journey around nap time where possible, and board last so your toddler spends as little time confined to their seat as possible before take-off.
On the plane or in the car, introduce new activities gradually rather than all at once. Save the best ones — the special sticker book, the new colouring pack — for when you really need them.
The Night Before Checklist
Print this off and tick it off the evening before you travel:
- ✅ Snack bag packed and accessible
- ✅ Activity folder printed and ready (colouring pages, puzzles, drawing sheets)
- ✅ Comfort toy and blanket in hand luggage
- ✅ Wipes, nappies, and changing kit stocked up
- ✅ Spare clothes for toddler (and you)
- ✅ Favourite playlist or audiobook downloaded offline
- ✅ First aid kit checked
- ✅ Your own snacks and something to read — you deserve it
Ready to Build Your Travel Activity Pack?
Our instant-download printables are perfect for travel — print them the night before and you're good to go. Browse our Best Sellers for the most popular kids' activity sheets, or explore our full printables collection to find the perfect fit for your little one.
Visit the Reggie & Co. homepage to discover everything we have to offer.
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