Travel

How to Fly With Kids: The Gear and Advice That Make It Easier

Flying with kids takes more than a bag full of distractions. These are the products, packing strategies and hard-earned lessons that help us navigate airports, flights and unfamiliar nights with less stress.

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Most Comfortable Wireless Headphones

CozyPhones

Ages 3-10

Toddler Headphones

What We Love

Soft headband stays comfortably in place
Flat speakers work well against seats and pillows
Reliable Bluetooth with a wired backup

Worth Knowing

Does not block loud background noise
No adjustable sizing beyond the stretchy fabric
The 90 dB limit still requires volume monitoring

$29.95

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Best Mess-Free Coloring

Crayola

Ages 3+

Color Wonder Activity Kit

What We Love

Markers will not color furniture, clothing, or skin
Plenty of activities beyond basic coloring
Can hold a focused child’s attention for extended periods

Worth Knowing

Eight loose markers are easy to lose while traveling
Color takes a moment to appear
Requires proprietary Color Wonder paper

$21.99

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Best Headrest Tablet Holder

LISEN

Ages 1+

iPad Holder for Car

What We Love

Installs in seconds without tools
Centers one screen between two kids
Adjustable reach and viewing angle

Worth Knowing

Requires two exposed headrest posts
May wobble with a heavy tablet fully extended
Vehicle and device fit should be checked before buying

$17.99

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Best Airplane Hack

COZYBONDER

Ages 2-9

Toddler Airplane Bed

What We Love

Extends the seat to support kids’ legs and feet
Soft velvet surface with a waterproof underside
Packs into a small drawstring bag

Worth Knowing

The suspended section sags under weight and works better as a leg rest than a flat bed

$25.99

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Best Spill-Proof Bottle

Contigo

Ages 3+

Aubrey Kids Water Bottle

What We Love

Highly leak-resistant when fully closed
Survives drops and rough daily use
Lid opens for thorough cleaning

Worth Knowing

Kids must remember to close the spout
Plastic exterior scratches and dents
Plastic version is not insulated

$16.99

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Best Toddler Snack Cup

Munchkin

Ages 1+

Snack Catcher

What We Love

Screw-on lid stays attached
Silicone flaps contain most snacks
Separates fully for easy cleaning

Worth Knowing

Fine crumbs can escape
Not sealed for carrying in a bag
Determined toddlers may unscrew the lid

$5.99

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Best Packing Hack

LeanTravel

Ages 2+

Premium Compression Packing Cubes

What We Love

Keeps clothing organized throughout the trip
Mesh panels make contents easy to identify
Compression reduces the bulk of soft clothing

Worth Knowing

Expensive compared with basic packing cubes
Dense clothing gains little from compression
Saves space but does not reduce luggage weight

$43.99

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Best Gear Strap

PK Toy Safety Straps, Stretchable Silicone Pacifier Clips Baby Toddler Bottle Toy Harness Straps for Strollers

4PK

Ages 1+

Toy Safety Strap

What We Love

Keeps bottles, toys, and snack cups from getting dropped
Works across a wide range of situations
Simple and easy to use

Worth Knowing

Not load-bearing; meant for lightweight items
Another small item to keep track of

$7.99

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Best Lo-Fi Road Trip Entertainment

B. Toys

Ages 2+

Magentic Drawing Board

What We Love

Screen-free and completely mess-free
Cushioned backing works well on kids’ laps
Attached stylus stays with the board

Worth Knowing

Animal stamps frequently fall out
Magnetic lines can appear faint
Bulkier than a flat travel drawing board

$23.62

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How to Fly With Kids: The Gear and Advice That Make It Easier

Bobby Lea

7 min read

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