Travel Must Haves for Moms

5 Must-Have Items for Family Travel (2025)

Here are the top items I am a total stan for. Come over to my house and I will immediately show you my weird Kindle setup and how you can fit a diaper change in the Lululemon belt bag. If you’ve seen my list on how to pack in a carry-on, you know I am obsessed with dual-purpose items, and I only pack what’s necessary. So, what do I go the extra mile for? Check it out:

#1 Kindle Page Turner aka The Clicker

Do not. I repeat, do not sleep on the Kindle accessories. Or, maybe I’m phrasing this incorrectly, because this is one of the only things that helps calm my racing mind and actually get some sleep as a busy mama. And, TBH, I don’t even use a Kindle – I prefer the iPad Kindle app because it has a lot more screen settings I prefer like blue light reduction, typography, and margin size. Bonus? If I’m on a working trip, I can use my iPad as a second monitor. But, that’s a discussion for another day.

Why the clicker matters for travel: One-handed page turning while nursing, holding a sleeping baby on a flight, or reading during layovers and long nights. Game-changer.

As for books I’m recommending? Here are my faves from this year:

The Art Thief (True story of a thieving couple in Europe)
She’s up to No Good (Heartfelt family story)
The Nightingale (WWII historical fiction)
The Women (Vietnam War, another Kristin Hannah)
Don’t Believe It (Quick murder mystery on a luxury beach)
The Last Flight (Two women who switch tickets at the airport)

Shop Kindle Page Turner accessories (works on iPad)

#2 Lululemon Belt Bag

I may actually die on this hill. This is kind of on its way out but it is the best thing I’ve used as a mother. Everything is RIGHT where I need it. Credit card, phone, diaper & wipes. AND it’s small. You’re not getting that from the Louis Vuitton Speedy!

Why it’s perfect for travel moms:

Hands-free for chasing toddlers
Fits essentials for quick diaper changes
Airport security breeze (everything accessible)
Works as a crossbody or waist pack

Get the Lululemon Belt Bag

One thing to note: American Express has just released a $75 quarterly lululemon credit as part of its new benefits package. Don’t forget to activate it!

#3 High-Quality Water Bottle

For you & the kids! I don’t mess with microplastics so I like a glass or stainless bottle and electrolytes to keep us hydrated and healthy on the go & at home.

Best options for family travel:

Stainless steel for durability
Glass for home/car use (this is the one I travel with most frequently)
Kid-friendly spill-proof versions

#4 Travel Backpack (Yes, I Said It)

Or as Dora the Explorer would say “Backpack, Backpack!” I know, I know, another not very cute look but damn it’s convenient! I’ll offer one tote I’ve been using on solo trips as well just so you don’t hate me.

But seriously, having a place I can shove coats on the outside, or the car seat bag through the airport, water bottles on the side holsters, snacks, and my favorite on-the-go diaper bag is a huge win. Dude, it fits under the seat in front of you and doesn’t tip over (looking at YOU, tote bags).

Why backpacks beat totes for family travel:

External straps for coats and car seat bags
Side pockets for water bottles
Fits under airplane seats without tipping
Hands-free for managing kids

Check out my complete packing guide

#5 Portable Sound Machine

I don’t even bring one with me when I travel alone. Check out this awesome hack to turn your phone into a white noise machine which works so great in a pinch. Sleep like an adult who just had a baby (because we all know babies don’t actually sleep).

Why sound machines are travel essentials:

Blocks hotel hallway noise
Creates a familiar sleep environment
Helps with time zone transitions
White noise for airplane naps

Best portable sound machine

#6 Airplane Entertainment Must-Haves for Kids

Let’s be real – keeping kids entertained on flights is basically an Olympic sport. After countless hours in the air with two boys, I’ve narrowed down what actually works versus what just creates more chaos at 30,000 feet.

My go-to airplane entertainment kit:

Reusable Sticker Books – The ultimate quiet activity. I’m talking about those reusable sticker scene books where they can stick and re-stick for hours. Bonus: they’re flat and don’t take up precious carry-on space. I grab a new one before every big trip so they’re novel and exciting.

Compact Travel Toys – Think small, think quiet, think no rolling pieces. I love magnetic drawing boards, fidget toys, and anything that doesn’t require assembly mid-flight when you’re trying to drink your lukewarm coffee.

New Small Surprises – Bring a movable book with lots of images, a new hot wheels car, or other small toys they haven’t seen in a long time.

Screen Time Essentials – Yes, we’re doing screens on long flights, and I’m not apologizing for it. After 16.5 Hrs to Singapore, I was so glad my son loved “watching” Toy Story 7x (aka, he played with the built in seat back screen controls). Download shows on the iPad and bring kid-safe headphones that actually fit, and don’t forget to charge everything the night before!

Pro tip: Keep everything in your backpack or their personal item if they’re old enough to manage one.

What NOT to bring: