When traveling with toddlers, the journey can be just as important and memorable as the destination. This is why giving your toddler their own luggage can make all the difference. It’s not only more fun for little ones to have their own toddler suitcase to pull (or even ride), but parents might appreciate the extra space!
As a traveling parent with extensive experience traveling with toddlers, I know how precious extra space is. Just think about all the extra space you’ll have in your own bags when you aren’t stuck carrying around your kids’ snacks and stuffies all the time.
The one downfall of getting a travel suitcase for toddlers, is the risk of having to carry one more piece of luggage yourself! If you trust that your toddler will be interested in pulling their own suitcase, or you opt for a toddler ride-on suitcase, then these bags are worth the price for the extra space.
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My 5 Favorite Toddler Suitcases
Choosing luggage for kids can be tough because there are so many options to sift through. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my recommended toddler travel suitcases.
1. JetKids by Stokke BedBox
Key Features
JetKids by Stokke BedBox is a top-of-the-line ride-on suitcase for toddlers that comes with an airplane bed for toddlers feature. It takes only 5 simple steps to convert this suitcase into your child’s airplane bed.
Spacious for all toddler carry-on essentials
With swivel wheels that rotate on all direction
With adjustable strap for easy pull or carry
With a mattress and fun stickers for customization
2. iPlay, iLearn Kids Carry On Luggage Set
Key Features
The iPlay, iLearn Carry On Luggage Set comes with a toddler travel suitcase and matching toddler travel backpack at a surprisingly affordable price point.
With impressive internal compartmentalization
Features spinner wheels
The backpack comes with a strap for easy attachment
With automatic spring back handle
3. Rockland Jr. Kids’ My First Luggage
Key Features
Hard, lightweight and equipped with 360° spin wheels, this polycarbonate suitcase for toddlers is durable and adorable at the same time. The design of the bag comes in an exciting assortment of characters to choose from.
With adjustable pull handle for parents and kids
Has rubber zippers and luggage tags
With 360 degree spin wheels
Durable and lightweight
4. Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Suitcase
Key Features
This toddler travel suitcase is a winner when it comes to compartments. Its multiple pockets come with externally attached meshed compartments that can accommodate all of your toddlers screen free travel toys (best to keep heavier tablets or iPads in your own carry-on).
Best for carrying toddlers must-haves, toys, and gadgets
With multiple pockets and meshed compartments
With an extendable handle
Durable prints that attract toddlers
5. Yodo Toddler Rolling Backpack with Wheels
Key Features
This suitcase for toddlers comes in two sizes; large and small, and will make heads turn due to its adorable design. The large size is about 11.8 x 7 x 18 inches and medium is 9.5 x 4.5 x 14.5 inches.
Features a large pocket to hold snacks and other small things
With mesh pockets on the sides
With 3-way luggage system that turns into a backpack, hand bag, and trolley
With a stitched name tag
3 Types of Suitcases for Toddlers
1. Ride-On Suitcase for Toddlers
As the name implies, this toddler ride-on suitcase serves a dual purpose. In addition to being a suitcase, these ride-on suitcases let you carry and roll your toddler alongside you when they get tired and cranky from walking. They typically come with spinner wheels that rotate in all directions and a mechanism to fasten your toddler in place while moving them along.
A ride-on suitcase for toddlers might not be worth it, if you are also traveling with a toddler travel stroller.
2. Hardshell with Spinner Wheels
Suitcases of this nature are lightweight but tough on the exterior. This sturdy combination is also often coupled with features like spinner wheels. These bags are shock and scratch resistant due to being made of polycarbonate.
3. Classic Rolling Suitcase
Much like the basic suitcase, this luggage comes with in-line skater wheels with compartments for organized accommodation. It has an adjustable handle for strolling and some can even be used as a toddler backpack for travel.
Traveling with a toddler can be a little intimidating sometimes. Make sure you’ve brought everything with my toddler carry on packing list (with printable)!
Buying a Toddler Suitcase
Here are the things to consider when buying a toddler travel suitcase:
The Type of Toddler Suitcase
This choice can be made depending on your budget, needs and travel frequency. While ride-on suitcases are pricier than the rest, special features like an airplane bed, extra space and a seat to carry your toddler around make them worth it.
Hardshell suitcases are lightweight and sport a tough exterior, while classic rolling type suitcases meet basic traveling needs with in-line wheels and enough pockets to organize your packing.
Price
Depending on the type, make and materials of a suitcase, the price of your purchase can vary between $30- $200. As discussed above, ride-on suitcases tend to be on the higher end of scale, but some premium quality hardshell and even classic rolling suitcases can fall into the $40-$80 bracket. This makes them a solid option for those on a budget but still after quality.
Size
A thoughtfully designed, ergonomic suitcase is a big plus when a tiny tot is going to be maneuvering it with their little hands. 16-inch bags are best for toddlers to reach, as opposed to 18 and 19 inch bags.
Also check the size of the handle on the trolley. A 13-inch adjustable handle is ideal for your child’s easy reach. The final and arguably most important thing to ensure when it comes to size, is that the suitcase is light enough to be pulled by your toddler.
Durability
This is an important factor to consider when looking for a long term investment. While a hardshell toddler suitcase has a clear advantage in this department, buying any toddler suitcase with a warranty can help you better trust the manufacturer in their claims. Look for sturdy mesh pockets and wheel quality to help you make an informed decision.
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Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she’s helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.
