Family vacation: 10 must-have products for travelling with kids

Family vacations are the stuff of memories, but the actual travel part with little ones can be a bit, um, stressful. You want to prep yourself with boredom-busting activities and some of these handy products.

Your little one will have a blast scooting around at the airport on this sturdy Melissa & Doug carry-on. There’s also a tow strap to pull "Trunki" along and enough storage space to pack everything your child needs for the trip. Integrated wheels and stabilizers help prevent the suitcase from toppling over, so you can rest assured your child can handle transporting his or her own luggage.

Where to buy?
Melissa & Doug, Trunki, $40, bellylaughs.ca

Made of soft, plush velour, this Skip Hop Zoo little kid travel neck rest comes in different animal designs including a bee, a dog, a monkey and an owl. Perfectly sized for the little traveller, the pillow is sure to become your child’s best buddy on road trips and flights.

Where to buy?
Skip Hop, Zoo little kid travel neck rest, $16, raspberrykids.com

Flying with an infant on your lap? Protect baby from turbulence and potential injuries using this Baby B'Air safety vest that buckles your child into your own seat belt. This FAA-approved device is as comfortable for you to wear as it is for baby to be strapped in. The vest is excellent for long-haul flights as it will keep your arms free and baby secure should you happen to fall asleep. Available in infant and toddler sizes that fit children six weeks to two years of age.

Where to buy?
Flight vest, Baby B'Air, $34, amazon.ca

This BabyBjörn Play Yard light is safe and stable for newborns to children up to three years of age. Assembled with one simple movement, you’ll set up this lightweight crib – weighs only 11 pounds – with a firm mattress in no time for a secure and comfy snooze for baby. When you’re ready to pack up, place the crib back in its handy case.

Where to buy?
Play Yard Light, BabyBjörn, $330, snugglebugz.ca

Keep kids entertained and their creativity flowing with this on-the-go Crayola Color Wonder kit that consists of mess-free markers – the inks won’t appear on skin, walls, or carpet – and an activity book. The case may be used as a portable writing surface and there’s even a separate storage for the markers so kids can change colours without opening the entire tote.

Where to buy?
Color Wonder travel tote, Crayola, $14, mrstiggywinkles.ca

This toddler-friendly Fisher Price gadget accessory is ideal for parents protective of their iPad. Once the tablet is locked into the case, it’s guarded behind a clear film that keeps your iPad free of baby’s drool. There’s also the option of covering the iPad’s home button so your little one doesn’t inadvertently stop the show or game by continuously pressing on it.

Where to buy?
Laugh & Learn Apptivity case, Fisher Price, $50, toysrus.ca

Take this travel accessory with you whenever you’re dining out and baby will always have a place to sit. The Totseat is designed to fit on virtually any chair shape or size, and conveniently folds up into its own compact travel pouch.

Where to buy?
Travel highchair, Totseat, $40, snugglebugz.ca

This handy on-the-go Medibuddy first-aid kit comes with bandages in three sizes, a sting relief pad, gauze pads, burn relief cream, antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointments – everything you need for those minor scrapes and scratches that are bound to occur even on vacation.

Where to buy?
Travel first-aid kit, Medibuddy, $6, dearbornbaby.com

Be the mom who’s got runny noses covered wherever you go. If your child is susceptible to catching colds or has various allergies, these saline wipes help to dissolve and break up mucus, keeping little noses clean and clear.

Where to buy?
Saline nose wipes, Boogie Wipes, $4, toysrus.ca

Lull baby to sleep with the soothing sounds of nature – a gentle stream, spring showers, ocean waves or whale songs – while you’re away from home and in an unfamiliar setting. This smaller version of the original Sleep Sheep is a mere eight-inches tall and fits nicely into a diaper bag or carry-on luggage.

Where to buy?
Sleep Sheep on the go, Cloud B, $40, momstobeandmore.com

Flying with kid: How to have a stress-free flight>