and the popular travel item we skip!
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BABY CARRIER or toddler carrier
Did you know you can wear your baby or toddler through TSA security? It is clear on their website, and I have done it countless times. I have even worn two babies simultaneously in a carrier through TSA security!
Traveling is simply easier when your hands are free. Instead of juggling a baby or trying to hold little hands while navigating a busy airport, a carrier gives you mobility and control.
We often use our stroller to transport backpacks and car seats, so having a carrier adds another safe, secure spot for a child while we move through the chaos.
I especially love using a carrier during boarding. Thanks to the next two non-negotiables, this part of the trip can get hectic. Managing three toddlers, three car seats, a stroller (packed in a travel bag), and our own backpacks down the jet bridge is no small task. Wearing one (or two!) of the kids keeps them close and secure while freeing up my hands to carry everything else onto the plane.
HERE are some of my favorite carriers, including a tandem carrier for twins!
CAR SEATS on the airplane
Using an FAA-approved child restraint device (car seat) is considered the safest way for children to fly. During turbulence or unexpected events like a rough takeoff or landing, a properly installed car seat provides the kind of protection that a parent holding a lap infant or a standard airplane seatbelt simply can’t.
Beyond safety, car seats make the entire experience more comfortable for everyone. Kids are already familiar with their car seat. It is a space they associate with sitting, resting, and even sleeping, so they are more likely to stay calm and settled during the flight. And for parents, it’s a huge relief to know your child is secure and contained, rather than constantly trying to keep them in place. It also frees up your hands, which is invaluable when you’re managing multiple kids and all the gear, toys, and snacks that you pack for them.
There’s also a practical reason to bring your car seat on board: you’ll need it when you arrive. Checking a car seat under the plane can lead to damage that isn’t always visible but can compromise its safety. Bringing it with you ensures it stays in good condition and is ready to use as soon as you land.
HERE are our favorite travel car seats that we have brought on airplanes!
STROLLER BAG for gate-checking
If you’re gate-checking your stroller, a protective travel bag is a must. Strollers take a beating during loading and unloading, and a bag adds an extra layer of protection against bumps, scratches, and the elements—whether that’s rain on the tarmac or general grime from the cargo hold.
It also helps keep everything together. Loose accessories like cup holders, snack trays, or clips can easily get knocked off in transit. A travel bag contains it all, so you’re not arriving at your destination missing pieces.
Another bonus: extra storage. Before handing it over at the gate, you can toss in jackets, diapers, or other items you don’t need during the flight. It’s a simple way to lighten your carry-on load while keeping everything in one place.
One thing to keep in mind: once your stroller is packed in a travel bag, it can be a bit more awkward to manage on the jet bridge. Instead of rolling it alongside you, you’ll need to carry it, which can feel like a lot when you’re already juggling kids, car seats, and backpacks. But we embrace the short-term struggle for the long-term reward of protection.
HERE are the two padded stroller bags we have and use!
One travel trend we personally pass on? The compact stroller designed to fit in the overhead bin.
While it sounds convenient in theory, the reality is a bit more complicated. Every airline has different size requirements for carry-on items, and many parents are surprised to find that their “overhead-friendly” stroller doesn’t actually fit when it’s time to board. That’s a stressful moment no one needs.
And if you’re traveling with multiple kids, this option often isn’t even on the table. There aren’t any double strollers that fit in an overhead bin, so families with more than one young child have to figure out a different system anyway.
Plus, when you’re not limiting yourself to overhead-bin-friendly options, you have far more flexibility in choosing the stroller that actually works best for your family both during travel and at your destination.
For us, gate-checking a full-size stroller (protected in a travel bag) just makes more sense and keeps things simpler overall.