I’m a mother of three, and these are the kids’ travel essentials that I won’t travel without

Initially got this for a pram fan for walks in the desert heat, but now I don’t leave the house without it. The Gaiatop Mini Fan is a little lifesaver. It's surprisingly powerful, quiet, and it securely clips to the stroller without wobbling. It’s kept my youngest cool on stuffy car rides, hot park days, and even during meal times. Total game changer if you’re going abroad or you’re just done with fanning them with your hands on a warm summer's day.

This hard-shell case is designed to fit between their seat and the one in front, doubling as a seat extender for long-haul flights. I love its simplicity and the fact that it comes with stickers, including letters for complete personalisation. When your little one is ready to snooze, you can install the case's padding to make it even more comfortable.

It's worth noting that not all airlines will allow this case, so it's best to check before flying. The wheels are effortless to manoeuvre, even with a child on top, and we were impressed by how smoothly it glides through the terminal. Additionally, it comes with a contrasting orange lead, making it easy for an adult to pull, especially after the pram has been checked in.

This all-in-one travel adapter is a game-changer for families. Compact and solidly built, it’s designed to work in over 150 countries, perfect if you're navigating a multi-stop itinerary with little ones in tow. I love how intuitive it is to use, with sliders that click satisfyingly into place for UK, EU, US, and AUS plugs.

It features multiple USB ports, so you can charge your phone, kids' tablets, and a white noise machine without having to switch the moment they hit 20 per cent. The built-in safety shutters are a reassuring touch when curious toddler fingers are nearby, and the bold LED indicator is easy to spot in a dim airport lounge. Just note, it doesn’t convert voltage, so you’ll still need a separate converter for things like hairdryers.

These Amazon Basics Packing Cubes are a lifesaver for chaotic family suitcases. Whether you're cramming clothes for three kids or trying to keep your shirts separate from baby grows, these cubes bring a sense of calm to the madness. I was pleasantly surprised at how lightweight yet super durable these were. I really appreciated the strong double zippers that glide smoothly even when stuffed to the brim.

This compact white noise machine is a godsend for travel naps and hotel bedtime routines. Designed to clip easily onto travel cot or pram, the Yogasleep Hushh emits a soothing sound that helps block out everything from a noisy plane to hallway noise in unfamiliar hotel. I love how simple it is to use, just one button to toggle between sounds and adjust the volume. It’s lightweight and the soft amber nightlight is a thoughtful touch. What I like best is the USB charging means no scrambling for batteries mid-trip.

This pop-up privacy pod is a total game-changer for travel sleep, especially if you’re sharing a room with your little one. The SlumberPod fits over a travel cot or playpen and creates a dark, breathable sleep space that blocks out distractions (and lets you keep the lights on for a bit of grown-up time).

Parents found that it folds down into a surprisingly compact carry bag really well, and the fabric feels soft but sturdy. There’s a built-in fan pouch for ventilation, and the blackout material is ideal for daytime naps or early bedtimes in bright holiday accommodation.

As a single parent of three boys, I am not afraid to admit that I often suffer from sensory overload. Loop earplugs have positively impacted my well-being and my ability to parent in loud atmospheres. Whether trying to navigate a new surrounding in peace, tuning down the chaos of a soft play, or offering a little relief from a loud mealtime, these soft silicone plugs turn the volume down without shutting the world out completely.

I love that they’re comfortable enough to wear for hours and discreet enough to pop them in without anyone noticing. They come in multiple sizes for a custom fit, and the compact case is perfect for travelling. For those moments when everything feels a little too much, these offer calm without disconnecting.

I dread nothing more than the thought of losing luggage abroad, but these tiny Bluetooth trackers have helped me feel more confident when travelling alone with my children. From misplaced backpacks to vanishing tables, these trackers help me keep track of everything that tends to disappear at the worst possible moment.

I love how easy they are to set up. Attach, sync with the app, and you're ready. Whether clipped to a kid's bag or tucked into a coat pocket, the Tile lets me see the last known location or even ring the item from my phone, a feature I use far more than I care to admit.

With multiple styles in the bundle, like the slim card I keep in my purse, and the sticker for remotes at home, it’s ideal for family life. For me, it’s about taking one more stress off my plate so that I can worry about other things.

Okay, hear me out. I know that colouring pens aren’t exactly revolutionary when it comes to packing for a trip with kids. But as a mum of three boys, I’ve never been able to get them to sit still and colour until I introduced the Ohuhu Acrylic paint pens. Granted, these pens are currently trending in the children’s YouTube community, but whatever the reason, they kept my two eldest entertained and quiet for a few hours, which feels like some sort of record!

The pens are super easy to use, and I love the handy travel case. One thing to note, though: the pens can leak if pressed too hard, so I’d recommend them for kids aged four and up. For younger children, I would opt for CRAYOLA MyFirst Washable Markers.

While most airlines offer pillows, any parent knows that little heads tend to flop around when they finally drift off to sleep. My kids much prefer using a kids’ neck pillow instead of trying to make those airline pillows work. I also love these pillows for long car journeys—they help keep their heads from bobbing around in the car seat, making the ride much more comfortable.

One thing worth noting is that there are limited designs, and as we all know, getting little ones to want to wear the neck pillow is half the battle. If you want more designs, I recommend the Trunki Kid's Travel Neck Pillow and Chin Rest.

If you’ve ever been on a long journey with multiple kids, you know that headphones are worth their weight in gold. There’s nothing like hearing four different apps and videos blasting simultaneously—it’s sensory overload! That’s why I think headphones are a must for any long trip, especially if you're bringing your little one’s smart device or tablet. I love these headphones because they’re super comfortable and fold up neatly, taking up less space in an already-packed bag. The sound quality is impressive for the price, and my younger kids really liked them.

Don't forget to pack your own headphones as well as your kids. These wireless headphones are lightweight, comfy, and they connect via Bluetooth. I love these headphones and always have them in my handbag. As a podcast fanatic, I really enjoyed having some time each evening to unwind without the audio waking the boys up.

The battery life easily lasts through a full day of travel, and the built-in volume limiter gives me peace of mind that their hearing is protected. They fold neatly into a compact carry pouch, and the soft padding means they can use mine should the boys' headphones die.

The Sleep Suit Bag 2.5 TOG Daisies is the perfect companion for long-haul flights, offering your little one warmth, comfort, and freedom of movement during extended travel.

We love the soft, breathable fabric that ensures your little one stays snug and cosy. The 2.5 TOG provides just the right amount of warmth without overheating.

The stunning design adds a cheerful touch, and the zip-up feature makes it easy to make quick changes, which is crucial when aeroplanes bathrooms are so tiny. Whether napping in the cabin or winding down before landing, this sleepsuit ensures your baby stays comfy throughout the journey.

Initially unsure about these, I was completely hooked after trying them. My boys love them, not only because they’re super comfortable but also because they’re easy to put on independently. These trousers are a game changer if you have multiple kids and constantly deal with missing socks like I do. The boys especially loved that they could kick off their shoes and relax during the flight, and when it was time to deplane, we skipped the usual frantic game of 'find the missing sock', making the whole process much smoother.

Every parent knows snacks are essential, but the right snack containers or lunch boxes can make all the difference, especially during bumpy, turbulent travel, in keeping those snacks securely inside where they belong.

My favourite feature of this lunch box is the silicone stretch feature, which allows you to pack a whole apple without cutting, keeping fruit fresher for longer. There are leakproof compartments with a silicone seal to prevent spills, which I found especially effective. I like that this case can be used as a wider case.

The TECJOE 2-Pack LCD Writing Tablet has been a total game-changer. Whether we're on a long-haul flight, a road trip, or just waiting at a restaurant, these tablets keep us entertained without mess or noise.

The pressure-sensitive screen lets them doodle, play games, or practice writing, and with a one-click erase button, they can start fresh in seconds (no endless paper waste!). The lock function means no accidental deletions, which is great for my youngest, who can often accidentally spoil his masterpiece.

As a parent, I like that they’re lightweight and slim, so I can throw them in my bag without a second thought.