Traveling with kids requires planning, especially when it comes to their luggage. You want to find family travel gear that's durable, easy to pack, comfortable to carry, and fun for your child. Kid-friendly travel bags need to check all these boxes to keep travel stress-free for you and enjoyable for your little one. Sadly, a convertible car seat isn't applicable when traveling via plane.
Key Features of a Kid-Friendly Travel Bag
When shopping for a carry on luggage or travel bag for your child, it’s important to prioritize several key features. A good kid-friendly travel bag needs to make your life easier and keep your child excited to use it.
Durability
Like in an adult luggage, durability is essential for any kid-friendly travel bag. Kids tend to be rough on their belongings. They throw their bags, drag them around, and stuff them full of everything they can fit. You need a bag that can handle this kind of treatment. Strong materials and quality construction are crucial. Look for water-resistant materials and tough zippers to keep the bag intact. The FTL Original uses water-resistant vegan leather and high-quality zippers. These features make it one of the most durable bags on the market.
Easy Packing
You want a bag that’s easy to pack and unpack. Kid-friendly travel bags should have compartments and interior and exterior pockets to help organize their things. Bags that open wide allow you to see and access everything inside without digging. The FTL Original features multiple compartments and a built-in packing cube, making it easier for you and your child to keep items organized. This smart design saves you time and stress when traveling with kids.
Comfort
Comfort is a top priority for kid-friendly travel bags. Your child will likely carry their own bag at some point during your trip. A bag with padded shoulder straps or handles is a must to keep it comfortable for little hands and shoulders. Lightweight bags are ideal for children since they won’t add too much extra weight to what they’re already carrying. The FTL Original has padded straps and a lightweight design, making it a great choice for kids on the go.
Smart Design
A kid-friendly travel bag needs smart features to make travel easier. Look for bags with main compartments and pockets that make it easy to organize items like a few toys, clothes, water bottles, and electronics. Built-in features like a laptop sleeve or shoe compartment are great for older kids who need to pack more specific items. The FTL Original has a dedicated laptop sleeve, separate shoe compartment, and even a removable garment bag. This smart design makes it a practical option for kids of all ages.
Types of Kid-Friendly Travel Bags
There are many different styles of travel bags for kids. The right one depends on your child’s age, preferences, and how much they need to carry. Let’s explore the most popular types of kid-friendly travel bags and compare them to help you find the best option.
Rolling Suitcase
A little suitcase for children is a popular option for kid-friendly travel bags. These bags have wheels and a retractable handle, allowing kids to pull them easily through the airport. Rolling suitcases, such as a hardside suitcase or as soft shell suitcase, are great for larger trips where your child will need to pack more clothes and items.
However, these bags can be bulky and hard to maneuver on stairs or rough terrain or train stations as they do not roll smoothly. They also take up more space in overhead compartments. These are great for checked luggage but not for hand carry suitcases.
If you prefer a rolling suitcase for your little traveler, make sure to have an adjustable handle with more than two wheels that roll 360 degree spinner wheels. A luggage with a front pocket and telescoping handle is also very handy for easy access.
Backpack
Backpacks are a common choice for kid-friendly travel bags, especially for younger kids. A backpack allows your child to carry their own items hands-free, which is great for navigating busy airports. However, a regular backpack can become heavy and uncomfortable when filled with too many items. They also tend to have fewer compartments for organization.
Duffel Bag
Duffel bags are one of the most versatile types of kid-friendly travel bags. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and typically have more space than a backpack. Duffel bags can also be used as a carry-on bag or shoulder bag and fit easily under airplane seats.
While some may argue that duffel bags lack wheels, they make up for it with their flexible design and spacious compartments. The FTL Original is the perfect example of a kid-friendly duffel bag. It combines spaciousness, comfort, and organization in a stylish design your child will love.
FTL Original: The Best Kid-Friendly Travel Bag
If you’re looking for the perfect kid-friendly travel bag, you don't have to go shopping in stores like Pottery Barn Kids. Look no further than The FTL Original. This is the best luggage bag that has all the features needed to make travel with kids easier and more enjoyable. Let’s break down why it’s the best choice for a kid-friendly travel bag.
Padded for Comfort
The FTL Original is designed with comfort in mind. The bag’s padded straps and handles ensure that your child can carry it without discomfort, even on long trips. The lightweight design and shoulder strap helps reduce the overall load, making it easy for kids to carry their own bag through the airport or on the go.
Multiple Compartments for Easy, Organized Packing
Keeping your child’s things organized is easy with The FTL Original. It comes with multiple compartments and organizational features, including a built-in packing cube, a padded laptop sleeve, and a separate shoe compartment. These features help you organize your child’s clothing, electronics, and other travel essentials without hassle. You’ll never have to worry about digging through a messy bag to find what you need.
Slip Sleeves to Easily Attach to Rolling Luggage
The FTL Original is designed to make your travels smoother. One of its best features is the slip sleeve, which allows you to attach the bag to a rolling suitcase. This is perfect for traveling with multiple bags or helping your child manage their own luggage. The slip sleeve gives you the flexibility to carry the bag hands-free when needed.
Fits Perfectly Under an Airplane Seat
One of the biggest challenges when flying with kids is managing your luggage in tight spaces. The FTL Original is perfectly sized to fit under airplane seats, making it a great choice for carry-on travel. Your child’s essentials will be within easy reach, reducing the need to rummage through overhead bins during your flight.
What to Bring Inside Your Kid's Luggage
Aside from choosing the right kid-friendly travel bags for your children, you may also want to make sure to bring the following items to ensure a smooth, hassle-free travel. Here are some things that you, parents, must bring. Pack things on your kid's carry ons, including:
Small toys for toddlers and younger children to play.
One doll or stuffed animal for comfort.
Neck pillow to reduce neck strain in both little kids and big kids.
An empty water bottle to rehydrate your kids once you're in the airport.
One pair to eight outfits or nine outfits for your little one to change.
A towel when your kids get sweaty.
Jacket and a pair of socks when it gets cold.
A personal item that will remind your kids of home, such as a big kids photo if they're not traveling with everyone in the family.
A luggage tag like the FTL Luggage Tag to ensure your belongings won't get lost.
Shop Kid-Friendly Travel Bags Today
Finding the right kid-friendly travel bag doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for a durable duffel bag like The FTL Original or a practical matching backpack for all the children, it’s important to choose a bag that meets your child’s needs. The FTL Original offers everything you need in kid-friendly travel bags — durability, easy packing, comfort, and smart design.
Ready to make your next trip easier? Shop our selection of kid-friendly travel bags today at FTL Bags. You’ll find the perfect travel companion for your little one in no time.
