Top 5 Must-Have Travel Essentials for Navigating Adventures with Three Little Ones

This past weekend, my family embarked on our first out-of-town trip as a family of five to my sister’s house in Atlanta. I must admit, I was feeling a bit anxious about the journey. With recent changes in our household dynamics, we welcomed a new addition to our family through foster care – a spirited and energetic almost 3-year-old we'll call M. While she is a sweetheart, her boundless energy and aversion to sitting still for long periods had me worried about how she would handle the two short airplane rides ahead. Unlike my biological children who have flown numerous times and are unfazed by the process, I anticipated that this trip might be a bit more challenging with M's lively disposition. To maintain my sanity and ensure a smooth travel experience, I knew I had to be organized and prepared.

I wanted to share my top 5 travel essentials that proved to be lifesavers for my family during our recent trip with three kids. These items helped us navigate the airport and explore a new city with ease, and I hope they can be helpful to others as well!

1. Travel wagon (or stroller large enough to stow away bags and cups and all of the things)

Investing in a travel wagon that could accommodate our car seat, tired toddler, and all our essentials was a game-changer. The GAP babyGap Deluxe Explorer Wagon from Amazon was perfect for our needs, but it's essential to check venue restrictions on wagons beforehand. For instance, we encountered limitations at the Georgia Aquarium, which left our little ones tired and in need of a break.

You definitely can’t do this with a stroller!

2. Lollipops

Packing lollipops to help alleviate ear popping during the flight was a simple yet effective solution. While adults often chew gum for this purpose, lollipops are a safe alternative for young children. I usually opt for the YumEarth Organic Pops, but dum-dums from the store work just as well in a pinch.

3. Child Harness

Using a child harness proved to be invaluable in crowded areas like the airport, Atlanta Zoo, and Georgia Aquarium. It provided an added layer of safety and peace of mind in unfamiliar surroundings, especially with an energetic toddler prone to wandering off.

I couldn’t find the exact one we have but I actually like this one more because it can convert to the wrist harnesses

4. Insulated Leak-Proof Water Bottles

Having insulated, leak-proof water bottles for each child is a must-have travel essential. I learned the hard way that plastic cups can sweat, leak, and cause a mess in our bags. Investing in quality bottles like the ones I found on Amazon ensured that our drinks stayed cold and spill-free throughout the trip.

5. Entertainment

Ensuring each child had entertainment options was crucial for keeping them engaged and content during our travels. From a Nintendo Switch for Barrett to Amazon Fire tablets preloaded with games and movies for the girls, having distractions on hand was a lifesaver. For M, who was overwhelmed by the new sights and sounds, these entertainment options helped prevent meltdowns and kept her engaged throughout the journey.

This was close to midnight and no tears!

These travel essentials made a significant difference in our journey and helped us navigate the challenges of traveling with three kids. I highly recommend considering these items for your next family adventure to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.