Top 10 Lightweight Family Travel Products
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We recently wrote Kid Travel Tips and Ideas to give you some suggestions for simpler trips with your family. Well, many of you asked about specific solutions and lighter alternatives for products you’re using now. So, we decided to share our very favorite lightweight family travel products to help you and your family travel easily.
> For a little levity, check out our Family Travel Quotes
Lightweight Sleeping Arrangements
If you have an infant, you’ll need a portable crib for him or her to sleep in while traveling. We found two options that are lightweight and perfect for traveling with kids. We’ve included an exceptionally lightweight option for older kids and toddlers to enjoy as well.
The Lotus is very well made; the sides are constructed entirely of breathable mesh, and the mattress pad is easily wiped clean in the event of an overnight diaper leak. It weighs in at eleven pounds, which is heavier than we’d like, but is still much lighter than a traditional pack and play. The thin mattress is padded and comfortable for baby to sleep on; it attaches to the bottom of the crib with hidden Velcro tabs to ensure it won’t move with even the squirmiest babies. While not the cheapest option on our list, the Lotus Travel Crib is a solid investment; and it’s 100% worth it for traveling families due to its ease of use and set-up. Click here to learn more about the people behind the product.
The Traveller Crib mattress self-inflates and rolls up into the carrying bag, along with the other pieces necessary for assembly. The Traveller’s lightweight air mattress is compact but not very padded. This could be problematic for older babies or toddlers who prefer to sleep on something a little more comfortable. Like the Lotus, it has entirely mesh sides, guaranteeing baby can breathe easily if they roll against the wall. It has a duffel-style carrying bag, with a long enough strap to put it over your shoulder. It’s also conveniently small enough to fit into a suitcase. Phil&Ted’s Traveller Crib is usually less expensive than the Lotus as well, making it a strong contender. If you’ve got time for set-up and want a super lightweight option, this may be the travel crib for you.
The PeaPod Plus weighs a mere three and a half pounds and can be folded up into a carry bag that will easily fit in your luggage or backpack. It has a detachable sleeping pad that snaps to the underside of the floor, and can remain attached while folded and put away. This means that there’s no assembly required and no headache for you! It is completely surrounded by breathable mesh, and has anchor straps for ground attachment if you need it for outdoor use. This is the least expensive travel sleeping option we’ve shared, and it’s also the lightest. It’s also a tent! How cool is that?
Lightweight Car Seat Travel
As parents, safety is a huge concern when traveling with our kids. Unfortunately, car seats aren’t usually top of mind when thinking of lightweight family travel products. We’ve found a few products that are guaranteed to make traveling with a car seat easier. Plus, we’ll include an option to keep kids safe during your travels without one.
This cart allows your convertible car seat to turn into a stroller, making it much easier to navigate the airport. The seat attaches to the cart with a strap that feeds through the car seat; once it’s tightened down, you can place your child in their car seat and be on your way! It weighs a meager five pounds, and folds flat when not in use. It also has a fold down plate to accommodate larger seats, and soft razor wheels to provide a smooth ride for your little one. I think any parent who’s had to wrangle a toddler in an airport will agree, anything that gets them to the plane easily is worth a million bucks. Thankfully, you won’t pay anywhere near that. Do yourself a favor and order one today!
While it is considerably lighter and more compact than the cart, it may not fit all luggage or car seats properly. Alnoor USA does not offer a compatibility guide like Go-Go Babyz, so you won’t know if it will work until you receive it. But for less than $15, it may be worth trying if a travel cart isn’t the best option for you.
The harness is designed for kids age one year and older, weighing twenty-two to forty pounds, and up to forty inches tall. It is also the only FAA-approved flying child safety device, so you can be confident that your most precious cargo is safe. It is well worth the investment for anyone traveling with a little one in their own seat!
Miscellaneous Lightweight Family Travel Products
These are some of our favorite products that just plain make life easier when traveling with kids.
Weighing less than two pounds when empty means it won’t be adding any extra weight to your travels. It has well thought out organization including five exterior pockets, four slip pockets, one internal zip pocket, and a card slot; all along with the large main packing area. An included memory foam changing pad fits in the back zipper pocket, plus you can store your laptop or tablet there as well. It boasts two insulated cup or bottle holder pockets on the sides. The padded straps and back provide extra comfort, and the backpack style means you’ll have both hands free to wrangle kids and luggage. And I’m sure you already guessed, but this bag is ultra-lightweight and according to Jujube can carry up to one hundred pounds!
While this bag does seem to have it all, it does come at a price. Thankfully, sites like Amazon and frequent sales mean you can usually get them for a bit less, but usually in an older color or pattern. You’ll quickly realize this bag was worth the money when everything you need for your carry-on is well organized and within easy reach.
The Pockit is also sturdy. It will fit children as small as six months old and can carry a child up to fifty-five pounds. You can store an additional eleven pounds of gear in the lower basket too. It offers an adjustable harness to grow with baby, a sunshade, rear wheel parking brake, and padded handlebars for whoever is pushing. The price varies quite a bit, depending on your color choice. However, Amazon also offers great used models for considerably less. Whatever option you choose, you can’t beat the Pockit for a lightweight and easy to use stroller!
Each cube features a double zipper for simple and fast opening and closing. Plus, there’s a mesh top panel for easy visibility and ventilation. A set of six cubes contains three different sizes to meet all of your packing needs. Every cube also comes with its own carrying handle so you can use it as its own carry-on bag, if you like. The improved organization these bags provide makes them well worth the investment.
> We named our other favorite packing cubes in The Best and Lightest Packing Cubes article
Travel Games
Every parent knows that when you’re traveling with kids they need to have something to keep them entertained. No list of lightweight family travel products would be complete without games! So, we’ve found a few options for different age ranges that are engaging, fun, and lightweight.
Tegu Blocks come in seven different color sets. They have a higher price point than other blocks on the market, but the embedded magnets, pocket pouch, high quality, and aesthetics make them well worth the money.
Happy Travels!
You’re ready for your next family trip! With so many lightweight family travel products available, you will have everything your family needs for anywhere your travels may take you. Enjoy your adventures and please let us know what you think about these products. Don’t forget to share your journey with us!
