5 Things You Can't Travel Without as A Parent

Q: What's one thing that can't travel without?

A passport or other valid form of identification is the most essential item for travel, especially international travel. Without it, you won't be able to cross borders or even check into some hotels. For many Australian mums, the must-have is a Travel Backpack. Paired with a Bum Bag—the compact, hands-free hero that keeps your phone, passport, and snacks within reach—you’ve got the ultimate travel duo. This combo keeps you organised, comfortable, and ready for anything. 👉 Check out our Travel Backpack with Bum Bag duo for the perfect travel setup.

Q: What are the go-to travel products or things you can't do without?

When travelling with kids, these 5 smart essentials make life so much easier. Most parents love the Stokke YOYO³ stroller for its compact, overhead-locker fit, and the Stokke JetKids BedBox for turning flights into rest time. The Premium Kooshy Kloud pillow adds comfort, while the 59S Pacipod steriliser keeps dummies germ-free in seconds. For organisation, the Tottie Travel Backpack is a game-changer. Other handy extras? A baby carrier, snack pouches, and a white noise machine for smooth travel days.

Q: Is a compact stroller essential for air travel with kids?

A compact stroller isn’t strictly essential, but it’s highly recommended for air travel with kids. It offers convenience when navigating busy airports, makes it easier to manage children on the go, and is often handy at your travel destination. The compact design means it’s simpler to maneuver through crowded terminals, easier to store when not in use, and in some cases, it may even fit in overhead bins (though this depends on the airline and stroller model).Ultimately, the need for a compact stroller depends on your child’s age, your travel style, and your destination.

Alright, here’s the truth: there are a handful of things you can't travel without. And no, we’re not talking about passports or plane tickets (although, of course, those are essential). We mean the clever travel must-haves that actually make travelling with kids feel manageable… maybe even fun.

If you’re travelling with little ones, you already know you’ll need snacks, patience, and a few genius products to make the whole process easier. From the pram that glides effortlessly through airport gates to the backpack that keeps passports, wipes, and snacks exactly where you need them, getting organised is everything.

We weren’t always this organised. In the beginning, we hauled way too much stuff, most of it never used, and still found ourselves digging through bags for wipes with one hand while juggling toddlers with the other. But after more than a few “never again” moments, we finally nailed down our faves that make travel (almost) feel easy. These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re the things we tried and tested.. Practical, stylish, and designed to make parenting on the go just that little bit easier (because we all deserve that!).

Here are our favourite travel essentials list:

1. Stokke® YOYO³

When it comes to travel strollers, size and convenience are everything. The Stokke YOYO 3 folds up small enough to fit into the overhead locker on a plane, making it a dream for parents navigating airports. But don’t let its compact size fool you—it’s sturdy and comfortable enough for everyday adventures too. Whether you’re strolling through busy terminals, exploring city streets, or giving tired little legs a break, this pram is a saver.

Shop the Stokke YOYO 3 here

2. Stokke® JetKids™ BedBox™

Flying long-haul with a toddler? The Stokke JetKids BedBox is not just a ride-on suitcase—though it doubles as that too. It keeps kids entertained in the airport and it converts into an in-flight bed (genius!) that lets your little one stretch out and well-rested in the air

Shop the Stokke JetKids BedBox here

3. Premium Kooshy Kloud™

Comfort is king when travelling with kids, and the Premium Kooshy Kloud has earned its place in the travel kit for good reason. This inflatable pillow inflates in seconds and works as an armrest, lap pillow, or back support for babies and older kids alike. Its versatility means less physical strain on parents and more comfort for kids — whether on planes, trains, or car rides. Compact and travel-friendly!

Shop the Premium Kooshy Kloud here

4. 59S Pacipod

Parents know the panic that hits when a dummy or teat falls on the floor mid-trip. The 59S Pacipod — a compact, USB-powered steriliser that cleans pacifiers in under 60 seconds without boiling water. It’s a simple, hygienic solution that takes away the stress of keeping those essentials germ-free while out and about. Small enough to tuck in your bag and easy to use anywhere, it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner” items.

Shop the 59S Pacipod here

5. Tottie Travel Backpack

A reliable backpack is a non-negotiable for modern parents, and the Tottie Travel Backpack is designed by mums who truly get it. With 14 smart compartments, it keeps everything organised—from nappies and wipes to passports and snacks—and everything in between. The vegan leather finish adds a touch of style, while the included pram clips and change mat make it supremely practical. One of the best features? The hidden pocket at the base, perfect for easy in-flight access to essentials without the usual chaos.

Shop the Tottie Travel Backpack here

The Parent-Tested Packing Formula

Every item on this list earns its spot because it solves a real-life parenting problem—whether it’s keeping the kids comfy, the dummies clean, or your hands free. They’re not just nice ideas; they’re the best travel products we’ve actually road-tested (and sky-tested!) through airport queues, road trip chaos, and long-haul flights with toddlers.

Because when your list of packing items is dialled in, you spend less time searching through bags and more time enjoying the good stuff—like impromptu airport dances, mid-flight naps, and those first magical moments in a new place. And when travel feels smoother? Everyone wins.

So tell us—what are the things you can’t (or won’t) travel without? Share your must-haves with us on Instagram @tottie.shop or come say hi at the One Fine Baby, best baby expo in Australia.

Travelling with kids? Don’t miss our guide: Must-Have Travel Essential Lists for International Trips with Kids

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FAQs: Parent-Approved Travel Essentials in 2025

What's one thing that can't travel without?

A passport or other valid form of identification is the most essential item for travel, especially international travel. Without it, you won't be able to cross borders or even check into some hotels.

For many Australian mums, the must-have is a Travel Backpack. Paired with a Bum Bag—the compact, hands-free hero that keeps your phone, passport, and snacks within reach—you’ve got the ultimate travel duo. This combo keeps you organised, comfortable, and ready for anything.

👉 Check out our Travel Backpack with Bum Bag duo for the perfect travel setup.

What are the go-to travel products or things you can't do without?

When travelling with kids, these 5 smart essentials make life so much easier. Most parents love the Stokke YOYO³ stroller for its compact, overhead-locker fit, and the Stokke JetKids BedBox for turning flights into rest time. The Premium Kooshy Kloud pillow adds comfort, while the 59S Pacipod steriliser keeps dummies germ-free in seconds. For organisation, the Tottie Travel Backpack is a game-changer. Other handy extras? A baby carrier, snack pouches, and a white noise machine for smooth travel days.

Is a compact stroller essential for air travel with kids?

A compact stroller isn’t strictly essential, but it’s highly recommended for air travel with kids. It offers convenience when navigating busy airports, makes it easier to manage children on the go, and is often handy at your travel destination. The compact design means it’s simpler to maneuver through crowded terminals, easier to store when not in use, and in some cases, it may even fit in overhead bins (though this depends on the airline and stroller model).

Ultimately, the need for a compact stroller depends on your child’s age, your travel style, and your destination.

Is it worth carrying a portable steriliser like the Pacipod for pacifiers and bottles?

A portable steriliser like the Pacipod can be very convenient, especially for newborns, preemies, or when tap water quality is uncertain during travel. It provides peace of mind by ensuring pacifiers and bottles stay clean and germ-free on the go.

For healthy babies with easy access to clean water, it’s often enough to wash bottles and pacifiers with hot water and mild soap after the initial sterilisation. In these cases, a portable steriliser isn’t essential but can still be a helpful backup when you’re out and about.

What is one super-useful item you can’t travel without?

For most Australian parents, especially with newborns, the must-have is the 59S Pacipod. Nothing saves your sanity faster than instant, fuss-free sterilising on the go. It eliminates up to 99.9% of germs from dummies, teethers, bottle teats, toys, and other small essentials—giving you peace of mind wherever you are.

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5 Things You Can’t Travel Without – Our Parent-Approved Favourites