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The 12 Best Suitcases for Toddlers

This article about the Best Toddler Suitcases was written by toddler travel gear expert Celine Brewer and may contain affiliate links.

The journey can be just as important and memorable as the destination on holidays with toddlers, which is why giving your toddler their own luggage to handle can make all the difference. It’s not only more fun for little ones to have their own toddler suitcase to pull (or even ride), but parents might appreciate the extra space!

As a traveling parent with extensive experience traveling with toddlers, I know how precious extra space is. Just think about all the extra space you’ll have in your own bags when you aren’t stuck carrying around snacks and stuffies all the time. The one downfall of getting a travel suitcase for toddlers, is the risk of carrying one more piece of luggage yourself! If you trust that your toddler will be interested in pulling their own suitcase, or you opt for a toddler ride-on suitcase, then these mini luggage bags are worth the price for the extra space.

My Top Picks for Toddler Suitcases

You’re busy chasing your toddler, I get it! So here are my top picks for the best toddler suitcases:

Best Toddler Ride-On Suitcase:

JetKids BedBox – The JetKids BedBox by Stokke is a ride-on suitcase that converts into a toddler airplane bed plus has room for the JetKids CloudSleeper and a few other toddler essentials. It’s a win-win!

Best Toddler Rolling Backpack:

Yodo Toddler Rolling Backpack with Wheels – This rolling toddler backpack with a handle and wheels, plus mesh pockets on the outside. This one is convenient for travel with toddlers, especially if you’ll need to carry it up and down stairs!

Best Hardside Toddler Luggage:

Rockland Jr. Kids’ My First Hardside Spinner Luggage – With an adjustable handle, you won’t mind if you need to take over pulling it once in a while! This is functional and adorable toddler luggage.

toddler in airport holding handle of suitcase for toddlers

What You’ll Find in this Article on the Best Toddler Suitcases:

12 Best Toddler Suitcases

Choosing luggage for kids can be tough because there are so many options to sift through. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the help of my list of best toddler travel suitcases.

Types of Travel Suitcases for Toddlers 

Ride-On Suitcase for Toddlers

As the name implies, this toddler ride-on suitcase serves a dual purpose. One to accommodate items and two, to carry and roll your toddler alongside you when they get tired and cranky from walking. This suitcase comes with spinner wheels that rotate in all directions and a mechanism to fasten your toddler in place while moving them along.

A ride-on suitcase for toddlers might not be worth it, if you are also traveling with a toddler travel stroller

Hardshell with Spinner Wheels

Suitcases of this nature are lightweight but tough on the exterior. This sturdy combination is also often coupled with features like spinner wheels. These bags are shock and scratch resistant due to being made of polycarbonate. 

Classic Rolling Suitcase

Much like the basic suitcase, this luggage comes with in-line skater wheels with compartments for organized accommodation. It has an adjustable handle for strolling and some can even be used as a toddler backpack for travel.

Don’t miss our toddler carry on packing list (with printable)!

toddler in airport holding up suitcase

Buying a Toddler Suitcase

Here are the things to consider when buying a toddler travel suitcase:

Type of Toddler Suitcase

This choice can be made depending on your budget, needs and travel frequency. While ride-on suitcases are pricier than the rest, special features like an airplane bed, extra space and a seat to carry your toddler around make them worth it. Hardshell suitcases are lightweight and sport a tough exterior, while classic rolling type suitcases meet basic traveling needs with in-line wheels and enough pockets to organize your packing. 

Price

Depending on the type, make and materials of a suitcase, the price of your purchase can vary between $30- $200. As discussed above, ride-on suitcases tend to be on the higher end of scale, but some premium quality hardshell and even classic rolling suitcases can fall into the $40-$80 bracket. This makes them a solid option for those on a budget but still after quality. 

Size

A thoughtfully designed, ergonomic suitcase is a big plus when a tiny tot is going to be maneuvering it with their little hands. 16-inch bags are best for toddlers to reach, as opposed to 18 and 19 inch bags.

Also check the size of the handle on the trolley. A 13-inch adjustable handle is ideal for your child’s easy reach. The final and arguably most important thing to ensure when it comes to size, is that the suitcase is light enough to be pulled by your toddler. 

Durability

This is an important factor to consider when looking for a long term investment. While a hardshell toddler suitcase has a clear advantage in this department, buying any toddler suitcase with a warranty can help you better trust the manufacturer in their claims. Look for sturdy mesh pockets and wheel quality to help you make an informed decision.

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Best travel suitcase for toddlers

This post was written & edited by:

info@babycantravel.com | Website | + posts

Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.

Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.

Read more about Celine Brewer.