Top-Rated Suitcases for Families with Young Children: An Actionable Guide

Traveling with young children can be both a joyful and challenging experience, especially when it comes to packing and ensuring you have all the necessary items for your little ones. The right suitcase can make your journey smoother, from handling essential baby gear to keeping kids entertained during long flights or road trips. In this actionable guide, we will delve into the key features of the best suitcases for families with young children, and provide you with a selection of top-rated options to consider for your next family vacation.

Key Features to Look For in a Family-Friendly Suitcase

1. Ample Storage Space

Traveling with kids requires packing a variety of items, from clothes to toys, snacks, diapers, and more. A suitcase with ample storage space is essential for keeping everything organized and easily accessible.

• Multiple compartments help separate baby clothes, diapers, food, and personal items, ensuring you don't have to dig through a single large section.
• Expandable options give you extra space if you need to pack a few additional items, such as souvenirs or last-minute purchases.

2. Durability

The constant handling that luggage goes through, from airports to train stations, requires a suitcase that is built to withstand rough treatment. Durability is even more important when traveling with children, as suitcases can take on more wear and tear due to their handling.

• Hard-shell suitcases made from materials like polycarbonate or ABS provide a sturdy exterior that protects your belongings from impacts.
• Soft-shell bags are more flexible and can absorb some impact, while also offering more give when you need to squeeze in extra items.

3. Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver

When traveling with young children, you'll likely have a stroller, diaper bag, and possibly other accessories. Having a suitcase that is lightweight and easy to maneuver can reduce the stress of managing multiple bags at once.

• Spinner wheels that rotate 360 degrees make it easier to glide the suitcase alongside your child's stroller or carry-on.
• Telescoping handles that adjust to different heights can prevent back strain and make it easier for parents to maneuver their luggage, even through busy airports or hotels.

4. Child-Friendly Features

Suitcases designed with children in mind often come with fun, kid-friendly features that not only make traveling more enjoyable but also help parents stay organized.

• Bright, fun designs featuring popular characters or fun colors appeal to children and make it easy to spot their bag in a sea of luggage.
• Handles designed for kids: Some suitcases come with handles that are within easy reach of children, allowing them to pull their own luggage.
• Toy and snack compartments: Some suitcases come with built-in sections specifically for toys or snacks, which can be a lifesaver when you need to keep your little one entertained during travel.

5. Security and Accessibility

When traveling with young children, you need to ensure that your belongings are securely packed while remaining easily accessible when needed. Having a suitcase that balances security with convenience is key.

• TSA-approved locks help keep your luggage secure during flights and provide peace of mind when leaving your bag in a hotel room.
• Easy-to-access exterior pockets for items like travel documents, snacks, or entertainment options (such as coloring books or tablets) ensure you don't have to rummage through your suitcase when you're in a rush.

6. Versatility

Families traveling with young children may need different types of luggage depending on their destination and mode of travel. Suitcases that offer versatile use for various trips are valuable.

• Carry-on options are ideal for shorter trips or when you want to avoid checked luggage. Look for a size that can fit in overhead compartments but still has enough space for essentials.
• Check-in luggage for longer vacations, with enough space to accommodate the extra gear that families with young children often need, like a stroller, pack-and-play, or extra clothing.

Top-Rated Suitcases for Families with Young Children

1. JetKids by Stokke BedBox

• Dimensions: 18.5" x 9.4" x 12.6"
• Material: Hard plastic shell
• Weight: 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg)
• Features: Ride-on suitcase, adjustable footrest, storage for snacks and toys, TSA lock
• Why It's Ideal : The JetKids BedBox is perfect for toddlers and young children who may need a rest during long flights. This suitcase doubles as a ride-on toy and a portable bed, giving your little one a place to relax during the journey. It's designed with storage space for essentials and comes with a secure TSA-approved lock. Its fun, innovative design makes it a hit with kids and helps keep them engaged.

2. American Tourister Disney Hardside Luggage

• Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 8"
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
• Features: Disney-themed design, 360-degree spinner wheels, built-in organization
• Why It's Ideal : The Disney Hardside Luggage by American Tourister brings joy and excitement to young children with its Disney character designs. It offers excellent durability with its hard-shell polycarbonate material, making it resistant to scratches and impact. The 360-degree spinner wheels make it easy for children to move their suitcase, while the interior features help keep things organized.

3. Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage

• Dimensions: 20" x 13" x 9"
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Weight: 6.7 lbs (3 kg)
• Features: Expandable, scratch-resistant, smooth spinner wheels, TSA lock
• Why It's Ideal : The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX is a great option for families looking for a reliable suitcase that can accommodate the gear for both adults and children. The expandable design offers extra space when needed, and the hard-shell exterior provides protection for your belongings. The smooth-rolling wheels ensure easy maneuverability, and the TSA lock adds an extra layer of security.

4. Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase

• Dimensions: 18" x 10" x 12"
• Material: Durable plastic
• Weight: 3.6 lbs (1.6 kg)
• Features: Ride-on suitcase, shoulder strap, packing straps
• Why It's Ideal : The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is a classic when it comes to children's luggage. Designed for kids aged 3 and up, this suitcase allows little travelers to ride on it while being towed by parents. It's lightweight, durable, and comes with packing straps to secure clothes and essentials. The bright, fun designs make it a hit with younger children, and it's compact enough for cabin baggage.

5. Away The Bigger Carry-On

• Dimensions: 22.7" x 14.7" x 9.6"
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Weight: 8.1 lbs (3.7 kg)
• Features: Built-in battery charger, spacious compartments, durable wheels
• Why It's Ideal : While not designed specifically for children, the Away Bigger Carry-On is a versatile option for families. The suitcase comes with a built-in battery charger, perfect for keeping devices charged while on the go. The interior features a compression system to maximize packing space, and the durable wheels make maneuvering through busy terminals or ports easy.

Packing Tips for Traveling with Young Children

1. Pack for Comfort

When traveling with young children, comfort is key. Pack plenty of snacks, a favorite toy or stuffed animal, and a change of clothes to make your child feel comfortable during the journey.

2. Organize by Need

Use packing cubes or pouches to organize baby gear, like diapers, wipes, and feeding essentials, so you can easily access them without having to dig through your luggage.

3. Carry Extra Entertainment

Travel can be long and tiring for little ones, so bring a tablet, coloring books, or other small toys to keep them entertained. Some suitcases, like the JetKids BedBox, come with compartments designed specifically for entertainment.

Conclusion

Traveling with young children can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning, especially when it comes to luggage. The right suitcase can make the journey much easier by offering ample space, durability, maneuverability, and kid-friendly features. Whether you're looking for a ride-on suitcase, a stylish hard-shell bag, or something that makes your child feel special, the top-rated options we've highlighted here will help ensure your family vacation is both stress-free and enjoyable. Safe travels and happy adventures!