Thanksgiving Travel Essentials for Moms with Babies and Toddlers

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Planning a Thanksgiving travel with the whole family? Not sure what to pack for your babies and toddlers? Check out this travel must-have guide for moms with babies and toddlers for a perfect, smooth-sailing Thanksgiving weekend.

This Disneyland at Thanksgiving post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

Between Halloween and Christmas, there’s one more holiday in between before the real festive fun starts. It’s that time of the year when families gather, and that’s why Thanksgiving travel has become a thing!

I admit that Thanksgiving travel is always so stressful. And when you add small kids to the mix, it can be overwhelming. Busy airports, long travel days, and unpredictable schedules can quickly turn the joy of the holiday season into a challenge, especially when you’re juggling domestic flights or even international flights with babies and toddlers in tow. The lines at the airport seem endless, and trying to keep little ones entertained and comfortable can feel like a full-time job.

That’s why I created this list of Thanksgiving travel essentials when traveling with babies, toddlers, and small children. Whether you’re flying across the country during Thanksgiving week or driving a few hours to visit family, these travel essentials are here to help make your journey smoother.

My goal is to share the essentials that have made our holiday travel less stressful, more manageable, and even enjoyable. From handling messes at dinner to ensuring the kids can nap comfortably, these picks will help you navigate the busy holiday season with ease.

So, if you’re ready to tackle this holiday travel head-on and actually enjoy the time with your family, let’s dive into these must-haves that will make Thanksgiving with little ones a breeze. Let me know if I missed anything!

7 Thanksgiving Travel Essentials for Babies & Toddlers

Re-Play

One of the most important things we pack when we visit relatives for Thanksgiving is our RePlay plate, cup, and cutlery.

They are the perfect size for toddlers and preschoolers. I like that the small plate reminds me not to overfill my preschooler’s plate with yummy Thanksgiving food.

What I love most about RePlay is that the items are made from recycled milk jugs. They come in a variety of colors, and they are fun to mix and match.

We have a Re-Play Set that we use a lot. They also have a dinnerware set that would be great to try out with your kids.

Silicone Bib

My kids LOVE to eat. I’d say they are enthusiastic eaters. With their voracious appetite comes huge messes!

What’s cool about bibs like this waterproof silicone bib is that they catch much of the mess and are easy to wipe down.

For those of us who travel for the holidays, we sometimes dine at homes that are not set up for little ones. Don’t let that cranberry sauce stain upholstered chairs or white carpets!

Splat Mat

Along the same lines as the silicone bib, bringing a splat mat is a sign of a good guest.

It’s something to put underneath your child’s highchair to protect the floor from milk spills and food droppings. You can definitely use a plastic tablecloth or even trash bags in a pinch.

An affordable reusable option is the BooginHead SplatMat, or spend a bit more on this Splat Mat. I like that the reusable ones can be wiped down and kept in the car for future holiday plans.

ezpz Happy Mat

One of my favorite products for my youngest has been the Ezpz Happy Mat. It’s weighted so that it stays on the table while my son feeds himself.

Not only can you put food in the three designated compartments, but you can also set items on the perimeter.

My 1-year-old likes to pick up each item from the compartment and set it outside while chewing his food. This mat is set up perfectly for mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey.

Then, you can quickly wash it and stick it in your diaper bag when heading home from Thanksgiving travel.

Inglesina Travel High Chair

I actually reviewed our Inglesina Fast Table Chair with Dining Tray in this post. Suffice it to say, I recommend taking it!

Basically, it attaches to any tabletop that isn’t made of glass. We’ve attached it to kitchen islands and wood tables with no problem.

It can hold babies and toddlers, and comes with a plastic tray that can be easily wiped down. Plus, it folds up!

Cute Thanksgiving Onesie/Outfit

Yes, I’m calling a Thanksgiving onesie an essential.

While normally I’m all about investing in versatile baby clothes, I always end up with at least one Thanksgiving-themed outfit for my kids. It’s worth it for the laugh and compliments as my kids greet our extended family.

We usually find them on sale at Carter’s. This Thanksgiving jumpsuit cracked my family up last year during our Thanksgiving travel!

Xmas Jammies

Ok, I’m sure this isn’t an “essential” for many people, but I think the perfect way to end Thanksgiving is to kick off the Christmas season!

We always change into jammies after Thanksgiving dinner so the kids can fall asleep on the drive home. So, it’s an extra excuse to show them off in festive clothes.

Plus, it’s our tradition to start decorating on Black Friday, so having the kids wake up in the holiday spirit is fun! I love this set because it’s unisex. This baby sleeper would be adorable with a Santa hat!

Thanksgiving Travel Tips for Moms with Babies and Toddlers

Traveling during the holiday season can be hectic, especially when you’re navigating it with little ones. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your Thanksgiving travel smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Plan Around the Best Times to Travel: Aim to travel during off-peak hours or the off season if possible. It’s less crowded, and you’re more likely to find cheapest time deals on flights and accommodations. Plus, less congestion at airports means less stress for you and your kids.

2. Book Your Travel in Advance: Booking early can help you secure the best deals and save money. You can search and create alerts in Google Flights or your trusted booking site to get an update when airfare is lower than normal.
   
   This way, you can avoid last-minute scrambles and relax knowing your plans are set.

3. Prepare for Security Checks: Make sure you’re ready for airport security by organizing your bags in a way that makes it easy to pull out liquids, snacks, and baby items. Being well-prepared will help you move through the Transportation Security Administration line faster and with less hassle.

4. Pack Snacks and Entertainment: Hungry or bored kids can make any trip feel twice as long. Pack plenty of snacks, small toys, and books to keep them entertained during your travel days. This will also help avoid meltdowns and keep them comfortable.

5. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations: When selecting a place to stay, look for accommodations that offer family-friendly amenities, such as cribs, high chairs, or even play areas. It can make a huge difference when traveling with babies and toddlers, allowing you to enjoy your time at top holiday destinations without the extra stress.

These simple but effective tips can help make your journey a bit easier, so you can focus on what really matters: spending quality time with your family this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Travel Essentials Wrap-up

Thanksgiving is all about coming together with loved ones, and traveling with little ones shouldn’t stop you from enjoying this special time. Whether you’re flying to one of the top holiday destinations or driving a few hours to see family, having the right gear and a solid plan will make a world of difference.

Remember to plan ahead, book your travel early, and try to schedule your trip during the cheapest time to save money and avoid the busiest travel days. 

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving travel isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about making memories. So embrace the journey, lean into the excitement, and make the most of your time together.

I hope you all have a safe and memorable Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble!

Re-Play and Inglesina sent me products for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

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