What To Look For When Choosing Luggage for Your Children
Traveling is an incredible way to break out of your routine, explore new cultures, and create unforgettable memories. When you have little ones, this is often an experience you want to share with them. However, traveling with children can be challenging, especially because they need their own luggage to pack clothes and some fun toys.
To select the right baggage for your child, you must consider many things about the luggage and your child’s needs. You’ll want to evaluate size, functionality, your child’s preferences, and more. This buyer’s guide details what to look for when choosing luggage for your children.
Your Child’s Age
Evaluate your child’s age and capabilities before looking at all the adorable suitcase options. All kids are different and reach milestones at varying ages, so their ability to handle luggage will depend on their unique developmental stage.
For example, only two years separate a three- and five-year-old, but they’re at very different developmental and physical stages. A three-year-old may have limited physical strength and coordination. They might struggle to pull or carry a heavy bag, especially through busy airports or long walkways.
On the other hand, a five-year-old is generally more independent, with better motor skills and spatial awareness. They are more likely to enjoy the responsibility of managing their luggage and can handle slightly larger or heavier options.
Size
The size of your child’s luggage matters for a few reasons. First, if you want their bag to be a carry-on item, it must align with your preferred airline’s requirements. This can vary, but typically, the maximum size for a carry-on is around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you plan to check in your child’s luggage, you’ll want to ensure it falls within the weight limit to avoid additional fees.
Moreover, the size of the bag may impact whether your child can handle it themselves. This depends on your child’s age, height, and strength. You’ll want to choose a manageable size for them to carry independently but also big enough to fit all their essentials.
Weight
Like size, weight can affect whether the item passes for carry-on and if your child can handle the bag. You’ll want to consider the bag’s weight and how much your child can comfortably carry.
Pro Tip
Help your child pack to minimize the weight of their bag; only bring items they’ll need for your vacation. For a multi-day trip, this may mean five sets of clothes and two to three of their favorite toys.
Functionality
Most luggage made for adults emphasizes functionality, but this may not always be the case for children’s baggage. Some manufacturers design luggage that’s adorable but lacks practicality. A bag with your child’s favorite animal may look cute, but it may not have enough storage space or compartments for organization.
When evaluating functionality, consider the following factors:
- Number of compartments
- Durability and sturdiness
- Type of closure (zippers or buckles)
- Wheels for easy maneuvering
If you shop online, the product description should list all features and specifications, making it easy to compare different options.
Durability
Luggage often experiences rough use as we drag it across various surfaces, load it into our vehicles, and stuff it into the overhead bins on planes. High-quality materials ensure the luggage can withstand the normal wear and tear of traveling. Materials like polycarbonate or ABS plastic are popular choices for their strength and low weight.
Reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers are equally important to ensure the luggage won’t fall apart after regular use. Opting for scratch-resistant finishes or materials may keep the luggage looking new for longer, pleasing both children and parents. Additionally, reinforced corners add protection from impacts, further enhancing the overall durability of the luggage.
Pro Tip
If you buy your child a well-made suitcase, they can use it for years of trips ranging from sleepovers with friends to weeklong vacations.
Quality Wheel
Many of us have struggled with luggage that doesn’t roll well. For instance, in-line wheels will not turn, making it harder to maneuver through crowds as your family looks for the airline gate. Struggling to get luggage to move how you want it to can feel frustrating and stressful, especially if you’re in a rush.
Shop for kids’ luggage with sturdy spinner wheels that rotate 360 degrees. These wheels allow for better control and flexibility, making them particularly useful in tight spaces such as airport terminals.
Shopping Tip
Buy a suitcase with ruggedized 360-degree spinner wheels; ruggedized wheels have thicker bearings similar to roller blades, so they will last longer than traditional wheels.
Ride-On Luggage
While you can buy a standard children’s suitcase for your little one, it’s not as fun as a ride-on bag! This type of suitcase often has a hard shell, ample inside space, and a comfy seat so your child can ride the suitcase. As you shop for ride-on luggage for kids, look for options that have a seat belt, handlebars, and footrests, as this increases safety for your child.
Additionally, the seat on your child’s ride-on luggage should be low enough that they can use their feet to move themselves as they sit on it. Young toddlers may need their parents to pull it, but by the time they reach early childhood or grow tall enough, they can maneuver it on their own.
Check Weight Restrictions
When buying ride-on luggage, check the weight restrictions labeled in the product description to make sure your child isn’t too big to safely use it. Similarly, verify the minimum age and height specifications to make sure your child can safely reach the handlebars, footrests, and other features.
What Your Child Wants
Your kiddo’s preferences are among the most important things to look for when choosing luggage for your children. Consider your child’s interests, favorite colors, and designs they’d like most.
If your little one is old enough, include them in the shopping process by presenting them with options you’ve selected for a quality bag. This is a great way to involve them and increase their excitement for your upcoming trip. Plus, it’s an opportunity to teach them about making practical choices and caring for their belongings.
Shop at Younglingz
Younglingz sells ride-on suitcases that keep travel fun and easy for the entire family. All our bags include a seatbelt, handlebars, and footrests to ensure the safety of every child rider. Browse our collection of fun designs and buy luggage that your child will love using.