6 Best Kids Luggage Items for Young Travelers in 2024

So your kids are old enough to have their own luggage.

Finally!

Getting your kids to have their own luggage doesn’t just lower your burden, but it will also make them feel like a grown-up.

However, there is a world of options when it comes to kids’ luggage. From features like rolling luggage to design and color options, you can find everything under the sun.

Here we’ve reviewed some of the best kids’ luggage you can get your hands on easily. Towards the end, you will also find some helpful insight and tips to ensure you choose the right option for your little ones.

Our 6 Top Picks for the Best Kids Luggage

For any products that come in different styles on one listing, there are different options.

1. Trunki Original Kids Ride-On Suitcase

Specifics:

• Dimensions: 18.1 x 8.2 x 12.2 inches
• Weight: 3.53 pounds 
• Material: Lightweight durable plastic (polypropylene)
• Themes/Colors available: Terrence (blue), Ruby (red), Trixie (pink)

This Trunki Original Kids Ride-On Suitcase is number one on our list for a reason. When you go into the specifics of the luggage, you can see why it is one of the best kids’ luggage options.

With a bunch of styles and color available, they are sure to attract your kid’s interest and make traveling more fun for them. The best feature of the suitcase is the fact that your kid can ride on it.

The dimensions of the suitcase meet the 20x18x10 inches requirements scheduled, charter, and low-cost airlines. With that, it has a 14.5-gallon capacity that holds your child’s toys, clothes, and other accessories.

When your little one is not riding it, it has handles and horn grips that allow your child to move it around with ease.

What’s more? It’s quite affordable for the quality and features you get. Additionally, you can use it as a toy trunk at home when you’re not using it on travels.

What we like

• The spacious 14.5-gallon room allows for all your child’s necessities to be in one place
• Meets carry-on requirements of most airlines
• Comes with a warranty of 5 years, ensuring its longevity
•  Allows parents to tow around tired legs of their little ones without having to carry them
• The case can withstand weight up to110 pounds!

What we don’t like

• The wheels don’t swivel, which can make maneuvering and navigating the suitcase difficult
• The hinges or locks on the suitcase can be flimsy

2. Skip Hop Kids Luggage with Wheels

Specifics:

• Dimensions:7 x 12.5 x 18 inches
• Weight: 2.19 pounds
• Material: Sturdy poly-canvas fabric
• Themes/Colors available: Signature Darby Dog & other Zoo characters by Skip Hop, such as Butterfly, giraffe, monkey, ladybug, fox, and unicorn. 

This cute pupper featured on the canvas bag makes for a fun kids luggage option. Compared to the Trunki suitcase above, this particular bag is very lightweight and much easier to navigate and move around.

Made of high-quality, sturdy canvas material, this bag comes with a retractable 13-inch handle. Furthermore, it has an easy-to-reach front zipper pocket and elastic mesh pockets on the side to keep things you might grab often.

The front pocket is perfect for keeping snacks and lunch boxes or toys. The mesh pocket, on the other hand, is specially designed to keep a water bottle for easy access.

The bag also has a parent strap that allows you to carry the bag when your little one is knackered out. The shoulder strap is adjustable and can be easily tucked away when not in use.

The material used for the bag is to ensure the safety of the tiny hands that will be rolling it. It is also BPA and Phthalate-free, taking the hazards out of the way.

However, the manufacturer does warn about using the bag for children younger than three years of age. Besides that, there is a weight requirement of at least a minimum of 24 pounds.

What we like

• BPA- and Phthalate-free material
• Mesh and front pocket allow for convenient storage and easy access for toys and snacks
• Adjustable parent strap makes the bag easy to carry hand-free
• The retractable 13-inch handle allows you to lock it in place

What we don’t like

• The zippers on the main and front pocket tend to stick a little and can be difficult to close/open
• The parent strap can be uncomfortable at times
• The bag is a bit on the expensive side

3. Yodo Zoo 3-Way Kids Rolling Luggage or Toddler Backpack with Wheels

Specifics:

• Dimensions: 11.8 x 6.1 x 15 inches |inner pocket is 6.5 x 6 inches
• Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Material: Polyester
• Themes/Colors available: Dinosaur, owl, shark, money, and unicorn

One of the main attractive features of this Yodo creation is the fact that it can be used in three different ways. If your little one is excited about wheeling their own bag around, pull out the handle and wheels.

When they are tired, you can retract the handle and cover the wheels, making it into a backpack they can carry without any issues. If you are the one who will be doing the carrying, the bag can also turn into a handbag.

This means that you can use it first as a diaper bag and let your toddler grow into it as their own luggage.

The bag might not be big enough to carry your child’s luggage, it can certainly hold a lot of things you might need on the go. The front and main pockets are just large enough for a perfect weekend getaway.

When your little one finally makes the milestone starting school, you can take the luggage out and the school supplies in. Similar to the Skip Hop bag, this Yodo 3-way luggage also has mesh pockets on the side for water bottles.

What we like

• The plush cute design is engaging and attractive, keeping your toddler entertained on the way
• The material used for the construction is BPA- and Phthalate-free, making the bag safe for young toddlers
• You can adjust the bag as per your child’s needs 
• The wheels on the bag have a wheel cover that you can use when you want to use the bag as a backpack

What we don’t like

• Not spacious enough for children above the age of five
• The wheels might have issues after a couple of uses

4. American Tourister Kids Softside 18″ Upright

Specifics:

• Dimensions: 18 inches upright (7 x 12 x18 inches overall)
• Weight: 4.9 pounds
• Material: Polyester and vinyl
• Themes/Colors available: Mickey Mouse and other Disney character themes

Featuring everybody’s favorite mouse, this American Tourister upright rolling bag is perfect for kids. The bag is spacious enough to carry for both weekend getaways to grandmas and international trips.

The 10-year warranty on the bag ensures that it lasts long. The lightweight polyester and vinyl make up a durable material.

It’s not only the outside that is protected as the entire interior of the bag is lined. There are also crisscross tie-down straps on the inside that allow you to keep everything in place even when your little one is zooming around with it.

The sleek design of the bag also makes it easy to transport it, especially with other luggage. The handle and in-lined mounted skate wheels elevate the functionality of the bag, making it easy to lift and move around.

What we like

• The bag comes with a 10-year warranty, making it perfect for long-term use
• The sleek design is mounted on skate wheels that allow easy movement
• The interior is lined and comes with straps, keeping everything in place
• Comes in Disney themes, creating excitement in children for using the bag

What we don’t like

• The extremely lightweight material can mess up the center of gravity, making it hard to move
• The zipper can get stuck

5. Stephen Joseph Girls Classic Rolling Luggage

Specifics:

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 18 x 14.5 inches
• Weight: 2.81 pounds
• Material: polyester
• Themes/Colors available: Many, including flower-chevron, rainbow, llama, mermaid, ladybug, money, and more.

This rolling bag by Stephen Joseph is the kind most people have. The classic upright bag has one main pocket, two side pockets, and one on the front. This way, you can store stuff like snacks and toys in easy-to-reach locations.

Besides that, the bag is pretty simple and made of polyester, which allows for some give when you stuff it to the brim.

What makes this simple bag exciting is the wide range of themes available. From unicorns to airplanes, your child can pick on that excited them the most.  

What we like

• The polyester exterior is soft and lightweight, making the bag suitable for young kids to move around
• Excellent storage capacity allows you to store all your child’s necessities along with having zippers for easy organization
• The handle on the bad is high-quality, expandable and durable, perfect for the tiny hands of your little ones
• The bag features a pass-through panel that allows you to carry their luggage on top of yours

What we don’t like

• Some users have complained of the bag ripping easily when filled to capacity
• There have also been complaints regarding the zipper getting stuck and not closing properly

6. Goplus 2Pc Kid Luggage, 12″ & 16″ Kids Carry On Luggage Set

Specifics:

• Dimensions: 18.9 x 12.5 x 9.1 inches
• Weight: 6.13 pounds 
• Material: Durable polycarbonate, ABS, and nylon.
• Themes/Colors available: Deer and birds, elephant, flamingo, girls, lion, owl, unicorn, and monsters.

Unlike the rest of the products reviewed above, this GoPlus creation features a hard-shell cover. The premium, high-quality materials used on the exterior and interior of the bag make it durable and long-lasting.

One of the great things about this product is that it comes in a set of two at an affordable price. The roller bag comes with a hard-shell backpack that can be stacked on top of the former. This makes wheeling around the luggage easy.

Despite the hard shell, the bag is lightweight and can be easily moved around by a 5-year-old. The multidirectional wheels on the bag make that even more efficient.

What we like

• The bag features an ergonomic design that makes the bag easy to use
• The dual-tube handles are adjustable and effective for lifting and wheeling the bag around
• The hard shell keeps valuable delicate items from becoming damaged
• Comes in a set of two including a backpack that can be stacked on top of each other, making it easy to move around at an airport
• 100% warranty

What we don’t like

• The surface of the hard shell on the bag can get scratched very easily
• The wheels lack efficient mobility and can be hard to rotate properly

Why your kids should have their own luggage

While most adults would love to be carefree kids once again, the opposite is true for kids. Seeing adults do all that they can’t, they want to be grownups. Having their own luggage and carrying it around will surely give them those feels.

They can imitate you carrying your bags and feel more responsible. Also, packing and choosing their own bags will make them feel more involved in the travel prep.

Furthermore, it’s a great time to teach your kids some responsibility. It will be their bag, which means they will need to look after it at all times. They will need some help at times but that’s not an issue.

Kids luggage also makes sense logistically as it is small enough to fit in overhead compartments. Instead of packing up a bag especially for the duration of the flight, you have direct access to their luggage.

This way, it will come in hand if they need a change of clothes due to a spilling accident. Their toys and special items will also be right there. If they get fussy for a specific toy, you can take out easily instead of explaining why you can’t take it out from the luggage you booked.

Having to take care of their own luggage will also keep them occupied. They can learn how to pack the bags during prep and then at the airport. They can even sit on the luggage if there is no place for them on a busy day.

Things to consider when buying kids luggage

Just as you put thought into planning the trip and deciding what to bring along on the journey, you need to consider a few factors while buying kids luggage. From design concepts to functional elements, there is a whole lot of variety available in the market.

So how do you find the best kids luggage?

The answer lies in the consideration of utilities, travel plans, and your child’s individual needs. To make things a bit easier for you, especially if this is the first time you’re buying kids luggage, here are some things you need on your checklist:

Age of your child

There are various brands that manufacture kids luggage for different age categories. A bag designed for a 10-year-old will not be suitable for a 4-year-old to carry around. It will be too big and bulky, tiring them out way too quickly.

Functionality

Functionality is an umbrella term for a few features you need to have an eye out for. The first thing to ensure is an ergonomic design, which will allow your kids to carry the luggage with ease.

Secondly, you need to ensure that it has sufficient room to carry your kid’s necessities. It should also be comfortable to wear or wheel around. For backpacks, make sure that the straps are padded.

Other than that, the bag shouldn’t have too many kinks and accessories that come in the way of carrying it. If it does, your child will get frustrated really quick and you’ll end up carrying the luggage.

Material

Comfort and sturdiness are two requirements that your kids’ luggage should meet. If your family gets the travel bug quite often, you definitely need luggage that will last you some time. You don’t want to end up buying a new each time you plan to take a trip

There are options of plastic, fabric, and combination; hard versus soft shell; and waterproof material. Aim to get something that will not only be sturdy but also comfortable to carry around.

One tip for non-frequent flyers is to get kids luggage that they can grow into.

Weight

Even though children are, at times, stronger and more capable than you would think, they still can’t very heavy bags. The excitement of having their own bag might push them a little at the beginning of the trip but it will tire them out soon enough.

Backpack vs. Rolling Wheels

Both backpacks and rolling bags have their advantages and disadvantages. Finding the one suitable for your kid depends on your needs.

If you’re taking short trips, a backpack will do perfectly. They are small enough to make for minimal carriage while still having enough compartments to organize everything within easy reach.

Also, children can wear the backpack easily and have their hands free so you can hold them while at the airport.

Trolley bags, on the other hand, are suitable for longer trips and instances when you need to carry heavier luggage. They can be fun for your little one to roll around without obstructing their movement.

Also, they can keep children entertained!

How about getting the best of both worlds and get a backpack/trolley hybrid?

You can pop out the handle and the wheels when there are a lot of things to pack. For lightweight traveling, they can be worn as a backpack.

Pre-trip luggage tips

Before you make the decision on which kids luggage you want to buy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These pre-trip luggage tips will help you make the most of your luggage without it becoming a huge hassle:

• While shopping, allow some space for shopping and gear you will be using. Arrange everything in one of your own bags to assess what size would be suitable for your kid.
• Make a checklist of everything you will be bringing for your child or children. Divide the stuff between carry-ons and checked luggage. Plan the packing so only emergency clothes, toys, and snacks are in the carry-on.
• Make a list of what snacks and activities you want to bring onboard to keep your kid entertained.
• Make room for any medication your child needs in your own bag.
• Keep a bungee cord in your carry-on bag so you can attach your kids’ luggage to yours when boarding or exiting a flight.
• Try to make room in your child’s bag for any electronics they might be using on the flight. If they can’t fit in there, you will have to carry them through security.
• Lastly, add a tag, stencil or some form of indicator that visually pairs your entire luggage together. This way it will be easier for you and your child to recognize it amongst a chaos of all the travelers’ bags. 

Conclusion

The bottom line is that you should entrust your child with their own luggage as soon as they are old enough to take responsibility. Make them a part of the travel planning and allow them to choose and then carry their own bags.

You can turn towards the kids’ luggage we’ve reviewed here and choose one that foots the bill. Despite not seeming that big of a deal, it will be a moment of learning and independence for your little ones.