Travelling can be stressful at the best of times, but add kids to the mix and it can become somewhat hectic! However, what can help mitigate this task is conscientious packing. While younger toddlers often have their things chucked in mum or dad’s suitcase, providing them with their own gives them some responsibility and the thrill of being one of the grown-ups.
As it can be daunting finding the right piece of hand or cabin luggage for your child, we’ve put together this neat buying guide to steer you through. Then, we’ll show you our favourites available today including affordable Disney, Marvel and Samsonite cases. Whether you’re looking for a ride-on trolley carrier or something for teens, we have options for everyone.
Quick List - Top Suitcases for Children
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When looking online for a suitcase for your child, there is a wide variety to choose from, but if you follow our advice you’re sure to pick up one that matches your child’s tastes and requirements. Here, we’ll start to look at the deciding qualities of your purchase, such as type, size, and weight.
The first point to consider is whether you want to pick up a hard- or soft-shell case.
Hard-shell cases often seem like the logical choice nowadays, and they do have many relevant advantages such as being more durable and offering more protection in transit. However, they are usually heavier, which can be a problem if your child needs to pick their case up.
Soft-shell cases, on the other hand, are generally lighter and more capable of expanding, so you have more of a chance of squeezing all your child’s holiday ‘essentials’ in. Yet, they do offer less protection for any cherished contents, and also against the elements should you happen to get caught in bad weather.
Next up is size. This mostly depends on whether you’re planning on checking your child’s bag in at the airport, though the size of your car boot may influence your decision, too.
For air travel, we would advise taking the things that keep them entertained in their carry-on case, but there will of course be regulations on this. Though you should always check with your chosen airline, generally the dimensions shouldn’t exceed 55 x 38 x 20 cm. There may also be a weight restriction, which we'll touch on more in a moment.
Furthermore, with regards to capacity (measured in litres), the more the merrier, we say, particularly if you’re going to be in transit for a long time and will therefore want to pack in multiple sources of entertainment.
The weight of the case is important for two reasons. Firstly, the heavier the suitcase, the less you’re going to be able to pack as, again, all airlines have restrictions on both hand luggage and checked-in luggage. It’s usually between 7 and 10 kg for carry-on bags.
Secondly, a heavier case lessens the chances of your child wanting to, or being able to, carry or trolley it around. It’s reported that children shouldn’t carry more than 15% of their body weight for safety reasons. So, this is something to keep in mind unless you’re comfortable being lumbered with it for most of your time in transit.
These days, there are two choices when it comes to luggage for kids: a regular pull-along trolley, or what's known as a ride-on suitcase.
If you’re buying for a younger child or toddler, then a ride-on would be a good choice. These cases give your child the option of either pulling it themselves or jumping on if they’re getting tired. Also, they’re bound to get a little excited about being chauffeured about.
However, if you’re picking up a case for an older child, chances are, they won't want to be ‘treated like a baby’ and see ride-ons as such. Therefore, providing them with some independence and the responsibility of hauling their own luggage may appeal to them more.
No-one wants shelling out for a new suitcase to be an every-holiday occurrence, and while picking up the latest cartoon-themed luggage will bring short-term joy, children are always changing their minds, so think carefully.
We’d recommend going for a colour or design that's going to be loved for at least a year or two, particularly if you don’t travel frequently, which will save them telling you they don’t like it or they’re embarrassed by it later down the line.
This can be avoided by letting them join in the choosing process, that way you can explain to them that they’re going to be using it for a few years and that they should pick wisely.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Trunki Children's Ride On Suitcase | ![]() | Probably the Best Ride-On Suitcase in the World | |
2 | Cabin Max Childrens Suitcase on Wheels | ![]() | A Lightweight 2-In-1 With Space for Their Best Pal | |
3 | Unitravel Vintage Travel Suitcase | ![]() | A Stylish Case for Fashion-Conscious Older Children | |
4 | Vbiger Wheeled Backpack | ![]() | Ideal For Aspiring Frequent Flyers | |
5 | CarGo Seat CarGo Seat | ![]() | A Must-Have For Families That Travel By Car | |
6 | TDL Marvel Avengers Wheeled Trolley Backpack | ![]() | 2-In-1 Trolley and Backpack for the Marvel Mad | |
7 | Disney Disney Princess Wheeled Trolley Suitcase | ![]() | For the Princess in Your Life | |
8 | Ridaz Batman Batmobile Carry On Luggage | ![]() | If You Want a Superhero Travel Child, Get Them the Gadgets They Require | |
9 | Stokkes JetKids | ![]() | A Classy Case That Doubles up as a Bed on Long Haul Flights | |
10 | Samsonite Happy Sammies | ![]() | Carry-On Cuteness From a Reliable Travel Brand |
Trunki became famous after their inventor Rob Law had a bit of a hiccup on the hit UK TV show Dragon's Den. He did eventually get an offer, and has now gone on to sell over 3,000,000 suitcases in over 100 different countries – not a bad one to invest in for your upcoming holiday!
These cases are boredom-busting for children, less stress for adults, and affordable too. There are many different designs available, so you can sit down with your little one and get them to pick their favourite. With formidable reviews, a large capacity and a strong shell, we're sure you'll have an easier trip wherever you're going.
If you've got to make sure they take their best pal with them, then why not do so in style? But this bag will do more than just get you a few 'awww's' as you walk through the airport – it's compact, but still has a massive 33 L capacity. There's also a drink's holder on one side of the case that we're guessing is going to come in handy.
Moreover, your child can switch between trolley or backpack at will thanks to an easy-to-use handle. The case weighs in at just 900 grams making it one of our lightest options, so it's perfect for smaller children that can't (or don't want to) carry things for long periods.
This is a great purchase for an older child who doesn't want anything kiddy but still wants something a bit different. This chic vintage-inspired case may be a little pricier, but it boasts excellent quality, and if looked after properly, could easily be your child's suitcase well into adulthood.
It also has 360-degree spinner wheels, a password lock, and it's coated in leather making it waterproof and wearable. If you or your child are looking to make a fashion statement with your baggage, then this is no doubt the most stylish option we've seen!
Another 2-in-1 masterpiece, this time from Vbiger. This case is made for those who travel frequently and plan on using the case often. It has 6 (yes 6!) wheels that make it versatile for many different terrains or even dragging up stairways. These are also detachable so it can be used as a standard backpack if required.
Additionally, it has a large internal compartment with multi-purpose zip pockets and comfortable straps should the user decide to carry it on their shoulders. It comes in 4 different colourways so your little one has a bit of a choice, too.
If you're a family that likes to travel by car and you're looking to save space, then have we got a treat for you. This product from CarGo works as both luggage and a booster seat. Genius. The contraption adheres to the European regulation standards, and has been vigorously tested as well as, dare we say it, relatively easy to install.
Moreover, its hard shell means you can rest assured that the contents kept in the case will be safe, even while in booster mode. The company also encourage users to send it back when their little ones have outgrown it so they can recycle it for you!
If you're looking to encourage your little one to be responsible, then why not make them the leader of the coolest team in town, the Avengers. This way they'll not only be tasked with looking after their stuff, but also their new best pals Iron Man, Hulk Captain America and Thor.
Furthermore, this trolley case can double-up as a backpack, which makes it a great accompaniment for everyday life too, such as trips to Grandma and Grandad's or for storing toys in at home.
This Disney-themed trolley bag is ideal for the little princess in your life. It consists of a large compartment with a robust frame so the goods inside should have better protection than if it was completely soft-shell. Moreover, many reviewers have commented on how great the height is for children.
It's also lightweight and very reasonably priced, so even if they grow out of it in a year or so it shouldn't be too painful to replace. However, you do get what you pay for, and between a toddler and those folk who seem to catapult luggage at the airport, you may end up trading it in sooner.
Want your little one to be a superhero while you're travelling? Why not provide them with the right equipment to do the job properly. This case comes with a multi-compartment interior, mesh pockets, elastic straps and two safety locks to make sure the everything is securely placed.
Other than being very practical, coincidently like Batman himself, this is sure to be a fashion statement that many other kids (and some adults) may wish for. Our only negative is that it could be slightly larger as it has just a 15 L capacity, so it'd be better for shorter trips or smaller kiddos.
Solid, sophisticated and sleek, we wish all children's accessories looked this good! But more than that, this is an extremely useful bit of kit because not only will it house clothes, toys and any other essentials, but it also doubles up as a flatbed for children. At least one of the family will be able to sleep on the plane.
Furthermore, the front wheels can rotate 360-degrees which make it super easy for kids to steer. There is some assembly required which can be a bit finicky, and if you're not travelling by plane it may be a bit much to fork out for the (albeit convenient) fancy features.
Getting the ball rolling is this cute little case from Samsonite, a long-standing go-to name in the world of luggage. These bags are brilliantly designed with trendy animals on a hard-shell case with soft padding. Plus, they can also double up as a backpack for when your little one isn't carrying too much.
The size allows this bag to be used as carry-on luggage, whilst still maintaining a very respectable 24 litre capacity – ample room for toys! The only downside is that it's around double the price of other bags of the same size, though there's no doubt it'll last many a trip.
Planning your next holiday abroad, or perhaps a good old British camping trip? Here are some more ideas for travel-friendly (and kid-approved) products to squeeze into your suitcase.
There you have it – our comprehensive guide to buying a suitcase for children. As long as you take into account factors such as size, weight, and style, we're sure you'll be on to a winner. We just need to be allowed to head off on our jollies now!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Trunki|Children's Ride On Suitcase
No. 2: Cabin Max|Childrens Suitcase on Wheels
No. 3: Unitravel|Vintage Travel Suitcase
No. 4: Vbiger|Wheeled Backpack
No. 5: CarGo Seat|CarGo Seat
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