How do I pack luggage with kids?

When packing for kids, it’s important to be prepared for a variety of situations. If your child is younger and potty training, you might need to pack several changes of clothes, for example. Or, if your child is traveling somewhere in unpredictable weather, you might need several different outerwear options. Fold and stack clothing compactly in luggage to squeeze in as many outfits as possible, and take advantage of dead space, such as the inside of shoes, for small items like socks and underwear. Many people find that rolling clothes make them more compact and packable.

How heavy should kids' luggage be?

If your child is carrying their own luggage, it should not weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight. Look for lightweight luggage made from aluminum, fabric, or plastic so that you are starting with a light base. Luggage with wheels is also helpful for children who will be carrying their own luggage through an airport. “It’s much less important how much they carry and how they carry it,” Casares says. “The more important thing is that they do carry something. When kids are given some responsibility to carry their own items when they travel, they are going to learn the habit of being part of a team and part of a family and all the work that goes into making travel possible.” Overseeing their own bag, she says, “makes them feel way more excited about the journey ahead of them and feel more ownership over the trip.”

Should kids use packing cubes?

Packing cubes are not necessary, but they can help keep your child’s luggage organized and compact. If you buy packing cubes and plan on using them in your child’s luggage, make sure they are appropriately scaled down to fit into a child’s suitcase. You can also use plain plastic zip-top bags to help keep things organized.

The Best Kids’ Luggage, According to Lab Testing

Whether they’ll be stamping their passports after a long-haul flight or just heading out on a weekend road trip, traveling kids love having their own suitcases for cargo functionality as well as for developing their sense of responsibility. To find the very best luggage for your kids, we tried out a variety of rolling suitcases and bags in the Verywell Testing Lab, with all the needs of parents, caregivers, and kids in mind.

“At the age of about 3 to 4 years old, kids can be expected to carry a few of their own things when they travel,” explains Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, founder and CEO of the Modern Mamas Club app. “But the most important thing is starting them out with a little bit of responsibility versus having them carry a substantial amount of luggage as they travel.”

The ideal luggage for your child will depend on their age and the length and style of your family vacation—plus your budget. Our list of the best kids’ luggage includes something for every need. To select our top picks, we considered organization, maneuverability, value, size, style, and durability, putting them through a number of tests in our lab.

After research and testing, here is the best kids’ luggage.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall (Little Kids):

Rockland My First Hardside Spinner Luggage at Amazon

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Best Overall (Big Kids):

State Bags Logan Suitcase at Anthropologie

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Best Budget:

Crckt Softside Carry On Suitcase at Target

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Best Organization:

Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage at Amazon

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Best Set:

Travelers Club Five-Piece Luggage Travel Set at Amazon

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Best Style:

Mark & Graham Front Carry-On Luggage at Markandgraham.com

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Best Hardside:

American Tourister Hardside Luggage Two-Piece Set at Amazon

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Best Capacity:

Herschel Supply Co. Trade Luggage | Carry-On at Amazon

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Best for Siblings:

Pottery Barn Spinner Luggage Bundle, Set Of 2 at Potterybarnkids.com

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Best Budget Set:

Costway 2-Piece Kids Luggage Set at Walmart

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Lightweight and durable
Available in eight adorable designs
Very easy for kids to push or pull

Cons

No exterior pockets

This all-around ideal option is our best overall pick for the youngest travelers because it’s both attractive and practical. The 19-inch roller board is made from polycarbonate, so it's both lightweight and durable with a hard shell. The adjustable-height pull handle makes it convenient for small kids on the go, as do 360-degree spinner wheels, which made it easy to maneuver on all surfaces in the lab, earning it a 5 out of 5 for maneuverability.

Testing Notes: “This is one of the cutest designs for little kids that we've seen. It's cartoony without being off-putting. Some of the grownups in the lab wanted this for themselves!”

The rubber zipper pulls are easily gripped by little hands, and the zippers are of relatively high quality, our tester noted. The team at the lab also gave the dinosaur design on the suitcase high marks (4.9 for style). That said, because of its small size (it fits eight outfits, one pair of shoes, one baby doll, and one stuffed animal) and only two compartments, this is best for younger kids who don’t have a lot to take along or keep organized. With a current price of less than $60, it’s something you won’t mind passing on to someone else when your kid grows out of it.

Price at time of publish: $180

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: 17.5H x 12W x 11D inches | Inside Dimensions: Side one: 15H x 13W x 5D inches; side two: 15H x 13W x 5D inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Wheels: 4 | What’s Included: 19-inch carry-on bag}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.7

State

View On Anthropologie View On Bloomingdales View On Statebags.com

Our Ratings

Organization

5/5
Maneuverability

4.9/5
Durability

4.9/5
Style

4.8/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Sustainably made from recycled materials
Designs aren’t too childish
Useful compartments with large capacity

Cons

Splurge price point

This thoughtful bag is a worthy investment and an environmentally friendly choice, making it our best overall pick for older kids. The Logan is made from 90 percent recycled materials, with a recycled interior lining made from water bottles.

But what impressed us most during testing was its many practical compartments, earning it a 5 out of 5 for organization. There are two main interior compartments, one with an elastic strap for condensing cargo and the other with a zippered flap closure and mesh exterior pocket. A front pocket features multiple pockets to keep small items easy to access on the road, and a well-considered side strap holds a water bottle, jacket, or other precious items.

Fully packed, the suitcase fit 18 outfits for 6-to-8-year-olds, a raincoat, one pair of shoes, seven pairs of underwear, three pairs of socks, three small stuffed animals, a truck, an action figure, a toy dog, two books, a tablet, a phone, four small snacks, and four pencils.

This suitcase maneuvers “super easy on hard floor and very easy on shag carpet,” if a little harder on grass, our tester noted, giving it a 4.9 rating for that attribute. The telescoping handle can be used at two different heights, which is always good for a suitcase a grown-up might need to pull when their kid gets tired (or, as in one tester’s case, when they plan on “borrowing” this suitcase). It has a side handle that makes for convenient lifting into overhead storage bins.

Testing Notes: “I love that it has two equally sized pockets, which seems great for organizing—especially if you're traveling with wet or dirty clothing.”

State Bags is known for its classy takes on trendy designs for kids and adults, so the prints change from season to season. Still, we recommend buying one that won’t go out of style too soon, just based on the higher price point.

Price at time of publish: $220

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: 19H x 13.5W x 10D inches | Inside Dimensions: Side one: 18.5H x 12.25W x 4.5D inches; side two: 18.5H x 12.25W x 3.5D inches | Weight: 6.31 pounds | Wheels: 4 | What’s Included: One carry-on suitcase}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.6

Target

View On Target

Our Ratings

Organization

5/5
Maneuverability

4.5/5
Durability

4.8/5
Style

4/5
Value

4.9/5

Pros

Multiple exterior pockets for toys
Side mesh water bottle pocket
Variety of kid-appealing prints

Cons

Single handle height (not adjustable)
Only two single-direction wheels

This soft-sided kids' suitcase comes with a removable hanging plush toy, so it’s even more appealing to kids beyond the seven available whimsical patterns (including dinos, sharks, donuts, and stars). In addition to the one large inner compartment and inner mesh pocket (which fit 10 outfits plus one jacket, one pair of shoes, a baby doll, a mini football, and a stuffed animal), the Crckt has five exterior pockets that are great for toys and other essentials kids want easy access to while traveling. We gave it a 5 for organization.

“For its size, it really has a high capacity for a child's belongings,” our tester said.

The tester noted the case held up well to drop and bat tests but said the “materials are pretty good, but nothing exceptional,” with zippers that can stick around the edges. Even though it only has two wheels—a design that almost always leads to tipping awkwardness when traveling—it performed well being pulled through over all surfaces in the lab. The designs are especially friendly for little kids, and at the current price, this is a very good buy for that age group.

Price at time of publish: $45

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: 19H x 11.5W x 8D inches | Inside Dimensions: 18H x 11W x 7.5D inches | Weight: 3.68 pounds | Wheels: 2 | What’s Included: Softside carry-on suitcase, plush dangle toy}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY

Our Ratings

Organization

5/5
Maneuverability

4.5/5
Durability

4.5/5
Style

3.9/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Lightweight
Budget friendly
Exterior pockets

Cons

No spinner wheels
Handle has a singular setting

This popular bag offers tons of design options for smaller kids—19 patterns in all, including the unicorn version we tested in the lab. On the practical side, testers praised the suitcase for its number of useful pockets, including an inner mesh pocket, an outer front pocket, and two outer side pockets. While it earned a 5 for organization, it does only hold about nine full outfits (sizes 6–8), plus a variety of toys. Between that limited capacity and the fact that a child will probably outgrow its designs pretty quickly, we recommend this as a suitcase for younger kids, which is just fine given its bargain price.

While the price point is affordable and the designs are whimsical, the “materials are clearly subpar and inexpensive,” our tester noted, giving it a 3.9 for durability. Further, it has no spinner wheels, which may make it tip during fast walks around town or the airport.

Price at time of publish: $75

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: 18H x 12W x 7D inches | Inside Dimensions: 15.5 H x 11W x 6D inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Wheels: 2 | What’s Included: Carry-on suitcase}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot

Our Ratings

Organization

4.8/5
Maneuverability

4.9/5
Durability

4/5
Style

4.2/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Five-piece coordinating set
Excellent value
Smooth rolling

Cons

Prints potentially too juvenile to grow with kids

This five-piece set packs a major value with tons of inclusions at a budget price. You get an 18-inch hardside carry-on, a 15-inch backpack, a 10-inch lunch bag, a neck pillow, and a luggage tag, all in matching prints. The suitcase has two main compartments, with luggage straps on one side and a zipper enclosure on the other side with an interior mesh pocket, fitting 13 outfits plus a pair of shoes. Like most hardside luggage, it lacks outer pockets, but the included backpack takes care of that problem, so it still earned a 4.8 for organization.

“It has two sets of spinner wheels that are incredibly effective and smooth,” reported our tester. “You can barely tell when it's on the grass.” Its handle offers two height positions with one button to adjust, and there is also a top carry handle that expands out to fit hands of all sizes. Our tester noted it fits easily in an overhead compartment, too.

In the durability test, a hard thunk of the bat did manage to scuff the shiny hard material, though a dent popped back into shape quite quickly. Kids will probably outgrow the designs this set comes in, but we imagine the suitcase will be one that can be handed down to another user when that happens, making this a pretty amazing deal.

Price at time of publish: $89

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: 20H x 13W x 8.5D inches | Inside Dimensions: Side one: 15.5H x 12W x 4D inches; side two: 15.5H x 12W x 4D inches | Weight: 4.7 pounds | Wheels: 4 | What’s Included: 18-inch hardside carry-on, 15-inch backpack, 10-inch lunch bag, neck pillow, luggage tag}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.3

Mark & Graham

View On Markandgraham.com

Our Ratings

Organization

4.8/5
Maneuverability

4.8/5
Durability

4.5/5
Style

4.5/5
Value

3/5

Pros

Easy to maneuver
Supremely durable
Very attractive

Cons

Splurge price point
Sophisticated design might not appeal to kids

This smart vintage-style suitcase isn’t marketed specifically for children, but it’s a pretty sweet option for the kind of kid who wants to look every bit as sophisticated as their parents—perhaps even more so. The hardsided case has two large inner compartments, both with zipper enclosures with interior pockets for flatter items and an attractive striped lining. Plus, there’s also an outer pocket with additional organizing pockets, a rarity in hardside luggage, though our tester noted that when the inner compartment is full, it limits the capacity of the outer pocket. This piece has a TSA-approved locking mechanism as well.

“It definitely has premium materials, comparable to a high-end adult suitcase,” our tester said. He also observed how easy the case is to maneuver, especially when using all four wheels. “It smoothly rolls away when pushed. It’s very easy to pick up and lift into an overhead compartment.” As a bonus, the handle has two height options for kids and adults.

In the durability test, the case received a dent and some scratches, making us suspect the white version is likely to show a bit of wear over time, so we gave it a 4 out of 5 in durability. The price of this case is also pretty steep compared to those that are specifically aimed at kids. It’s an “investment piece,” as our tester put it, but only a 3 for value.

Price at time of publish: $279

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: 22H x 14.5W x 10D inches | Inside Dimensions: Side one: 18H x 14W x 4D inches; side two: 18H x 14W x 4.5D inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Wheels: 4 | What’s Included: Carry-on luggage}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.4

Courtesy of American Tourister

View On Amazon View On Americantourister.com

Our Ratings

Organization

4.5/5
Maneuverability

4/5
Durability

4.5/5
Style

4.2/5
Value

4.8/5

Pros

Value-priced set
Wheels turn and glide easily
Great capacity

Cons

Print will only appeal to Disney/Star Wars fans

This two-piece luggage set includes both an 18-inch underseat and a 21-inch carry-on suitcase, and it rings in at a value price given the inclusion of two coordinating hardshell pieces (available in varying Disney or Star Wars-themed designs), depending on where you buy them and when). Our tester noted the storage capacity is “quite sizable and deep,” with two internal compartments in each suitcase, one with a zipper and the other with an elastic strap. The smaller case fit 10 outfits and one pair of shoes, while the larger carry-on fit 19 outfits, one pair of shoes, a doll, two stuffed animals, and three books.

“Disney fans are going to love this vintage-feeling Mickey print. For anyone less than a fan, however, it’s going to lose appeal quickly,” she said. For this reason, it earned a 4.2 in style.

Both suitcases moved quite well on the ground, but when it came time to lift them into an overhead compartment, they felt heavier than some of the other luggage we tested, so we gave it a 4 for maneuverability. If you have a Disney fan in the house—or even better, a pair of sibling fans—this is an excellent deal.

Price at time of publish: $210

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: Small: 18H x 12.5W x 7.5D inches; large: 23H x 14W x 8D inches | Inside Dimensions: Small side one: 14H x 11W x 4D inches; small side two: 14H x 11W x 4D inches; large side one: 16.5H x 13W x 4D inches; large side two: 14H x 11W x 4D inches | Weight: Small: 5.1 pounds; large: 6.7 pounds | Wheels: 4 each | What’s Included: 18-inch underseat carry-on, 21-inch carry-on}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.3

Courtesy of Herschel

View On Amazon View On Herschel.com View On Zappos

Our Ratings

Organization

3/5
Maneuverability

4.5/5
Durability

5/5
Style

4.5/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Built to last
Transitional style grows with kids up to teens
Adjustable handle height

Cons

Neutral colors may not entice kids
Heavy

This durable four-wheel hardshell luggage is cool enough for kids up to teenagers (though it’s not specifically marketed to any particular age group). Features like a neoprene-padded handle and a TSA lock make it as useful as it is nice to look at, especially since during testing, this carry-on fit a lot of clothing (18 outfits and one jacket) in a compact space.

A lack of inner pockets knocked the organization rating down to 3, but it passed the durability test with flying colors, showing not a single scratch or scuff mark after we beat it up.

Our tester noted that the handle extends tall enough for an adult and has a button that allows it to be used at three different heights. In the lab, we found the 360-degree wheels made it “very easy to maneuver,” even on grass. On the flip side, our tester said, “I wish it had a handle on the side for lifting into the overhead bin because it is heavy.”

A note on the styles available: Some styles, like the Cloudburst Neon tested in the lab, get discontinued from season to season, while some standard colors remain.

Price at time of publish: $220

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: 20.5H x 12.5W x 9D inches | Inside Dimensions: 20.5H x 12.5W x 9D inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | What’s Included: Carry-on suitcase}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.2

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

View On Potterybarnkids.com

Our Ratings

Organization

4/5
Maneuverability

4/5
Durability

5/5
Style

4.5/5
Value

3.5/5

Pros

Sturdy, durable
Optional monogram
External straps

Cons

Higher price point
Personalized luggage can’t be returned

This set of two coordinating pieces of kids' luggage is customizable with a monogram, making it easily identifiable—and a fun gift, too. We can picture siblings getting a kick out of having a matching set.

The wheels are high quality and smooth-rolling, and the adjustable handle can be positioned at two heights. Both suitcases also had a very reasonable capacity, with the carry-on in expanded form fitting 15 outfits, a pair of shoes, one stuffed animal, two books, three snacks, and a set of colored pencils; and the larger suitcase (expanded) fitting 23 outfits, one jacket, one pair of shoes, a doll, an action figure, and two stuffed animals. A lack of internal pockets knocked the organization score down to 4.

Our tester noted these cases stand up well, with “not a single mark on the luggage” after endurance and impact tests. While she notes the wheels do protrude in this model, they are nevertheless “sturdy and remained intact despite direct hits with a bat,” garnering it 5 on the durability attribute. Various print options appeal to a range of tastes—though they probably aren’t sophisticated enough to share the set with a grown-up travel companion or teenager. For this reason, this set only earns a 3.5 for value.

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: Small: 20H x 13W x 7.5D inches; large: 24.5H x 14W x 9D inches | Inside Dimensions: Small: 15H x 12W x 8D inches; large: 20H x 14W x 8D inches | Weight: Small: 4.5 pounds; large: 4.6 pounds | Wheels: 4 each | What’s Included: One carry-on suitcase and one larger checked suitcase}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.2

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart View On Home Depot

Our Ratings

Organization

4.5/5
Maneuverability

4.8/5
Durability

3.8/5
Style

4.2/5
Value

3/5

Pros

Charming, whimsical patterns
Two-piece set

Cons

Style, construction not made to grow with kids
Small

This two-piece luggage set with an animal-shaped 16-inch trolley suitcase and a matching backpack is perfectly adorable for younger kids who aren’t yet ready to carry all their essentials but definitely want to practice. The little carry-on fit 13 outfits, one raincoat, and one pair of shoes, while the backpack held a doll and a medium-sized stuffed animal. There’s only one interior compartment for the suitcase, but this might be fine for a younger child.

The rolling bag has multi-directional wheels and telescoping handles, and the coordinating 12-inch backpack distributes weight for kids on the go.

“This is adorable but only suitable for really young kids,” our tester noted. “The second they grow out of wanting all cute things, they aren't going to tote this around.”

While neither the style nor the construction may be made to endure (a dent in testing gave it a 3.8 for durability), the sale price makes it a good value anyway.

Price at time of publish: $58

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: Suitcase: 16.25H x 13W x 8D inches; backpack: 13H X 10W X 4.5D inches | Inside Dimensions: Suitcase 15.5H x 12W x 4D inches; backpack: 12H X 9.5W X 3.5D inches | Weight: Suitcase 3.97 pounds; backpack: 0.88 pounds | Wheels: 4 | What’s Included: Trolley suitcase and coordinating backpack}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

4.2

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On 2modern.com

Pros

Maneuverable, high-quality wheels
Ride-on feature
Converts to travel “bed” in plane

Cons

Expensive
Very low capacity

This is like the Transformers of rolling suitcases: It’s a ride-on rolling bag that transforms into an in-flight bed or leg rest. While our tester appreciated this bag for its “maneuverable, high-quality wheels” and “sturdy” construction, she also found it awkward for some usages.

“It's one [not very] big compartment that you have to pack sideways, so it's really awkward and not that functional,” she said. “You have to use the strap to pull it. The strap can be reattached to make it like a shoulder bag, but carrying it that way is heavy and awkward.”

Testing Notes: “Stokke figured out the secret of turning the Scandinavian style adults are drawn to into something a child will feel like is theirs: stickers! This little suitcase is so inviting. But it’s more of an alternative to a backpack or stroller for the airport.”

While the lid has an extra compartment that's great for toys and snacks, you have to pack the main compartment from the top, so if you needed something at the bottom, it would be challenging to get to. Also of note: If you opt to take along the included padding for the bed-rest function, that takes up about a third of the capacity. Consider this more of a backpack alternative, not a replacement for a suitcase.

Price at time of publish: $229

^{Key Specs:
Outside Dimensions: 18L x 15.5H x 7.5W inches | Inside Dimensions: Main compartment: 17.L x 10.5H x 6.5W inches; lid compartment: 11L x 4W x 3D inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Wheels: 4 | What’s Included: Convertible rolling bag, padding for leg rest/bed, decorating stickers}

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

Final Verdict

The Rockland Jr. Kids' My First Hardside Spinner Luggage is ideal for younger kids, with playful designs and a budget-friendly price point. At a higher price point, State Bags' Logan Suitcase is a worthy splurge, and you can expect it to hold up well and grow with older kids.

How We Rated the Best Kids’ Luggage

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best kids’ luggage products we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These kids’ luggage pieces are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great kids' luggage options, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These kids' luggage pieces are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend kids' luggage with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Tested Kids’ Luggage

Our extensive testing of a total of 18 suitcases included packing each bag for a trip and observing its functional attributes and practicality of use. First, we examined how many kids’ outfits (i.e., pants and a shirt), in sizes ranging from 6 to 8, and toys of various sizes would fit into each bag because dimensions don’t always paint the whole picture of suitcase capacity. As we did this, we took note of organizational features, like the number of pockets and compartments, as well as the quality of the materials and zippers.

Next, we tested how well the luggage rolled on multiple surfaces, including an even hard floor, carpet, and grass (astroturf in the lab), turning around a set of cones. We examined maneuverability based on characteristics like handles, weight, and ability to turn. Finally, we tested each bag’s durability by dropping them from a ladder and then hitting them with a baseball bat. We assigned a numerical score based on all of these attributes and used these scores to rank our list.

In addition to testing, we spoke to Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, founder and CEO of the Modern Mamas Club app to discuss what qualities to look for in kids' luggage.

What to Look for in Luggage for Kids

Size

Kids’ luggage should be appropriately sized to their bodies, with handles matched to their height. But the size of kids’ luggage isn’t just relevant to their body size: If you're traveling by plane and don’t intend to check bags, make sure to pick a piece that qualifies to fly carry-on and fits in the overhead compartment. According to Travel & Leisure, the average carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handle and wheels, but this varies by airline, so be sure to check ahead.

We measured the packing capacity of each bag because features like wheels and telescoping handles can often make the inside less roomy than it appears from the outside.

Organization and Design

The design of kids’ luggage should match not just their age and personality; it must also incorporate functionality that works for your family. Consider things like exterior zippers or mesh pockets for organization and access.

Maneuverability

Kids should be able to maneuver their own bags as easily as possible in order to keep up in busy, daunting airport terminals or train stations and build personal responsibility in the process. Features like smooth-rolling, 360-degree wheels help substantially. Handles that can adjust to their height and an adult’s height help with this too. Don’t forget that adults often wind up carrying their kids’ bags at least some of the time.

Durability

If you’re choosing a budget-priced piece of luggage with a juvenile design, it might not matter to you if that piece doesn't make it until next summer’s trip. But durability matters if you’re splurging on a piece of high-quality luggage in a style you expect to grow with your kids—and hold up to the rigors of travel—over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pack luggage with kids?

When packing for kids, it’s important to be prepared for a variety of situations. If your child is younger and potty training, you might need to pack several changes of clothes, for example. Or, if your child is traveling somewhere in unpredictable weather, you might need several different outerwear options.
Fold and stack clothing compactly in luggage to squeeze in as many outfits as possible, and take advantage of dead space, such as the inside of shoes, for small items like socks and underwear. Many people find that rolling clothes make them more compact and packable.
How heavy should kids' luggage be?

If your child is carrying their own luggage, it should not weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight. Look for lightweight luggage made from aluminum, fabric, or plastic so that you are starting with a light base. Luggage with wheels is also helpful for children who will be carrying their own luggage through an airport.
“It’s much less important how much they carry and how they carry it,” Casares says. “The more important thing is that they do carry something. When kids are given some responsibility to carry their own items when they travel, they are going to learn the habit of being part of a team and part of a family and all the work that goes into making travel possible.” Overseeing their own bag, she says, “makes them feel way more excited about the journey ahead of them and feel more ownership over the trip.”
Should kids use packing cubes?

Packing cubes are not necessary, but they can help keep your child’s luggage organized and compact. If you buy packing cubes and plan on using them in your child’s luggage, make sure they are appropriately scaled down to fit into a child’s suitcase. You can also use plain plastic zip-top bags to help keep things organized.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Alesandra Dubin is a professional product reviewer in the parenting, travel, and lifestyle space. She’s also a mom to 7-year-old twins, with whom she travels the world. (They each had 10 different countries’ stamps on their passport by age 4.)