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The Best Luggage for Kids

Last updated on August 4, 2024
Categories Kids, Travel Tags

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Kids' Luggage

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Most Designs

Stephen Classic Rolling Kid’s Luggage

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Stephen Joseph

Multi-Pocket Rolling Kid's Luggage

In addition to being colorful, this kids' luggage set is designed with functionality in mind. There's plenty of space inside the suitcase for your child's clothing, while the outside features multiple pockets for toys and snacks. The bag is also made with wheels for ease of transport and a telescoping handle that grows with your child.

Overall Take

Telescoping HandleWhen you opt for this kids' luggage set, you'll have a choice of characters, including a shark, a sloth and a family of dinosaurs.

 Best Rolling Duffel

Olympia Retractable Handle Self-Standing Kid’s Luggage

Olympia

Retractable Handle Self-Standing Kid's Luggage

This rolling duffel fits everything your child needs in an easy-to-carry design. The smaller sizes weigh between five and seven pounds, but has eight pockets to organize smaller items. The reinforced polyester fabric comes in plenty of fun colors that are sure to please the pickiest kiddo.

Overall Take

Lightweight and Large CapacityThe Olympia Rolling Duffel Bag is light enough for small children to pull but large enough to pack for longer trips.

 Best Luggage Set

iPlay, iLearn Anti-Scratch Spinner Luggage Set For Kids

iPlay, iLearn

Anti-Scratch Spinner Luggage Set For Kids

Ideal for plane and train rides, this spinner luggage for kids set with wheels promotes independence by allowing kids to pull and carry their own suitcases. The checked luggage bag has several pockets for organizing clothes and toys, while the carry-on converts to a backpack and fits neatly under a seat or in the overhead compartment. The 360-degre...

Overall Take

Lightweight Carry-On IncludedKids will love this spinner luggage for kids set with wheels, as it is decorated with airplanes, trains and fire trucks.

  The Best Value

Yodo Multifunctional Padded Kid’s Luggage

Yodo

Multifunctional Padded Kid's Luggage

You can use this delightful luggage as a suitcase, insulated lunchbox or a backpack. It's the perfect height and weight for toddlers, and the spacious compartment fits clothes, food or a small tablet. You're sure to find a design your child loves with playful options like sharks, dinosaurs, owls and unicorns.

Overall Take

3-in-1 DesignThe Yodo Kids Rolling Luggage or Backpack stores your kid's must-haves at school or on vacation.

Buying Guide

Traveling with your kids can be equal parts challenging and joyful, but the right luggage can take some stress off your plate. Age-appropriate luggage makes it easier for kids to help pack their own suitcases and pull them along in an airport, and long waits feel a little easier with your child’s favorite cartoon characters on their suitcase.

Kids’ luggage is often a miniature version of adult luggage, but some suitcases come with child-friendly perks. For example, some models can transition from an insulated lunchbox to a bookbag to a suitcase. Others let your child ride on the top while you pull the suitcase along.

Some features are extra-important when you’re buying luggage for kids. Wheeled suitcases are much easier for them to pull, and rubber-lined edges can prevent owies. Dedicated pockets for tablets and other toys will also help car rides or security lines go by quickly.

What to Look For

  • The age and size of your child is the most important thing to think about when you’re buying luggage for them. Lighter materials, like canvas or scratch-resistant fabric, will be easier for a very young child to work with. If the luggage has a telescoping handle, make sure it’s not too tall for your child.
  • Always look at the measurements and weight of children’s luggage before you buy it to make sure it’s large enough for everything they need without being too heavy.
  • If you’re on a budget, try to buy luggage that will grow with your child. The animated characters they love this year might not interest them next year, so bright prints or designs might be a better choice.
  • Let your child practice carrying and wheeling around their luggage before you set off on your trip. This will reduce the risk of luggage wheels running over little toes when you’re in an airport.

More to Explore

You can find thousands of different suitcases when you’re shopping online, but travelers had far fewer options a century ago. Suitcases didn’t exist at all until the late 1800s (wealthy travelers used huge steamer trunks instead), but as travel became cheaper and more accessible, suitcases gained popularity.

The earliest suitcases had steel frames and were covered with leather or wicker, and they were designed to literally carry suits and not much else. By the 1950s and 60s, suitcases had lighter alloy frames covered in synthetic fabrics. 

The first wheeled suitcase was patented in the 1970s to keep up with modern airport needs. Consumers needed to be able to handle their own luggage instead of handing it off to attendants. The air travel industry continues to impact the luggage industry, with specialty luggage for electronics (and smaller luggage for children) making waves in the modern era.

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