Travelling with kids can be challenging, and there’s one thing we always stress about the night before: the dreaded travel suitcase.
Buying a good toddler suitcase can definitely ease some of the pain — if you choose the right one.
When comparing the best kids luggage for your next holiday or weekend away, there’s a ton of options to choose from: you’ve got kids rolling luggage, ride on suitcases, travel backpacks and even scooter luggage.
There are a huge number of suitcases for toddlers on the market — some good, some bad and most somewhere in between. So which to choose?
We’ve condensed our favourite designs and space-saving kids luggage in to a selection of 9 of the best toddler suitcases. Perfect for tiny travellers! The list contains ride-ons, rolling suitcases, scooters and even a case that can be converted into a bed… yep, really.
Read on for our full toddler luggage guide!
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UK's #1 Kids' Luggage
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Best Full Travel Set
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Best Ride On Suitcase
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4.5
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5.0
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4.5
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$17.88
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N/A
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9 Best Toddler Suitcases and Kids Luggage Picks
Trunki Ride-on Suitcase
The Trunki Ride-on Suitcase is one of the most popular toddler suitcases in the UK, as you’ll know if you’ve visited an airport lately — and it’s easy to see why.
There are plenty of fun designs to choose from — we love this cute Frank Fire Engine one! — and it’s just generally very high quality. It can handle up to 50kg of weight so your toddler will easily be able to sit and ride along, which is a great feature for getting around airports. The size is good and hand luggage appropriate so it makes for the perfect carry-on bag.
Its popularity is also the reason behind one of its minor negatives — we see them around so often that you’ll want to make sure yours is well labelled so you don’t accidentally pick up someone else’s!
Pros
- Kids can sit on it and ride along – can take up to 50kg of seating weight
- Comfortable ‘saddle’ for tiny travellers
- Stable thanks to 4 wheel configuration for easy rolling
- Comes with horn grips to hold on to for steering and tow strap
- Catches are easy-open yet lockable
- Has carry handles for when it’s time to carry it
- Appropriate size for hand luggage
- Lots of different fun designs to choose from, including a tiger, pirate ship, ladybird, fire engine, unicorn, spaceship and more!
- Very durable thanks to hard plastic shell
- Comes with a 5 year guarantee
- Can be recycled
- Good price for kids luggage
- Eye catching design
Cons
- Very popular travel suitcase — make sure it’s well labelled if you put it as checked luggage when flying!
- Capacity is a little limited at just 18 litres
Boredom Busting Children's Luggage – Sit-On, Ride-On & Carry-On. This is a kids suitcase to keep them entertained through the airport, at destination and away from home. Perfect as a baby or toddler gift with years of use though out childhood.
Skip Hop Zoo Rolling Luggage
This Skip Hop Zoo suitcase is another popular kids luggage design with an aesthetic appeal that toddlers are sure to love.
This fun option is super lightweight and easy to pull along while also offering a good amount of space inside — making it an excellent cabin bag choice for long haul flights. It appears well made and durable despite the canvas material, and its free from nasties like BPA and phthalates.
There aren’t any locks on the zippers unfortunately so it won’t be a suitcase to leave unaccompanied at any time. And because of its more traditional handle-pull design, it’s probably better suited to older toddlers unless you want to be stuck with pulling it around yourself along with your own suitcase!
Pros
- Many fun designs available, including a butterfly, fox and owl
- Appropriate size for hand luggage
- Lightweight (1.02 kg) and easy for kids to pull along
- Handy front zip pocket
- Retractable 13-inch handle
- Free from BPA and Phthalates
- Good amount of room for clothes (and travel toys!)
- Canvas feels sturdy and durable, mostly scratch resistant
- Matching zipper pulls are fun
Cons
- Best suited to slightly older toddlers who are happy to pull the handle
- No locks on the zips
The front zip pocket with mesh divider makes it easy to reach smaller items like snacks or books. Retractable 13 Inch handle for easy carry-on.
Micro Eazy Ride On 3-in-1 Suitcase
One of the more sophisticated toddler suitcases we’ve come across is this Micro Mini Lazy Luggage piece.
It’s essentially 3 products in 1 — it can be used as a small suitcase for hand luggage, as a ride-on, and also as a stroller. The case itself is big with plenty of space and it just generally feels of a very high quality and durability. It will be ideal for slightly older toddlers who aren’t so reliant so pushchairs while you’re on holiday.
On the flipside, it is quite expensive and it’s also quite a lot heavier than the more toddler-orientated suitcases on this list.
Pros
- 3 products in 1 — hand luggage trolley case, ride-on suitcase and even lightweight stroller!
- Appropriate size for hand luggage
- Very generous 22-litre capacity case in the main compartment
- Parent steering adjustable handle is extendable depending on your height and child’s size
- Suitable for toddlers over 18 months and up to 20kg
- You can customise the front of the case with the included owl eyes 🦉
- Very space efficient thanks to adjustability and foldability
- Very durable thanks to precision Swiss engineering
Cons
- A little dull to look at
- On the heavier side at 4kg
- Expensive
- Not easy to find it in stock in the UK!
With a huge 21 litre capacity the Eazy can be neatly stored on board your next flight. Hand luggage friendly and big enough to store those all-important toys and games. For flights with more fun.
Samsonite Dream Rider Deluxe
Samsonite are a legacy luggage brand and this Dream Rider Deluxe ride-on suitcase is rightfully popular.
Not only can your toddler ride on it around the airport but it can also be used as a footrest for them when they’re on the plane — very useful for little legs. It’s very easy to handle and manoeuvre, has a huge capacity while being appropriately sized for hand luggage, and also comes in some cute colours with the tiger design being one of our favourites.
As you might expect from Samsonite, it is on the more expensive side, but we do think it’s worth the money if your budget allows.
Pros
- Range of 4 different colour designs to choose from
- Appropriate size to be taken as hand luggage
- Can be used as a footrest when you’re on the plane
- Stable and comfortable to ride on
- Integrated footrest and handles
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Comes with a retractable pull handle and removable shoulder strap
- Very durable and hard-wearing
- Very generous 25-litre capacity
- Top lid makes for easy access
Cons
- Expensive
- On the heavier side at 3kg
The case is designed to appeal to youngsters aged from around 3 to 8 years and can be used as a ride on toy, as well as a fully functioning child’s suitcase.
Zinc Flyte Mini Scooter Suitcase
If your toddler is a pro on the scooter, the Zinc Flyte Mini Scooter Suitcase will be an absolute must-buy!
It’s available in two sizes, the Mini and the Micro, so it will fit your child according to their age. It’s very stable, steers well, and folds away easily once you need it to. The scooter handlebars also act as a suitcase handle so you’ll be able to pull it around easily when it’s not being scooted on! It’s large and spacious while also being hand luggage-appropriate.
Our one bugbear with it is that the suitcase is on the softer side and so not as hard wearing as we’d ideally like.
Pros
- Scooter-loving kids will love it!
- Scooter folds away and locks in place
- Appropriate size for hand luggage
- Generous 21-litre capacity inside, more than enough for little kids
- Available in this Mini size (2-4 years) and Micro size (4-8 years)
- Stable and safe steering
- Two fun designs available
- Can be carried and pulled, as well as used as a scooter
- Reasonably lightweight at 3kg considering it’s a scooter as well as a suitcase
Cons
- Not as hard-wearing as we’d like on the suitcase component, considering it’s likely to get bumped around a lot as a scooter
Is it a suitcase? Is it a scooter? Well, yes actually, it’s both of them. Introducing Flyte, our unique case scooter. It’s safe to use and fun to ride.
American Tourister Disney Suitcase
If your toddler is a Disney fan, they’re sure to love this American Tourister suitcase — there are lots of designs available and there are three size configurations to choose from as well.
While it’s not cheap, it really delivers on quality and convenience — the hard shell is very robust and durable, it’s easy to handle and manoeuvre, and it comes equipped with a 3-digit combination lock for security.
Not so much a negative and more something to be aware of — its size and capacity means that it’s more suited to older kids if you want them to pull it around. Say hello to the ultimate Disney trolley case!
Pros
- Ideal for when you need a larger suitcase (to be put in the hold)
- Perfect for Disney fans!
- Comes in 3 different sizes
- Has a 3-digit combination lock included
- Lots of choices of fun Disney prints
- Very durable and hardwearing
- Very easy to pull and manoeuvre
- Very generous capacity (exact amount depends on the size you choose)
- Reasonable price considering size and quality
Cons
- Its size means it’s better suited to older kids if you expect them to pull it around
Children's suitcase features an iconic Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse on timelessly classic polka dot backgrounds.
Boppi Tiny Trekker
If you’re looking for a small toddler suitcase, then this Boppi Tiny Trekker could be a good option.
It’s available in lots of fun and colourful designs that your toddler is sure to love and it’s so lightweight that most kids will have no problem pulling it around. We like the useful interior zip pocket and the fact that the handle has two different height settings so it’ll grow with your toddler.
As it’s on the smaller side, it probably isn’t a huge amount of use when travelling although could be good for shorter trips. It’s not particularly sturdy and doesn’t come with any locks on the zippers so isn’t the best choice from a security standpoint.
Pros
- Lots of fun designs available
- Easy to pull thanks to lightweight 1.5kg configuration and smooth rubber wheels
- Appropriate size for hand luggage
- Retractable handle can be extended to 2 different heights so will grow with your child
- Good price
Cons
- Capacity is a little limited at just 17 litres
- Doesn’t come with any locks
- Not as sturdy as we would like
These children's luggage cases are built with a lightweight, soft, durable, and robust exterior casing. The kids suitcases on wheels for girls are within the size requirements for cabin bags and weigh only 1.5kg
Jet Kids by Stokke BedBox
The Jet Kids by Stokke BedBox is something of a cult product amongst frequent flyers with kids as it functions as both a ride on suitcase as well as a lie-flat bed on the plane.
It’s very comfortable as both a bed and a ride-on, and is really easy to transform from suitcase to bed. It’ll fit most standard economy seats. The case itself is spacious and durable, and is fairly priced considering its innovative features.
Make sure you check with your airline beforehand if they’ll allow you to transform it into a bed!
The full Stokke JetKids Travel Bundle comes with a travel backpack too, making it the perfect travel set for your little one.
Pros
- Can be used as both a ride-on suitcase and transformed into a bed for an airplane seat or a leg rest
- Very comfortable to ride on thanks to shock-absorbing front wheels, and integrated handle and foot rest
- Very manoeverable
- Can be transformed into a bed in just 5 easy steps
- Fits most standard economy seats
- Bed is comfortable thanks to included mattress and soft side panels
- Comes with a multi-purpose strap for easy carrying and pulling
- Hard shell case is very sturdy and durable
- Comes with stickers so your child can decorate the case as they wish
- Generous 23-litre capacity wth more storage room inside the lid
- Appropriate size for hand luggage
- Available in a few different colours
- Reasonable price considering capabilities
Cons
- Not the most exciting designs for kids
- Make sure you check with the airline beforehand if they accept it
The BedBox and Crew Backpack travel set is the ideal companion for your child when travelling with the family. It includes a versatile suitcase and an expandable backpack
LittleLife Suitcase
The LittleLife Children’s Suitcase is another sweet, character design suitcase that toddlers who like unicorns or dinosaurs will really love.
Although it’s on the smaller side, it can fit a decent amount of things into its 20-litre capacity, and it has a handy front pocket for essentials as well. It’s lightweight and easily manoeuvrable, and the retractable handle has two different height settings which you can adjust to best fit your child.
It’s not particularly durable and nor could you say it’s secure as it doesn’t come with any locks.
Pros
- Beautiful unicorn or dinosaur design
- Telescopic handle is in two stages so will grow with your child
- Generous 20 litre internal compartment
- Smooth and easy to pull at just 1.36 kg
- Internal name and address label
- Handy front pocket
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Doesn’t come with locks
- Not quite as sturdy and durable as we’d like given it’s made from nylon
The Dinosaur Suitcase is designed for kids to gain a little bit of independence travelling. The suitcase has a smaller bits and bobs compartment inside too, to help separate out smaller items.
What to Consider Before Buying Toddler Luggage
It’s worth considering a few key things before you invest in a toddler suitcase — that way, you can ensure that you’re buying the best product for your child and family that you’ll use time and time again.
Age of your Child
One of the key things to consider is the age of your child right now and how long you anticipate them using the suitcase.
Some suitcases are better suited to older children — particularly rolling suitcases that can’t be ridden on. These are usually lightweight and easy to pull around for most kids, but consider how long your child is likely going to be happy doing this. Most younger toddlers have short attention spans and are unlikely to have the energy to pull one all around the airport.
If you’re buying a ride-on suitcase and your child is a bit older then make sure to check the weight limit.
The Trunki can take an impressive 50kg, for example, but the Micro Eazy can only take 20kg.
Carrying Capacity
Another important consideration is how much you need to pack in your toddler’s suitcase.
Ask yourself: does it have enough pockets, zippers and storage for your kid’s luggage?
If it’s simply going to be used for a few toys and snacks then you can get away with a smaller carrying capacity, such as with the Trunki or Boppi suitcases.
But if you want to use it to store more than just a few essentials, definitely take a look at the slightly bigger options, like:
- Samsonite Dream Rider Deluxe (25 litres)
- Jet Kids BedBox (23 litres)
- Micro Eazy (22 litres)
If you’re going away for a while and are happy to put the suitcase into checked luggage as opposed to just hand luggage, then you’re going to want to invest in the American Tourister Disney Suitcase which is available in 3 different sizes.
Ease of Use
Regardless of whether you or your toddler are carrying the suitcase around, you want to be sure that it’s smooth, easily manoeuvrable and ideally lightweight.
The Skip Hop Zoo Rolling Luggage is the lightest, weighing in at a fraction over 1kg. It’s very easy to pull around for little ones and for parents too if your toddler decides to abandon it…
But lighter doesn’t always mean it’s the best choice as kids’ luggage. Some of the heavier suitcases on this list are some of the easiest to manoeuvre thanks to their skilled engineering and useful handles.
The Micro Eazy, Samsonite Dream Rider Deluxe and Jet Kids BedBox are some of the best in this regard.
Ultimately, each suitcase on this list has been partially chosen for inclusion because it’s easy for both you and your toddler to push/pull/carry/ride on so you can’t go wrong.
Fun Designs
We know as well as anyone that a fun design can often be the key to getting your toddler to take ownership over and use their suitcase.
One of the reasons the Trunki Ride-on is so popular is due to the numerous fun, colourful designs on offer that almost trick kids into seeing the suitcase as a toy rather than something boring to carry your luggage.
Trunki lead the charge here but honorable mentions must go to the Skip Hop Zoo Rolling Luggage, Zinc Flyte Scooter Suitcase (the must-buy for all scooter lovers) and the American Tourister Disney Suitcase.
How Durable Is The Case?
Although often overlooked when it comes to toddler suitcases, durability is actually a really important thing to consider — even if the suitcase never makes it into the cargo hold.
Because, truth be told, toddlers can be destructive. Especially if they’re riding on a suitcase or pulling it around after them. They simply don’t have that instinct to protect their belongings that comes to most of us with age and responsibilities…!
This is why we tend to favour toddler suitcases with hard plastic shells rather than soft canvas. They’re simply more likely to last.
Again, Trunki do this really well (especially impressive given their very reasonable prices), but also the Micro Eazy, Samsonite Dream Rider Deluxe and Jet Kids BedBox also rank really well for durability.
The American Tourister Disney Suitcase is probably the number #1 on this list where it comes to durability and hard wearing quality, although you would expect this from such a legacy brand and on a suitcase going into the cargo hold.
If you’re only intending to use the suitcase for very light use, then you can afford to go for a canvas option like the Skip Hop Zoo Rolling Luggage, Zinc Flyte Scooter or the Boppi Tiny Trekker.
Price
Last but certainly not least to consider is price. How much do you really want to spend on a toddler suitcase?
There is a huge range of prices on offer although we would broadly say that you get what you pay for. Cheaper suitcases generally mean smaller carrying capacity and compromises in durability, whereas the most expensive ones — such as the Jet Kids BedBox — come with a lot of mod cons. In the Jet Kids case, that’s the ability to be converted into a bed.
Only you know how much is appropriate to spend on a suitcase for a toddler in your family but perhaps consider how much you think you’ll use it and for how long, as well as how well your chosen product scores in all the categories we’ve set out here.
As far as we’re concerned, the best value for money can be found in the Trunki Ride-On and the Samonsite Dream Rider Deluxe.
What’s your recommendation for the best toddler suitcase?
Head over to our advice section for more tips on travelling with a baby or toddler! You may also want to check out our toddler packing list if you are heading on an extended trip.
