What luggage to get for small kids?

[HeidiLowe]

For our January trip, we're flying, I would like my two boys (4&5) to each have a backpack as a carry-on and then one of those little suitcases with the handle that you can pull behind you.

I've been looking online and there is a little suitcase that looks like a pod and it has Disney characters on it that's really cute, but maybe too cute?

I'm leaning toward just a mini version of an adult suitcase so that they can use it longer, like it won't have Pooh splashed on it, KWIM? But the ones at Target feel really cheaply made.

Then there are the smaller duffel bags on rollers with a handle. Anyone use those?

And what is a good size for a pre-schooler? I see that they come in different sizes.....18" 19" 20"??

Any advice or thoughts are greatly appreciated, thanks! Heidi.

 

[kimmylaj]

i know it seems silly but i am thinking of the trunk for my 4 year old and maybe my 7 year old
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...NM=|B002KUXXF2&CPNG=toys&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
this is the other set i am thinking of for my club penguin addict
http://www.luggagepoint.com/american-tourister/american-tourister-atties-2-pcs-set

 

[HeidiLowe]

Oh, I LOVE both of those!! Especially the tiger one, my 4 year old will love that! The only thing I worry about is the pull part, it looks like a rope and I wonder if it would be tippy.

Thanks for posting those links! I'm going to look more into the tiger style, I wonder if they have other animals?

 

[miprender]

We purchased ours from Pottery Barn for Kids in 2006 & 2008 and we just love them. They have made 3 airplane trips to FL and many car trips and are still in great shape.

Each one has the kids name on them and they love that too because they know what one is theirs.

 

[bear_mom]

My girls have the small rolling duffles from Lands End. They are a pretty good size and I have packed up to a weeks worth of clothes for them. We have taken them camping and on several car trips and they are holding up well and the girls can manage them.

Emily

 

[ssawka]

Honestly, I wouldn't have them bring their own bags, unless you're flying on an airline that does not charge for bags. If the airline does charge, you will either be paying for two bags that don't hold very much, or you will be taking up quite a bit of overhead area, which is already at a premium. Now you have every right to bring a carryon per person, but just imagine if every single person on the airplane brought on a bag.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

IMO those little kid suitcases are WAY too small and don't have enough room for toys/clothes/shoes. My daughter used hers once, when she was 1 and her clothes were tiny. THis year I got them both regular sized adult suitcases so they will last and just check them with airline.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

IMO those little kid suitcases are WAY too small and don't have enough room for toys/clothes/shoes. My daughter used hers once, when she was 1 and her clothes were tiny. THis year I got them both regular sized adult suitcases so they will last and just check them with airline.

I agree. When my kids were younger, we would bring 3 adult suitcases for the 4 of us. The kids clothes were small enough to fit in with ours and they would bring their own books, small toys and snacks in their backpacks. Now that they're older, they each use a medium-sized suitcase from the sets that DH and I have while we use the larger ones. Since we each have set of 3 suitcases, we didn't see any reason to buy the boys their own sets.

 

[newdrama12]

this is the other set i am thinking of for my club penguin addict
http://www.luggagepoint.com/american-tourister/american-tourister-atties-2-pcs-set

This is what I bought my nephews last year. They seem to be made well and the smaller bag is small enough that little ones could easily carry it on their backs. My nephews like to use them when they go to grandma's for the weekend and this christmas they are taking the bags with them to Boston.

 

[LoriABil]

We always fly Southwest (no fees) and ds(7) was 5 when he got his first carryon. We got it at Target. Lightning McQueen, one compartment only, 18 inches. I honestly think anything bigger is impossible for a kid to handle. He also has an Orange backpack (thanks Diego). The good part is, I can see him easily if he gets ahead of me in the airport!

 

[StuckInKS]

Since we have 4 kids who all want their own suitcase this year, we bought the cheap $18 ones from target. They are not the character ones, but are circo and (if they hold up that long) would work for older children. The girls' have city/landmark scenes on them and the boys' have a motorcycle and a jet. Honestly, we aren't looking for them to last forever and will be just fine for this trip/once-a-month weekend camping trips. If we have to get new ones for next year, so be it, but for now it saved us some money since we have to buy so many. We are going to drive, so the only space we will be taking up is our own. Last year, we just used one adult suitcase for all 4 children.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I dunno. You want the kid to be comfortable, of course. Try them out at a store.

Don't forget the air holes.

 

[miprender]

IMO those little kid suitcases are WAY too small and don't have enough room for toys/clothes/shoes. My daughter used hers once, when she was 1 and her clothes were tiny. THis year I got them both regular sized adult suitcases so they will last and just check them with airline.

Actually the ones from PBkids does fit alot. Both trips have been for 10 days and I have been able to fit all of DS6 clothes into it.

Of course any of her dress up princess dresses don't fit, but they hardley fit in my suitcase.

 

[Miss Mo]

My son has the little tiger one and it's fab! That said we use it as hand luggage because our flight out to orlando is 9 hours and we fill it with toys, snacks, nappies (he's only just turned 2) and generally anything that'll help keep him amused! It also keeps him amused at the airport. We then used it as his toy box when we were at disney to keep all his bits and pieces together. Not the best piece of luggage for anything more than an overnight though as it is pretty small. Still love it though!!

mo x