The Art of Toddler Travel: Essential Gear for London, Paris, and Greece
Traveling through Europe with a toddler can be a sensory delight—a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes. However, anyone who has tried to navigate Parisian Metro stairs or London’s red buses knows that success isn’t just about the itinerary; it’s about having the right gear to bridge the gap between historic cobblestones and mandatory nap times. I have always dreamed about going to these beautiful cities, but never thought I would be doing it with kids! Do not fret, momma, you can do it! My children were 4 and 1 when traveling and it truly was much easier than I thought. I am an Amazon Associate and I earn from any qualifying purchases. I do recommend these products and hope you enjoy them!
London: Navigating the “Big Smoke” with Ease
In London, your biggest hurdle is transportation. An ultra-compact travel stroller is a non-negotiable essential. You need something with a “one-hand fold” for those moments when you have to collapse it quickly to board a crowded bus or navigate a Tube station without an elevator. Shoutout to this stroller! I did so much research before buying it, and am truly so glad I went with this one. It reclines so baby or toddler can lay all the way back, so they can nap as you go (which is what you want when you are trying to make the most of your time). We also bought the ride on board that goes with this stroller, which was the main deciding factor. I knew my 4 year old was not going to walk everywhere, so we used the stroller and riding board combo in every city and it was such a blessing! To ensure your toddler actually naps amidst the city’s hustle, a portable sound machine is a lifesaver for hotel naps, blocking out the sirens and street noise. I have had this sound machine for 4 years and it has not let me down! It works great and has been used for years. Toddler Win: Interactive Map/Sticker Books. Keeping them busy during afternoon tea or rainy museum visits. Toddlers love stickers, so this easily packable sticker book would make a great addition to your diaper bag in any outing.
Paris: Chic and Practical in the City of Light
Paris is beautiful, but it isn’t always stroller-friendly. An ergonomic toddler carrier is your best friend for navigating narrow bistro aisles and Metro stations. My 1 year old was in between stages, but I did take this Wildbird Carrier with me, and it was helpful! I would recommend taking both just in case. When it’s time to eat, leak-proof snack containers allow you to stock up on fresh croissants from the boulangerie for a picnic at the Jardin du Luxembourg. I love Mushie and use a lot of their products that you can find on Amazon. My son is also a very big paw patrol fan, so this snack cup was used very often and took up less space in his backpack or my diaper bag. Don’t forget washable silicone placemats—they keep cafe tables clean and provide a focused space for your toddler to play while you enjoy your café au lait. I kept one of these in my diaper bag at all times, because most places we went did not have a very toddler friendly eating area. I used this instead of bringing a plate or bowl with me when we went out to eat. These are all great space-saving products, I would 100% recommend!
Greece: Island Hopping & Ancient Ruins
When traveling through Greece with a toddler, staying prepared for the sun and sea is key. A high-quality waterproof diaper bag (mine was from Calpak) is a lifesaver for island hopping and sandy beach days, ensuring your essentials stay dry during boat transfers. To keep your little one safe under the Mediterranean sun, always pack a reliable non-toxic sunscreen. I also rolled up this Herschel waterproof tote in my suitcase, to use for beach trips. It was super handy to have an extra bag on hand, and this one has a zipper at the top! Navigating cobblestone streets is much easier with silicone stroller straps to keep drinks and toys from falling (this one was a life-saver), while a portable stroller fan provides a necessary breeze during warm afternoon walks in Greece. Finally, for those long flights or ferry rides between islands, a Montessori light switch busy board is the ultimate quiet activity to keep small hands engaged and entertained. This one was also used so much by both kids! One last item I would recommend would be the slumberpod sleep tent. Due to room sharing and not fully being able to understand the layout of our different Airbnb’s, we brought this with us and it ended up saving us the whole summer! Honestly, I do not think we would have got as much sleep if we did not have this. My one year old ended up sleeping in our room the whole summer and went to sleep in a breeze in this thing! Only thing I would mention, is that it is warmer inside of the tent so be sure to dress your little one in lighter layers or pajamas.
- Polyester
- Imported
- Creates a dark sleep space: SlumberPod provides a private, enclosed area with breathable blackout fabric that reduces li…
The “All-Europe” Survival Kit
Regardless of the city, always pack a universal power adapter for your electronics and a compact first-aid kit for those inevitable scraped knees on ancient stones. Having a small “emergency” toy bag filled with high-value stickers or small figurines can save a long ferry crossing or train ride.
Investing in quality gear isn’t just about the toddler—it’s an investment in your own sanity. With the right essentials, you can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime.
Planning your trip? Check out my curated list of Amazon essentials to get fully prepared!