Do You Need Separate Luggage for Your Kids?
Toddlers hauling their own bags at the airport is not a sight that you get to see often, but in all honesty, the sooner they learn to take ownership in that part of the process, the better. It is extremely important to infuse a sense of responsibility in kids from a young age, and letting them carry their own luggage can be a great starting point. This will also instill a feeling of independence in your little one.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KIDS CARRYING THEIR OWN SUITCASES?
Better organization
If you have many family members traveling together, packing everybody’s stuff individually helps save a lot of time and effort. Rather than having to separate your kids’ toys and clothes from your own, everyone will have their belongings at hand, making it easier to unpack and quick to unpack.
Excitement
Getting your kids to pack their own stuff makes them feel important and excited. Packing, unpacking, and carrying their belongings make them feel responsible and teach them to take care of their own stuff. It also teaches your kids’ organization skills from a young age.
Sense of responsibility
By allowing kids to carry their own suitcases while traveling, you’re giving them a real sense of responsibility during their journey. It also makes them realize that they can’t take everything with them and need to prioritize the things that are actually needed and hold importance. This helps train your kids to make choices from a young age.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR KID’S CARRY-ON?
Packing carry-on luggage for kids can be hectic for most parents. Most parents tend to pack more stuff that their kids might need, which adds to the weight of the luggage. It’s important to pack according to the size of the carry-on luggage since it not only prevents the luggage from getting bulky but also makes it much easier for your little one to carry their luggage themself.
While packing for your child, keep in mind that airlines usually have restrictions on size, even for kids’ carry-on luggage. Moreover, you don’t want your child to be lugging around a heavy travel bag that gets them tired before they even board the flight. Pack with minimalism in mind. Don’t carry stuff your kid wouldn’t be needing.
TIPS FOR PICKING THE RIGHT SUITCASE FOR YOUR KIDS
Size
Make sure that the size of the suitcase is suitable for your kid. Travel cases that are too big may be difficult for children to carry easily. Also, keep in mind to check the airline’s guidelines for any limitations on the travel case size.
Weight
The suitcase’s weight is the most important factor to consider while looking for a suitcase for your kids. Depending on their age, kids should not carry anything heavy enough to cause strain on their backs. It is recommended to not go above 15 to 20% of the kid’s body weight, including the weight of the bag and the contents inside it. Hence, look for a suitcase that is lightweight.
Design
Kids’ suitcases come in a variety of styles and colors. Kids are likely to take responsibility for their luggage if they like the actual suitcase. It’s best to opt for a suitcase with flashy colors and an attractive design that most kids would like.
Warranty
Try to pick a kid’s suitcase that comes with a warranty, especially if you’re going to purchase it online. A warranty not only ensures that the suitcase would be exchanged if faulty, but also that the manufacturer is actually confident about the product.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Though giving your kid a suitcase to carry on his or her own is a great idea, make sure to look after the suitcase yourself. The last thing you’d want is for your little one to lose their suitcase in the middle of an airport.