Remember the excitement of packing for a trip as a child? The thrill of choosing what to bring, the anticipation of adventure! But for parents, the reality of picking the perfect suitcase for their little explorer can sometimes feel like a daunting task. There are so many choices out there, from tiny carry-ons to larger rolling bags, each with different designs and features. It can be tough to figure out what’s durable, easy for them to handle, and actually fun for your child to use.
Choosing the right suitcase isn’t just about style; it’s about making travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone. A good kids’ suitcase can empower your child to take ownership of their belongings, boosting their independence. On the other hand, a poorly chosen one can lead to frustration, with wheels that stick, handles that break, or bags that are too heavy for little arms to manage. We know you want to make packing a positive experience, not a chore.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll walk you through the important things to consider when selecting a suitcase for your child. You’ll learn what makes a suitcase kid-friendly, how to find one that will last, and even some tips on getting your child excited about packing their own gear. Get ready to discover how to choose a suitcase that’s as ready for adventure as they are!
Our Top 5 Suitcase For Kids Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Suitcase For Kids Detailed Reviews
1. Travelers Club 5 Piece Kids’ Luggage Set
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for adventure with the adorable Travelers Club 5 Piece Kids’ Luggage Set, featuring a charming bunny design! This set is packed with everything your little traveler needs for trips, from weekend getaways to visiting family. It’s designed to make travel fun and easy for kids.
What We Like:
- This set includes a 18″ hardside carry-on suitcase, a 15″ backpack, a 10″ lunch bag, a comfy neck pillow, and a handy luggage tag.
- Kids can choose from bright, fun colors, making their luggage super easy to spot!
- The luggage is made from strong, lightweight materials that can handle bumps and drops.
- The carry-on suitcase is cabin-sized and has four smooth-rolling wheels and a telescoping handle, so kids can easily pull it themselves.
- The spacious suitcase and backpack help kids stay organized.
- This set is recommended for children aged 6 and up.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the hardside is durable, it might show scuffs more easily than softer materials over time.
- The neck pillow, while a nice addition, might not be the most supportive for every child.
This Travelers Club luggage set makes traveling exciting and manageable for young explorers. It’s a practical and playful choice for any child’s next journey.
2. Bluey Kids Suitcase with Wheels Carry On Luggage for Boys Girls Foldable Travel Bag Small Rolling Cabin Case with Handle Lightweight Gifts for Kids S (L18inch x W11.8inch – 15L
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for adventure with the adorable Bluey Kids Suitcase! This small, rolling cabin case is designed for little travelers, featuring everyone’s favorite Blue Heeler, Bluey. It’s the perfect size for weekend trips, school adventures, or as carry-on luggage for flights. Your child will love taking their own special bag on every journey, making travel exciting and fun.
What We Like:
- Perfect Size for Little Travelers: Measuring 18.1 in x 11.8 in x 7.1 in, this small suitcase fits most carry-on requirements. It’s ideal for weekend travel, school trips, or cabin luggage for flights.
- Fun Bluey Design: Kids luggage featuring Bluey makes every trip exciting! It’s perfect for preschoolers who want to travel with their favorite character. It’s great for vacations, sleepovers, or daycare.
- Lightweight & Easy to Pull: This kids suitcase with wheels has an extendable handle, a carry handle, and a smooth 2-wheel design. This makes it easy for little ones to roll their own bag confidently.
- Foldable & Space-Saving: When not in use, this kids suitcase folds flat for easy storage. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it a practical choice for families always on the go.
- Travel Gift for Kids: This Bluey suitcase for kids makes an adorable gift for birthdays, holidays, or back-to-school. It’s great luggage for boys, girls, or any Bluey fan ready to roll in style.
What Could Be Improved:
- The interior capacity of 15L might be a bit small for longer trips, requiring careful packing.
- While durable, the wheels are only two, which can be slightly less stable on uneven surfaces compared to four-wheel spinners.
This Bluey suitcase is a fantastic companion for your child’s travels. It combines fun design with practical features that make packing and exploring a breeze for young adventurers.
3. American Tourister Disney Softside Upright Luggage
Rating: 9.0/10
Embark on magical adventures with the American Tourister Disney Softside Upright Luggage, Frozen, Carry-On 18-Inch! This adorable suitcase is designed for young travelers who dream of Arendelle. Its vibrant Frozen graphic brings Elsa and Anna along for every journey. The carry-on size makes it perfect for airplane trips or weekend getaways. Kids will love its fun design and easy-to-use features.
What We Like:
- The colorful adjustable pull handle makes it easy for kids to maneuver.
- Branded colorful zipper pulls are a fun and unique touch.
- The printed polyester features a super cute Frozen graphic that kids will adore.
- Inside, cross straps keep clothes and toys neatly in place.
- A handy mesh pocket is perfect for storing smaller treasures.
- It’s a carry-on size, so it fits easily in overhead bins.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the polyester is durable, a more rigid shell might offer better protection for delicate items.
- The 18-inch size might be a bit small for longer trips, requiring careful packing.
This Frozen luggage is a fantastic companion for any young explorer. It combines Disney magic with practical travel features, making packing and traveling a fun experience for kids.
4. Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for your next adventure with the Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set! This cute pink polka dot set includes a spacious upright suitcase and a handy tote bag. It’s perfect for weekend trips or as carry-on luggage. The upright bag is 20 inches tall, and the tote is 14 inches. You’ll love how easy it is to move around.
What We Like:
- The pink dot pattern is super fun and easy to spot at the baggage claim.
- Inline skate wheels make it a breeze to roll through airports and hotels.
- The stability bar on the upright bag keeps it from tipping over.
- The telescoping handle extends and retracts smoothly for comfortable pushing or pulling.
- Padded top and side handles are soft and easy to grip, even when the bag is full.
- The upright bag can expand, giving you more room for souvenirs.
- This set is a great value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- The softside material might not be as protective as hardside luggage for fragile items.
- While the wheels are great, they might struggle a bit on very rough terrain like cobblestones.
This Rockland luggage set is a stylish and practical choice for many travelers. It offers good features for its price point, making it a solid option for your next getaway.
5. Amazon Basics 21″ Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Rating: 8.8/10
Heading out on a short trip? The Amazon Basics 21″ Hardside Carry-On Luggage in light blue is a fantastic choice. This suitcase is designed to make your travels smoother. Its tough exterior protects your belongings, and it’s just the right size for carry-on. You can even expand it if you need a little extra room.
What We Like:
- Perfect size for 1-5 day trips, saving you time at the airport.
- The tough shell keeps your stuff safe from bumps and scratches.
- It expands for more packing space when you need it.
- Inside pockets help you keep your things neat and tidy.
- The smooth-rolling wheels and easy-to-use handle make moving around simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the scratch-resistant surface is good, very deep scratches might still show over time.
- The interior organization, while present, might not be enough for travelers who pack many small items.
This Amazon Basics carry-on offers great value and convenience for short getaways. It’s a reliable travel companion that helps you pack smart and travel light.
Choosing the Perfect Suitcase for Your Little Traveler
Travel is an adventure, and for kids, a special suitcase makes it even more exciting! Finding the right one means picking something that’s fun, tough, and easy for them to manage. This guide will help you pick the best suitcase for your child.
Key Features to Look For
Durability and Construction
You want a suitcase that can handle bumps and drops. Look for strong zippers that don’t snag. Wheels should be sturdy and roll smoothly. A good handle is also important. It should extend easily and feel comfortable for little hands.
Size and Capacity
Think about where your child will use the suitcase. For short trips, a smaller carry-on size is perfect. It can hold clothes, toys, and snacks. For longer vacations, you might need a slightly bigger one. Make sure it’s not too heavy or bulky for your child to manage.
Design and Fun Factor
This is where kids get excited! Many suitcases come with cool designs, favorite cartoon characters, or bright colors. Some even have fun shapes like animals or cars. A suitcase your child loves will make them feel like a big kid ready for any journey.
Ease of Use
Kids need to be able to open, close, and pack their own suitcases. Look for lightweight designs with easy-to-grab zippers. Spinner wheels (wheels that turn in all directions) make it super easy for them to steer their luggage through airports or hotels.
Important Materials
The material of a suitcase affects how well it holds up and how light it is. Here are some common materials:
- ABS Plastic: This is a hard plastic that is very strong and protects belongings well. It can sometimes be a bit heavier.
- Polycarbonate: This is another type of hard plastic. It’s tough and also a bit flexible, which means it can bounce back from impacts without cracking. It’s often lighter than ABS.
- Nylon or Polyester Fabric: These are soft-sided materials. They are usually lighter and can expand a bit if you need to pack more. They are often more affordable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Suitcase Great?
- Reinforced Corners: Strong corners protect the suitcase from damage when it gets bumped.
- Smooth-Gliding Zippers: Zippers that open and close without getting stuck are a sign of good quality.
- Sturdy Wheels and Handles: Wheels that don’t wobble and handles that don’t feel loose make a big difference.
- Well-Made Interior: A lining that is sewn in neatly and has useful compartments helps keep things organized.
What Can Make a Suitcase Less Great?
- Flimsy Zippers: Zippers that break easily or get stuck can be frustrating.
- Wobbly Wheels: Wheels that don’t roll smoothly make it hard for kids to pull their luggage.
- Thin Material: If the material feels cheap or easily torn, the suitcase won’t last long.
- Heavy Design: A suitcase that is too heavy before you even pack it will be difficult for a child to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good kids’ suitcase transforms travel. Kids feel independent when they can pack and carry their own bag. It becomes their special travel buddy!
Airport Adventures: Imagine your child proudly pulling their character suitcase through the airport. It’s not just luggage; it’s a statement of their growing independence.
Sleepovers and Visits: A small, lightweight suitcase is perfect for sleepovers at a friend’s house or visiting grandparents. It holds their pajamas, a favorite toy, and a change of clothes.
Road Trips: Even on a car trip, a personal suitcase means kids can keep their essentials handy. They can pack books, games, and snacks within easy reach.
First Trip Excitement: For a child’s first big trip, their own suitcase adds to the magic and excitement. It makes them feel like a true explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size for a kids’ suitcase?
A: For most kids, a carry-on size is best. It’s usually around 16-18 inches tall. This size is light enough for them to handle and fits in overhead bins on planes.
Q: How much weight can a kids’ suitcase hold?
A: Most kids’ suitcases can hold between 10-20 pounds. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s important that your child can lift and pull their own suitcase.
Q: Are hard-shell or soft-sided suitcases better for kids?
A: Hard-shell suitcases offer great protection for belongings. Soft-sided ones are often lighter and can be more flexible. Both can be good choices depending on your needs.
Q: How do I clean a kids’ suitcase?
A: For hard-shell suitcases, a damp cloth with mild soap usually works. For fabric ones, follow the cleaning instructions on the tag. Spot cleaning is often best.
Q: Can my child use a suitcase as a ride-on toy?
A: Some suitcases are designed to be ridden on, but many are not. Check the product description carefully. Forcing a child to ride on a suitcase not built for it can damage the suitcase or cause injury.
Q: What age is appropriate for a child to have their own suitcase?
A: Most children can start using their own suitcase around age 3 or 4. At this age, they can begin to pack simple items and manage a lightweight bag.
Q: Should I choose a suitcase with wheels or without?
A: Wheeled suitcases are highly recommended for kids. They make it much easier for children to transport their luggage, especially through busy places like airports.
Q: How important is the handle on a kids’ suitcase?
A: The handle is very important! It should be adjustable so it grows with your child. It should also be sturdy and comfortable for them to grip.
Q: What if my child’s suitcase breaks?
A: Check the warranty. Many brands offer a warranty on their luggage. If it’s within the warranty period, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced.
Q: Where can I buy a good kids’ suitcase?
A: You can find kids’ suitcases at department stores, toy stores, online retailers like Amazon, and specialized luggage shops. Reading reviews can help you find the best options.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.