Puzzle to Go – perfect for trains and planes!

As a kids travel store, it is always exciting to discover a new product which fills a gap in our offering. Mudpuppy bring us some of our favourite kids travel journals, but we have recently expanded our range to include the ‘Puzzle to go – airplane’.

Such a cute puzzle, it would be perfect if the only travel it did was from the bedroom to the family room…however, it comes complete with its own drawstring bag and is destined for travel further afield!

Age 3+

Packaging Size; approx H 16 cm, W 13 cm, D 3 cm

Puzzle size; 30.5 x 23 cm

Details;

drawstring bag
36 pieces
greyboard puzzle 90 % recycled, packaging 70% recycled
printed with non toxic inks

It depicts a happy animals travel scene. The red aeroplane is piloted by a bird, with other furry passengers enjoying the view. Don’t forget to send the included postcard to a friend or maybe even post it home to greet you when you get back from your trip!

In stock now at Little Gulliver.

Need a travel table? Check out the Playette – Kids travel tray.

How American Airlines got it wrong…

I read an article this morning on an American consumer affairs blog ‘Consumerist‘. A family have described their recent experience (not) using the CARES Harness on American Airlines with their 2.5 year old. (Local Australian families may also have experience with American Airlines due to their links with Qantas and the Oneworld alliance of airlines).

The article explains that the child was safely secured in their CARES restraint, when support crew decided it was a problem. The family emphasised its FAA approval and noted they had used it on their 11 previous flight legs. Unhelpful crew informed them “the pilot refuses to take off while the child is restrained”. With the only other option of leaving the aircraft, the family felt pressured to hold their child as a lap child during take off and landing.

This story reminds me of the early days with CARES back in 2007, where we were still trying to inform the airlines of the existence of CARES (yes, even though it was approved for use on airlines internationally). Airlines at the time explained to us that the product was being discussed and demonstrated to crew members in their training updates. Slowly, during travel with our kids (we had 3 under 2.5), we were questioned by crew less and less. Back then, we would carry the local CASA certification with us and in those early days, even provided a photocopy with all CARES sales on Little Gulliver. With our youngest now 7 we no longer use the device. However, we are proud of our efforts to inform the airlines of the CARES certifications and can boast that most Australian airlines now mention the CARES directly or mention it as an “FAA approved device” on their websites. We rarely (not in the last few years) hear of any airline push-back from our customers.

Here’s the link to the article which inspired today’s rant;

American Airlines Should Not Have Told Family They Couldn’t Use FAA-Approved Safety Harness

We have always found persistence pays with the big airlines, parents know best. I’ve always said a concerned parent is one of the best researchers on the planet – we know what is safe/approved for our children! And just for good measure -here’s the American Airlines policy for travelling with children (note the reference to FAA approved devices, which includes the CARES).

American Airlines are “continuing to review these allegations.”

Travelling to family with your young kids

For those of us who live away from where we grew up, visiting family back “home” with your children is a wonderful thing. All of you get to experience new things, while your extended family get to see a sneak peak into your daily life. It can be crazy tiring though, because often your partner isn’t making the trip with you.

Help at hand?

Your family will want to help out though, but you’ll find yourself the go to person for everything from lunches to bath-time schedules. For those who live quite a distance from family, you have all the packing and organising to do beforehand and generally can’t rest during the trip because you may be sleeping with one eye open or catering to various needs.

On the other hand, you may have to completely relinquish all control over your little ones to someone who “knows best” and thinks you need a break. In all these scenarios, just be honest. You have the right to let people know how you wish your children to be tended to – especially when you are a new mum with your first children.

Getting to know the extended family

I love this blog post, it has some great ideas. I love the ‘family book’ idea – a book with pictures of the people you are taking your children to visit – worth a read http://www.ahaparenting.com/ask-the-doctor-1/visiting-family-at-holidays. For toddlers, it could be lots of fun to have a little photo album to look at while they are travelling. Maybe use a little masking tape below each picture and write the name of the family member.

Recently, my whole extended family got together and my children got to be part of their group of 13 cousins for the first time ever. (It made for an absolutely beautiful photo to see all the ‘kids’ aged from 6 to 34). Even though we spend a lot of time talking about Aunty’s and Uncles etc, one of the cousins wrote down all the names for my kids and who was part of who’s family. They were amazed. A partner thought it was quite cute when our youngest asked him “are you a cousin too?” They were able to check their list.

Making the journey

For me, travelling with babies was fun. I saw it as a great chance just to sit and cuddle – before they need solids its fairly simple. It can be difficult to comfort them sometimes though, that seatbelt sign can come on when you and your child dont want it. I found humming their favourite tune in their ear or busily turing pages of a favourite book is a good distraction. It is always a good idea to take any medications with you though, in case of any illness or discomfort. (Certainly have them in your suitcase – you don’t want to get to your destination sick and needing to hit the shops – ‘normal’ people don’t keep Children’s Panadol in their medicine cabinet)!

Toddlers are a different kettle of fish, as they are happy to let you and everyone else know when they aren’t happy. I try and stick to a program of food and various activities from drawing, to cards, to viewing movies.

Older than this they are happy to find an activity for themselves and will often assist if you have younger ones with you.

At all ages I would suggest letting them pick a favourite thing to carry, generally teddies travel with us on car and plane trips. Longer trips you may like to swap for something smaller or something with a toggle you can attach to a backpack. Have you seen our kimochis range)?

Once you are there

I generally arrive at my destination quite tired. Luckily we are generally picked up from the airport. Enthusiastic Aunty’s normally have various snacks and suprises ready in the car. After collecting our bags we normally head for the toilets. I try and pick a ‘family’ room, something like a changing room etc is ideal. I like this as I can keep track on each of the kids and while a nappy is being changed, someone can be on the toilet or washing hands etc. If you have to go into a cubicle, I have in the past made the kids stand right in front of the door and insist that I have to be able to see their their feet. I insist they not move from there. I have also learnt that with some kids, even if they say they don’t need to go, THEY DO and if you leave the toilets you’ll have to go back (no doubt you already know if you have one of these always busy types).

Routine suits the littlies

We try and stick to routine when we’re away and make the first one an early night if we can. Normally my kids have a bit of trouble getting to bed the first night or 2. They also share rooms when we’re away, so the older they get the more exciting this is. At toddler age (our 3 kids were born within 2.5 years) one liked a night light, while another didn’t, so sharing a room was a tad problematic (hence Little Gulliver stock the swivel night light ;).

And remember

I think the main thing is to just enjoy yourself and try to keep it about your family. I remember being appalled (when my kids were barely on solids), a well meaning distant relo presented them with a Giant Freddo each! ‘Thanks’, as you quickly put it away for years and years later. Also, you may want to really catch up with your loved ones, but once the kids are on the scene it may be a little different. While you may have found you could never finish a sentence at mothers group, it will be the same when you catch up with your mum and dad. Always try and cover the important issues when you can, particularly when you get to catch up with older family members. Photos…photos…photos…

The warm and fuzzy bit

Most of all, no-one will know much effort and how hard it is for you to make the visit – so just enjoy and be pleased that you are there. It will pay off for your children, as they grow, with regular visits. They will form some beautiful relationships and have precious memories. I’ve done this for my children and if you are like me, you will enjoy this post; 16 things only people who live away from their families will understand.

Make the effort when they are young, believe me – it does get easier. Happy travels!

Donna

‘Should babies and toddlers be required to fly in child safety seats?’

During a difficult first pregnancy I got to thinking about child safety when travelling. I spent a lot of time thinking about car seats and strollers and cots and child carriers and…. Then I started to think about the inevitable plane flights to visit relatives with bub. What about babies and toddlers on planes?

Fortunately I discovered the CARES harness and always travelled with these, finding them a simple alternative to travelling with a car seat. Like so many families I found myself with a baby and toddler in quick succession. Travelling on my own with them and a car seat + assorted baby paraphernalia as ‘carry on’ was not desirable for me. I got to thinking and after some more thinking during a flight to FNQ, Little Gulliver was born.

Although our children are now over the weight limits for the CARES, it still interests me how difficult it is to come across information for those parents who asked the same questions I did. While as a mum and a business owner I certainly do not want to alarm anyone, I’ll give some links below of an interesting article I have just read. Carrying a CARES or even a car seat on board is an option worth considering.

Please contact us with an questions or comments. We are always happy to hear from our customers!

Donna

http://fox59.com/2014/11/20/should-babies-toddlers-be-required-to-fly-in-child-safety-seats/
http://childseats.weebly.com/
https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/

‘Piggy Back Rider’ gets a thumbs up

Since we introduced this product back in March, it has become one of our most popular items. Why, I wondered? Its funny looking and would anyone ever really want to cart their child around like that? Yep, the answer is YES!

As soon as the Piggy Back Rider arrived in store, we tried it out for ourselves. We had a tall adult male use it with a 5, 6 and 7 year old and all was possible. We believe a large adult would comfortably undertake a big walk with a large child up to 5 (but its open to interpretation and is depending on your own size/needs/size of the child). We have a lovely customer Piggy Back Riding with their family in a charity walk (in Spain) as I write.

So what does this mean for travelling? It may mean you don’t bother with a stroller on some trips, its great for hiking, where someone may get tired legs (Theme parks?), for kids who have outgrown strollers but may need to be carried and generally where you don’t want to cart a stroller. Its also a good “upgrade” from the traditional child carriers, in that it can carry a larger child.

Details about the Piggy Back Rider;

Well, as a mum I loved my traditional child carriers and always flew with one after having our first child. Then when one sibling (and another) came along, a child carrier was the perfect way to navigate planes and airports with babies and toddlers, especially if you are a parent travelling alone. (I always used a nappy bag backpack, wore our baby on front and had one hand left for each of our 2 toddlers). Would I ever have used a Piggy Back Rider? The man of the house says absolutely yes, we would have. Bush walking would have been much easier (we could have wandered longer trails) and even the Royal Show would have been easier to navigate.

As a kids travel store, we are always looking at new products from around the globe and assessing them. Are they useful for travel, easy to pack, good quality for the price, easy to use etc? We use our own experience as parents (our kids are now 5, 7 and 8) to assess how useful something may be. At the end of the day our customers let us know – is the Piggy Back Rider popular? Yes, so we are happy to stock them! I hope you’ve learned a little more about them today.

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments!

Kimochi’s LOVE to travel. But why?

If you’ve never heard of a Kimochi or are certainly not sure how to even pronounce their name (Kim-och-chi) you’re not alone! Over the past few years, however, our family have become familiar with the Kimochi characters. Its so easy to share our feelings by describing a character and what they would do or how they would feel.

Kimochi's Love to Travel with Little Gulliver friends! — Meet Clover, Huggtopus, Cloud, Bug, Cat, Lovey Dovey and Bella Rose.

I first saw them years ago at a trade fair and was impressed by the teams passion and commitment in demonstrating their product. That’s a great start with any product, right? As a mum I LOVED THEM, but I have to think of all LG purchases in terms of “are they a priority for our Kids Travel Store?” Back then, I thought “no”. Although the Nesting Heart made sense, I didn’t follow up and purchase the Kimochi’s at that time. How wrong I was!

I saw the Kimochi’s again when schools in our area began introducing them as a communication tool (in fact, when introduced to Australian schools they sold out in the first 8 weeks)! Some schools have included the Kimochi soft toys, Mixed Feeling (small characters representing an emotion such as “brave”, “happy” etc and Books (depicting the characters) as part of their curriculum. Children use them to explain their feelings and at times (such as being upset) are encouraged to pick one up to assist in understanding/communicating/resolving their feelings. I was still a little dubious. What impact would they have during travel?

Soon though, our own school aged children started talking about them and I noticed other little friends were asking for them as Birthday and Christmas gifts. And I love that schools began introducing Nesting Hearts as a separation tool for families (one plush heart nestled inside another – half stays with child, half stays with loved one). I wondered again about their fit for our business – for assisting children with what can be emotional experiences, such as the uncertainty of flying or staying away from home.

Then, I had my own up close and personal Kimochi experience when I arrived unexpectedly for a school function. I had an appointment and was unable to go to a function in our sons classroom. When I explained I couldn’t attend he didn’t really say much about it, certainly didn’t tell me he was upset or wished I could come at all. Fortunately I was able to change my plans that morning and I arrived at the school to a big smile and an “I’ll just be a minute mum”. He had drawn a Kimochi and as I looked over his shoulder I saw him pick up a pencil and begin to cross out “disappointed” and write “excited”.

Since then I’ve been a convert and absolutely believe they have a place in a Kids Travel Store . It seems I had missed the point, they are not just soft toys, they really are “toys with feeling inside“.

Little Gulliver are very pleased to stock the mini Kimochi pack, known as “the perfect backpack buddy” and Nesting Hearts. Not only do they come in a beautiful presentation box (so are an excellent gift), they come with a mini emotion key-chain and a comic. Perfect size to take on holidays for Kimochi fans, nervous travellers, extremely excited travellers or my favourite – send half of a nesting heart to a loved one and reunite the 2 halves when you visit! They are available from Little Gulliver here.

For me, this testimonial from Kathy Walker sums it up;

“Through children’s play and interactions with these lovely Kimochis characters, children have a range of opportunities to explore, to identify and to express their emotions and to develop a greater awareness and understanding of others’ feelings and responses.”

So, if you’re like I was and think your life has no room for ‘yet another stuffed toy’, I recommend you think again and meet an educational toy with a difference. Shop with Little Gulliver and take them on board your next flight, pack them in your suitcase, give them as gifts.

Who’s your favourite Kimochi? And where are you taking them next time you’re travelling with kids?

A Quick Guide to Kids Carry-On Luggage

Finding the right kids luggage or suitcase is a fun challenge and driven by many factors such as the age of your child, where you’re heading and for how long. There are hard cover bags, soft cover bags, 2 wheels, 4 wheels, no wheels, shoulder straps and even handle bars!

So to help with deciding what’s the best child luggage for your family, we’ve prepared the first of our kids luggage product guides – the “Kids Carry-On Luggage Size Comparison chart”

A Quick Guide to Kids Carry-On Luggage

See the complete Little Gulliver child carry-on luggage range here

Please contact us at sales@littlegulliver.com.au for any assistance.

The Little Gulliver team

Lets Go Walking – Walking Harnesses Explained

Its easy to look at a toddler walking harness and shrug and think “I would never use one”! Times have changed and so, thankfully, have walking harnesses. When we started our business, we found baby and toddler walking harnesses were one of the first products people were asking for. For that reason, we have grown to now have one of the widest variety of child walking harnesses you will find on the Australian market.

Why do travellers use a child walking harness?

Quite simply, a walking harness could be considered when;

parents are wary of taking their child into an unknown situation
parents are looking for a dual purpose item – something that can hold items while fitting the child comfortably
as a ‘piece of mind’ option for parents travelling alone with single or multiple kids
a parent is ill (or pregnant or with an elderly grandparent etc) and may not feel confident in bending to hold a child’s hand or being able to run after them if necessary
times when a parent doesn’t want to use a stroller, but are concerned about the environment the child will be walking in

We sold our first walking harness here at Little Gulliver back in 2008, giving us a clear understanding of why some families choose to use a toddler walking harness for travel. At the time, I had a lovely long phone conversation with a gorgeous British ex-pat mum. She was flying home to the UK (solo) with her newborn and toddler and had concerns about her 2 connecting flights. For a trip like this she felt a walking harness was a necessity – as she had to go through customs and security and felt their would be times she would have to take her eyes off the kids – piece of mind while away from home.

Where did walking harnesses originate?

I’ve always enjoyed reading how things originated. One of my favourites is the recent invention of “blue” for boys and “pink” for girls (did you know the boys colour used to be pink)? I also find the use of walking harnesses for children fascinating. I assumed they came about during this century, characteristic of a society where adults are becoming increasingly wary of kids and their environment (“don’t play in the dirt” etc). But no, surprisingly, according to this research, they have been around for centuries! Check out the article Children’s Walking Harnesses / Reins. It seems they were very popular in London in the 17th century when the city became busier, more dangerous and crowded with horses and carts and the like.

What style of walking harness is available?

Wrist to wrist

If you’re not sure if you want or need a harness, maybe try a wrist buddy. Small enough to sit in your pocket. It is a slightly

Moose Noose toddler harness by Moose Baby

elastic harness which uses velcro to secure to the child’s wrist and has an end loop which can be held by the parent. Manufactured by Dreambaby, our friends at Travel With Tots did a great review here.

The Moose Noose is very popular. While its not subtle in its look, kids love the red colour and bendy cord. Depending on which side of the 80’s you were born, you could liken the cord to an old-style telephone cord. Its very secure and robust in its make. It attaches to parent and child via a velcro wrist band.

Walking and Sitting

dreambaby safety harness and reins — Dreambaby Safety Harness and Reins

The Dreambaby option is a basic chest harness with a loop style harness strap, which can also be fitted to a chair. It is small, so can be easily packed and has a more traditional style harness “look” to it.

Backpack with Removable Rein

Goldbug 2-in-1 Harness Buddy

The original Goldbug harness buddy is a classic and a lovable furry friend, popular the world over. It is worn like a backpack, with 2 chest clips for comfort and stability while wearing. There is a small pouch in the backpack (the size and shape of this varies depending on which style you choose). The “harness” is detachable, so the child can wear the harness buddy, with the harness strap stored in the pouch in case it is needed.

Another cute feature is that the buddy is facing the child’s back, so its kind of “piggy backing” the child, not looking behind them. Too cute!

Skip Hop Mini Backpack with Rein

Another recognisable friend (that you may not have realised is a child walking harness) is the Skip Hop mini backpack with reins. It has a single chest clip for the child’s comfort and stability and a detachable rein. It also has a write on name tag inside and a side pocket for a small storage such as a drink bottle. It has all the features of a normal backpack – just in a mini size. The detachable walking harness has sturdy metal hardware.

We are constantly updating our range. So check back in store again soon to see the latest in walking harnesses at Little Gulliver – Australia’s unique Kids Travel Store

Whenever and where-ever you need an “extension of holding hands”, Little Gulliver has a specialised range of child walking harnesses to choose from and we’re always happy to help.

CARES Harness on Air Pacific?

Tanya asked; Friday, 22 April 2011 8:30 PM

Hi Ben

I am looking at purchasing a CARES restraint system for use on Air Pacific and would like to confirm that it has attached to it one of the labels below. I know that it does comply with the below but am hoping that it actually has the labels attached too.

Thanks for your help

The following is copied from Air Pacific website at Flying with Kids on Air Pacific;

“Approved Restraint systems

1. Seats that comply with Australian/New Zealand design standard AS/NZS 1745 for infant car seats which are secured in the aircraft in a manner consistent with the seat design criteria. As this standard requires a 3 point attachment, a top tether, in addition to the fastened lap belt, must be fitted.

2. Child restraint systems accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America with two labels attached to the child restraint system reading as follows:

    * “This Child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards”.
    * “This restraint system is certified for use in motor vehicles and Aircraft”.?c). FAA approved harness type child restraint system with a label attached to the restraint system reading as follows:
    * FAA APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 14 CFR 21.305(d), APPROVED FOR AIRCRAFT USE ONLY

3. Child restraint system that meets the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 213 or 213.1. A statement of compliance label must be affixed to the restraint system indicating compliance with CMVSS 213 or 213.1.

4. Seats accepted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom, guidance on CAR-TYPE SAFETY SEATS and AIRCRAFT-TYPE SAFETY SEATS acceptable for use in aircraft can be found in the CAA Air Navigation Order 2005, General Exemption, No. 598, dated 29 September 2006.

5. Seats meeting European Community requirements of ECE Regulation 44.”

Ben replied; Saturday, 23 April 2011 4:13 PM

Hello Tanya,

Thanks for visiting Little Gulliver and your CARES query. The airlines can be quite bureaucratic so it’s always worthwhile asking! Yes, CARES has received both USA FAA approval (the FAA approval code for CARES is 14 CFR 21.305 (d)) and local Australian CASA acceptance. This satisfies Air Pacific’s requirements and so I’d expect you’d have no trouble.

The CARES unit has the FAA approval stitched onto it as shown in the diagram below:

Hope this helps. Have a great trip

Kind regards

Ben

Tanya replied; Tuesday, 26 April 2011 2:26 PM

Hi Ben

Sorry to be a pain but would you be able to confirm that the following text is actually contained on the label before I purchase the restraint? I have been talking to the airlines and they are extremely specific in what they require.

Two labels attached to the child restraint system reading as follows:

“This Child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards”.
“This restraint system is certified for use in motor vehicles and Aircraft”.?c).

Or FAA approved harness type child restraint system with a label attached to the restraint system reading as follows:

FAA APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 14 CFR 21.305(d), APPROVED FOR AIRCRAFT USE ONLY

Many thanks again for your help,

Kind regards,

Tanya

Ben replied; Tuesday, 26 April 2011 5:43 PM

Hi Tanya, no problem at all. I’ve taken a closer photo of the approval stamp on the CARES unit (see below). I’ve also attached it if the email format is unclear.

You will see in the middle of the approval sticker are the words complying with the second part of the Air Pacific paragraph – “FAA approved harness type child restraint system with a label attached to the restraint system reading as follows: * FAA APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 14 CFR 21.305(d), APPROVED FOR AIRCRAFT USE ONLY”.

I’m a little confused by the Air Pacific policy paragraphs as they appear to have a formatting issue and mix up Car Seat labelling requirements with requirements for other child harnesses. Points 1 and 2 of the Air Pacific policy are related to using Car seats (and therefore require the two labels) whereas point c) I expect should be a separate paragraph and is related to harness systems such as CARES (the only one to carry this technical approval).

I hope this provides more specific info for your discussions with Air Pacific customer service. Happy to help with any further queries they may have.

Kind regards

Ben

A look at our gorgeous Little Luggage for Little People

Luggage for the little folk in your family is a lovely idea. Not only is it a way to get them interested in the trip, it’s a practical and stylish way to cart their gear about!

With families heading interstate and overseas so regularly these days, a set of quality kids luggage is a useful addition.

Many high quality brands are now available and they offer plenty of inbuilt features such as wheels and handles. A piece of luggage should be equally useful going camping at the local national park or a long haul trip to Paris!

Depending on your own needs and the age of the child, Little Gulliver has kids luggage and bags to suit everyone – from the popular Trunki to a roll along LittleLife wheelie duffle in favourite animal designs.

The main thing to consider is what your main use for the luggage will be:

is it carry-on or check in?
were you hoping to pack clothing or just activities and a change of clothes?
is your little one likely to be active or would they like to sit and draw?
if you’re flying will you be having a stopover?

Match this need with the age and size of you child and we should have just the right luggage for you.

GoVinci

It’s no secret the GoVinci is my favourite kids luggage. It’s a hard case, has very funky wheels and I love the fact kids can personalise it themselves – as it has a special pull out screen. Kids can put an A4 drawing, a map or brochure of where you’re going, a picture of their pet dog or maybe One Direction, Transformers or Elmo?

The manufacturer recommends them for age 3+, but I have seen some sites suggest 2+. For older kids, keep in mind the maximum height with handle extended is 65 cm.

Features

For Ages 3+
Large wheels for a smooth and comfortable journey
Retractable 27 cm handle for easy carry-on
The front frame displays the creations of your child
The flat surface forms a drawing table for quiet times
Easy to clean, simply wipe with a damp cloth
39 cm high x 27 cm wide x 15 cm deep. Stands 65 cm tall with handle extended
Elasticised pocket on the inside lid. Plus, there is an elastic strap and clasp in the base to keep everything secure

Not sure if you prefer the GoVinci or Skip Hop luggage? There is great information and photos here Review and Compare – Skip Hop rolling luggage and GoVinci Trolley.

Goldbug 2 in 1 Trolley and Backpack

This cute monkey is a small trolley case. The wheels and handle comes off in one price and it can be used as a small backpack. Cute for a day trip, some carry on play things or a trip to day care or kinder. Its a soft feel velour fabric and perfect for monkey lovers everywhere.

Its also one of our most affordable luggage pieces.

Features

in the light coloured nose and mouth area, there is a zip pocket (large enough to hold a drink bottle or small snack etc
the back straps undo easily, so the wheel and handle piece can be removed to convert the unit to a backpack
cute banana zip pull

Trunki

The original and popular Trunki! Who doesn’t love a Trunki? Wherever they go, airports or hotels the Trunki turns heads and makes people smile.

Trunki is the suitcase kids can ride and be pulled along by mum and dad. They are considered to be carry on luggage and also have a carry strap so they can be carried over an adults shoudler (clip on one end to pull along, clip the strap on both ends to make a carry handle. It also has short handles so it can be carried at your side).

They can fit more in than you might think. Clothing and activities for a weekend fit easily – well suited to plane travel, toys, snacks and a change of clothes.

Also 3+, just keep in mind that your child will want to ride it – so should be at an age where they can sit on and push safely.

For more information see Trunki Suitcase Review.

Also, Kids Travel 2 did this wonderful video showing how much you can fit in a Trunki (a surprising amount)!

Skip Hop

This is a brand everyone knows and loves. Look out for the really cute designs and choose one you both love.

Great for lugging around, with a side pocket for a drink bottle and the zip compartment on the front perfect for snacks or activities. Kids do really enjoy pulling their very own luggage along, so the cute designs only make this more enticing!

Features

Removable, adjustable parent handle (so parents can carry it over a shoulder)
For Ages 3+
Front zip pocket keeps favorite things in easy reach
Back loop keeps shoulder strap tucked away
Retractable 33cm handle for easy carry-on
Elastic mesh bottle pocket
Sturdy poly-canvas fabric, BPA and Phthalate Free
Fun matching zipper pulls
Dimensions with trolley: 45cm H x 31cm W x 15cm D

Baby Gizmo have done a video review of Skip Hop luggage here;

Not sure if you prefer the GoVinci or Skip Hop luggage? There is great information and photos here Review and Compare – Skip Hop rolling luggage and GoVinci Trolley.

Bobble Art

The Bobble Art cabin luggage is the latest in their range and beautifully designed. I love the 4 wheels, making it really easy to manoeuvre for kids and parents. This is the largest luggage in our range to fit the carry on size criteria of most airlines.

Size: 55cm tall x 35cm wide x 23cm deep (not including extendable handle). Total height with handle extended: 80cm

Features

Meets official aviation luggage dimensions.
Heavy duty & durable.
Sturdy, padded carry handle.
Extendable handle with push button to lock in position.
3 handle positions (full extension, half extension, down), so handy for growing bodies
Front pocket with zip closure.
Generously sized fully lined main compartment with 3 internal mesh pockets.
Main compartment zip can be locked for extra security (suitcase padlock not included).
4 swivel trolley wheels.
Outer cover is made from extra strength luggage canvas.

Little Life

Little Life is here! The latest in our luggage range, Little Life is back in Australia with a new distributor and a new friend in little Gulliver. The handle tucks away and can be zipped up and there is a sturdy carry handle

The luggage is made with high-density nylon fabric, high quality zips and a telescopic handle. Perfect for taking on a plane, the fun designs are also ideal for those overnight trips and are sure to be a hit with little adventurers everywhere. I like that the extendable handle can be zipped away and houses a sealed name and address section.

Features

Extending Handle
Soft Rubber Wheels
Easy-grip handle
Fun animal prints
‘Stay Put’ lid offering easy access
Spacious 20 litre compartment
Internal accessory pocket
Complies with safety standard EN 13210-2004

Technical Specification

- Weight: 1.4kg
- Capacity: 20 Litres
- Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 45 cm
- Suitable for Age: 3+ years

This video review is great for a closer look at the Wheelie Duffel from Little Life;

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We’ll be continually updating our range. Please let us know about your experiences using your kids luggage – what do you like/dislike? What do the kids think? What would you recommend?

This post is a review of our rolling luggage range, we also have a selection of backpacks and overnight bags. Check out our full range of luggage at Little Gulliver Bags and Backpacks today!