Packing for a holiday with a baby or toddler is its own particular form of chaos. You’re trying to cover every weather eventuality, keep the suitcase under 23kg, and avoid the situation where your child’s entire holiday wardrobe is rendered unwearable by one rogue ice cream on day two.

The right clothing can make a huge difference. Not just aesthetically (although this is usually forgotten by the second child!), but practically. The best travel clothes for kids are soft enough for long journeys, tough enough to survive sticky fingers and enthusiastic play, easy to layer when temperatures change, and versatile enough to earn their place in your suitcase.

Because when you’re travelling with little ones, every item has to work hard.

After travelling with R, we’ve learnt that the best holiday wardrobe isn’t necessarily the biggest one. It’s the one made up of comfortable pieces that can handle airport floors, plane naps, beach days, unexpected weather changes and the inevitable toddler mess.

These are the kids’ travel clothing brands we rate, and why they’ve earned a place in our suitcase.

What makes a good travel clothing brand for babies and toddlers?

Before choosing brands, it’s worth thinking about what actually matters when dressing small people for holidays.

The best kids’ travel clothing should be:

• Soft and breathable – Babies and toddlers spend a lot of time in their clothes, particularly during travel days. Scratchy fabrics, stiff seams or uncomfortable waistbands become much more noticeable when you’re sitting on a plane or spending hours in a car seat. Natural, breathable fabrics such as bamboo and organic cotton are particularly useful because they feel soft against delicate skin and help regulate temperature.
• Easy to layer – Travel involves constant temperature changes. Airports can be chilly, planes can be freezing, car seats can get warm and your destination might be completely different from the weather you left behind. The most useful holiday wardrobes are built around layers: lightweight vests and tops, cardigans and jumpers, leggings or joggers, waterproof layers, and items that can easily be mixed and matched.
• Wash and wear – When travelling with a baby or toddler, clothes need to survive. The best travel clothing should be machine washable, quick drying, resistant to repeated washing, and easy to remove stains from.
• Durable – Children’s clothes take a lot of abuse. They’re crawling, climbing, exploring, eating, painting, digging and generally putting everything through its paces.
• Versatile – When suitcase space is limited, every item needs to earn its place. A pair of trousers that works for travelling, sightseeing and dinner is much more useful than something that only works for one occasion. The best kids’ holiday wardrobes are small, practical and interchangeable.

What should children wear when travelling?

The journey itself deserves just as much thought as the holiday wardrobe. Airport temperatures are unpredictable, planes are either freezing or stuffy depending on your luck, and you will almost certainly be carrying more than you planned to.

Whether you’re flying, taking the train, travelling by car or heading abroad, your child’s travel outfit needs to be comfortable above everything else.

Here’s what works for us:

A comfortable airport outfit

For flights, we usually opt for:

• a soft base layer or long-sleeve vest
• a loose jumper or cardigan
• comfortable trousers with an elasticated waistband
• easy-to-remove shoes

The key is avoiding anything restrictive. A toddler sitting in a car seat or airplane seat for hours does not need stiff jeans or complicated outfits.

Choose layers over bulky clothing

Planes and airports can be unpredictable. One minute you’re rushing through a cold terminal, the next you’re warm from carrying bags, pushing a pram and chasing a toddler. Layers mean you can adjust quickly without a full outfit change.

Comfortable waistbands are essential

Elasticated waistbands are non-negotiable for travel days. Rigid waistbands and car seats are a miserable combination, especially on longer journeys. For R, joggers, leggings and soft trousers are usually the winners.

Pack a spare outfit in hand luggage

Always – without exception! A spare outfit has saved us more than once after food spills, nappy accidents and unexpected toddler disasters.

Don’t forget their own little bag

A small backpack for your child can be surprisingly useful during travel. We love the Hindbag Mini Eliot backpack because it folds completely flat when empty but expands into a proper toddler-sized backpack that can carry snacks, a favourite toy and airport essentials. It takes up virtually no suitcase space but gives your child their own sense of independence.

You can read more about our favourite kids’ luggage and travel bags in our full guide.

The best kids’ travel clothing brands

Not every child’s holiday wardrobe needs the same things. A city break, a beach holiday and an outdoor adventure all require slightly different approaches.

These are the brands we come back to depending on the type of trip we’re planning.

Best kids’ clothing brands for travel days

Cozy Crew Club: best for flights and long journeys

If there is one thing a long travel day calls for, it’s the softest possible clothing. Cozy Crew Club is a UK baby and toddler brand focused on super-soft bamboo and organic cotton pieces in relaxed, comfortable designs. Their collections include ribbed sleepsuits, jogger sets and matching coordinates in muted colours that are easy to mix, match and layer.

R has a bear tracksuit from their range that has become his go-to cosy outfit at home, and it went down very well on our long-haul flight to Charleston, USA.

For a travel day, it ticks all the boxes: he looks adorable (which matters more to me than I like to admit), the fabric is soft enough for him to nap in on the plane, and the relaxed fit makes nappy changes much easier when you’re dealing with a tiny person in a cramped airplane toilet.

Their bamboo pieces are naturally thermoregulating and hypoallergenic, which is particularly useful when temperatures swing between chilly airport lounges and warm, stuffy cabins. The result is clothing that feels more like pyjamas but looks smart enough for travelling.

MORI: best for sleep, sensitive skin and premium basics

MORI’s signature fabric blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton sits in a similar space to Cozy Crew Club but with a more minimal, Scandi-inspired feel.

Their clothing is beautifully soft, and the thermoregulating properties make it particularly useful for travel. Babies and toddlers can struggle when moving between different temperatures, so fabrics that help keep them comfortable are worth considering.

Their two-way zip sleepsuits have become a home and travel staple for us. They are incredibly easy to get on and off, which is exactly what you want when changing a baby mid-flight or getting ready after a long day exploring.

For newborns especially, where sleepsuits and daywear are often interchangeable, MORI is one of those brands that feels like an investment worth making.

Their sleepwear also transitions beautifully into holidays because the same pieces work for bedtime, plane journeys and lazy mornings.

Best kids’ clothing brands for sunny holidays

Kite Clothing: best for summer holidays

Kite is a Dorset-designed, GOTS-certified organic clothing brand for babies and children, and it is one of our favourite brands for warm-weather travel.

Where some sustainable clothing brands can feel quite minimal, Kite manages to combine eco-friendly credentials with genuinely fun designs. Their prints are bright, playful and beautifully made, while their organic cotton pieces are practical enough to survive a full summer of wear.

Their holiday collections are exactly what you want when packing for sunshine:

• lightweight T-shirts
• shorts
• dresses
• rompers
• matching separates

Everything is designed to mix and match, which is key when you’re trying to create a complete holiday wardrobe without filling your entire suitcase. For families looking for sustainable holiday clothing that still feels fun, Kite is a brilliant option.

Kite has been making children’s clothing since 2007, and the quality means pieces feel built to be handed down rather than worn once and forgotten.

All Things Dylan: best for a stylish holiday capsule wardrobe

All Things Dylan is a UK kids’ clothing store with a beautifully curated collection of independent brands. Their aesthetic is more distinctive than traditional high-street children’s clothing, with a retro-inspired feel and pieces that celebrate individuality.

What makes it particularly useful for travel is that the collections work well together. You can create a small capsule wardrobe where everything coordinates, rather than packing lots of individual outfits that only work once.

Mamas & Papas for holiday basics

Sometimes you don’t need every item in your child’s suitcase to be a considered investment. Sometimes you simply need extra vests, another pair of shorts, a sun hat and a few reliable basics.

After more than 40 years in the baby and toddler space, Mamas & Papas understand exactly what parents need:

• soft cotton fabrics
• nickel-free poppers
• elasticated waistbands
• practical designs
• clothes that wash well

Their summer collections include lightweight rompers, playsuits, T-shirts and coordinated outfits that are ideal for everyday holiday wear. They’re an accessible option for filling gaps in your child’s wardrobe without spending a fortune.

Best kids’ clothing brands for outdoor adventures

Spotty Otter: best waterproofs for active holidays

If your holiday involves beaches, countryside walks, hiking or anywhere your toddler is likely to get gloriously filthy (so, realistically, every holiday), Spotty Otter is a brand worth knowing. They also partner with UK National Parks and the Wild Otter Trust, which I think says everything about their ethos.

This independent UK brand has been creating outdoor clothing for children since 2007, specialising in waterproofs designed for real adventures. Their clothing is:

• waterproof
• windproof
• durable
• designed for outdoor play

Their waterproof ratings of 8,000–10,000mm mean they’re built to handle proper weather rather than just a light shower.

We packed waterproofs for our Scotland trip and they quickly became one of the most-used things in our suitcase. R could splash through puddles on the Isle of Skye and explore beaches on grey days without us worrying about ruined clothes underneath. And honestly, a good waterproof means you don’t spend the whole trip saying “don’t touch that”.

Their waterproof dungarees are the hero product. They pull easily over normal clothes, have elasticated waists, taped seams and reflective details. They also make fleece-lined jackets, merino layers and splash suits for younger children.

Roarsome: best for adventurous children

Roarsome is one of those brands children immediately love and parents appreciate too, which is not always an easy balance. They create sustainable outdoor clothing for children aged 1–10, built around a collection of animal characters including Spike the Dinosaur, Hop the Bunny and Dash the Leopard.

The appeal is obvious: toddlers want to wear them because they’re fun. Parents love them because they’re practical.

Their range covers everything from rainwear to ski clothing, making them a useful brand for family adventures throughout the year. Everything is made using recycled plastic bottles, with hundreds of thousands already recycled through their products.

For children who love being outdoors, Roarsome combines function with the kind of designs that make getting dressed much easier.

Holiday clothing essentials beyond everyday outfits

Once you’ve sorted the everyday holiday wardrobe, there are a few specialist items worth thinking about.

These are the pieces that can make a big difference to comfort and practicality while travelling.

Best swimwear for kids travel

A beach or pool day usually makes up a huge part of a family holiday, so swimwear deserves just as much thought as everyday clothing.

The things to look for:

• UPF 50+ sun protection
• quick-drying fabrics
• comfortable fits
• rash vests for extra sun protection

MORI’s swimwear range follows the same soft, minimal style as their sleepwear. It is UV-protective, beautifully made and works well if you’re already buying other MORI pieces.

Roarsome also makes swimwear and UV rash vests as part of its wider outdoor range. Their character designs can be particularly useful when encouraging toddlers to keep their rash vest on during sunny beach days.

Don’t forget that swimming aids and swim vests are also an important part of holiday planning. We cover our favourite options in our guide to the best swimming aids for babies and toddlers.

Best toddler shoes for travel

Shoes are one of those things that are easy to underestimate when packing for a holiday. The right pair needs to be comfortable enough for exploring, easy to get on and off, lightweight enough for luggage, and suitable for whatever adventures your trip involves.

For toddlers especially, it’s worth prioritising comfort and support over style. A beautiful pair of shoes that causes blisters after ten minutes of sightseeing will quickly become the least useful thing in your suitcase.

Best toddler trainers: Sautille

Sautille is a French footwear brand designed by podiatrists, built around the idea that nothing beats barefoot walking for little ones learning to walk.

Their shoes are designed with:

• ultra-flexible soles
• a wide toe box allowing toes to spread naturally
• adjustable fastening for different foot shapes
• lightweight construction
• non-slip soles

They’re particularly good for travel because they are easy to pack, comfortable for long days exploring and practical enough for everything from airports to city walks.

The wide-opening tongue and hook-and-loop strap also make getting them on and off much quicker, which matters when you’re trying to get through airport security with a toddler who has suddenly decided shoes are optional.

Best toddler pool and beach shoes: KIDLY by MORI Jelly Sandals

For beach holidays, pool days and anywhere involving water, a good pair of sandals is essential. The KIDLY by MORI Jelly Sandals have become our go-to option because they combine practicality with comfort.

They have:

• a cushioned removable insole for quicker drying
• full toe protection
• a textured sole to reduce slipping
• an adjustable fit

They’re ideal for beaches, splash pads and pool areas where bare feet can be uncomfortable or slippery.

A small tip that took me longer than it should have to notice: there’s a popper on the ankle strap as well as the main buckle. Once you’ve adjusted the buckle, leave it done up and use the popper for daily on-and-off. It saves having to refasten the whole sandal every single time.

Best travel sleepwear for babies and toddlers

Clothing is only half the battle when travelling with little ones. Sleep is often the thing parents worry about most before a holiday. A new environment, unfamiliar room, different routine and strange noises can all make bedtime more challenging.

One of the simplest ways to help is keeping some familiar elements from home. For R, that means bringing his own sleeping bag.

Sleeping Stars: best toddler sleeping bags for travel

Traditional sleeping bags work brilliantly for babies, but once toddlers start walking they can become slightly impractical. A toddler standing up in a sleeping bag first thing in the morning is not always the safest or easiest combination.

Sleeping Stars has created a clever solution: sleeping bags with feet. They allow toddlers to walk, stand and potter around while still having the warmth and comfort of a sleeping bag. The anti-slip soles are particularly useful when your toddler wakes up early and wants to explore before everyone else is ready.

I wasn’t sure whether this was a bit of a gimmick at first, but R genuinely loves his. They’re especially useful on colder mornings when he wants to stay warm and cosy downstairs before getting dressed.

They’re made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and are available in different TOG ratings, making them suitable for different seasons and destinations.

MORI sleeping bags

Beyond sleepsuits, MORI also makes some of the softest sleeping bags we’ve used. We invested in a few different TOG ratings because they work across different seasons and climates, which is useful if you travel regularly.

The bamboo and organic cotton blend is naturally thermoregulating, meaning it helps keep babies comfortable whether you’re travelling somewhere warm or dealing with cooler evenings. The size range also makes them a practical investment, with options that grow alongside your baby rather than needing constant replacement.

How many outfits should you pack for a baby or toddler?

One of the biggest mistakes parents make when packing for a family holiday is taking too much clothing. It’s tempting to prepare for every possible scenario, but children rarely need as much as we think they do. The trick is packing enough to cope with accidents while choosing pieces that work together.

For a one-week holiday, we would usually suggest the below. For everything else you need to pack, our complete baby travel packing list covers every essential from nappies and feeding equipment to toys and airport essentials.

Everyday clothing

• 7 daytime outfits
• 2–3 extra tops for spills and accidents
• 2 pairs of shorts or trousers
• 1 lightweight jumper or cardigan
• 1 waterproof layer (even for sunny destinations)

Sleepwear

• 2–3 pairs of pyjamas or sleepsuits
• 1 sleeping bag suitable for the destination temperature

Beach and pool

• 2 swimsuits or trunks
• 1–2 UV rash vests
• sun hat
• sandals or water shoes

Shoes

• everyday trainers
• beach sandals

If you have access to a washing machine, you can reduce this even further. A small, practical wardrobe that all works together will always beat a suitcase full of “just in case” outfits.

Affordable kids travel clothing: what’s worth the money

Whichever brands you go for, a few packing principles are worth keeping front of mind. Darker colours survive toddler meals with more dignity, and a lightweight waterproof layer, however sunny the forecast, is never a decision you’ll regret. And if you’re still sorting luggage for the little ones, our guide to kids suitcases and travel bags covers everything from ride-on cases to flat-pack backpacks.

Allie, Jack & R x

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It also contains some gifted items but opinions are entirely my own.