Luggage for children

[iismum]

We've always just had a family suitcase, but this summer we're going away by train and I want to DD (6) and DS (4) to take some of their own stuff. I was thinking a wheely suitcase they can pull along. What size do you think would be appropriate at that age? Any recommendations about make? I don't really want to get a gimmicky kids one they may get bored of by next year - I want them to last. I was thinking a small one designed for adults might be best - but would this be difficult for them to pull? Any advice welcome!

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Hello, this thread is a little old and some of the recommendations might be out of date. Whether you’re looking for cheap and cheerful family luggage or you’d like to invest in a quality cabin bag, take a look at our round-up of the best suitcases (according to Mumsnetters) for more up-to-date advice. MNHQ.

Don't. They won't carry it all the way, and then you'll end up pulling their suitcases as well which is really hard. Get them a rucksac each and they can carry their own toys.

I travel a lot (on my own ) and am always seeing parents juggling childrens luggage, the children (because you'll need to hold the 4 year olds hand at least in busy places) as well as their own

Depends on the kid. As long as not too heavy my wimpy 6yo is fine pulling a bag. Did it last month across London tube network & Heathrow, etc. Not also for the 4yo, though. They could share one bag that is suitable as carry-on size, too, I suggest, if 4yo is big enough or else 4yo just holds your hand.

Get them decent bag packs. dd had a wheely trolley and we had to pull/carry it more often than not in Heathrow.

We got her this bag when she turned 4.

www.amazon.co.uk/VAUDE-Puck-Childrens-Backpack-Multicoloured/dp/B004IYJQRM/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1402146039&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=Vaude+puk

It has a proper chest and waist strap, doesn't move when they run and it survived the last three years without breaking it. It is also surprisingly roomy and A4 books fit easily.

Agree just a rucksack each. Last flight last month 4 year old fell asleep and on landing at 1am understandably wanted to be carried or at least hold hand and stumble along.

Pack lightly. Bigger rucksacks for both adults containing most children's things also. Small rucksack each for children having water/ snacks/ warm jumper/ one change of clothes/ drawing book and pencils

I will go against the grain.

My 7 year old loves my adult 4 wheel bag and will handle it all teh time. He even took it up the stairs on the tube!

Previously we had the boost-a-pak too heavy I had to carry it and those kiddie ride along bags -- didn't hold enough and I had to carry it.

I agree, the boost-a-pack is not child-friendly, normally I carry it and I also find the space is fairly limited.

We only have one as we always have a rental car on holiday and with DD being a tall 7 year old I don't like carrying her car seat around anymore.

I would get a cabin sized one but very light weight. Also a good quality back pack each.

TKMaxx usually has a good array of luggage, well priced too.
When travelling, I usually take 1 large suitcase with wheels (23kg) & hand luggage bag (all travel ducuments), my eldest takes a small suitcase with wheels (9kg) & my youngest take a light backpack with snacks and a few games.
This is usually enough for all of us :)

my dds have these, they really seem well-designed for children and are 2 litres bigger than the rucksack linked upthread, if my maths is right...

They look quite small, and jack wolfskin do larger children's rucksacks as well, but these have been perfect for us. So much so that i want a jack wolfskin rucksack of my very own!