Essential Toddler Travel Gear for France (2025)
Last Updated June 2, 2025
Traveling to France with a toddler can be one of the most rewarding and chaotic experiences. Whether you're navigating cobblestone streets in Paris or ordering lunch at a countryside café, having the right gear makes a real difference. We’ve been there, and this list is full of the things that actually helped. Not the stuff that just took up space.
TL;DR: Top Toddler Travel Gear for France
Compact Travel Stroller – Lightweight, folds small, perfect for cobblestones and train stations.
Portable Booster or Car Seat – A must for taxis and rental cars (French law requires it).
Snack Container + Water Bottle – Keeps toddlers happy and your bag clean.
Mess-Free Entertainment – Think Water Wow books, sticker packs, and kid-safe headphones.
Wipes, Towels & Soap Sheets – Essential for cleaning hands, faces, and mystery spills.
Scroll down for the full packing list, tested tips, and gear that actually helps on the ground in France.
Safety and Transportation
Foldable Booster Seat for Taxis
French taxis and Ubers rarely provide car seats, but children under 10 require proper restraints. The Cosco Rise Backless Booster is great for kids up to 100 pounds protection and is only 2.2 pounds. For a premium option, the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat cannot be beat.
Compact Stroller
The Cybex Libelle 2 Travel Stroller is an amazing option that works for a wide age range, from infants (with the included adapters for your existing car seat) to kids up to 55 pounds. It’s super compact and comes in a variety of colors. The GB Pockit+ All Terrain stroller is another great option that works well for toddlers up to 55 pounds and folds incredibly small for airplane overhead bins. And it’s less than 10 pounds!
Carabiners for Everything
D-ring carabiners keep sippy cups, small toys, and snacks attached to strollers, backpacks, or belt loops. They prevent the constant dropping and losing of items that drives parents crazy during long walking days in Paris. These are great for easy access, and these have a locking mechanism to keep your purse or backpack extra secure.
Car Seat Bag
Airlines can be really rough with checked luggage. We highly recommend a bag for your booster seat to not only protect it but also allow for easier carrying. The Paris airport is huge and after a transatlantic flight, you’ll appreciate the hands-free option.
Stroller Bag
Same goes for strollers. Even though they can be gate checked, they still take a beating. If you don’t have a dedicated travel stroller that fits in the overhead compartment, look for a travel bag that has some padding to keep yours safe. You’l thank us later.
Restaurant and Dining Solutions
Disposable Toilet Seat Covers
French public restrooms vary widely in cleanliness, and toddlers can't hover over toilet seats. Disposable covers like these provide a hygienic barrier that gives both you and your toddler more confidence.
Snack Containers That Don't Spill
The Munchkin Snack Catcher prevenst crackers and cereal from scattering across restaurant floors or airplane seats. French restaurants appreciate customers who keep things tidy, and these containers help maintain goodwill. Plus they have closed handles so you can easily attach them to a bag with the carabiners.
Jean-Paul: "French waiters are more patient with children than Americans expect, but they definitely notice families who keep their tables clean. It affects the service you receive."
Entertainment and Activity Management
Travel Activity Bag with Detachable Pouches
This Travel Activity kit organizes crayons, stickers, and toys in easy to reach compartments. Plus it already comes stocked!
Water Wow Activity Books
Melissa & Doug Water Wow! books use water instead of ink, so toddlers can color without making a mess. They dry quickly and can be reused for the whole trip.
Usborne Sticker Books
Usborne First Sticker Books with themes like Airports or Castles help toddlers connect to what they're seeing in France. The stickers are reusable and less likely to end up all over your hotel room.
Kids' Friendly Headphones
Kids headphones limit volume and are great for flights or screen time at museums. This one is a solid, kid-safe option, with adjustable volume control, plus it comes in multiple colors.
Health and Hygiene Essentials
Baby Wipes
WaterWipes are perfect for cleaning faces, hands, and little accidents. Bring more than you think you need.
Disinfecting Wipes
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are great for cleaning public high chairs, airplane armrests, and park benches.
Children's Tylenol and Thermometer
Bring your go-to fever reducer and a thermometer like the Braun ThermoScan 7. It's easier to have it on hand than to track down a pharmacy when your toddler feels off. Worse yet the pharmacy is closed when you need it.
Daily Logistics
Washable Markers
Crayola Washable Markers let your toddler be creative without you worrying about stains on restaurant tablecloths or Airbnb walls. The Pipsqueaks are the perfect size for toddler hands.
Blank Notebook
A notebook can become a drawing pad, sticker book, or pretend travel journal. It gives toddlers a sense of importance and something to show off. This multipack is great as you’re bound to go through more than one on your trip.
Compressed Towels
No napkins? No problem. These compressed towels are great for wiping off ice cream, washing up after a playground stop, or handling minor spills.
Water Bottle with Attachment Loop
The Thermos Funtainer water bottle can easily clip to your bag with a carabiner and prevents leaks. The flip top lid covers the straw, crucial for those inevitable falls to the ground.
Smart Organization
Ziploc Bags in Multiple Sizes
Ziploc Storage Bags organize collected treasures (museum postcards, interesting rocks, small souvenirs), separate dirty clothes from clean ones, and protect electronics from spills.
Packable Day Bag
You never know when you might need an extra bag to hold snacks, water bottles, souvenirs, and activity supplies during your trip. It’s best to have a packable bag tossed in a purse for easy retrieval. These fold down flat and hold a surprising amount.
Laundry Detergent
Travel sized detergent packets make washing clothes possible in hotel sinks when kids get particularly dirty from playground adventures or outdoor activities. From traditional Tide to fragrance-free powder, they’re a must have for anyone traveling abroad.
Soap Paper Sheets
Soap Paper Sheets dissolve in water to create instant hand soap, so you’ll never have to worry about an empty dispenser.
No gear guarantees a meltdown-free trip, but being prepared helps you recover faster. French culture notices parents who handle situations calmly and cleanly. Other travelers appreciate it too.
FAQs About Traveling in France with a Toddler
Do I need a booster seat for my toddler in France?
Yes. Children under 10 are required to use an appropriate restraint in cars. Bring a portable booster or check if your rental company offers one.
Can toddlers eat in French restaurants?
Absolutely, though not all have high chairs. Choose places with outdoor seating or family-friendly menus, and bring your own gear when needed.
Where can I buy toddler supplies in France?
Pharmacies and supermarkets stock wipes, diapers, snacks, and toddler-friendly meals. Brands may differ, but essentials are easy to find.
Are French restaurants okay with messes?
Within reason. Keeping things tidy shows respect for the space and makes staff more willing to accommodate your family.
Is Paris stroller-friendly?
Partly. Not all Métro stations have elevators. A lightweight, foldable stroller makes a big difference.
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