Traveling the world in a van is already an ambitious adventure — throw a baby or toddler into the mix, and it becomes a masterclass in preparation, creativity, and care. At Tiny Planet, we know firsthand that vanlife with kids isn’t just possible — it can be magical. But it starts with building a space that’s not only cozy and functional, but truly safe for little ones.
As we prepared for our own round-the-world expedition with a baby, we took extra steps to make sure our van was a secure, comfortable place for our daughter to grow, walk, and explore. Here’s how we did it — and what we recommend for anyone planning a van conversion for family travel.
We put a lot of thought into making the van baby-friendly and safe. One of the first things we added was a custom safety gate at the side door, so our daughter could move around freely without the risk of stepping out accidentally. For ventilation and fresh air, we wanted to be able to open the rear doors — but that also meant creating a barrier. That’s where the heavy-duty rear safety net came in. It lets us enjoy a breeze and the view while keeping her safely inside the van.
And then we added a little touch of joy: a clip-on swing that easily attaches to the hook at the sliding door. It takes just seconds to install, and suddenly the van becomes a playground — perfect for winding down after a hike or starting the day with giggles and motion.
Seating was another priority. Most vans are built for two — but when you're traveling with a toddler, you need a proper, secure seat setup. We installed a second row of seats with anchor points for a car seat, then found the slimmest, safest child car seat we could — saving space without compromising on safety.
Traveling light becomes essential with a little one on board, and every inch counts. That’s why we chose the most compact stroller we could find — one that folds in seconds and fits into the tightest storage spaces, yet remains comfortable and road-ready across trails, cities, and airports.
To boost awareness and peace of mind, we added 360° cameras around the van. Whether we’re backing up near a trailhead or navigating a busy parking lot, full visibility means we’re always aware of our surroundings — especially with a little one exploring nearby.
Of course, building a kid-safe camper van isn’t just about equipment — it’s about flow, materials, and intentional design. We added soft-close drawers that prevent finger pinches, low cushioned surfaces where she can sit or play, and designated storage for baby gear — from diapers to snacks to bedtime books.
As we prepared for our own round-the-world expedition with a baby, we took extra steps to make sure our van was a secure, comfortable place for our daughter to grow, walk, and explore. Here’s how we did it — and what we recommend for anyone planning a van conversion for family travel.
We put a lot of thought into making the van baby-friendly and safe. One of the first things we added was a custom safety gate at the side door, so our daughter could move around freely without the risk of stepping out accidentally. For ventilation and fresh air, we wanted to be able to open the rear doors — but that also meant creating a barrier. That’s where the heavy-duty rear safety net came in. It lets us enjoy a breeze and the view while keeping her safely inside the van.
And then we added a little touch of joy: a clip-on swing that easily attaches to the hook at the sliding door. It takes just seconds to install, and suddenly the van becomes a playground — perfect for winding down after a hike or starting the day with giggles and motion.
Seating was another priority. Most vans are built for two — but when you're traveling with a toddler, you need a proper, secure seat setup. We installed a second row of seats with anchor points for a car seat, then found the slimmest, safest child car seat we could — saving space without compromising on safety.
Traveling light becomes essential with a little one on board, and every inch counts. That’s why we chose the most compact stroller we could find — one that folds in seconds and fits into the tightest storage spaces, yet remains comfortable and road-ready across trails, cities, and airports.
To boost awareness and peace of mind, we added 360° cameras around the van. Whether we’re backing up near a trailhead or navigating a busy parking lot, full visibility means we’re always aware of our surroundings — especially with a little one exploring nearby.
Of course, building a kid-safe camper van isn’t just about equipment — it’s about flow, materials, and intentional design. We added soft-close drawers that prevent finger pinches, low cushioned surfaces where she can sit or play, and designated storage for baby gear — from diapers to snacks to bedtime books.
Every feature in our family van is designed for flexibility. Our convertible dinette doubles as a play area during the day and a bed at night. The garage storage below holds the stroller, swing, and outdoor gear while keeping daily essentials easy to access. It’s a setup that balances adventure and routine — something every parent knows is gold.
Most importantly, we wanted to show that traveling with a child doesn’t mean giving up your freedom. With the right setup, it’s possible to raise your little one surrounded by nature, culture, and movement — with safety and joy built into every detail.
Our daughter took her first steps in the sand dunes of California, danced in the back of our van to Mongolian winds, and napped peacefully under starry skies in the Utah desert. All of it made possible by a van designed not just for travel — but for family life on the road.
If you're dreaming of a van conversion for kids, start with safety, then build around joy. Think like a parent, but dream like a traveler. Because when your van is built with heart, the world becomes a playground — and the road, a way of life.
Want to see how we made it happen?
Follow our global family expedition across continents:
Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Website
Explore our van builds at
tinyplanet.group
Most importantly, we wanted to show that traveling with a child doesn’t mean giving up your freedom. With the right setup, it’s possible to raise your little one surrounded by nature, culture, and movement — with safety and joy built into every detail.
Our daughter took her first steps in the sand dunes of California, danced in the back of our van to Mongolian winds, and napped peacefully under starry skies in the Utah desert. All of it made possible by a van designed not just for travel — but for family life on the road.
If you're dreaming of a van conversion for kids, start with safety, then build around joy. Think like a parent, but dream like a traveler. Because when your van is built with heart, the world becomes a playground — and the road, a way of life.
Want to see how we made it happen?
Follow our global family expedition across continents:
Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Website
Explore our van builds at
tinyplanet.group