Tips for Traveling with Toddlers

Traveling with toddlers on land and in the air requires almost double the preparation of an adults-only trip. Here are some helpful tips when vacationing with toddlers.  

Having relocated to Florida from Minnesota, I knew it would be a long travel day to visit family but did not realize the amount of preparation it would take to fly across the country with young children.  My husband was not always able to travel with us and I found myself alone, on a plane, with three children under the age of five years old several times a year.  I became an expert at packing, surviving long roadtrips, planning ahead for meltdowns, and managing airport delays.  Here are some of my travel tips! 

Introduce New Activities and Toys 

Entertaining toddlers on a plane, where you have to be mindful of other passengers and can't pull over for breaks, is challenging. Quiet, engaging activities like coloring books and art projects with linoleum, felt, magnetic or adhesive cut-outs keep little hands and minds busy. My children loved sticker activities and water coloring books.  Also consider holding something back; surprising toddlers with new or forgotten toys is a sure way to grab their attention, at least for a few minutes.  

Stock Up On Treats Before Departure 

Whether traveling by car or plane, easy snacks like dry cereal, pretzels, golf fish, and other favorite snacks are sure to please. Toddlers ears can pop just as much as a baby’s, so snacks during takeoff and landing are helpful.  Water, food, pacifiers, passionate conversations about your interests... use whatever it is that will get your tot's jaws moving during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure discomfort.  A refillable water bottle or sippy cup is also a necessity.  

Travel with Toddler Hygiene and Medical Essentials 

A well-stocked diaper bag can be a lifesaver when traveling with toddlers. Wet wipes provide a basic level of hygiene for all ages, while plastic zip-close bags can store items ranging from toys and snacks to wet bathing suits and soiled shoes – and even garbage or diapers, in a pinch. You should also always carry a change of clothes for yourself and your toddler in case of unexpected spills. 

Pack anticipated needed medical supplies for you and your child; a small carry-on version with travel-sized essentials like Band-Aids, Neosporin, adult Tylenol, etc., and then a slightly larger version that goes in your check-in bag with non-travel sized bottles such as children's Tylenol, Benadryl, etc.  Don’t vaccinate immediately before traveling! What do diaper blowouts, fevers, and rashes all have in common? They're all usual side effects of routine vaccinations that you do not want to deal with during a travel day. Book vaccinations no closer than one week to upcoming travel to avoid any issues. 

Electronic Devices 

Kiss screen-time restrictions (temporarily) goodbye. Depending on how long the flight or car ride, be sure to download a movie or two, episodes of their favorite television shows, and some digital kid’s books before you leave the house just in case you don’t have access to the internet on the trip. And, more importantly, for everybody’s sake: Buy a trusted pair of child headphones and test them out before you go. 

 

Pack a Single Family Suitcase for Efficiency 

Adults traveling solo with a toddler or other children should pack one family suitcase to keep things simple. You also won't have to lug several bags on your own while traveling, and you'll keep one hand free to lead tiny travelers through the airport. 

Encourage Kids to Carry Their Own Belongings 

If they're up to it, toddlers may enjoy carrying a small fanny pack or backpack through the airport. Encourage kids ages 3 and older to bring along their toys and clothing in a child-size rolling suitcase. This can be a helpful way to lighten your load – and it will make your kids feel grown up at the same time. 

Fit in Naps When Possible 

One of the best ways to avoid a cranky toddler is to encourage napping. Maintain a routine to help young ones get some shut-eye, such as changing them into sleepwear and putting them down with a favorite security blanket or stuffed toy around the same time every day. If you can schedule your flight or long drive around their nap time, it can often lead to a very peaceful and quiet ride 

Reserve Accommodations That Suit Your Needs 

There's an accommodation for every family, regardless of their budget and needs. Some parents like hotels and resorts with swimming pools, restaurants and playrooms for rainy days. Meanwhile, larger families may prefer vacation rentals with cooking facilities and special perks.  Having familiar items in your hotel room or rental home will help your toddler rest more easily in a new environment such as bringing a toddler's crib sheet and night light from home to provide extra comfort.  

Schedule Exercise Breaks 

Don’t keep your toddler strapped in a baby carrier, car seat, or stroller all day.  Give your child the opportunity to walk and get some exercise with little breaks throughout the day.  Have a midflight ants-in-your-toddler's-pants attack? Don't hesitate to get up and walk around with him. Sometimes a few minutes in the plane galley or a few trips up and down the aisle is enough to distract, refresh, and avoid an impending meltdown. 

Remain Flexible 

Last but not least: When facing travel hassles, remain calm and carry on with your plans. If your original schedule falls through, adapt to a new one with a positive attitude. Children will model your behavior, and positivity will help them make happy, lifelong memories of their first family vacation. 

 

 

For more tips visit:  https://travel.usnews.com/features/traveling-with-toddlers-16-tips-to-make-your-vacation-go-smoothly 

https://www.fatherly.com/play/essential-travel-tips-flying-toddler-plane/ 

https://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/traveling-with-kids/traveling-with-toddlers-10-expert-tips-from-a-globetrotting-mom/ 

 

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