Traveling with your toddlers? Avoid the tantrums and get yourself prepared with these essential tips for traveling with a toddler. No matter if you are traveling with your kids for the first time or you have done this before, traveling with kids, will always be a daunting task, if you do not prepare for it. From what to pack to how to reach the destination, it is filled with potential worries. However, some tips can help you to prepare and save you from going mad. Below, we have listed a travel guide to follow while traveling with kids. These tips will ensure you have a memorable and stress-free travel experience.
Tips for Traveling With a Toddler
Just do it- While the idea of traveling with kids might be overwhelming, the most important thing to keep in mind is it will end soon. You will reach your destination. You will endure and enjoy it.
Understand the charges as well as the regulations for every airline- If you have ever traveled with your kids, you must be knowing about the variations in the regulations and charges involved with taking your kids on a flight. Different airlines have different rules. Some charge for one thing, whereas with others it is free.
Prepare a checklist- Traveling with a kid can be a nightmare as far as packing is concerned. Though your mind might want to travel light, your heart says to carry every single piece of your baby’s clothes and accessories. You will think, “what if it starts getting cold suddenly?” This kind of thought will make you pack most of the things.
Use a car seat while traveling by road- Book a car seat for your toddler when you reserve a rental car to ensure accessibility. Or check to see if a local AAA office is providing complimentary loaners. You must use booster seats for older kids between 4 to 7 years to keep them safe until they fit comfortably into standard seat belts.
Carry Toddler Hygiene Essentials- A well-packed diaper bag can be a lifesaver while traveling with your toddler. Wet wipes offer a basic level of hygiene for all ages, while plastic zip-close bags can store products from snacks and toys to soiled shoes and wet bathing suits- and even diapers or garbage, in a pinch. Make sure you carry a change of clothes for your toddler as well as yourself in case of unexpected leaks.
Do not overpack- One of the significant tips that you should follow while making any travel plans is do not overpack. Keep in mind that almost everything can be bought abroad. It might not be a similar brand, but you will handle it. Diapers are often a concern as 100% organic brands are sometimes difficult to find. If you are comfortable using an eco-brand, it is better to do a test run with a non-eco brand before leaving to check if your little one develops any kind of allergic reactions.
Book wisely- If you go to the hotel route, take your time in booking a hotel. You might have stayed there earlier and loved it but think about it. Was your room on a steep hill? Were there too many steps? What might have been a paradise for the two of you can be a nightmare when you have a baby with you.
Carry some quiet activities for flights- If you want a fuss-free travel experience, then you must choose some quiet activities that your kid can play on the flight. Entertaining babies on a plane, where you must be mindful of other passengers and cannot pull over for breaks is quite a challenging task. Quiet, engaging activities like coloring books and art projects with magnetic, adhesive cutouts, and linoleum keep little minds and hands busy. Also, you must consider holding something back; surprising your kids with new toys is an interesting way to grab their attention, at least for a few minutes. If everything fails, and a tantrum comes up, offer to purchase drinks for the passengers around you- there were all children once, too.
Try to schedule your flights when your baby will sleep or when they are most likely to be in a happy mood. Be prepared to be busy while en route and view any onboard sleeping to be a bonus. Never ignore your baby’s tiredness or believe that just because it is naptime that they will sleep off. Either they will not at all or when they do it will be time for landing. Also, if you are thinking to start sleep training, it is better to postpone it after your trip.
Try to book an aisle or a window seat- If you are choosing the lap option, book the aisle and window seats and if possible, leave the middle window open. As middle seats are the last ones to be filled, this increases the odds of scoring your toddler a set without paying extra bucks. Worst case situation, if someone is sitting there, you can offer to trade them the more suitable window seat. Whatever you do, though, do not give up the aisle seat. You are going to want easy access to the bathroom and the capability to walk around with your children.
Cover cheap toys with a gift wrapper- You do not want to bring a whole toy box but your focus while flying with your toddler is to keep them engaged. And the more toys, games, and books you carry with you, the easier your job will become. Along with the toys they already use, try to carry some new ones too. This will surprise them and keep them happy. Whenever your kid becomes restless during the flight, take out a new toy and ask them to unwrap it. Let them unwrap themselves. This will keep them engaged for some time.
Allow some screen-time- No matter how strict you are to screen time under usual circumstances, flying is not the right time to stick to your principles. This does not mean that you need to give your 18-month-old an iPhone or an iPad loaded with movies and games, but some screen time can come in handy when attention span starts to disappear. A few hours staring at a tablet or phone is not going to damage your kid’s brain permanently. Based on how long the light is, be sure to download a movie or episodes of their favorite shows before you leave your house.
Always pack a single-family bag for efficiency- Adults who are traveling solo with a toddler or other kids should pack one family bag or suitcase to keep things easy and simple. It is helpful to pack each kid’s clothes day-wise in packing cubes. It makes the morning routine efficient and streamlined. You also will not have to carry many bags on your own while traveling and you will keep one hand free to lead small travelers through the airport.
Carry multipurpose items- One of the significant tips for traveling with a toddler is to carry multipurpose items. Unless your child uses their baby blanket for security, no need to carry it on your trip. A beach towel is a great option. You can either use it as a blanket on the flight and then you can re-use it as a mat or towel for the beach, park, or pool while traveling.
If you follow these tips for traveling with a toddler, believe us, you will not have any problem while traveling. How was your experience of traveling with a toddler? Do let us know in the comment section.