How To Make Traveling With Your Toddler Bearable

Traveling can be hard, add a two year old into the mix and it can be downright torture. Some parents start traveling with their babies and realize once those babies became mobile, things got even more challenging than before. We are here to help and we’ve gathered information from the most traveled of parents on how to ease the pain of exploring the world with small children.

Preparation Is Key

Traveling can have its ups and downs and you never know what kind of unforeseen detours may arise along the way. Being prepared and organized prior to your trip and while packing can really lighten the stress during the journey.

• Pack using a checklist

Make a professional level checklist you can print off every time you have to travel with your child. Specify on the checklist in which suitcase it will go. Will it go in the big suitcase or the carry-on? Then count how many pairs of leggings, pajamas, shirts, onesies and sweaters your children will you need. Which books will you bring in your carry on, which ones go in the big bag? Account for everything from the lovies, diapers and medicines. Remember, depending upon where you are traveling, you can usually purchase diapers at your destination, so no need to take up the entire suitcase with them.

Items You Will Want To Have On-Hand While Traveling

Packing properly and efficiently is extremely important in keeping yourself from getting over-sweaty, which will happen anyway but here are some things we recommend you have on-hand and at an arm’s length.

• Baby Wipes

You’ll need them for everything from diaper changes to hand washing to getting that sticky thing off of the arm rest on the plane. Baby wipes are extremely important to have accessible 24/7.

• Bottles And Sippy Cups

Contrary to popular belief, you can travel with liquid for children. You can also travel with breast milk in a small cooler (or large if you feel so inclined). A TSA agent will ask you to hand over the goods so they can test them and then they will hand them right back. We suggest a small, soft cooler where you can store liquids and snacks but is easy to pack if you are not using it. Also, these bottles, sippy cups or the boob will come in very handy if you are traveling by plane and their ears start to hurt. Sucking helps unblock the ears.

• Snacks, Snacks And More Snacks

When we say overload on snacks, it is an understatement. Go to your favorite grocer and stock up on snacks they’ve never had before. This will be full-on entertainment for them. And listen, all bets are off on an airplane, so load up with bribing ammunition such as M&Ms!

• An Extra Pair of Clothes For The Child And Enough Diapers

Accidents happen and you want to be prepared! One mom told us of a story that when she brought her 6 month on an airplane for the first time, she had a massive blowout and the mother hadn’t thought to bring extra clothes in her carryon for such a short flight. She had to wrap her baby in a bandana some nice person gave to them.

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Entertainment

• The Dollar Store Is Your Friend

Hit up your local Dollar Tree and shop until you drop! Get every little toy, coloring book, crayon and container in the place. Then buy a roll of wrapping paper and wrap each one of them. Put half in your carry-on and half in your suitcase for the way home. Unwrapping takes a long time for a little kid and it is an activity in its own. Then they will have the toy to play with once they are unwrapped. Bring the toys only when the child is anxious or antsy, that way it isn’t all over in 20 minutes.

• Videos

No, they probably won’t sit down and watch an entire show at 18 months and that’s ok. You can save short videos or songs on the iPad and play them intermittently. Unfortunately, under the age of 3, they probably won’t wear headphones but try some on at home first, maybe they will! Be sure to check out the child-safe volume control headphones for their little ears. You can also search BabyFirst in the app store and download some awesome toddler-friendly apps to play during your trip as well!

Comforts Of Home

• Blankets, Pillow and Lovey

When you are going on either a long haul to a foreign land or a short two-hour jaunt in the car, it is key to have elements of comfort along for the ride. If you must lay a baby or toddler down on a plane seat so they can sleep, we recommend The Plush Pad. This changing pad made out of memory foam’s versatility while traveling is unbeatable. You can use it as a little bed on top of a seat and its removable, washable cover makes it great for a travel changing pad. Don’t forget their favorite blanket! The familiar smell of their blanket will be an asset when you want them to fall asleep while traveling. As for their lovey or favorite stuffed animal, buy 4 of the same ones. Leave two at home and use two for traveling.

We know traveling with children can have its road bumps but if they have their comforts and are entertained, you’ll decrease the chance of anything major happening. Arm yourself with the tools to feel collected because after all, they will feel your vibe and run with it.  Bon Voyage!

For more detailed and insightful tips on how to fly well with your children, check out Dr. Lori Boudino’s book –  Super Flyers: A parent guidebook for airplane travel with children