TRAVEL TIPS
Tips for Traveling with a Baby, Toddler, or Child
It can be rewarding to share your love of travel with your children, but it also can be challenging.
It can be rewarding to share your love of travel with your children, but it also can be challenging. The benefits of traveling with your children and learning more about the world outweigh the drawbacks. It just takes a little special preparation to make sure that everyone in the family has a great trip.
Plan ahead
In planning any trip with children, consider your children’s ages, needs, and interests. Choose a destination and accommodations that are suitable for the ages of your children. There are many family-friendly places to choose from. Research age-appropriate activities at your destination – children’s museums, performances for children, nature hike, etc. You’ll want to spend some time on your vacation doing things just for your children.
Carry the essentials
For babies and toddlers, pack the essentials in your carry-on bag, including diapers, wipes, baby food, snacks, formula, bottles, and change of clothes. Don’t forget a spill-proof cup and baby utensils. Carry a portable changing mat or pad for travel. Bring extra supplies – you never know when you might need them. You’ll be glad you have extras if your flight is delayed, for example.
Bring comfort and entertainment items
Most children have a few special comfort items. Bring one or two of them for each child – a stuffed animal, a blanket, a pacifier. These will help your child be more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. In addition, bring toys, games, and books that will keep your child entertained during travel and downtime. Download some child-friendly apps for them as another entertainment option. They are especially good for long flights and road trips.
Prepare for sleep
If you know your baby will sleep best in particular bedding, bring what you know they’ll like – travel crib, bassinet, or portable bed. Many hotels offer playpens and cribs. If you would like one, be sure to reserve it in advance.
Drink water often
Carry a refillable water bottle for everyone in the family. It is important for everyone to stay hydrated, especially in warm or humid climates.
Babyproof your accommodations
As soon as you arrive, remove anything hazardous, cover outlets, and secure cabinets. Bring anything you might need to help make your room safe for your baby.
Use a lightweight stroller and take a baby carrier or sling
You’ll be glad you take a lightweight stroller for travel. It will be much easier to navigate as you explore. There are likely to be times on your trip when a stroller is impractical. For those occasions, use a baby carrier or sling.
Maintain routines
Everyone will be happier and your child will feel more secure if you can maintain their routines for sleeping and eating. Do your best to keep their schedules as familiar as you can. If possible, plan your travel times around your child’s nap schedule.
Consider travel insurance
Choose travel insurance that will cover unexpected medical expenses or trip cancellations due to your child’s health.
Be prepared for jet lag
If you’re traveling across time zones, try to get your child back on their regular schedule by gradually adjusting their sleep schedule to match the new time zone.
Along with good preparation, all you need is patience and flexibility to ensure you’ll create lots of wonderful memories and everyone in the daily will have a good time. Take photos, keep a journal, and experience your best trip!
Comfort when flying
Young children often find the change in air pressure when taking off and landing during flights uncomfortable. To help improve discomfort, here are some ideas that may help
- Breast or bottle feed
- Use a pacifier
- Drink
- Chew on some snacks
- Suck on a lolly pop/hard candy
- Chew on gum (if age appropriate)
- Yawn often – make it a game
- Use pressure relief ear plugs
Entertainment when traveling
Keeping your child entertained during travel will help make the trip manageable for parents and kids alike! Here are some tips to keep your child busy when traveling.
- Have a few new and exciting games or toys to engage your child’s interest
- Download their favorite movie or show (if flying check the airline has appropriate inflight entertainment for the age of your child)
- Coloring and drawing – it is great to have your child create their own journal of their travel experiences!
- Travel board and card games
- Games that use imagination and observation such as eye spy and the name game (name something for each letter for the alphabet such as animals, names etc)
- Scavenger hunt
Be prepared and be creative!
