Traveling with young kids

When traveling with young kids break the trip into smaller, one-day or half-day segments. End each drive at a mini-destination such as a special meal stop, tourist attraction or park. You’ll add fun as well as instill a feeling of progress.

Planning out your vacation

Schedule a few relaxing and restful vacation days in between busy, activity-packed vacation days. This is especially helpful after a busy travel day and right before a busy travel day.

Gathering yourself when traveling thought security

Use the time after security check in to pick up any drinks or snacks you will need on the plane. Not all flights carry milk, and airplane tap water is not considered safe to drink (especially for children or babies).

Tools when traveling with a toddler

Bring extra wipes when you travel. This is essential for all toddler travel! Wipes are great for clean ups, spills, sticky fingers and of course diaper changes.

Car trip tip

When traveling far in a car make at least one stop last an hour or two right before bedtime if you are traveling late into the night.  Let the kids run around outside and wear themselves out so they will sleep and you can keep driving.

Car trip travel tip

When going on long car trips, prepare ahead with paper bags of items to be given out every 25, 50 or 75 miles — marked on a map with the location, it takes a little bit of preparation to do this but it REALLY helps young children.

In each bag put a wrapped item — usually a small toy. Then in some of the surprise packages you can add juice or a snack, stickers and a piece of paper, or something pertaining to the trip that you can talk about.

When the sun is most intense

Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are most intense. Keep in mind that even on cloudy days, the sun can be just as strong; you’ll want to use these same precautions on those days as well.

Stroller travel tip

Don’t check your stroller unless you plan to carry your child in a sling. Most airlines will allow you to push your stroller all the way to the gate.

Vacation travel tip

Be sure to pack your itinerary (including any phone numbers you’ll need) and a map of your destination in your carryon. Nothing is worse than struggling to find your hotel with tired children in tow.

Looking good while flying

People are far more apt to be patient and less likely to presume that your kiddos will be a detriment to their flight if the family looks respectable.

Pre-vacation preperation

If possible, Take your child to the airport on a day you’re not flying and show her what the people are doing: standing in lines, going through security, etc.

Camping with kids

Unless your family is used to more rustic activities, it is best to choose a campsite with running water and clean restrooms that include showers when camping with a toddler.

Being prepared when traveling

When traveling always carry a change of clothes for your child and it is advisable to carry a change of top / t-shirt for yourself too. You never know when you will need it.

Drinks and air travel

When traveling via air, remember to pack any drinks in clear plastic zip-up bags because the cabin pressurization can result in leaks even in the most otherwise spill proof cups.

Sleeping when traveling tip

Toddlers are often used to their normal bedtime routine and may have difficulty sleeping in a new place. Don’t be afraid to bring a port-a-crib if you have room for it.

Airport security tip

When traveling, don’t forget that airport security is going to want to see any liquids in your bag.
Keep all liquids together & don’t forget any medicines you may be bringing.

Organize your own learning experience

Visit farms, go camping or take the kids hiking. While toddlers may not be able to enjoy the outing as much as an older kid would, it can still be a great learning experience if you prepare the trip in advance.

Change of clothes when traveling with toddlers

When traveling carry a change of clothes for your child ALWAYS and it is advisable to carry a change of top / t-shirt for yourself too. You NEVER know when you will need it.

Run your toddler ragged before flying

When traveling on a plane, wear your toddler out beforehand. Allow time for releasing energy before your flight’s departure

Travel tip before boarding

Make your kids use the toilets before boarding the aircraft as they are spacious and much cleaner compared to the aircraft ones.