Tips for Traveling With a Toddler
Traveling with a toddler (8 months to 5 years) can be heavenlyā¦or hell-on-wheels! But, hereās the good news: What you do now (and on the trip) can totally stack the deck in your favor! Hereās how to make traveling with your toddler a breezeā¦from start to finish.
Tips for Traveling With a Toddler
Prepare before you leave.
Meltdowns are inevitable! So practice some special steps to boost toddler cooperation a week or two before you go away:Ā Toddler-ese,Ā gossipingĀ andĀ patience stretchingāall techniques discussed inĀ The Happiest Toddler on the Block.
Make a little book of the trip (with photos of the plane, hotel, sites, etc) to read every dayĀ beforeĀ you leave. This will help your tot know what to expect on each step of your journey.
Take time now to perfect your sleep routine. Use familiar sleep cues you can replicate when away from homeāuse a lovey, massage, story, and our special rumbly,Ā low pitch white noiseĀ (for all naps and nights), which you can find both in myĀ SNOObearāa cuddly teddy that plays my signature SNOO soundsāandĀ SNOObieāa portable nightlight and sound machine.Ā Learn more about Happiest Baby's white noise products!
Get there without breaking a sweat.
If driving, make frequent stops. On jets, walkāa lot!āand bring special treats, and surprises. Hide them in different pockets of your purse, coat, etc. Read your trip book to keep your child engaged with all the fun things that will soon happen! (See more tips for flying with a baby.)
While tablets and the seat-back screens can be a godsend, you can also fill your carryon with engagingĀ toddler travel toys. Another pro tip: Dole ouut stickers, tokens, checks on hand, treats, etc., to reward your tot for being cooperative/quiet (every 30 to 60 minutes).
When meltdowns do happen, first use your bestĀ Toddler-eseĀ andĀ Fast Food RuleĀ to acknowledge your totās feelings.Ā ThenĀ try distraction, explanationā¦or bribery. (In the middle of a flight itās okay to use cookies to get through the rough spotā¦ unless your child tends to get wilder with sugar!)
Protect against sleep-stealers.
If youāre crossing time zones, know that lots of morning sun the first one to two days helps toĀ overcome jet lag. And consider limiting naps to 90 to 120 minutes. (Too much daytime sleep can hurt nighttime sleep.)
Keep your sleep routine. Predictability helps tots relax. An hour before bedtime, dim lights and turn on white noise in the background. Use white noise for all naps and nights (itās a āteddy bear of soundā and it covers outside disturbing lights, sounds and smells in a hotel room). And bring along sleep staples, like a cherished lovey or familiar white noise!Ā More tips on sleeping away from home!
Plan ahead to avoid traumas (big and little).
Bring basic first aid supplies (such as Band-aids),Ā pain relieverĀ and dosing syringe/spoon (ibuprofen is excellent for fevers and pains for children over 6 months), sunscreen, illness medicine or any other special treatment your tot needs.Ā
Have the phone number and location of a local doctor and hospital on hand. (Ask your doctor, family, and friends for recommendations before you leave.)
Itās also a good idea to travel with some childproofing supplies: duct tape, electric plugs). Once you arrive, scout your hotel room or vacation home for potential dangers (cords that can be pulled down, scalding hot water, sharp corners).Ā
Navigate your destination like a pro.
Once youāve survived perils of getting from point A to point B with your tot, thereās still some planning you could do to make your trip go smoothly!
Prior to your arrival, pinpoint kid-friendly spots (think: parks, museums, zoos). Keep activities short. Limit yourself to one hour in a museum then 30 minutes playing chase in the garden. Use a carrier for little kids and consider a harness/leash for bigger kids.
Once youāre out and about, plan lots of stops, always carry food and water. While you might be tempted to let everyone indulge on vacation, consider limiting candy and treats. Wild sugar swings can trigger outbursts.
Ask your totās opinion many times a day to boost their sense of being respected. A good rule of thumb: Offer two choicesāboth of which youāre on board with!
Final Thoughts on Traveling With a Toddler
Traveling with a toddler is not for the faint of heart, but armed with these tips, youāll make the journey easier for everyone involved. By preparing beforehand, stocking up on stickers and snacks, and prioritizing sleep, you can set yourself up for a calmer, more enjoyable trip.
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