Just about everyone loves to travel and explore new places. As exciting as it may sound but ask the parents what they go through when travelling with toddlers! Flying with a toddler is one of the biggest obstacles to travel that many families face. It requires strength and patience to to carry a toddler during travel. Sharing some tips to travel with a toddler.
Try and consider their routine
While booking flights try and consider the timings in accordance with the sleep time of your toddler. Too early or too late flight will cause sleep trouble to your toddler and they will become irritated because of less or no sleep.
Stay active until flight starts
Try and keep your kids fully active till the flight starts. Play with them, make them walk around or keep them active till the journey starts. They most likely will have to sit for awhile either in a seat belt or car seat so extra steps are always welcome.
Limit Screentime before travelling
A phone or a tablet may immediately placate your child but you ll pay for it in the end. Ypur child may be calm in the beginning of the journey, but they are bound to become energetic or curious or frustrated later on. Save the screentime for when u really need it.
Don’t worry about what people think
Don’t apologize for kids or feel bad that your kid might disturb other people. your kid is allowed to be the world, take up space , cry and be a kid. Kids do these things everyone has done it when they were kids. Some kids are less difficult some are more. Having said that don’t worry what people will think. Don’t let anyone negative looks or comments get to you. They are dealing with their own problems which has nothing to do with your baby being a baby. For the most part people will be kind, understanding and helpful. Just remember you are doing the best you can for your child and that is good enough.
Pack a first aid bag
It is very important to carry a first aid bag for your kid. it should include a thermometer, paracetamol for kids, snot sucker, cold and cough syrup for kids, wash clothes and a towel or wipes. You always need these things when u least expect it , maybe in the middle of the night when everything is closed or in a flight.
Carry their favorite snacks
Always carry their favorite go to snacks when travelling. it is always helpful to calm they down and keep them silent and busy eating! while travelling they might or might not find their favorite chips or cookies form the stores and then they only want to eat that cookie only which is not available. So having their go to chips n cookies handy is very helpful.
Its OK to break the rules
Don’t pack the mom guilt when you get ready for your trip, seriously. Personally, I am fine with my kid over doing it on screen time and snacks if we can get to point A to point B with little tantrums or toddler behaviors. Its a holiday and its ok to break some rules. After all we are also taking a little break from our everyday routines.
Bring their favorite toys and some NEW toys
Carrying their favorite toys is a must while travelling. Chances are they will definitely ask for that toy while they are out and about or they see some other child carrying any toys with them. In order to avoid those toddler meltdowns always carry some of their favorite toys. Also its a good idea to buy a new toy during the journey. As the little minds are very curious and creative they will be occupied with that new toy which is no less than a trophy for them. This will really help you in the journey and you can get some time to relax.
Dress Comfortable
Always dress your toddler in comfortable clothes and shoes. A good idea is to let them choose their dress and shoes themselves as they will not crib about it later on. Chances are if you force them to wear something they will keep cribbing about it and keep complaining and the again in the end you will tell them to decide for themselves what they want to wear. So to avoid this and for your sanity let them choose what they want to wear.
Conclusion
Go ahead and plan your trip with your toddlers. Don’t worry about what people think . Everyone has gone through it or will be at your place at some point in time. Don’t postpone your travels thinking it is going to be difficult with a toddler. Everything works out well in the end just a little planning is required. Go ahead and make your child see the world, explore places and learn . Travelling is one of the best ways for a child to learn in life and become strong independent individuals. Lets enjoy one day at a time !