6 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started Traveling with My Toddler
Take it from me: Having kids doesn’t mean saying sayonara to your traveling days! But to make your life easier, here are my top tips for a seamless trip with a toddler in tow.
Before my husband and I decided to start a family, we knew that we’d want to travel with our babies. When our son, Idris, was seven months old, our first family adventure started with a 9-hour flight to spend two weeks in Europe where we took trains and cars from country to country. We’re so lucky to have taken Idris to several states and a few countries in his first 18 months. Now that we’ve got the hang of traveling with him, we have no intention of slowing down!
Traveling with a baby for the first time felt overwhelming, so I did everything I could to be as prepared as possible. Traveling with a toddler, while different, is still so enjoyable for us! If you’re planning to travel with your little one and don’t know where to start, here are some quick tips that will help make your time away seamless:
Plan ahead: Make a list of all the essentials you will need for the trip, such as extra clothes, diapers, snacks and toys. I do this by walking through what I’d use for Idris in a day at home. Pack immediate essentials in a diaper bag or carry-on tote so you can easily grab them while traveling to your destination. Make sure to also research where you’re staying to understand whether you’ll have easy access to a refrigerator for milk or other items, the ability to stop at a grocery store should you need to pick anything up, or if crib or pack-n-play options are readily available.
Pack what you can depend on: Traveling with a toddler really takes them out of their element.
In my experience, Idris eats and sleeps differently on the go than when we’re at home. While we hope toddlers will eat what we eat while we’re traveling, there’s a chance they may not. We always pack snack and food items that we know Idris will enjoy, including snacks like Gerber Lil’ Crunchies®, Soft Baked Grain Bars, Arrowroot Biscuits, Organic Pouches and Mealtime for Toddler options. Offering Idris food options he’s familiar with and enjoys heightens the chances that he’ll eat how he would if we were at home.
Keep them entertained: Toddlers have short attention spans and always want to be on the move, so if they are going to be confined in a car or plane, it's important to have plenty of entertainment options on hand. Pack a variety of toys, books, and games to keep them occupied during the trip. I’m also a big fan of downloading their favorite shows or games onto a tablet or phone for them to watch or play with the sound off or with toddler-friendly headphones.
Stick to their routine: Babies and toddlers thrive on routine, so try to keep their schedule as close to normal as possible. Once you’re settled, try to stick to their usual nap and mealtimes, and try to keep their bedtime routine consistent. A full and rested baby is usually so much more easy going!
Be prepared for meltdowns: Even the most well-behaved toddlers can have meltdowns while traveling. I always bring comfort items like a favorite blanket or pacifier that help them self-soothe and stay comforted, even if there is a lot going on around them.
Take it slow: Traveling can be overwhelming for toddlers, so we always make sure to keep a relaxed schedule, especially the first few days that we arrive. We take breaks often and allow him to burn energy in areas he can walk around or play.
Overall, traveling with Idris has been incredibly rewarding. There was definitely a learning curve, but now that I’ve figured out some of these hacks better understanding the priorities of traveling with a toddler, I’ve loved having him around as we explore new places. Remember, your travels don’t have to stop when you become a parent! Just make a few adjustments, and you’ll find out that having your kids along for the adventure makes traveling just as exciting as it was before!
