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Tips for Traveling with a Toddler

 Tips for traveling with a toddler whether you are going on a road trip or taking your toddler flying on a plane.

 

Taking a family vacation? If you plan to travel with your toddler, you’ll need to do a lot of planning in order to have a successful trip. Although it can be a little difficult at times, it is possible! These tips will help you survive traveling with toddlers.

 

Take Breaks

If you’re traveling with a toddler, you’ll need to take a lot of breaks! Hopefully your toddler will sleep for part of the trip, but chances are that when your child is awake, they won’t be able to sit still for long. If you’re driving, then map out the different rest stops along the way and be ready to pull over often. If you’re flying, then make sure you have an aisle seat so that you can take frequent stretching breaks to the bathroom.

Pack Toys

Thankfully, toddlers are pretty easy to distract. Take advantage of this and bring along some of your toddler’s favourite toys. Keep this bag of toys close so that once your toddler is done with one toy, you can pass them another toy right away.

Play a Movie

Another great way to make travelling with toddlers easy is to play a movie. If you have a travel DVD system, you can play a kids’ movie and drive for a few hours without issues. If you don’t have a DVD system for your car, then bring along a tablet and login to Netflix or Hulu. You can even buy a seat mount to hold the tablet so your toddler is more comfortable watching the movie! A movie will help pass the time so your toddler doesn’t get bored or throw a fit.

Pack Healthy Snacks

Travelling with toddlers requires a lot of snacks, especially healthy ones! When you’re on the road, chances are you’re going to eat a lot of fast food. This can make you and your toddler feel poorly, making healthy snacks a necessity for travelling. Pack some fresh fruits and veggies, such as carrots, celery, and apples. These health snacks can be stored in a cooler for easy access and should keep your toddler’s stomach happy.

Play Some Games

A happy toddler is a happy trip when it comes to travelling. That’s why you need to do your best to keep your toddler busy and happy. One great way to do that is to play some games. These games can be as easy as I Spy or Simon Says. Before leaving on your trip, write down a few games your toddler can play in the car with you. You’ll be thankful for this list!

Talk about It

If you’re travelling with your toddler, take some time and talk about your trip. Toddlers thrive on routine, so traveling can be pretty harsh for them. Naptime, playtime, and mealtime all look different when you’re traveling, so before leaving, let your toddler know what’s going on. Explain to them what they can expect on the trip, as well as what they’ll get to do once you reach your destination!

 

What are some of your best tips for travelling with toddlers?

Victoria Ess

Wednesday 16th of September 2015

Thanks for sharing these tips! Reducing boredom is definitely key in our family.

Elizabeth Matthiesen

Thursday 30th of April 2015

When travelling by car I found that we had to take breaks about every 2 hrs so the kids could use the bathroom and generally run around and get a little exercise. Snacks and drinks in the car are a must, so non-spill drinking bottles are a huge advantage. We also played games like I Spy as we drove along, or guessing where cars came from before we reached them. They also had their favourite toys, teddys and the older ones cushions to rest their heads on if they were lucky enough to be next to the window.

Gillian Rowley

Tuesday 31st of March 2015

Thanks for sharing! Getting to your destination can be the most complicated part of traveling. I am sure that I am not the only one with this experience.

kathy downey

Thursday 26th of March 2015

Thanks for the tips,sharing with my friend who is traveling next week to China

Marina M.

Thursday 26th of March 2015

I think it all depends on a child. Some kids just can't seat at all. But IPAD and snacks worked for us.