Phylicia StitzelIf you love to travel like me but love your children, buckle up! I decided as I am packing my own bags to make a major journey across the oceans I thought I would share the top 5 tips for traveling with toddlers I’ve learned in my extensive traveling with my first child.
- 1. Always buy their own seats:
- 2. Book flights with longer layovers:
- 3. Renting The Baby Equipment:
- 4. Bring a Extras:
- 5. Ignore the Haters:
1. Always buy their own seats:
OMG, you have to trust me on this one – after what feels like a gazillion hours of traveling, there’s nothing better than having your own little oasis to unwind in. Safety first, am I? Plus, it’s sooo much better to have that extra space and peace of mind when you’re traveling with your kids (seriously, like little angels that need their wingspan).
Honestly, that extra time you get to settle in, kick back, and relax without accidentally playing elbow tag with your neighbor is pure bliss. I mean, let’s be real, flying with a baby or a tiny tot is stressful enough without having those passengers behind you sighing and judging as you’re wrangling your kiddo into their seatbelt. So, treat yourself and your little adventurers to a bit of comfy, safe space – it’s totally worth it, and you’ll thank yourself later! Don’t worry, I’ve got your back, bestie.
2. Book flights with longer layovers:
Picture this: You’re sprinting through the bustling airport terminals 🏃♂️, juggling your bags 🧳, and, oh yes, the baby backpack 🎒 which, oops, you completely forgot to zip up is now a trail of toys and diapers 🧸. Just when you think it can’t get worse, you spill your much-needed coffee ☕️ all over yourself because let’s face it – you’re exhausted and needed that caffeine boost 💤.
Doesn’t sound like fun, right? 😩 That’s precisely why it’s essential to save yourself from the whirlwind of travel chaos by gifting yourself (and your family) with a little cushion time ⏰. Seriously, think of all the stress you’ll spare yourself from.
Slowing down a bit, allowing yourself to breathe 🌬️ and take things one step at a time 🚶 is a total game-changer. Instead of feeling frazzled and rushed, you can keep things under control and actually enjoy the experience 🌟. Remember, a little bit of planning 🗓️ and added buffer time can make a world of difference, turning your travel from a mad dash to a more relaxed adventure ✈️. So, embrace that cushion time and put the fun back in your journey!
3. Consider Renting Baby Equipment:
I’ve only traveled with a car seat twice. You can lighten your load in the airport and avoid baggage fees, consider renting baby travel gear. You can have cribs, car seats, high chairs and more delivered to your destination airport, hotel, or grandma’s house. Baby Quip is one of many services around the world for traveling families. It makes life with traveling a lot easier!
4. Bring a Extras:
Without a doubt, preparation is your best friend when traveling with little ones 👶🧒. The golden rule? Always pack double the amount of clothes 👕👖, snacks 🍎🍪, and diapers 🚼 you think you’ll need. This might seem like an obvious tip 🤔 for seasoned parents, but trust me, folks, even I fell into the trap of not packing extras on a relatively short flight 🛫. Oh, the lessons learned from regrettable decisions!
Think about it this way: having extra supplies means less stress and more flexibility to handle whatever comes your way effortlessly – whether it’s an unexpected delay or a sudden snack-time demand 😩.
And here’s another biggie: pack a change of clothes for you too 🙆♀️💼. I can’t tell you how significant this one is. Do you think it’s unnecessary because it’s “just” a baby or a toddler? 😏 Well, let me tell you, the few times my little munchkin caught a bug on the flight, she went full “Exorcist” mode on me, vomiting all over me. Quite an unforgettable souvenir from my journey, if you ask me.
So, to keep yourself from experiencing these hilarious yet not-so-pleasant adventures, always bring extra of just about everything when traveling with little ones. Just consider it your insurance for an all-around better travel experience 🌟. Remember, in the world of parenting while traveling, more is more 🙌.
5. Ignore the Haters:
Sometimes, no matter what you do, sometimes your baby just isn’t happy. You do anything you can think of and still, your child may have a screaming fit in the plane. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to show that you try (and that other passengers see you do it). Stop making yourself crazy worrying about what other people think! You have enough to worry about without concerning yourself with every cranky pants on the airplane. Take care of your baby or toddler, and ignore the haters. Just remember that it won’t be long before your plane will safely land and your family will be ready to explore together!
