Do parents really get to ‘relax’ while traveling with toddlers? After all, throw in jet lag, blocked ears, overstimulation, and a whole lack of routine into the mix and you’re just parenting in confined spaces or high altitudes while ignoring death stares from fellow passengers!
But the thing is, it doesn’t have to be! You do not need a vacation to ‘recover’ from a family vacation!
What you do need are neat parenting wins that have allowed moms to travel with a toddler and even multiple children, stress-free! These tips have been tried and tested; fair warning though, they will have you planning your next family holiday on the flight back home.
1. Choose Your Location Wisely
List down possible destinations and check to see if they are easily accessible, family-friendly, and easy to navigate. Are there activities and attractions that your toddler will enjoy? Family beach trips are always a win but is there stuff for the whole family to enjoy too? Are there grocery stores and medical facilities in case he falls ill or needs medical attention?
Skip destinations that require multiple modes of transport or long bus rides, and prioritize comfort when booking tickets. Spend a little extra on direct flights. While exotic locations may sound like dream destinations, they may not be the best choice when traveling with tiny humans. Things can get even trickier if your child suffers from motion sickness or gets agitated in tiny spaces.
The best destinations have a good mix of adult activities and kid-friendly tourist attractions. Here are five of the most popular toddler-friendly locations that parents around the world love:
2. Book Toddler-Friendly Accommodations
On our first trip to Singapore, my toddler cried every night because our room, a 5-star hotel in the heart of Singapore, was ‘too small.’
Apparently, our tiny humans need a lot of space and even more supplies on their travels: car seats, high chairs, baby beds, and even round-edged furniture edges to prevent accidental bumps and smashed fingers.
Hotel rooms can feel cramped, especially for kids who need space to run around and explore, which is why booking toddler-friendly accommodations can make traveling with toddlers easy and fun.
Toddler-friendly rentals offer safety and privacy and are childproof, with secure locks and stair gates. Parenting becomes easier in these spaces because they are equipped with dedicated supplies like high chairs, baby beds, and even children’s dinnerware, toys, and books, which help children find the comfort of a home while being away from home.
The staff is also more likely to be understanding and accommodating of the unique needs and challenges of young children, helping parents feel at ease. Of course, the kitchen is a huge plus to whip up some instant meals, warm a glass of milk, or simply heat-up leftovers for your toddler.
3. Flying? Plan Ahead
Jet, set, go? Well, not quite. Before you set foot on the plane, you need to make sure you plan your trip. Here’s a quick checklist for a smooth flight while traveling with toddlers:
- Check that all documents (passports, tickets, hotel bookings, medical records, or vaccine certificates) and international travel requirements are correct. Make sure you have a copy in your email.
- Check TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Regulations for rules about liquids, snacks, and medicines you need to carry on your flight.
- Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to expedite security and customs processes
- Ensure your stroller is cabin-approved. (Some airlines offer strollers at airports.)
- Be sure to opt for child-friendly airlines that offer amenities for families. These include pre-boarding, extra legroom, bulkhead seats, child meals, and in-flight entertainment for kids.
- Plan long-haul flights according to nap times so kids can sleep.
- Arrive early to avoid long check-in lines and have time for bathroom breaks. Checking in early also allows you to get your preferred seats, like a window or bulkhead.
- Pack snacks, an empty sippy cup, and entertainment for your children (tablets with games, books, and light toys) that are simple and don’t cause problems during security.
Tips For Flying With a Toddler
“If there are two or more ways to do something and one of those results in a catastrophe, then someone will do it that way,” Murphy once said.
On a plane, that ‘someone’ is most likely to be your offspring, which is why, when flying with a toddler, a parent has to be prepared for all possible scenarios. So yes, go ahead and pack an extra top!
- Opt for Dark color outfits: There will be spills, so save the pastels and white shirts for another day and opt for a dark stain-embracing outfit.
- Layer up: Dress your toddler and yourself up in comfortable clothes and be prepared to go from ‘too hot’ to ‘too cold’
- Heads-up: Prepare your toddler for the flight so they know what to expect. Use books and cartoons about airports to help them develop an interest so they have some idea.
- Flight Rules: Let them know the rules of the plane weeks before your flight. We talk gently on a plane, no kicking seats, etc.
- Pack essentials: Light books and toys, snacks in Ziplock bags, an empty sippy cup, diaper bags, and an all-over bib to contain the mess.
- Before Boarding: Arrive early to avoid stress, and use the bathroom right before you board the plane. Burning off energy before boarding will also help your toddler sit still longer during the flight.
- Limit items in your hand-carry: More items in your hand-carry increase the chances of you forgetting and losing things. Try to stick to just one or two bags.
- Airplane Ear: Use a pacifier, bottle or lollipop to help ease discomfort from airplane ear during takeoff and landing.
4. Pack Like a Pro
When it comes to packing, a great travel backpack with multiple pockets, Ziplock bags and organizers are your ultimate pals. While the list may seem long, remember that packing light will save you from lugging around extra weight. Skip items you can buy at the destination, especially if you plan to stay for a longer duration.
Packing Essentials:
Travel Documents
Passports/IDs for you and your toddler (if applicable), boarding passes and travel itinerary, health insurance card, vaccination certificates and prescriptions.
Health/Medical
Necessary medications and multivitamins for both you and your toddler, nebulizers and diaper rash creams, first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes for cuts and bruises).
Outfits and Essentials
Outfits depending on your itinerary and weather at the destination, suitable footwear, a blanket, diapers, wipes, and changing mats, travel-sized toiletries for you and your baby, umbrellas, sunblock, bug spray.
Electronics
Electronic devices and their chargers (phones, laptops, and tablets) and power bank. Bonus tip: make sure you back up your data, download Google Maps, and buy an e-sim for your destination.
Travel Gear
Travel stroller, car seat (if required), baby carrier, travel Pack n Play, formula, bottles, and sterilizing tablet, an all-over bib for mess-free meal time, ready-made packaged meals if your toddler prefers home-cooked meal, snacks and finger food in Ziploc bags, bowls, sippy cups, and child-friendly travel utensils, plus a reusable water bottle and a flask.
Items You Need…
Here are some must-have items you need when traveling with a toddler:
- Eco-friendly and bio-degradable wipes: From wiping down dirty surfaces to snots, spit-ups and every thinking sticky in between, a mum needs eco-friendly wipes that allow her to clean guilt-free. They’re also great for wiping off makeup and are a must-have travel essential.
- A light shawl or oversized muslin: This is the super-hero cape for mums, acting as a nursing cover, blanket, sun protector, and picnic blanket.
- A crossbody bag: All hands on deck and your valuable safe with a cross body that is a travel essential I can swear by! With a compartment for documents and another one for a lip stain, this crossbody is perfect and stylish.
- A flask: Coffee on a hot day, or just iced water to stay hydrated, an insulated travel mug is a life-saver.
Items They Want…
- A favorite toy or blankie: Make sure you keep a toy, blankie, or book your child loves and keeps for comfort
- An all-over bib: Unless you want to change outfits every 30 minutes, throw in an All-over Bib. It allows your toddler to be independent during mealtimes on planes and in restaurants.
- Ergonomic Utensils with travel case: These Grabease tools allow your toddler to eat and be independent without you worrying about them hurting themselves.
- Headphones: Block out noise with these Lil Gadgets headphones designed for little ears. Perfect if you have one tablet and multiple kids!
- Travel Toy: Sticky and non-toxic, this Wikki Stix travel kit is designed to keep your toddler entertained.
5. Schedule Your Time Wisely
Scheduling your itinerary around your toddler’s schedule can be the difference between sipping a latte in a piazza and surviving a complete meltdown in the middle of the Vatican!
So plan your day according to nap times and keep slots for bathroom breaks and snack stops. Avoid jet lag by planning activities after you’ve checked in.
Do not underestimate the importance of a comfortable travel stroller, and make sure to check the weather before heading out! Buy tickets online to save time and avoid long lines.
Rain or shine, have a blanket that is warm enough for a chilly night and cool enough for a light summer breeze. Be armed with an arsenal of snacks, toys, and activity kits, and save screen time for emergencies!
6. Keep Your Toddler Engaged
Travel is the best teacher, and what better way to keep your toddler entertained than through activities centered around the destination?
Many attractions, like parks, museums, and zoos, offer maps as well as other printable activities for children on their website.
You can print these ahead of time along with children’s tickets, coloring pages of flags and famous monuments, and even maps to keep them engaged. Another great idea is to play games around your day: for example, have them color the flag and see how many they can spot as you tour the city.
Give toddlers age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities to make them feel included; like spotting a grocery store or cleaning up their sand-toys.
7. Finding Kid-Friendly Food and Dining
Hangry kids high on sugar are whiny monsters in the making! So, make a quick grocery stop to stock up on healthy essentials like fruits and sandwiches to keep them well-fed and happy.
Again, this is also why family-friendly rentals can keep you sane. Not only can hosts help you locate the best kid-friendly food and dining spots nearby, but the kitchen also allows you to whip up instant meals for your toddler so you can try authentic local cuisine instead of eating at a McDonald’s.
8. Be Patient
Last but not least, the most important tip I share with parents is to be patient – with themselves and their kids.
Expecting things to go smoothly with traveling with toddlers is just setting yourself up for failure. Your toddler will have a meltdown in the middle of the Louvre and there will be a diaper explosion at some point in your journey, and that’s okay!
Instead of letting a setback get to you, breathe and find the humor and joy in these imperfect moments!
Planning Your Toddler-Friendly Vacation
Traveling with a toddler may not be easy, but oh, the memories you will make will be priceless and worth all the effort you put in! Just remember to be flexible and relax.
It’s okay if your toddler skips a meal and eats crepes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They’re on a holiday too!
When you’re ready to start planning, check out our Baby & Toddler-friendly vacation rentals and family-friendly vacation destinations all over the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveling in a car with a toddler can be fun if you are ready to put in the effort and don’t mind occasional stopovers.
Car games, sticker activities, and endless snacks and singalongs can make long rides fun and memorable family trips!
However, if you have a squirmy little human who doesn’t like being in a spot for long hours, you may have to get a little creative. Like a magician, you’ll have to whip out a new treat every few hours to keep them entertained.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and again: Yes! Yes! A BIG YES!
It may not be easy, but it is worth it. Traveling with toddlers provides countless memories and new learning experiences for you and for them. You see the world through their eyes, and learn to find joy in the little things!
Traveling is a great way to bond with your children. It allows them to enhance their learning and teaches them to be flexible. It encourages them to step out of their comfort zone by exposing them to new environments, cultures, and activities at an early age.
And that’s something that can’t be taught in school! So buy that ticket, book that toddler-friendly rental, and pack your bags! It’s time to make memories!
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/lisbon/the-rua-dos-acores-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-lot/the-bergerie-au-bouyssou-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/rivierenbuurt/the-churchill-laan-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/austin/the-chiappero-trail-residence
