Travel with Your Toddler
Date :
Wednesday, May 20 2009
Source:
Kim Lamb
When your little one could sleep through the entire flight or gurgled and cooed happily on your lap, flying was a fun option for your summer vacation. When your child is between 18 months to three years of age, traveling together presents a whole new scenario. This little person is no longer willing to sleep when there are so many new reasons not to.
When traveling with your infant he was nice and compact and could be contained happily in the seat next to you or in your lap on the airplane. Now your toddler is an independent little being with other plans. When planning this summer’s vacation consider several travel options. Ask yourselves; do we have to be at our destination by a certain time? What is our traveling budget? These are questions to consider when planning a trip before your toddler becomes your traveling companion. The trip planning process takes on new dimensions with a toddler.
Toddlers generate a whole set of travel questions: How long is the car ride? When flying, can he move around our seating area? We just started potty training, how easily accessible are the bathrooms along our travel route? Does her temperament make traveling a challenge or a pleasant adventure? Traveling with toddlers can be an adventure that will provide you with many fond memories. The key is to choose a mode of transportation that will create a relaxed atmosphere and not one filled with stress. If your choice is to fly due to time constraints, plan for all possible circumstances that could lead to a challenging day. Pack a light weight duffle bag that has plenty of pockets with everything that will add to your toddlers comfort. Dress your toddler comfortably. Comfy shoes for walking are as important for your toddler as they are for you.
- One diaper or pull-up for every hour of travel plus extras for unplanned delays
- Wipes for bottoms and other washable parts
- Two complete changes of clothes and plenty of underwear
- Baggies in which to place soiled items Jacket for the climate of your destination
- Favorite blanket and a few small toys. None with parts that will be lost
- Bottles or Sippy cups
- Individually bagged snacks
- First Aid Kit- Band-Aids for small cuts or scrapes- pain reliever and prescription medications, sunscreen, pediatricians phone number
- FAA approved CRD (car seat)
- Stroller for the airport. Umbrella strollers are great for toddlers and store easily on a plane
- Know in advance the policies of the airlines and choose one that will best accommodate your needs
When you travel with an infant your list of supplies was manageable. Now keep in mind you will need additional supplies for your destination: Where will your toddler sleep? Is your destination baby-proofed? Do you need to bring a portable play yard or high chair? Is there a location where you can rent baby equipment or buy good-quality used equipment? Will your potty training progress as usual if you don’t have that favorite potty chair? Could it be easier to drive and pack the car with everything you need? How do mine and my child’s temperament enter into the traveling plans?
Traveling together with those we love creates a lifetime of fond memories. Planning and packing for a trip in advance when tensions aren’t running high will make for a pleasant travel experience. You know how your toddler reacts to changes in his routine. To the best of your ability, plan for the fussy and tired toddler. As your day of travel progresses, plan for a special treat or brief rest period periodically throughout the day. Relax, as your toddler experiences the world around him, enjoy his amazement at the simple pleasures in life. Be sure to take plenty of pictures!