If you have ever traveled with small children, you know how nerve-racking it can be. The stress level kicks up a notch when you are flying. Even short trips can be exasperating with an inconsolable toddler or multiple children. Maintenance delays and aircraft issues, traffic jams and construction, and many other unanticipated issues often extend an already exhausting experience.
Luckily, with a little bit of pre-planning, there are some easy ways to keep the kids occupied and happy while traveling, even on long trips. Below are five tips for maintaining your sanity while traveling with small children.
1. Pack a “Travel Kit” and Include Some New Toys
The dollar bins at large retailers or other discount stores provide an inexpensive way to load up on new toys and activities. Stock up on crayons and coloring books, small dry-erase boards, flash cards, books, etc. To make it even more fun and exciting, individually wrap each item and mark it in the order for which it should be opened. Start with the least exciting (which is still exciting because it’s a present). As they get bored with an item, progress through the “presents.” As a side note, be sure you do not tell the children in advance that you have packed a bag full of presents, or they may just be interested in getting to the next one.
2. Pack Your Child’s Car Seat and “Boppy” Pillow
If you are flying with small children, consider carrying their car seat onto the plane. Sitting in their own car seat provides a sense of safety and familiarity to a toddler, and it also keeps them better restrained than the seat belt in the airplane seat. From experience, it does not take a toddler long to figure out they can escape from a standard airplane seat belt by simply lifting the latch. If you are traveling with an infant, the “boppy” pillow can be used to support the baby in your arms, which is much more comfortable during the flight.
3. Invest in Portable Technology
If you do not already have a portable DVD player, a tablet, Leapsters, or other similar forms of entertainment, these are invaluable for a trip. Download some new games and pack some kid-friendly movies prior to traveling. Also, be sure to have your electronics charged and ready to go before your trip. If you child will wear headphones, consider bringing those as well.
4. Pack Plenty of Snacks
Fatigue and hunger are usually the culprit behind many meltdowns (even for adults). Be proactive by packing a variety of snacks to keep your child occupied while warding off a hunger induced tantrum. Carrying your own snacks will also save you a ton of money.
5. Plan to Make Frequent Stops
If traveling a long distance by car, try to drive at night or early in the morning when the children will likely sleep. For daytime travel, plan some stops at attractions along the route to break the trip into smaller chunks. If that is not an option, pack a ball or Frisbee and burn off some energy while running around for a little while at a rest area. The trip may become longer this way, but it will be more enjoyable for everyone.
The most important element of traveling with small children is to have realistic expectations for the trip. The children may be overly excited, perhaps nervous, and after the excitement wears off, bored. Make the trip fun for everyone by playing with the kids. With a little bit of pre-planning, you can turn traveling into an adventure for everyone rather than a stressful and unpleasant experience.
Goodwill sells bags of goodies for $2.25. They are filled with tiny toys from Happy Meals, etc. We always pick up a couple to take with us on trips, and when the boredom sets in at the new location, we break them out. And since they aren’t treasured toys, it doesn’t matter when they get lost. Great tips. 🙂
Ohhhh that is really good to know! Thanks!