Traveling with a Toddler
Ahh traveling with kids. It’s a constant struggle between wanting to create memories and experiences, and dreading the actual process of getting there. Traveling with kids means you’ll be packing more and relaxing less. More time spent entertaining and less time for that book you’ve been trying to read for three months. It’s all about keeping them happy. Anything to make them them happy.
We’re about to go on our annual summer trip with my family which means we’ll be on a long 4-5 hour flight with our 3.5-year-old. He’s been going on plane rides since he was a baby and has traveled a lot, but that doesn’t mean it gets much easier. He’s a high energy, always on the go toddler. Sitting in one spot for more than 20 minutes isn’t his idea of fun. So, a long flight is tricky for mom, dad and Runner.
I’m sharing a few items that have helped make traveling with a toddler a little easier for us.
We do screen time and we’re all about it when traveling. We download a few movies and let him watch as much as he wants. Whatever it takes to keep him happy and quiet. This case is great because it stands up on it’s own or he can hold it.
These are a must when traveling with the tablet and the wireless is great.
Not necessarily a must, especially if your child is too young to pull the luggage themselves. We’ve traveled with this one for some trips, or just put his clothes in our suitcase for others. I love the durable hard case and their own luggage can get them excited about packing and going on a trip.
This has made traveling with a carseat so easy. This one is pretty pricey, but it has been worth every penny for us. We’ve gone on several trips where there has been a stroller where we’re going, but we need a carseat. You add this to the seat and you can wheel your child through the airport while they’re sitting in the carseat. Our son loves it and it makes it easier to get around. Then we just gate check the carseat.
Water marker coloring book & flash cards
Our son loves these and there’s no mess! I always like to have a new coloring book or activity for each trip.
These are great if your kid is transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed or adult bed. They’re easy to travel with, then inflate and you stick them under the fitted sheet. We actually moved the mattress to the ground the first time Run slept in a twin mattress and they worked great.
We all sleep with white noise in our family. I have since college, so Justin was forced to when we got married and Run has since he was a baby. So, when we travel we make sure to bring a small white noise machine with us or we use an app on our phones. It’s definitely helpful when staying in a house full of people, especially at nap time.
Last on the list is SNACKS. Lots and lots of snacks. More snacks than you think you’ll need, haha.
If you have any items you can’t travel without, let me know on Instagram.
Happy travels!