My Best Tips for Traveling With the Littles

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If you’re also a mother of young children, I’m sure you know the struggle of traveling with the little ones. It can feel like one big chaotic mess gathering up all your child’s needs—toys, snacks, emergency items—along with your own necessities. This, combined with tight schedules and other responsibilities, can cause excess stress and exhaustion. I’m here to help you ease this stress by offering some of my favorite tips and tricks I always use when traveling with my children. Hopefully, they help you just as much as they help me!

Follow Expert Advice:

Although I have picked up some amazing tips and rules of thumb when it comes to traveling with young children, I have learned most of what I know from other experienced mothers. Check out some of my favorite people to follow for tips!

@travelboundmom on Instagram: This page has super helpful advice on traveling as a mom. Whether it’s passport reminders, packing hacks, or normalizing traveling with littles, this mom is a big help!

@sophiefamilytravel on Instagram: This page has some great for trips to bring littles on flights, international traveling, and hotel/resort recommendations. As a fellow international traveler, I check here first. 

My Tips: 

• Get out the excess energy before the flight. The last thing you want is your little one full of energy and wanting to run around the plane when the flight is about to take off. To avoid running into this issue, have your partner board the plane first and load all the items into the bag-area, while you and your child walk around the airport gate to tire them out before finally boarding. Be prepared to have to get you and your child out of your seats (when the seatbelt light is not on) to walk the aisles on the plane. Young children struggle with sitting still for hours on end, so this can be a good way to keep them occupied while getting some of their energy out.
• Be prepared for takeoff. Babies and young children can get startled by their ears popping when the plane takes off. It is an unfamiliar feeling and can cause a bit of pain. To lessen their discomfort, pack a pacifier or a bottle for them to use during takeoff and landing.

• Keep them entertained. A bored child and a long plane ride don’t mix well. This could lead to a lot of complaining and potential tantrums, which can be difficult for you and the other passengers around you to deal with. To avoid this, pack plenty of toys and fidget gadgets for your little one to keep them occupied. I love using suction cup spinners to press on airplane windows, as well as busy boards and books to keep them entertained. If your child enjoys watching specific TV shows, movies, or youtube videos for comfort, load up a tablet with these viewing materials before the flight. 

• Don’t forget about free-to-bring items. Did you know that most flights allow you to bring 2 to 3 items for free, like a stroller, pack-and-play, or car seat? My partner and I checked the pack-and-play and car seat in huge bags and stuffed extra clothes, diapers, and other necessities in the bag and had no trouble. 

• Pack snacks. You never know what snacks and meals your flight will provide, and if your child will even touch them. So, be prepared and pack your child’s favorite snacks so they aren’t hungry on the flight. I recommend packing easy-to-store snacks. You can even put these snacks in a tackle box, which creates a mess-free experience.
• Try to get them to nap. Getting your child to nap during a flight can be difficult, especially if they are already fussy with nap time. Even though a plane seat is obviously different and less comfortable than their normal crib, try your best to recreate their regular atmosphere for naps. You can use a sound machine on a low setting (to not disturb other passengers) and drape a blanket over the seat to block out some light. Pack extra pillows and blankets, always.

My Favorite Products: 

Check out my Amazon storefront list of my go-to products to use when traveling with my little ones! Some of my favorite products include:

• Spinner Toys: These cute spinner toys have suction cups attached to them, so they can be stuck on plane or car windows! This helps keep the kids entertained on long flights or rides. 

• Noise Reduction Earmuffs: If your little one is having trouble falling asleep due to a noisy flight, or is feeling overstimulated, these noise reduction muffle earmuffs will help ease them to sleep or calm them down. They are specially made for babies and toddlers and work much better for children than normal earplugs. 

• Snack Box: As mentioned earlier, packing snack boxes is a great idea for long flights or car rides. Not only will it keep your children from being hungry and cranky, but it will also keep them occupied. This snack box keeps everything in one place, mess-free. 

• Fidget Toys: If your little one can’t sit still or is feeling bored during travel time, pull out one of these fidget toys to keep them entertained! These are pretty small and can fit into most purses or backpacks. 

• Portable Fan: If you are traveling to a place with a warm climate, packing this portable fan in your purse is a great idea. It can be used to help your little one feel comfortable, but also to help keep you cool!

• Car Seat Travel Bag: This bag is durable and holds most kinds of car seats. It’s super convenient for bringing your car seat on your flight, or simply for storing your car seat in general. 

• Air Tags: With a busy schedule, it’s easy to misplace items. Placing an air tag on important items, like your wallet and keys, can save you the hassle of running around the house trying to find something before you leave for a trip.
• Sound Machine: This sound machine is portable and convenient to use when traveling. Whether you play it in the car to help lull your little one to sleep, or the whole family uses it in a hotel room to drown out the noise of traffic outside, this is a helpful item for everyone!

To discuss how therapy could help you during this season of your life, please contact me or schedule your free 15-minute consultation.

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