10 Tips for Traveling with Toddlers

Traveling with young children can be extremely rewarding for children and parents. To see the world from a child’s perspective is nothing short of remarkable: the details they notice; the questions they ask; how their minds work to make sense of new experiences.

And yet there’s no denying that traveling with little ones is a lot of work. There are so many details to think through and so much stuff to account for. In this newsletter, I will share some practical tips to make the process smoother.

I have a travel checklist stored on my computer. In it, I include items for each family member, kitchen items, toys and books, and essential items like my wallet. By keeping a travel checklist I don’t have to rely on my memory each time we go on a trip.

Of course, each trip is a little different, and I need to make some minor updates here and there. But the core items are there and modifications are easy.

At the same time, I want my kids to learn how to pack. More importantly, I want them to learn how to plan. So after a meal or snack, when Hayen and Marie are sitting at the kitchen table with full bellies, we discuss the things they need to bring on the trip. Of course, I have my electronic checklist. But I also hand write one for Hayden and Marie.

Usually, Hayden is full of ideas; I jot them down and make a checklist. Sometimes I prompt him: “What should we bring if we want to go in the water?” He loves this because he knows the answer: “A swimsuit!” Then, the packing begins.

Toddlers can be more helpful than you think when it comes to packing because they love to fetch things.

I bring the checklist that we make together, and we work through it. “We need five pairs of socks,” I say. Then Hayden runs off to get the socks, and then he crosses out the item from our checklist. You’ll be surprised how quickly packing happens.

At another time, without the kids, I review all of the items with my master checklist to ensure everything gets into the bag.

Toddlers love to be “in the know.” So before a flight, we practice being on an airplane. Hayden and Marie think it’s so much fun, and for me it’s an easy opportunity to gently remind them of good behavior.

I make two rows of chairs, three in each row. Hayden and Marie hold their carry-on bags and we pretend to board the airplane and find our seats. We practice putting the carry-on bag in the seat in front of us. And we review good behavior, like not kicking or grabbing the seat in front of us.

I’ve found that behavior is better and outings of any kind go smoother when toddlers can anticipate what’s coming up. Simple role playing makes this possible.

I have always been an over-packer—especially with the kids. I was ready for a trip of any kind because I would pretty much pack the entire house. It was exhausting. And stressful, too. The more you pack, the more you have to keep track of. Truthfully, I would use about 20% of what I packed.

Things changed when I purchased packing cubes. There’s only so much you can fit into a packing cube, so you have to focus on the essentials. Not only do I pack less, but I also feel much more organized. No longer does everything jumble together as soon as I move my suitcase.

However, things can get messy when traveling with toddlers. Food gets smeared on a shirt. Potty accidents happen. While I don’t like to carry anything more than I need, I find it useful to have a few extra shirts, pants, and socks for each child. Inevitably, I need them.

I also find it useful to keep a full change of clothes for each child with me at all times, tucked in the diaper bag. I even carry a spare shirt for myself. When helping a messy child, I may get messy, too.

I’d rather have everything sit in suitcases for a few days than run around frantically for last minute items.

So for any trip I start the process early. Inevitably, I need to purchase a clothing item or toiletry. Plus, when I’m rushing around at the last minute I forget things or make mistakes.

Plus, life happens. Hayden got sick a few days leading up to a recent trip. A lot of my time was spent helping him, instead of packing. With kids, you have to expect the unexpected which is why it pays to pack early.

Have plenty of snacks ready to go for travel days. You can make them healthy, of course, just have them—lots of them—on hand. Nuts (depending on the age of the child, of course), crackers, and apple slices work great. Even packets of almond or peanut butter and a slice of bread make a quick and easy snack.

There’s no doubt about it: there’s a lot of stuff involved when traveling with little ones. So for each plane trip, I make a list of our checked bags and carry-on bags. I print it out, and I use it to double-check that we have everything after we get off the plane and when we collect our checked bags.

To navigate the airport with a one-year-old, I rely on the Munchkin Sparrow Travel Baby Stroller. It folds up and fits nicely in the overhead bins in the airplane.

Spontaneity can be fun while traveling. But I’ve found that it pays to have a plan when traveling with little ones.

I make a loose itinerary with one or two things max to do each day. That’s more than plenty for a one and three-year-old. Sometimes things don’t go as planned and that one planned thing needs to change. Accept it and adapt. I also factor in meals, snacks, and naptime each day.

There are some things that make traveling with toddlers a whole lot easier. Here are a few of them:

• Travel potty — The OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Portable Potty is amazing! It folds up easily and fits into the diaper bag, which makes it convenient. It also keeps things clean: just place a liner in it, and toss it in the garbage when you’re done. Or, you can use it as a seat cover and place it on a regular toilet.
  

• Hand sanitizer wipes — Kids touch everything, and a sink with soap isn’t always nearby. So these wipes do the job.
  

• Ziplock bags — I used to just bring a few plastic bags with me on a trip. But I go through them so quickly, it’s better to bring an entire box. I often use them in case I need to pack a quick snack or hold some soiled clothes.
  

• Water bottles — I have YETI water bottles for Hayden and Marie, and they are so handy while traveling and when we reach the final destination.
  

• Laundry — Doing laundry at some point during the trip is almost always necessary with two small kids. So I think about how and where this can happen in advance.
  

• Small surprises from the dollar store — Any trip is more fun when there are small surprises along the way. The dollar store is great for inexpensive toys, books, and puzzles to help keep the peace while waiting for luggage or at a restaurant.

Even with all the planning, there are trying times while traveling with toddlers. In those moments, I think about the big picture and remind myself why traveling is worth the effort. For our family, it always is.