Traveling With Kids
We already gave you some awesome tips for packing your suitcase but how about the tiny people in your life? Traveling with kids is a feat in itself. We have some tips to get you organized, packed and on your way. What happens once you arrive is all up to you. Traveling with kids by land or air these tips will help get you there.
BY CAR
You can leave when you want, stop when you want but you also have to pack everything you want to have with you. These are just a few of the things I’ve found helpful.
Prepare in advance. Where are you going? What types of activities will you be doing? What will the weather be like? Make a packing list for each family member beforehand so nothing vital is forgotten.
Try to pack as light as possible by packing one outfit per kid, per day. Add in 1-2 extra outfits in case of accidents like diaper leaks, potty accidents or spills. Pack a full outfit per kid in a gallon size Ziploc bag. Then, just pull out the bag to get them dressed.
Just as you would for yourself, pack kids travel-size toiletries in a Ziploc bag. Always pack extra Ziploc’s for those unfortunate leaks.
Don’t forget the dirty laundry bags! One for wet items like this and one for dry items like this.
Bring plenty of books (audiobooks for those that get car sick), music and movies loaded onto a tablet. Download a new movie or game that is special just for the road trip and will be sure to keep their attention.
Travel activities and games are always a good idea. Remember the “I Spy” and license plate games from back in the day? Bring them back for your kids!
How about an emergency kit for the kids and the car? First aid items, headache and stomach ache medicine, tissues, paper towels, bottles of water and a small trash can like this will be a huge help. Baby wipes clean (almost) everything. Grab a pack even if your littles are no longer in diapers. Better safe than sorry… stock up on an emergency roadside kit for your car from The Container Store.
Bring only the necessary food items on your road trip. Grocery shop when you arrive, shop online and pick it up or have it delivered.
Call your hotel to check availability of cots and cribs. Check with family if they have these items or can borrow them from neighbors. The fewer big items you need to pack the more room in your car.
BY PLANE
The best piece of advice I was given about flying with kids was from our pediatrician. She said, “have very low expectations and you’ll be fine.” Then she smiled and said, “good luck!” Gee thanks! She was right. That mentality definitely saved me but I didn’t rely solely on that tidbit of wisdom. A lot of the above mentioned tips do transfer nicely to air travel but there are some additional ways to make your flight time a bit smoother.
Talk to your kids about what happens when they go through the security line. Make sure they know their favorite toy or blanket will need to be sent through the x-ray machine. Have them put it in it’s own bin themselves. The more they’re prepared for this, the easier it is.
If flying with 2 adults, consider having one adult go ahead and board with bags, place items in the overhead bins and find the seats. Keep those little ones off the plane for as long as possible.
Make sure they use the bathroom before getting on the plane. As soon as the “fasten seatbelt” sign pops on, I automatically feel like I’m going to pee my pants. Trust that your kids may in fact actually pee their pants.
Ziploc’s or plastic bags- perfect for dirty clothes, poopy diapers and half-eaten food.
Hand sanitizer- kids+planes=gross.
Movies and games- This is not the time to limit screen time! Let them watch Frozen a half dozen times before you even take off. Not that I’ve done this…
Food and snacks- Bring your kids “go-to’s” if possible and offer an array of healthy snacks to keep them happy. Be mindful of the mess that comes with certain foods.
Something to chew or suck on during takeoff and landing- gum, lollipops, pacifier, bottle, if you’re still nursing, get comfy. Those little ears will be popping if they can’t alleviate the pressure and they will scream!
Your kids will most likely not be on their best behavior and that’s ok. You’ve got this!
I hope these tips help you get on your way to your best trip ever. Do you have any tips of your own? Let us know via social media, click on the links below.
