10 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler

We decided to take my son, Eric to visit his grandfather and we wanted to do it before he turned 2 so that we wouldn't have to pay for an extra ticket.  We did our best to prepare; I even solicited suggestions from other moms on the momstown Milton message board in order to be as prepared as one can be.

Based on our experience, here are the following tips for traveling with a toddler. 

1.  Watch out for the airport. We were all ready for the challenges on the plane, but we didn't even think about the airport:  Waiting around for hours, standing in line, and boundaries that he absolutely cannot cross.  Be sure to have lots of activities ready specifically for the airport.

2.  Pack child-friendly headphones.  I think that Eric would have happily watched the television on the plane if we had brought headphones that fit him properly.  The ear buds on the plane don't work for toddlers and the other headphones that we brought kept falling off.

3.  Have very little carry-on luggage.  It is difficult to chase after a toddler while carrying several bags.  If you limit your carry-on luggage, you will have your hands free so that you can grab your child when he bolts in the opposite direction.

4.  Take the time to put your paperwork away.  Your tickets and passports are important, so put them out of harm's way as soon a possible. (We learned that the hard way)

5.  Introduce yourself to the stewardesses when you get on the plane.  There is a magical time after everyone has boarded when the stewardesses award passengers the unfilled seats.  You want to be at the top of their minds when they make those decisions.

6.  Bring stickers.  Stickers are an easy way to keep your toddler quiet and occupied; save them for when you really need them.

7.  Bring a stroller.  I know...strollers can be a hassle, but you will wish that you had one when you are walking the five miles inside the airport from the arrivals terminal to the baggage claim.

8.  Be comfortable with the fact that nobody wants to sit beside you.  Everyone in the lineup is hoping that they will be seated far away from you; accept it.

9.  Have extra bottles and pacifiers.  If your toddler uses a bottle or a pacifier, be sure that you pack an emergency stash; you can't buy them at the airport.  (Again, we learned that the hard way).

10.  Bring snacks and lots of them.  Food is expensive at the airport, and the limited food available may not be appropriate for your toddler.  Have lots of snacks ready both for when you're on the plane and for when you're at the airport.

Do you remember when you used to watch movies or sleep on the plane?  Yes, those days are over.  Traveling with a toddler is exhausting, but if you are well prepared, and are ready for an adventure, it can also be a lot of fun.

This post is written by Karen Bivand, a momstown Milton member who has a 2 year old son, Eric. Check out her blog at: www.exploringmilton.com 

(Photo from: David Castillo Dominici/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net)