Nobody wants to be that parent on the plane with a cranky toddler or crying baby. The truth is, however, that travelling with young children isn’t always sunshine and rainbows — in fact, it can be downright frustrating.
Not all kids like to travel, and even those who do can get grumpy from time to time. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to pacify them on long trips, writes guest columnist Leslie Campos.
With just a bit of planning and forethought you can have a whole arsenal of tricks to try when your youngster gets tiresome on a trip.
HotelView shares a few below:
Take Time to Plan
If your trip is by plane, take some time to research all the possible flights. Figure out which is quicker and what sort of seat choices they offer. Start by listing the cheapest flights first and then narrow those down according to your specific needs. It may be worth it to pay a little extra to get shorter flights or fewer seats in the aisle.
Comforts from home
While you might have already planned to bring your toddler’s favourite blanket or plush animal, Recreational Equipment (REI) suggests you provide other familiar comforts such as a favourite colouring book or tablet preloaded with games and movies.
With a bit of forethought you can have a whole arsenal of tricks to try when your youngster gets tiresome on a trip
And don’t forget to pack a portable streaming device so you can access your kiddo’s favourite programmes when it’s time to wind down in the evenings. Most of these players easily integrate with TVs; simply plug in and play.
In that vein, also take along a quality headset, whether it’s for your kid’s next gaming session in the car or taking in an educational video or movie.
Bluetooth-enabled headsets and earbuds are especially handy, eliminating the hassle of untangling cords or plugging back in every time your child inadvertently unplugs the connection. Just be sure the accessories you use are age-appropriate, as loose earbuds can be a choking hazard for little ones.
Don’t skimp on the stroller
When you are a family that loves to get out, the stroller is your best friend. You definitely don’t want to cut corners; the last thing you need is a wheel falling off when you are trying to catch a plane.
Choose a sturdy stroller with ample storage space for nappy bags and snacks. Stick with the collapsible models. Trying to put a two-piece stroller together every time you need it is frustrating and time-consuming.
Pack plenty of snacks
Road trip food isn’t the most nutritious or fun, and it can be expensive. It is especially difficult for picky eaters. So save time and money by making your own snack pouches with your kid’s favourite snack foods.
Colourful sacks with small bags of cookies, pretzels, apple slices, cheese sticks and other fun favourites not only keep Mr Hungry at bay but pass the time as well.
Pack extras
One thing is certain … you are going to run out of something on the trip, be it baby wipes or apple sauce, and you end up paying some unreasonable price for something you have ten more of at home.
Frommer’s advises packing more than what you think you’ll need on the items you use a lot of at home. This goes for clothes too; always pack an extra outfit or two for those inevitable accidents that happen on the road.
Always pack an extra outfit or two for those inevitable accidents that happen on the road. All images courtesy of www.pexels.com
Toddler travel can be a bumpy ride but there are many times when a little planning ahead can solve the problem. The sights and sounds of travel are just as exciting to your baby as it is to you. This can be mesmerising or upsetting.
Give yourself enough time to thoroughly plan out all you’ll need to keep the children happy while on your journey and you’ll be able to head off most of the trouble.
Remember, these are the memories you’ll hold for a lifetime; enjoy every last one.
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