Traveling With Toddlers

Traveling with toddlers may be your worst nightmare—but it doesn’t have to be.  In fact, in some ways, now, with your little guy in tow, is the most ideal way to travel. Toddler tickets on planes, trains or buses are often decidedly cheaper than the adult versions, so it’ll never be more economically feasible to take that trip.  What is stopping you? Perhaps it is the memories of someone else’s toddler throwing a tantrum in the bus or another little person throwing up all over himself, his mother, and the two seats next to you in the airplane. 

Whatever it is, it has you fast. You put off the luxury travel till your child is old enough to behave and entertain himself, and stay comfortably at home—till something comes up you just can’t miss. And then you face it with fear and trembling. 

Traveling With Toddlers— Advice From the Front

Traveling with toddlers may be your worst nightmare—but it doesn’t have to be.  In fact, in some ways, now, with your little guy in tow, is the most ideal way to travel. Toddler tickets on planes, trains or buses are often decidedly cheaper than the adult versions, so it’ll never be more economically feasible to take that trip.  What is stopping you? Perhaps it is the memories of someone else’s toddler throwing a tantrum in the bus or another little person throwing up all over himself, his mother, and the two seats next to you in the airplane.  

Whatever it is, it has you fast. You put off the luxury travel till your child is old enough to behave and entertain himself, and stay comfortably at home—till something comes up you just can’t miss. And then you face it with fear and trembling. 

Traveling With Toddlers— Advice From the Front

I’ve been there, done that—and been surprised myself by the success it was. Toddlers can be wonderful travelers if the trip is planned with them in mind and their own special needs are catered to. So here are my top trips for traveling with toddlers. 

• Don’t Muff the Routine — When he’s at home, your toddler should have a pretty regular routine and schedule—the same things happen at the same times every day. When he’s hungry, it’s almost eating time, and he gets tired just before bedtime. For both his sanity and yours, it’s important to stay as close as you can to this routine even when traveling.  

• Remember the Blood Sugar — Toddlers have a quick metabolism, and if they aren’t given regular snacks or close meals their blood sugar can easily go way down, leading to a very cranky little person. Keep a few quick ‘pick-me-uppers’ in your purse if you 

• Plan for Naptimes — our toddler needs his regularly scheduled sleep to be at his best, and you really want him at his best when you are traveling. Long car rides or even plane trips can be conducive to toddler naps if you plan them well, and I you make sure 

• Plenty to Do – Take plenty of seat activities for your toddler to do when he’s cooped up, whether it is in the airplane seat, a carseat in a car, or even in a playroom.  A little toddler might like a shape sorter. A bigger toddler could enjoy making animals out of shilly sticks (pipe cleaners) or stringing beads. But lots of toddler movie clips on your smartphone, too! Those can be a life saver!

• Don’t Forget the Diapers! – Even if your toddler is well potty trained, travel sometimes sparks a regression. There are also times when you just can’t find a bathroom quick enough. It makes sense to put your toddler in diapers or disposable pull-ups for the trip, and, even if you are sure he won’t wet it, bring a few spares.

I hope these tips for traveling with toddlers help you as you plan this trip with your little one—and help it to be a success! Remember, when traveling with toddlers, flexibility covers for everything!

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