Traveling with Children: Tips for a Stress-Free Adventure
Spring Break is here and summer travel is right around the corner.
Traveling with children can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it can also be a wonderful adventure for the whole family. At Winnie & Lu, we believe in nurturing not just your home, but your entire well-being, including making travel with kids a joyous experience. Whether you're embarking on a journey with a baby, toddler, or elementary-age child, we've got you covered with these practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone.
Traveling with a Baby
Traveling with a baby requires careful planning to ensure comfort and safety for both you and your little one. Here are some essential tips to get you started:
Nurse or Feed During Takeoff and Landing: Feeding your baby during these times can help alleviate ear pressure changes, making the flight more comfortable for them. This simple trick can prevent fussiness and make the initial stages of the flight much smoother.
Bring a Stroller and Baby Carrier: A stroller is invaluable for navigating airport lines and storing bags. Most airports allow you to skip ahead in the line when you have a stroller, buying you some valuable extra time that always comes in handy when traveling with unpredictable kids. I also recommend using a baby carrier or sling to keep your baby close while reducing germ exposure by loosely covering them with a muslin blanket. This setup allows you to move efficiently through the airport while keeping your baby snug and protected.
Pack Extra Clothes: Include two sets of clothes for your baby and a change of clothes for yourself in your carry-on. Accidents can happen, and being prepared is key. Whether it's a diaper blowout or a spill, having extra clothes on hand can save you from a stressful situation. We tend to remember clothes for the baby but spit up and blowouts can happen if you’re wearing your baby and unexpected letdown can have you leaking through your shirt if you are nursing. You will be much more comfortable with a change of clean clothes available.
Diapers and Medication: Pack more diapers than you think you'll need, along with children's Tylenol or Motrin, in your carry-on. It's always better to have too many diapers than not enough, especially when you're in the air and can't easily restock.
Avoid Overfeeding: Be mindful not to overfeed your baby to prevent blowouts during the flight. While feeding is essential, overfeeding can lead to discomfort for both you and your baby.
Portable White Noise Machine: This can be a lifesaver for helping your baby sleep in new environments. The constant hum of the plane can be overwhelming, but a white noise machine can create a soothing atmosphere that mimics home.
Muslin Blanket: This versatile item can serve as a nursing cover, blanket, or barrier between your baby and the airplane seat. It's lightweight, takes up little space, and can be easily washed if needed.
Traveling with Toddlers to Elementary-Age Kids
As children grow, so do their needs and energies. Here are some tips tailored for toddlers and older kids:
Endless Snacks: Pack healthy, high-protein snacks in a wet/dry bag. Snacks like protein bars, dried fruits, and smoothie pouches are great options. Use one pocket for snacks and the other for trash and wrappers to keep things tidy. I will pack two to three fun treat snacks separately in my bag for the kids. These are munchies they never get unless we are traveling so they are an excellent mood booster when the kids begin to get restless.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle. Encourage your kids to drink regularly to avoid dehydration during travel. I use trips as a fun time to get the kids a new water bottle that they are excited to use. Staying hydrated is key to keeping kids in good spirits during a long travel day.
Potty Training Tips: For newly potty-trained kids, use underwear with a pull-up underneath for added security. This way, they feel like they're wearing big-kid underwear, but you're protected in case of accidents.
Apple AirTag: Attach an AirTag to your child's wrist or clothing for peace of mind in crowded areas. This small device can help you locate your child quickly if they wander off. Be sure the AirTag has a fresh battery before heading out for travel.
Timed Bathroom Breaks: Use the bathroom just before boarding and about 20 minutes ahead of landing to avoid last minute emergencies. This simple habit can save you from dealing with a frantic child in a small airplane bathroom.
Pre-Flight Energy Release: Play a game to get the wiggles out before boarding. Activities like seeing who can jump the longest or dance party freeze can help burn off excess energy, making the flight more enjoyable for everyone.
Photo Documentation: Take a picture of your child in their travel outfit to help identify them if they get lost. This can be especially helpful in crowded airports or tourist areas.
Dress for Visibility: On a similar note, dress multiple kids in bright, matching colors for easy identification. This makes it easier to spot them in a crowd, reducing stress and anxiety, especially when you have multiple children to keep eyes on.
Compact Games and Activities: Pack games that won't cause distress if lost. Travel-sized puzzles, coloring books, and small toys are great options. They keep kids entertained without the risk of losing something precious. Leave the prized, precious lovey at home so there is no risk of leaving them behind during your travels. If your child really needs a lovey, consider buying a new one especially for the trip you are taking.
Screen Time Strategy: Save screen time for as late in the trip as possible. Children have a tendency to get cranky after too much screen time so try to use it as a last resort, or have a strategy to break up screen time with other non-screen related activities. Load up tablets with educational games, movies, and shows. Alternate between activities like coloring and strategy games to keep things engaging.
Child-Friendly Headphones: Bring headphones that can be used with tablets or airplane screens. Sometimes kids find watching shows on the airplane screens more exciting than their usual tablet, but only if they can watch with the volume.
Seating Strategy: If traveling with a partner, consider seating one adult with one child to prevent fights and encourage special bonding time. We choose to fly with the two adults in aisle seats across from one another and the children in the middle seats. This setup allows each child to feel like they're getting one-on-one attention, reducing squabbles and making the flight more enjoyable and comfortable for the whole family.
Bonus Tips for Traveling with Multiple Children
Traveling with multiple kids requires extra planning, but with these strategies,
you can maintain harmony:
Teamwork: Ensure both parents are involved and communicate openly about responsibilities. This helps distribute tasks evenly and prevents one person from feeling overwhelmed.
Pre-Trip Preparation: Explain the travel process to your children to manage expectations. Let them know what to expect at the airport, on the plane, and during the trip. This can help reduce anxiety and make them more excited about the journey.
Travel Journal: Encourage older kids to keep a travel journal to document their experiences. This can be a fun way for them to reflect on their adventures and create lasting memories. We ask our kids to think about one thing they are excited to share with their grandparents about their travel experience so they become actively aware of the travel day.
Must-Have Travel Items for Kids
When traveling with children, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here are some must-have items to include in your packing list:
1) Wet/Dry Bag
A waterproof, reusable bag wet/dry bag is perfect for storing snacks, diapers, and wet clothes. It keeps everything organized and prevents leaks from spreading to other items in your luggage.
2) Insulated Water Bottle
An insulated stainless steel water bottle is great for keeping drinks hot or cold during long trips. It's durable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for family travel.
3) Child-Friendly Headphones
Headphones designed for kids and can be used with tablets or airplane screens are a must-have for keeping kids entertained during flights.
4) Magnetic Building Tiles
MAGNA-TILES microMAGS are compact and perfect for keeping kids engaged during travel. They're easy to pack and provide hours of creative fun.
5) Baby Carrier
A versatile baby carrier that can be used from newborn to toddler age allows you to keep your baby close while keeping your hands free for other tasks.
6) Hidden Tracker
Consider using a hidden tracker like an Apple AirTag, which can be discreetly attached to clothing or luggage for added security.
7) Portable Potty Covers
Travel potty covers are essential for public restrooms. They provide a hygienic layer between your child and the toilet seat - especially when your little one grips onto the toilet seat for balance.
8) Portable White Noise Machine
A portable, soothing white noise machine is a compact solution for helping babies sleep in new environments. It creates a soothing atmosphere that mimics home.
9) Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes are excellent for organizing luggage. They help keep clothes tidy, making it easier to unpack and repack during trips. The set we use comes in a variety of colors and different sizes and a laundry bag, which is particularly useful for separating dirty clothes. We use a different color for each family member to keep suitcases organized and easy to grab from.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Journey
Beyond these specific tips, there are a few more things to consider for a stress-free trip:
Flexibility: Be prepared for unexpected delays or changes in plans. Travel can be unpredictable, so it's essential to remain flexible and adapt to situations as they arise.
Packing Wisely: Pack clothes that can be easily mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Use color-coded packing cubes to maximize capacity and keep each family member’s clothes separate. This reduces luggage space and makes it easier to manage laundry if needed.
Local Knowledge: Research your destination beforehand to find kid-friendly attractions and restaurants. Knowing what to expect can help you plan activities that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience when you're prepared. By following these tips and packing the right gear, you can create lasting memories with your family while minimizing stress. As you prepare for your next family adventure, remember that it's okay to take things one step at a time. Traveling with children is about embracing the journey and enjoying the moments, even when things don't go exactly as planned. With patience, preparation, and a positive attitude, you can turn what might seem daunting into a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
At Winnie & Lu, we're committed to helping you navigate every stage of motherhood, from pre and postnatal wellness to making family travel a joyous adventure. Whether you're embarking on a short trip or a long journey, remember that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. Happy travels!
