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Holiday travel with babies and toddlers |
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Written by Laurie Thompson
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Dec 01, 2005 |
Traveling to grandmother's house with a baby or toddler this holiday
season? It may be farther than over the river and through the woods,
but don't worry. Traveling with small children can indeed be
challenging and unpredictable, but it is well worth the effort.
My children have been to all four corners of the United States,
including Hawaii, plus Canada and Europe. They both had frequent flier
cards before their first birthdays, and yes, they've both earned free
trips. We've traveled by car, bus, train and plane. We've slept in
tents, RVs, hotels, motels, and with family and friends. My oldest
child is just 4 years old.
I certainly can't say we've done everything right or were perfectly
prepared for every situation, but reliving the memories -- good and bad
-- of these shared experiences brings us closer together as a family.
Despite the occasional panic, frequent exhaustion and common
unpleasantness, there is not a single trip where I wish we'd just
stayed home. Here are a few tips I've learned along the way.
Getting ready
The best and most important part about getting ready is preparing your
children. Show pictures and say the names of the people they will meet.
Talk to them about what to expect and what will be expected of them. Is
Aunt June a hugger? Will there be snow? Will they have to eat different
foods? What does "be good" mean on an airplane or at Grandma's house?
Talk them through every aspect of the trip, even if you think they
won't understand it all. A little advance warning goes a long way.
The trickiest part about trip preparation is deciding what to bring
with you. You have probably grown accustomed to certain conveniences,
but think carefully about what you really need and will be able to
carry. See the sidebar for some suggestions.
Travel time
Believe it or not, uninterrupted travel time with nothing "better" to
do can be some of the best moments you will get to spend with your
children. Without the demands and comforts of home, you and your child
are free to really interact. Make a list of simple songs and finger
plays you can do together, such as Pat a Cake, Itsy Bitsy Spider or
Where is Thumbkin. With toddlers, you might be able to play a simple
game like I Spy or I'm Thinking of Something, or take turns making up
the next sentence in a collaborative story.
When you need a break, give your child a small, wrapped toy. A trusted
favorite or a long-forgotten toy from home can be just as exciting for
a small child to open as something new.
Special notes
about air travel
Many airlines give discounted fares to children seated in
airline-approved car seats. If you can afford a seat for your child, do
so for safety as well as comfort.
Allow plenty of time for the airport security check. You will have to
send everything through, including the car seat, stroller and/or
carrier. You can gate-check those items so they'll be waiting for you
on the other end. Make sure you don't bring any prohibited items with
you, such as cutlery.
During take-off and landing, give your child a drink, snack or pacifier
to reduce ear pain. And feel free to walk around the cabin when the
seatbelt sign is off for exercise and a change of scenery.
Eating
Be sure to bring everything you might need for feedings including
bottles, warm water, drinks, snacks, bibs, burp cloths and spoons. Keep
food and drinks consistently bland to prevent motion sickness.
Bodily functions
The most basic bodily functions can become the most challenging detail
of any trip with children. Changing a diaper in a tiny, moving bathroom
is a real adventure, and no one wants to get off the freeway every hour
for yet another potty break. If you need to, revert to diapers
temporarily; bring a blanket, waterproof mat or plastic bag that you
can use as a changing pad; make sure to use diaper cream just in case
you're unable to change baby right away; and don't forget to pack extra
clothes -- for everyone.
Sleeping
It's usually a good idea to plan travel times that coincide with your
child's naps or bedtime. The motion and noise of the vehicle will
usually help children sleep and make the trip go faster for everyone.
However, if you think your child will be too excited to sleep, plan the
trip for a time when he or she will be well rested instead. Try to stay
on the same schedule you follow at home.
Traveling with small children requires a lot of planning but it also
demands flexibility. You need to prepare in advance for every possible
situation, yet be able to gracefully handle the inevitable surprises
that will occur along the way. Don't forget your sense of humor!
Laurie Thompson
is a Bellevue freelance writer and work-at-home mom of two. While not a
traveler in her own youth, she now can hardly wait for her family's
next travel adventure.
Travel checklist
You won't want to bring everything listed, but here are items to consider.
In a purse:
- Recent photo of your child, in case you get separated
- Identification for you and your child
- Money
- In a diaper bag/carry-on:
- Bottles/cups
- Formula
- Thermos of warm water
- Drink cartons with straws (for older babies and children)
- Snacks, bland and high-protein if possible
- Diapers, one per hour until you can get more
- Changing mats
- Baby wipes
- Diaper cream
- Resealable plastic bags
- Waterless anti-bacterial gel
- Small packets of tissues
- Bandages
- Extra shirt for you and baby
- Comfort object or lovey
- Small toys/books
- Portable music player with headphones
- Portable DVD player or laptop
In main luggage:
- Clothes, shoes, hats
- Diapers and wipes
- Cups and/or bottles
- Bowls and spoons
- Food
- Baby carrier, sling or backpack
- Nightlight
- Baby proofing/safety items such as outlet covers
- Baby monitor
- Small reading light
Special considerations:
Prescription or over-the-counter medications recommended by your pediatrician, such as:
- Benadryl for allergies
- Tylenol for fever
- Motrin for pain
- PediaCare for congestion
Toys:
- Baby beads, teethers, rattles, etc.
- Small stuffed toys
- Finger or hand puppets
- Crayons or washable markers
- Paper, coloring and/or activity books
- Stickers
- Small MagnaDoodle or MagicSlate
- Magnetic or felt story boards
- Stacking/nesting toys
- Small puzzles
- Lace-ups
- Stretchy or bendy toys
- Books
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