While family trips should be joyful adventures, travelling with little ones can bring unique challenges. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth journey.
In this guide, we will explore the essential tips and hacks for traveling with toddler, ensuring that yours becomes a memorable family escapade. In particular, we will cover:
While younger children are often content sleeping and relaxing in your arms, toddlers are masters of mischief and adventure. Having your adventurous little explorer along for a trip, including long flights, can present some unique challenges. With the right preparation, you can set your family up for an exciting adventure filled with lasting memories.
Here are some tips on traveling with toddler.
What to pack for a toddler on a plane: Strategic packing for toddler travel
When travelling with a toddler, particularly on long flights, packing judiciously is essential. Make sure your hand-carry bag has these toddler travel essentials1 for quick access.
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Clothing: Pack weather-appropriate attire and don't forget to bring spare outfits. Toddlers have a knack for spilling food unexpectedly especially during mealtimes.
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Comfort items: Make sure to pack your toddler travel toys, blankets, and pacifiers. If they like books, be sure to pack ones that you can wipe clean. These familiar items can provide a sense of security and comfort in a new environment.
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Hygiene kit: Prepare a compact hygiene kit with wet wipes, extra diapers, and travel pillows. These essentials can make unforeseen messes more manageable.
Packing Your Medicine Travel Kit / First Aid Kit
Health should always be a top priority, especially when traveling with toddler. Your toddler travel checklist should include:
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Basic Medicine: Ensure you include essential medicines such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and specific medications your toddler might need as prescribed by the doctor. Being ready for common ailments is always a good idea.2
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Medical/First Aid Supplies: Don’t forget to bring a small first aid kit with bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic ointment, and any prescription medications. You never know when a minor injury might occur.
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Health Records: Also carry soft copies of medical records, vaccinations, and any necessary prescriptions. These may come in handy for authorities’ enquiries or medical emergencies.
Do research the destination for potential health risks and be aware of the nearest medical facilities.
Keeping Toddlers Entertained on the Go
Keeping toddlers entertained during a journey can be a game-changer for your peace of mind and overall enjoyment. How to entertain a toddler on a long flight or during a trip in general? Check out these tips:
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Prepare an activity bag: Create a special bag filled with colouring books, stickers, and small toys. These are great airplane activities for toddlers. Introduce new items gradually to keep the excitement fresh.
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Games. Simple, quiet games like “I spy” can also help entertain your little one during a long car ride or flight.
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Take advantage of technology: Load a tablet or smartphone with age-appropriate apps, games, and shows. A device with headphones can provide entertainment without disturbing fellow travellers.
Managing Your Toddler’s Sleep Routine
Maintaining a sleep routine while traveling is crucial for both the toddler and the parents to have the energy to fully enjoy the trip. Here are some things you can do to maintain a sleep routine while traveling with toddler.
Make the necessary preparations
If you’re flying, book a seat closer to the window, if possible. Sitting in an aisle seat can be tricky when drinks and meals are being served, since kids can get jostled about. Ensure that your seat is beside your child’s3.
Another tip is to bring along familiar sleep essentials, such as a favourite bedtime storybook, a cozy blanket, a toddler travel pillow, and a nightlight. Familiarity can help ease the transition to a new sleeping environment.
Some airlines offer a toddler travel bed so you may have to inquire about it beforehand. If you still have space in your carry-on bag, you can pack your own!
Continue with your bedtime routine
Even while on the road, establishing “rituals” and routines can signal to the toddler that it's time to wind down. If possible, perform the routine your toddler is familiar with (massage, bedtime story, etc.).
Manage jet lag
When crossing time zones, slowly adjust your little one's routine in the days leading up to the trip. Once you arrive, have them go outside in the sunlight, as natural light helps reset their internal body clock.
Planning Meals for Toddler Travel
Mealtimes can be potential battlegrounds when traveling with a toddler. For this reason alone, it’s important to address the following:
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Food allergies and restrictions: Be mindful of any food allergies your toddler may have. Research local cuisine at your destination and plan accordingly.
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Picky eating: Toddlers are notorious picky eaters! So, try to include familiar and favourite foods in your travel meals. However, be open to introducing new foods gradually to expand their palate.
As for planning meals for toddler travel, remember to pack a variety of snacks to keep hunger at bay. Consider convenient, mess-free, healthy travel snacks for toddlers, such as whole grain crackers, cheese sticks, yoghurt pouches, dried fruits, and whole grain cereal bars.9. Also, try limiting sugar, and avoiding trans fat4. Nutritious meals are crucial not only to keep them energised for your trip but to boost their physical and cognitive development altogether.
As dairy is an important part of a toddler diet, give them Enfagrow Pro A+ when you’re on-the-go. The Enfagrow Pro A+ milk formula contains a unique combination of nutrients necessary for total mental and physical growth, including MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and DHA for brain and eye development. It now also contains 2'-FL, which has been supplemented with Iron and Zinc to strengthen natural defences, as well as Prebiotic FOS to promote the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria for a healthier digestive tract. Furthermore, it contains no added sugar.5, 6. With Enfa, your little ones can sip on a healthy drink!
Join our Enfagrow Pro A+ stage 3 sampling for free samples packed with nutrients to support their physical and cognitive development. Get yours now!
Conclusion
Traveling with a toddler may present its challenges. However, with thoughtful preparation and a positive mindset, it can be a truly enriching experience for the entire family! Embrace the adventure, create lasting memories, and remember that a well-prepared journey sets the stage for a more enjoyable and stress-free vacation. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions on Traveling with Toddler
Do you have more questions about travelling with toddler? We’ve compiled a short list to help you out!
What essential items should I pack for a smooth journey with a toddler?
Include clothes, toiletries, and items that keep them entertained, such as toys and books, for a journey. Don't overlook their health: pack essential medicines and first aid kits to handle mild illnesses and emergencies that may arise.1.
How can I keep my toddler entertained during long journeys?
One of the best ways to entertain your toddler during long journeys is to play games with them. Simple games – like “Spot the Car,” “Which animal makes this sound?,” and “I spy” – are great. Singing songs and counting games are also fun. Reading books and watching downloaded videos together will also keep them entertained.
What if my child throws a tantrum? What can I do?
First, recognise that tantrums are often a response to something the child is experiencing. Identify the trigger so you can address it later. Experts suggest withdrawing attention for a while, so getting angry won't help. Stay calm and allow the child to calm down before discussing the issue with them.7
Is it possible to provide healthy, exciting meals for toddlers during family trips?
Absolutely possible! Plan and pack an array of nutritious snacks and portable proteins tailored to their tastes. Remember to include a healthy milk option containing essential nutrients like iron, calcium, zinc, and MFGM! Embracing local flavours at your destination can also make mealtimes fun; just ensure they align with your toddler's food allergies or restrictions.5
What's the secret to maintaining a toddler's sleep routine while on the road or flight?
The key is to stick to their bedtime routine as much as possible, including providing their sleep essentials and reading a bedtime story. However, if you're crossing time zones, gradually adjusting their schedule can be helpful.8
Related articles:
Expert Resource:
Dr. Veena Shetye Angle
MBBS, MD (Medical Doctor)
CMPP (Certified Medical Publication Professional), Singapore
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