Tips for Traveling With Young Children

Before You Leave:

1) Plan your trip with your child's age, abilities, and interests in mind.

2) If reserving a hotel room, ask for a room without a balcony or one with a balcony guard. Also ask for a crib that meets federal safety standards or bring your own pack and play. If you are bringing your own, have your child sleep in the pack and play a few days before you go. If your child sleeps in a bed, you may want to ask if they have side rails available. You may also want to ask if they have outlet covers or better yet, bring your own.

3) If you are staying with family or friends, ask them to child-proof one area of their home. Consider areas that may need a safety gate (ask if they could borrow one from a neighbor, family member, or friend).
4) Pack a night-light for comfort or in case your child needs you in the night.

5) Consider bringing your own stroller. This will save money and time renting one.

6) Pack one bag for all your travel necessities:

Your child's security blanket or comfort item
Books and books on tape or CD
Cassette or CD player and a variety of music all of you enjoy
Toys that have few pieces, that don't make a lot of noise, and that can be used in a variety of ways (i.e.: blocks or animals that can be played with in the car, pool, or bathtub)
A surprise or two: new toys, new books or tapes from the library
Snacks (non-salty, non-sticky finger foods), drinks, sippy cups, bibs
Wet wipes for diaper changes or quick hand, face, spill clean-up
Sealable plastic bags for dirty clothes or diapers
First aid kit: include any prescription medications, phone number for your child's doctor, band-aids, and children's pain reliever
Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
Diapers or pull-ups if needed
Couple extra changes of clothing (you may want an extra shirt for you, too)

In the Car:

Keep your child buckled up at all times!

Plan to stop every two hours. Stretch, run, play, have a picnic, and use the restroom.

In addition to toys and snacks, pack a small pillow and blanket for your child.

Have your travel bag accessible.

Consider whether it would be best to travel at times your child normally sleeps or is it best to allow your child to sleep in his own bed before leaving.

If your child struggles with carsickness, try to feed her something light before leaving (nothing greasy or fried). If she still feels sick during the trip, pull over and allow her to get some fresh air. If these ideas do not work, you may want to check with your child's doctor.

Plan to make the time in the car part of the trip. Play games, listen to music, read stories, and enjoy the scenery.

On a Plane:

Consider whether you want to board the plane first or last. If you board first, your child will have some time to get comfortable with the plane before takeoff and you will likely have space nearby for your carry-on luggage. If you board last, your child will have more time to walk around and be active before having to sit and be buckled up. If there are two adults traveling, you may want to consider one of you boarding early with the bags while the other waits with your child.

To relieve ear discomfort, breast or bottle feed babies during takeoff and landing. Sucking on a pacifier may provide relief as well. For older children, try sipping on a drink, sucking on a lollipop, or eating a small snack.

If your child will be riding in his own seat, bring your child's car seat on board. He is already used to riding in it and it will keep him safe.

f your child struggles with motion sickness try feeding her a light snack before leaving. During the trip, try turning on the overhead air conditioner.

Have your travel bag accessible.

While You Are There:

Keep your plans simple and don't forget to keep your sense of humor. It may be easier to limit your travel to one place. Be prepared to go at your child's pace and take time to experience things through your child's eyes.

Keep your child on schedule. Plan to maintain your child's eating, napping, and bedtime schedules as much as possible.

Prepare for crowds. Dress your family in similar clothing--a brightly colored t-shirt or baseball hat will make everyone easy to spot. Make information tags for young children to wear inside their shirts (the tags should not be visible because it's a potential danger if strangers know their names).

Lisa Helgestad
Family Educator
ISD 279/Osseo Area Schools ECFE
Resources:
Field Guide To Parenting by Butler and Kratz
The Best Advice I Ever Got: Parents Magazine edited by Sally Lee
Parents Magazine (Are We There Yet? July 2006)

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