Having kids is a reason to travel, never a reason to stop. It’s never too early to start exploring the world, collect moments and memories that can never be taken away from them.
Mothers often get worked up and stressed when it comes to travelling with their little ones, specially toddlers who are literally all over the place. They do not listen to you, they do not understand a lot of things and, most important of all, they are the kings and queens of tantrums that never knock on your door before arriving. So how do we make travelling simpler and more hassle-free for us and them?
Keep them in the loop: Firstly, talk about the trip and keep them in the loop. We should explain to kids that we are going on a holiday, when and where we are travelling, for how many days and how the weather there is going to be and how much fun we are going to have together. We should involve the kids and let them know the plan so they are on board and do not have any last-minute meltdowns.
Keep children in the loop about your travel plans so that they know what to expect and do not throw tantrums
I tell my five-year-old the day’s plan almost every morning so she knows what the day is going to be like. Just because they are kids does not mean they should be okay with all our plans and decisions. They tend to throw fewer tantrums and adjust better if they are well aware of things that are happening. Communication is one of the best ways to bond with your child as well.
Try to avoid odd-hour flights: Flights that are in the middle of the night tend to make the kids very cranky and you do not want that additional stress while travelling, unless it’s a long flight and they can sleep through most of the flight. Dress them up in relaxed comfort clothes for the flight. This is not the time to show off your child with fancy outfits. Let them be comfortable.
If you are taking an early morning flight, wake them up a little early so they can have their milk or snack and give them time to get ready. Do not rush them.
Have food to spare: Always carry extra food and snacks for the flight, something they like to eat and something not too messy. Flights and travel can get unpredictable sometimes; you may take more time to reach your destination than expected due to delays and transit. So be prepared with food for your baby, and more so if they are fussy eaters.
It is important to keep your child entertained with books, games, colouring books and even some screen time to prevent him from getting cranky
Keep them busy: Now, when it comes to entertaining kids, it’s a big task and you should be prepared for it. Carry some colouring books, activity books or simple games that they might enjoy, or something they like doing at home as well. Ask them what they want to put in their bags for the flight.
If they have a special soft toy or a comfort toy that goes along with them everywhere, do not forget to carry it. You do not want to spend half your flight trying to pacify them or half your vacation trying to find the identical match to their favourite toy. If they like books, carry some fun books for them which they can go through themselves, or you can read to them. Keep the iPad handy and do not be afraid of using it or giving them screen time on the flight or the holiday. Help them be comfortable on the trip.
Pack extra clothes: Keep extra sets of clothes for the flight. If you can, carry a thin blanket and/or a small pillow if possible. It tends to get chilly at airports, lounges and flights. The more comfortable you make your kids the less hassled you will be.
If the kids are in diapers ask for the washroom with a baby changing table on the flight, it will be easier; and always carry extra wet wipes.
Pick the right stroller: When it comes to strollers, it is something that every mother frets about and I get so many questions from friends, family and clients on which stroller to buy and why. So, the stroller is a very important aspect of your travel. If you feel you will carry your toddler all around on your lap or your toddler will walk the full day with you on holidays, lets break it to you parents , both the above scenarios are not ideal and not very feasible either. Kids will get tired of walking, specially on international trips where we do end up walking a great deal. You cannot carry your baby every time he or she gets tired. So choose a stroller which is light and, ideally, folds easily. If you try and take bulky strollers that do not even fold easily, it will not be very easy for you to use either. Your child will sleep if they are tired. Choose your stroller wisely and do carry it along on a trip.
During take-offs and landings: A very important tip for the flight for the little ones, especially during take-offs and landings is to make sure your child is sucking on something. It could be their water bottle, or milk bottle, or even a lollipop or candy. This helps avoid ear blocks and pain to an extent with most. Some children cry during take-off and landing for this reason. If your baby is small and you’re breastfeeding, you can plan their feeding time accordingly if possible.
Pack the meds: Do not forget to carry all baby medicines for the flight, even a thermometer, regardless of how long or short your flight is.
Check about child seat regulations at the destination and make arrangements accordingly
Child seat requirement: If you are going abroad, please find out in advance if there is a mandatory requirement for the kids to be in a car child seat in that country. If required, please inform the concerned person to get one along for the car for your journey from the airport to hotel.
Have time to spare: Once you are on your vacation, remember to take it slow and always leave some extra time with your toddler around. Explain the trip in general and day-wise each morning if possible. Try not to be too rigid with their routine there, for example, their meal timings or bed time; you will unnecessarily stress yourself out and the point is to enjoy as a family. Understand things might go wrong sometimes, keep your cool. Keep your contact details or hotel details in your child’s pocket if possible and make them learn your number, just in case of any emergency.
It is important to plan a few activities specifically for the child, such as visits to zoos or theme parks or going for a swim
Plan child activities: During the trip try to plan at least one or two activities a day specifically for your child. It could be sightseeing, swimming, visiting a theme park, the zoo, a playground, a park or a movie. Find out what are the kid-friendly activities and famous kids’ spots at your holiday destination. Plan a little in advance and if you need to purchase tickets to get into any place, then try to do it in advance to avoid long queues and waiting with your toddlers.
Hugs and cuddles are musts: Do not forget lots of cuddles and hugs for them. They are in a new place and you’re the only thing that makes them feel safe. So be calm, be kind and have lots of fun with your little ones. Create memories that last a lifetime, take a lot of pictures with them and of them as they might not remember too much of the holiday but they will have pictures and memories to treasure for a lifetime.
Have all the papers: Lastly, please remember all travel documents for yourself and your little ones; you do not want to be harassed at the airport. Some countries still require a Covid test for unvaccinated kids above the age of five. So, if that is the requirement please check before your travel. After all, memories, exposure, experience and a way of life is what your toddler gets from every holiday that they go on.
Pictures: Shutterstock
The author is a baby planner certified by the International Parenting and Health Institute, California, in association with the International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals