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Essential Traveling Tips for Stress-Free Adventures with Toddlers

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Traveling with toddlers can be an exhilarating experience, offering unforgettable family moments and creating lasting memories. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. To ensure smooth and enjoyable trips for both parents and little ones, we’ve gathered some invaluable tips to make your adventures with toddlers stress-free. From packing essentials to entertainment ideas, read on to discover the secrets of successful travel with young children.

Plan Ahead: Planning is crucial when traveling with toddlers. Research your destination to find child-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. Make a list of emergency numbers and medical facilities in the area. By preparing in advance, you’ll have peace of mind and can better handle any unexpected situations.

Pack Wisely: When it comes to packing for toddlers, less is more. Focus on essentials such as clothing, diapers, wipes, and medication. Don’t forget to bring their favorite comfort items, like a stuffed toy or blanket, to help them feel secure in unfamiliar surroundings. Consider investing in lightweight, compact travel gear designed specifically for toddlers, such as portable cribs and collapsible strollers. This is the hardest part! Over packing is so easy but there is nothing worse than getting to the airport and not having enough distractions or items to help keep the little one as comfortable as possible.

Strollers are a great way to keep our toddlers with us as we are running through the airport like we are recreating a scene from “Home Alone.” However gate checking is not a lot of fun. Luckily they have created a stroller that literally folds up and fits in the overhead compartment

The Ergobaby Metro+  is my favorite of the all of the brands out there because of its comfort and ease of use. However it does come with a high price tag.

If flying, I 1000% recommend making the into a bed. The caveat with this is it cannot be a middle or aisle seat.  These can range from anywhere between $20-$89. We as a family used the middle tier inflatable one for the extra comfort level however it did take up a good bit more space than the other style. Some parents recommend using a carseat because it is something that they are used to and comfortable in. I personally found it really hard to research which carseat was best with most airlines and, if the flight is 5 hours but my lil guy can’t handle a 3 hour car ride, I felt it would not benefit anyone. However he slept for over 75% of our flight from North Carolina to California. 

Lugging around a giant carseat is not fun either. I went on the for a super compact carseat that could be used for travel for A LONG TIME. I liked the idea that some parents skip the stroller and attach their carseat to their luggage and use that as a makeshift stroller to get through the airport. However, we decided against it because our trips typically involve a good amount of walking. We even bring our big stroller when we aren’t flying. So I decided to try out the Wayb Pico Travel Seat, and I was not disappointed! This thing is light and crazy compact (could use on an airplane seat or in a rental car). It can be used from 22-50lbs. It has a 5 point harness and offers the LATCH system for attaching to car seats-seat belts can also be used. But it weighs only 8 lbs!

Lastly, the ultimate mom hack…. Painters tape. Yes, you read that right. Painters tape can be used to stick toys to the back of a seat, to act as a track for toy cars, as a lent roller, as a peel and stick activity for our traveling besties and so much more. It leaves no residue, it has great hold, but is easily removed. I am always trying to figure out activities that don’t involve screens and painters tape has been used in many of them!
Snacks and Hydration: Hunger and thirst can quickly turn a cheerful toddler into a grumpy one. Pack a variety of healthy snacks in easy-to-reach containers, fruits, cereal bars, and finger foods. Keep them hydrated by carrying a spill-proof water bottle or sippy cup. Avoid sugary drinks that can lead to energy spikes and crashes. Also I learned that if you notify TSA that you have prepackaged baby food they don’t mind if you bring along a few of his favorite Once Upon A Farm (click here for 20$ off coupon) fruit and veggie pouches.

Time Management: Toddlers thrive on routine, so try to maintain some semblance of their regular schedule. Plan activities around their nap times and meal times to avoid meltdowns. Allow for flexibility and breaks to let them burn off energy and explore their surroundings. Remember, travel should be an adventure, not a strict itinerary to follow.

Safety First: Prioritize your child’s safety throughout your journey. Use childproofing tools for accommodations and ensure they are aware of any potential dangers in their immediate environment. Here is where Painters Tape comes in handy again!! If you need to lock two cabinets loop the painters tape through the handles. Use painters tape on sharp corners so the little one is less likely to bump their heads. Need to toddler proof a front door lock? Painters tape!! Keep a first aid kit handy with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medication. 

Also at the hotel sleeping arrangements can be tough. In the past we have used the guava baby travel crib because it is by far the easiest to travel with but now that we are transitioning to a toddler bed I will be trying out the JetKids Cloud Sleeper. From the research that I have done, the material is nice and breathable while the super compact aspect  offset the high price tag. He will be using it for several years and we love to travel so it’s an investment for sure! I will continue to use the Slumber pod sleep tent to keep his environment as similar as possible to the one at home. This thing was one of my favorite registry adds it has made traveling a breeze and there’s even a little monitor pocket to help with peace of mind. Not to mention it fits over most pack and plays as well as inflatable toddler beds!

Conclusion: Traveling with toddlers requires careful planning, but with the right strategies, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By following these essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any challenges that come your way, ensuring an stress-free and enjoyable adventure for the entire family. Remember, the key is to be flexible, patient, and embrace the joy of exploring the world through your little one’s eyes.

(Note: This blog post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through the provided links. However, we only recommend products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers’ travel experiences.)

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