AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF TRAVELING WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES. WHETHER IT BE TO GO SEE FAMILY, VISIT WITH FRIENDS, OR WHEREVER ELSE HAS YOU ON THE MOVE, BOTH LONG DISTANCE AND SHORT, HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO KEEP GET YOU PREPARED FOR YOU JOURNEY.

Children can get fussy when in the car for long periods of time, and airports can be a nightmare for any parent trying to get the whole family from one place to the next. It’s best to have a game plan and take care of things like entertainment, tools to stay organized, and a strategic plan to ensure efficiency when traveling with the whole family.

Keep Them Entertained

Airports can be boring even for adults, so imagine how frustrating it is for a child who is used to being stimulated with play or education?! It can easily lead to a melt-down in TSA, crying in backseats and an all over bad experience for everyone.

An iPad that is preloaded with child-appropriate games and movies can go a long way to keep your kid entertained during the boring times of travel. But remember to load it up before you leave! Airport WiFi isn’t the most reliable and by then, it’ll probably be too late to avoid a melt-down, so using your home or office internet is best.

If you avoid electronic use with your child, or just want an alternative, travel coloring kits help keep things in order and close up conveniently to fit in carry on luggage or strollers. Other good items to have are busy books, collapsible play trays and kid-friendly neck pillows.

Stay Organized

Kid leashes while in theory may seem helpful in keeping your kid in close proximity while traveling through an airport, they can be counterproductive by shocking your kid if they are not used to it and not the best way to teach your kid to be obedient. If you decide to use one, we would suggest practicing the use of these kinds of tools prior to your trip so they become accustom to them.

Consider working on constructive approaches, such as practicing holding hands when leaving the house, staying close in public areas. You can revisit these things and use a term like “Airplane Time” to remind them they are supposed to be following the rules you practiced before.

An umbrella stroller is key for easy travel as its light, fold-able but can hold a lot of weight, including your child. You can use them past the gate and check them at the bridge before entering the airplane, where it will be returned for pick-up after deplaning.

Lastly, always bring extra everything when traveling. Extra diapers, extra snacks and extra clothes are all great to have on hand in case you get a flat tire or stuck with an overnight layover. If you’re traveling via airplane, be sure to keep these things in your carry-on luggage in case your checked baggage is lost or unavailable.

Getting To Your Destination

Driving in general is generally an easier form of family travel compared to flying, as long as it makes sense for you trip. A few extra hours in the car may be worth avoiding the stress of airport travel with your kids. Plus it’s a fun way to bond with the whole family!

We hope you have a wonderful break and that you find these tips helpful when traveling with your toddler! Christmas Break begins December 21, 2018 and Claire’s Day School is back in session January 7, 2019. Click here for our calendar with other important upcoming dates.