Traveling with toddlers can be an exciting adventure but it doesn’t come without unique challenges. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to keeping them entertained in the car or on the plane, there are several factors to consider to make sure your trip goes smoothly and is enjoyable for everyone.
In this blog post, I am going to share my favorite items for traveling with a toddler and some tips to help make traveling with your little one a breeze!
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is crucial to a successful trip with toddlers. Start with choosing toddler-friendly destinations and accommodations that cater to families with young children. Do your research on the amenities and facilities available to make sure your stay is both comfortable and convenient.
Consider what the weather will be like while you are visiting and be sure there are activities that are safe and engaging to keep your little ones entertained.
Pack Smartly
When it comes to packing it is important to be prepared but to avoid overpacking. Before I even start packing, I love to make a checklist of essential items like diapers, wipes, comfort items, outfits for each day, medications, and snacks.
I’ve also found that it helps to pack a smaller bag of toys, books, and games to help keep them entertained on travel days.
These backpacks from Amazon are the perfect toddler size and come in the cutest prints!
Be Mindful of Schedules
I think the biggest adjustment we had to make when learning how to travel with a baby/toddler was how to keep their routine somewhat normal. While it isn’t possible to keep their schedule exactly how it is at home, we have found that providing a little bit of consistency with their routine makes a huge difference in preventing meltdowns and tantrums.
Maintaining a routine while traveling can help toddlers to feel secure and minimize disruptions.
Try to align your itinerary with their usual meal times, nap times, and bedtimes as much as possible. However, be prepared for some flexibility as travel plans often don’t go exactly as planned.
Entertainment on the Go
Long journeys are hard for adults and even harder for toddlers, so keeping them entertained is crucial. Make sure to bring along their favorite toys, coloring books, and interactive games to keep them engaged.
We love to use our Amazon Kids tablet with these toddler headphones for long trips in the car or airplane
Safety First
Toddlers are naturally curious and I don’t think we have had a trip yet where we haven’t needed a first aid kit. We use and love this one from Amazon. It is much easier to have things like band-aids and antibiotic ointment ready to go than to try to hunt some down in a place you aren’t familiar with!
Take Breaks
Long stretches of traveling can be exhausting for toddlers so be sure to plan for regular breaks. I usually try to research parks or play areas along our route and plan for stops to let our little one run around and burn off energy. We loved this playground in Carmel, Indiana! We made sure to stop here on both of our travel days.
These breaks are a great opportunity to stretch out and enjoy a change of scenery. Making these short stops can go a long way in making your travel day go much more smoothly.
Don’t Be Scared!
Traveling with babies and toddlers can be such a fun and rewarding experience even though it does come with some added stress. It is so much fun to watch your kids experience new places and experiences. By planning ahead, packing smartly, and considering their schedule, you can have a great trip!
Patience and flexibility are huge when traveling but embrace the adventure and create lifelong memories as you explore with your little ones. Happy travels!
Check out our Must-Have Travel Items for Toddlers!
