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Kid's Travel Essentials
Travel can be a hassle -- the lines, security checks, traffic, bad food. Factor in a crying kid or two, or three, and you may wonder why you went away in the first place. While you can't control flight delays, bad weather, or that annoying guy seated next to you, you can control the state of affairs between you and your little one. Here, everything you'll need for a seamless trip from Point A to Point B.
By Car
Driving is cheaper and gives you more control. You can pull over when nature calls, when the snacks you packed aren't cutting it, and when your child needs to get out and stretch. But there are still some challenges. Here, how to tackle them.
What you should know
- Leave at bedtime or naptime. Your child will sleep for a bulk of the trip.
- It's best to travel with a spouse or another adult for both your's and your child's safety. This way, you can take turns driving while the other keeps the driver alert.
- Try not to plan anything big on day one of your trip. You may need that time to recuperate from the long drive.
- There are plenty of games
, videos
, audio books, and CD, or have her remember the hotel address. Challenging activities that make your child feel involved will be good distraction. - Remember to have a sunshade
- Good snack ideas: individual apple sauce cups, fruit cups, crackers, Pop Tarts, individual cereal boxes, juice boxes.
- A fun nighttime distraction: glowsticks
. Kids love playing with and looking at them.
By train
Similar to driving with a few differences. It's going to cost more but that may be worth it to some parents who aren't quite ready to take their children on an airplane but can't bring themselves to conduct a road trip.
What you should know
- Similar to driving, but better for children who have difficulty sitting still in the car for extended periods of time. Trains allow children to get up and walk around.
- More relaxing for parents as you can take turns napping.
- Plan on packing similar toys
, games, and distractions.
By plane
It's faster, yes. But with more people, smaller spaces, turbulence, and layovers, flying presents its own set of challenges. It will be more expensive, but it may be worth it to you if driving is not an option, or if your trip is a quick turnaround and spending a day on the road just doesn't make sense. Just remember, the one thing you must always do with flying is allow yourself plenty of time. Always arrive early to avoid check-in or security delays. Strollers, diaper bags, and extra carry-ons will make security a longer-than-usual process.
What you should know
- Direct flights tend to be more expensive but if you can afford it, do it. Layovers and connections are hard enough without kids in tow. Hauling to your connecting gate with a stroller, carry-ons, and child is not easy -- especially not in a hurry. If you can't get the direct flight, be sure your connections have ample time between them so you don't have to hussle.
- Don't check your stroller with your bags. Wait until you arrive at your gate and check it there. You'll need the extra hands to dig out boarding passes, dollar bills for tips, and IDs -- so hang on to the stroller as long as you can. They will have it for you after landing as you exit the plane.
- Master the stand-up diaper change. You never know when you may need to do it -- perhaps to your neighbor's dismay. Practice at home if you can.
- With on-board neighbors who probably don't appreciate the sound of a crying child, you'll need a very stocked supply of distractions: storybooks
, postcards, familiar toys - Snacks are important, just as with other trips, but be sure to check out the Transportation Security Administration's most recent on-board guidelines for what you can and cannot carry on
What you can buy
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External Links
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention -- Resources for traveling with children.
Transportation Security Administration -- Rules and tips for traveling with children.
MomsMinivan.com -- 101 travel games and road trip ideas for kids.
Parenting Magazine -- Travel checklist