Mom Tips: Traveling with Small Children
The holiday season is a busy travel time for everyone. If you are traveling with small children, just take the stress level up a few notches. No matter how many times we go away, I stress and I panic. What if I forget something they need? What if they get sick? What if they start screaming on the plane and I can’t get them to stop? All of these thoughts and so many more run through my head constantly during the days leading up to each trip. As I write this, our bags are packed and we are leaving in the morning for our first family cruise. Am I stressed? Of course! However, as they get older, we travel better. Live and learn, I suppose. For those of you traveling with small kids, here are some things I have learned that help make things go much smoother.
1. Make lists – I am a list maker. I make lists of the lists I need to make. It’s pathetic, but it works. I make a list for myself and for each child: What they need and then what is optional based on space. I start my lists a few weeks leading up to our travel date. When something crosses my mind (looks like sun, we need hats), I write it down so I don’t forget it.
2. Have a plan – Maybe your husband takes care of the bags while you get everyone to the bathroom. Whatever works for you, have a plan. It makes things easier when you are running through the hustle and bustle of the airport trying to get to your gate.
3. Easy shoes – Whether you are flying or bracing yourself for a long drive, put your children in shoes that are easy for them to take off and on. During the 18-hour drive to Florida, you don’t want to tie sneakers 10 times. You also don’t want to hold up the line in security at the airport while you tie everyone’s shoes for them.
4. Feed them first – Don’t count on food in the airport or when your next stop will be. Feed the kids before you leave. Then you aren’t scrambling trying to find something everyone will like. Not to mention, who wants to spend $15 on chicken nuggets at the airport?
5. Pack new toys – I set aside a few things the kids have never used before for when we travel. Something new is bound to entertain them longer than something they have used before. This also goes for movies, books, etc.
6. Important stuff stays with you – Your health-insurance cards, driver’s license, money, desperation snack (for that time when you will give your kids anything as long as they cooperate), etc. Pack all of these things in your carry-on so it never leaves your side. This includes any medication and any lovies! Can you imagine your child’s blanket that they can’t sleep without getting lost in the luggage?!
7. Emergency medicine – It never fails. Every year we go to Florida and every year, someone ends up at urgent care. If your child is prone to getting sick, pack the things you will need, just in case! You might never need them, and I hope you don’t, but if you do you will be happy you have it. At the very least, always bring Motrin. There’s nothing worse than your child spiking a fever in a hotel room at 3am. To add to this one, before you leave research the closest urgent care, hospital, etc., at your destination. If you need to go to one, you better know where it is!
8. Watch the candy – I know, I know, I’m guilty of it too. I’ll trade a Ring Pop for some peace any day. However, don’t sugar them up before a flight or a long car ride; I promise you will regret it!
9. Be flexible – My last piece of advice is to try your best to go with the flow. Remember this is your vacation, too. The usual naps might happen at different times or maybe not at all, life will go on. Maybe everyone stays up way past bedtime; again, not the end of the world. Let your kids do the things that make them feel like they are on vacation so you can enjoy yours!
