Top 5 Tips for Traveling with Kids
I’m so excited to share these tips with you. I am a mom of two boys and have travel a lot with them. Most of these trips were also done on my own and with every trip I learned and improved to help each trip get easier and be better prepared. I hope with these tips your upcoming trip(s) can go a little smoother and create more positive memories 🤍
1. Remember that your relationship with your child is most important.
No matter how great of a parent you are and how good your child, something or someone is bound to have a melt down. I've seen this so many times while traveling: a young child so exhausted and/or hungry that they are crying or not listening, and parents reacting as if their child is murdering someone. Seeing the parent freak out at them gets the child even more emotion. It breaks my heart because they are forgetting what is more important, their relationship with their child. Not the old man who rolled his eyes or the people who are staring.
I sometimes could have walked right past someone I knew because I'm so focused on myself and my children. I have even had dance parties with my toddler while waiting in the security line. Because at the end of the day I care more about our relationship than a stranger thinking less of me.
2. Be overly prepared with the essentials.
So this one time while traveling with both my boys, I first packed the perfect amount of diapers for the 36 hours of travel we had ahead of us. Last minute I stuffed the extra room I had on our carry on with diapers. Both boys had diarrhea and I needed every last diaper that I had packed. Another time Kellen decided that it was too hard to snack and eat normal food during the flights and only wanted a bottle so I used twice as much formula as normal.
Now don't go crazy and over pack everything but think of those essentials that would really suck to not have. Like diapers and milk. If you are breastfeeding I would recommend bringing just a small container of formula just in case with all the traveling your baby eats more than normal or maybe you produce less because of stress.
Don't forget to prepare your little ones. I talk to my toddler about airplanes and security for weeks before a flight. It's great because there aren't any surprises for him, Which helps him feel safe during the travels and he knows what is expected. For babies I try to have them sleep in my arms once in a while or in a sling so when nap time comes during the travels it feels familiar to them.
3. Keep it comfortable.
This one is probably the easiest but also sometimes overlooked detail. Wear something that you are comfortable in and dress your child in what they’re comfortable in. I also try and wear shoes that are easy to remove during security and can be put back on with no hands. I have had times when they take longer with the stroller during security and I’m left having to hold a baby and put on my shoes. Which brings me to the next tip…
4. Don't give yourself unnecessary work.
I'm all about saving some money and not paying for extras while traveling but after doing over 20 flights with kids I have come to the conclusion that sometimes paying to check a bag vs having another bag to carry is the difference between me feeling overwhelmed and me having a great time. Don't over work yourself with things. If you can, check your bag instead of carrying it on if you can.
When you need to use the bathroom look for a family one where you can have all your things with you and easily change those diapers too. It’s nice have a small moment of privacy.
I also get a window seat because it helps my boys stay in place because they can't get to the aisle. And the window helps entertain them.
Kellen hates sleeping in my arms so I try and find flights that aren't during his nap times because its a lot more work for me trying to get him to sleep during a flight.
But maybe for you less work would mean something different, take a minute and think about it. What are you maybe doing that is really just making unnecessary work for yourself?
5. Have fun! Make memories.
Traveling with your little ones can be so empowering and magical all you need to do is let it happen. I'm feeling excited for any of you who might be traveling soon and hope you have an incredible time!
P.S. These photos I have included are from my latest travels where myself and both boys took 2 flights, had one longer layover, for a total of 36 hours of travels. We pretty much had photoshoot in the airport and were having so much fun together. The photo below is Kyson showing Kellen a little children's song video to help him because Kellen was crying and ready for his bottle but the bus was coming. I'm so grateful for my travels with them, and I'm very excited about future ones. It can be hard and exhausting but it can also be so incredibly fun.
