5 tips on Traveling with Toddlers | Motherhood Unplugged

We've been traveling as a couple since 2008 and when our first bundle of joy came along in 2012 I was all too excited to get his first passport. In fact, after 5 years of usage he just had to renew his baby passport. I kept it as a travel souvenir for when he is old enough to appreciate it. Phoenix took his first flight at 3 months old to my home city of New York to visit my family. As a new mom I did not know what to expect from a baby onboard but fortunately for us he was a dream travel companion. Read on for my tips on traveling with young children.

Booking Travel

When booking travel I would suggest choosing a departure time within 30 mins to their nap time. This will give you some semblance of peace after going through the TSA line, checking luggage and getting to your gate. Also if you can book a non-stop flight, which can be a bit more expensive, it will get you to your destination faster and you'll spend less time in a cramped space with a bouncing baby or toddler. My children prefer to sit in the window-seat so I make sure to book at least one if available. I also try to book a seat close enough to the bathroom because I know for certain that either myself or the children will need to use it at least once. Speaking of, changing a dirty baby diaper on a plane is not for the faint of heart so just be prepared with all your essentials within arms reach for just an occasion.

Before you Board

Try to arrive early enough so that you are not in a rush. Let them walk as much as possible throughout the checkin process so that they can get out some of the 'wiggles' prior to having to sit still on the aircraft. Check to see if your terminal has a kid friendly zone for them to use or simply allow them to play at a gate that is unoccupied. My kids also enjoy watching the planes through the windows and looking at the art exhibits located within the terminals.

Boarding

Just recently I started to record film for our Youtube channel so I am always conscious of opportunities to capture a great moment like walking to through the terminal and the on boarding process. I have finally graduated to no longer needing a stroller although my 3 year old does get tired and we tend to carry him if needed. One of the awesome perks of having a stroller + children is that you can board early; however I tend not to do this anymore, especially if my husband is there to assist because that means we will be on the plane a lot longer than necessary. Having a baby carrier instead of a stroller is also a great option for moms with newborns through a 20lb baby. You have the option of free hands to do everything from hand your ticket to the gate agent, breastfeed or drink a much needed cup of coffee.

In Flight Entertainment

My children are very much into nature, all things related to insects, bugs and other creepy crawly things so I tend to let them bring along toys that will keep them entertained in their backpacks. Recently I packed a small folder for them both filled with slime in a container, flash cards, colored pencils, blank notebook and bandaids. This was an inexpensive yet very effective tool to keep them busy because it was NEW to them and contained things that kept their attention. I am not into a lot of tech time for my kids but we do bring along an iPad programmed with games and movies for them to enjoy. The last thing you want on a flight is for the plane not to have visual programming and you to have forgotten some yourself. A bored toddler on a flight can be a nightmare for you and the others around you. To this point, it is imperative that you keep their belongings for entertainment and potty time under their seat so you don't have to get it out of the overhead compartment in case of turbulence or an emergency. If you need to stretch your legs you can also let them walk around the aircraft if the captain has cleared the seatbelt sign.

Let me know any great tips you may have that helps traveling with kids easier.

Happy Travels!

#travel