Traveling with young kids can be such an enriching experience and create so many family memories but so many shy away from it because they’re scared and it can be overwhelming. I’m with ya but I choose to make it work and maybe I can help you along the way. If you’ve ever traveled with kids you know you’ll take all the tips and help you can get. Personally, I want to order a drink the second I step off the plane. I’m no expert but I’ve been traveling with kids since Keatyn was 6 weeks old so I feel like 6+ years is enough to warrant a blog post, don’t you? I mean 6 and under are the hardest ages to travel with anyways. If I give my 6-year-old a coloring book and an iPad, we are golden. Let’s dive into it…
Traveling with Young Kids – Tip #1
Be prepared for the flight.
I know that sounds super predictable and you’re like “uh yeah ok thanks Ashley.” What I mean is take account of all the little things.
- Travel time is important. I think early flights are best because that’s basically the best time of day for my children’s behavior. Nap time can be russian roulette because yeah they could fall asleep during the flight OR they could be terrors because they’re tired. Who knows. I’ve tested better with early flights or second option around bedtime because they’re moe likely to fall asleep then as opposed to nap time.
- Have the kids wear shoes with velcro straps or slip on sneakers. I don’t know how many times I’ve had to stop and tie Keatyn’s shoes while running around an airport. Ain’t nobody got time to be tie a bunch of kids shoes while trying to catch a flight.
- Backpacks. Backpacks will be your best friend. I unfortunately have been that person who tries to wear a purse or a shoulder bag while running through an airport… Let me tell ya, it really starts to wear on your shoulder. They make backpacks for a reason, aka they give a lot of relief when carrying them. Thankfully I made the switch to a backpack diaper bag with Charlie but it’s also really cute so I actually want to carry it and I probably will even when I no longer need to for her. I also love this weekender diaper bag that has separated packing totes for diaper bag necessities and it attaches to luggage for relief. Speaking of that backpack…
- Pack the right things for the plane ride. Snacks and lots of snacks. I don’t know about your kids my kids definitely stop what they’re doing to eat and I personally do not want to pay the outrageous prices at the airport. Clearly you will have to purchase their drinks there but as far as snacks go pack a really good snack bag for them to enjoy on the flight. Some suggestions would be bunny crackers, dried fruit, dried cereal, granola bars all packed into small Ziploc bags. You can also pack a last resort treat for your kids like M&Ms or suckers as that will probably distract them and it can also be a fun game.
- Distractions. It varies with age but I would definitely bring some small toys to entertain them on the plane but nothing too annoying where the people around you will want to strangle you. For babies bring some little rattles and , for young toddlers bring an iPad (and headphones for kids) with Barney or some preschool show and games pre-downloaded on it (trust me I’ve learned this trial & error. Download it the night before) and some crayons and coloring books, for older kids the iPad will also work along with stickers. A few more suggestions: books, stamps, crossword puzzle’s, handheld video games.
- Things I do not suggest you bring with you as toys: cars or things they have to play with on a surface (let’s be honest it will probably be on the seat in front of them or the tray table and the person in front of you simply will not like that.), toy guns (you would think that would be common sense however just throwing it out there so you don’t get stuck and a complete check down when going through security), anything that makes annoying sounds or is too loud.
- Utensils: snack cups, sippy cups, plastic spoons, a couple of bottles for the flight if you use them, a formula divider so you don’t have to pack the entire can. (if you breast-feed then you’re all set)
- Pack Diapers etc. If traveling with children still in diapers make sure to bring a days worth of diapers and maybe a few extra plus plenty of baby wipes because they are so versatile and can be used to wipe hands etc. Bring a wet/dry bag to put dirty diapers or soiled clothes in and a changing pad.
- Necessities: passports and travel documents (The child’s birth certificate if they are traveling under the age of two on your lap), any medications your child may need make sure to write information on the bottle and separate any liquids.
- Dress accordingly. Wear comfy clothes. I wish I could be that girl who sashays through the airport looking all glam but alas I’m not. If I’m sitting on a plane for more than an hour momma has to dress for comfort. Roomy jeans, leggings, yoga pants you get the gist. Dress the kids comfy and roomy too and don’t forget to pack a light sweater or blanket because it can get chilly. Also a neck rest for a sleeping child is awesome if you can fit it.
- Travel harness for toddler. I know some people are weird about these (I had similar thoughts pre children) and I agree if someone is jerking the kid around my the “leash” but it’s a necessity if I’m traveling with a walking toddler in a busy airport. I’d rather get judgmental looks than someone taking her or her getting hurt. Plus it doubles as a backpack for Charlie and she thinks it’s fun and makes her look like a big girl. It’s your kids and their safety, don’t let others keep you from that.
- Speaking of Charlie, since she uses a pacifier still it reminded me: Pacifiers. If your toddler or baby uses a pacifier bring like 3. They drop them and you can’t rinse it off, you’re gonna wish you had a back up because airports are nasty. Keep it safe in a pacifier pocket for easy access.
- Stroller. Luckily Charlie does still let me push her in the stroller for the most part but we have learned through Keatyn to not bring the bulky stroller on vacation. They check it at the gate and you want something easy and lightweight. I suggest a lightweight stroller like this or this. Super easy to close up and open. I also keep a stroller saddle bag on the front to keep snacks or easy access things close to me.
Traveling with Young Kids Tip #2
Pack accordingly and smart.
Matt packs his entire trip in his backpack luggage. (Best gift idea for a guy who travels btw) Kudos to him but since I pack way more it’s not functional for me. I usually will pack a large suitcase and a smaller one that will attach on the suitcase for Charlie if we are there more than 4 days. If it’s shorter I pack her and I in the same suitcase. Keatyn has her own because she can carry it. We recently came across Ebag travel packing cubes and it’s been a lifesaver when separating our things. Kid’s accessories and even their clothes are so tiny and easy to lose. I have three different colors to separate all of us girl’s stuff and it makes unpacking a breeze. I use the little ones for socks and underwear, headbands and hair accessories. I use the mid-sized one for my toiletries and hair dryer/curling irons etc, their swimsuits and shoes. I use the largest ones to separate my shirts, shorts, jeans etc and all of their clothing. They really are so convenient. One of the things that used to stress me out the most during vacations and traveling is feeling unorganized and this has definitely helped. I just scoured their website and they have 20% off right now too.
I also pack a travel safety baby proof kit. One of my biggest stress factors while vacationing is the fact that most places are clearly not baby proofed. This helps ease some of that stress at least. Plus it’s small and doesn’t take up much room.
Don’t forget to pack: car seat or booster seat or make sure your rental car has those available to reserve. You can find a car seat travel bag for those to travel with easy.
Traveling with Young Kids Tip #3
Schedule, schedule, schedule.
This can be tricky I’ll admit, but it is so important to try to keep your children on schedule as close as you can for your sanity. Especially with babies and toddlers it can genuinely affect their mood in every type of way. Try to keep their feeding and sleep as close to usual as you can and keep them comfortable.
Traveling with Young Kids Tip #4
Allow downtime wiggle room in your schedule.
Children need to release energy especially if they have spent significant time in a stroller or in an infant carrier. Let them run around and play. Allow your older children to pick some of the activities so they feel like they’re part of the planning. It is something small but it will mean so much to them in the long run.
Traveling with Young Kids Tip #5
Make memories.
Take lots of pictures, film videos of the beautiful moments you guys are sharing together. Start a travel journal for you document all of the specific memories from the trip. I’m still young mother so I can’t speak on looking back on memories of my children so much but I do think of my own childhood memories and how I can barely remember specific moments in time. I love looking at old photos of trips that I took with my dad and seeing the little sentences they wrote on the back of each picture. How cool is that now that we can document every single moment thanks to technology. Embrace it, your children will thank you down the road.
Ok you’re ready. Well in my eyes anyway. Go forth and attempt travel with the kids. You got this momma. If I missed any little tricks you think I should include send em my way for me to add in. Xo.
