Wait…We’re Bringing the Baby? Tips for Traveling With Young Kids Mandy Voisin June 12, 2017 Family Travel, Travel Tips This post was last updated on June 1, 2023. “Travel while you can, because once you have kids you won’t be able to.” How many times have you heard that? Too many to count, right? It’s really easy to believe these words and to wait until your kids get older in order to travel again. However, starting a family doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put your wanderlust on hold. Whether you’re a rookie parent aching to explore the world or a seasoned mom or dad who hasn’t traveled much since having children, here are some tips to make the endeavor of traveling with kids a bit easier. Start Packing a Week Before Yes, you may trip over said suitcase in the middle of the night when you wake up to feed the baby, but you will also remember things you definitely would have left at home if you started packing the day before. Things like a hat for the baby, sunscreen (which you should always bring with you), bug spray, and headphones. You’re far less likely to forget something you might need if you start early. Packing cubes are also tremendously helpful when traveling with kids. They keep everyone’s clothing separate and allow you to sort the dirty clothes from the clean clothes as you go. Bring Whatever You Might Need People who like to pack light will have a hard time traveling with kids. As you know from being a parent, you can never tell what’s going to prevent a tantrum or stop a meltdown, so it’s better to overpack. Of course, you should bring your child’s comfort items like pacifiers and blankets. Most of them don’t take up that much space and are so nice to have on planes and in novel situations. We have a special bag we fill with all of the things we could need while traveling with kids and pretty much just pull it out when we travel. Also, children’s fever medicine, a thermometer, and a small first-aid kit are all good ideas. Whenever Possible, Book Two Rooms It’s hard for everyone in the family to sleep in one room. Not only will the kids be able to see you after you put them down, but then you have to go to bed, or at least pretend to for awhile, until they are asleep. So, whenever possible, ask to either upgrade to a suite or book an multi-room apartment on Airbnb, so you can have separate sleeping quarters. The kids will sleep better. You will sleep better. Everyone wins. Be Ready to Adjust Your Itinerary Something else you probably already know as a parent is that you often need to leave places at a moment’s notice when a child starts to cry or needs to use the bathroom. So choose your sightseeing spots wisely. A two-year-old can be a true nightmare in museums. Like a “touch priceless works of art and get us kicked out of the National Gallery in London” kind of nightmare. So , be ready to adjust your itinerary accordingly. Visit the zoo instead of museums in London. Go on nature hikes in Zurich. Play for hours at the park at the base of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Who knows? You might be able to come back someday and visit these museums on your own…with no children in sight! Avoid Certain Types of Toys Many kids might not be willing to part with their favorite toy, but certain types of items just cause a bigger headache for their parents. Toys with small parts are less than ideal for air travel as pieces can go missing during your trip. Seasoned parents advise sticking to simple toys like stuffed animals and coloring books as these items can be easily tracked and will be sure to occupy your kids for hours on end. Presenting your child with a new toy every so often during your trip is another great way to make sure that they stay well-behaved throughout your vacation. Simple surprise gifts further add to the excitement of your child’s experience and ensures that they have a great time and make lasting memories. Choose a Direct Flight A common money-saving travel hack is to plan a few layovers on your trip to cut down on costs. While this tactic is sure to save you some big bucks, it can also lead to a potentially nightmarish scenario for parents with kids. Infants and toddlers crave routine and time to release pent up energy, two things that are often dearly missed in the hurly burly nature of air travel. A trip with even one connecting flight runs the risk of a multitude of delays, turning your dream vacation into a mess with a screaming baby at your side. Although more expensive, picking a direct flight to your destination minimizes the amount of time your family has to wait around at the airport, making your trip a more bearable experience for you and your kids. While direct flights are best for families in most situations, there’s one exception to this rule. When taking flights of extreme length — such as a trip from New York to Hawaii — a quick layover can do wonders for children by allowing them the opportunity to walk around and decompress before undertaking the final leg of their adventure in the skies. You may also like: How to Save Money While Traveling with Kids Choose an Airline with Kid-Friendly Perks Picking an airline with kid-friendly perks helps you and your family start your vacation off on the right track. Happy kids are not just a relief for parents, they also make the jobs of flight attendants all the easier too. While the most common type of perk for flyers with children is the advantage of being able to board first, airlines offer a multitude of benefits for families. Special family lounges at many terminals help keep children entertained and give parents a chance to take a breather before heading for their flight. Many airlines also offer complimentary diapers and other basic childcare necessities, as well as special TV and movie options, free candy, and gifts like toys and stuffed animals. Pick the Right Stroller For many parents, their child’s stroller is crucial. However, keep in mind that, although a stroller with all the bells and whistles might be perfect for the hustle and bustle of everyday errands, smaller, sleeker models can make your vacation much easier. In addition to being able to navigate crowded airport concourses with ease, many travel-size strollers are so lightweight and foldable that they can fit in a plane’s overhead luggage space. Parents who feel that travel-size strollers are not for them also have several options for their regular stroller. Checking your stroller at the gate is a straightforward option for travelers. Airport staff can return it to you at your destination. Parents choosing to check their stroller are encouraged to store it in a protective bag to shield it from any potential damage or grime during the flight. Are you a young parent who’s pursued your globetrotting dreams with your kids? Got any additional tips? Leave them in our comments section below.
