Tips For Travel With Littles
Family vacations can make lasting magical memories! But traveling to the actual destination can be difficult with little ones, especially if you’re not prepared. Between your mindset, preparation, and convenient products- you can make getting to your destination much more doable!
Save the screen time
While screens can be very helpful in keeping the kids distracted while traveling, when used too early on it can cause antsy and restless energy! I recommend saving the screens until you REALLY need them! Use coloring books, stickers, and crafts before using technology. It can be fun to pack a special backpack for each child filled with activities for them to do during the flight, as well as each of their favorite snacks. Here are some activities I recommend!
ADDRESS EAR PRESSURE
The pressure that flights put on little one’s ears during take-off and landing can cause severe pain! I recommend having your baby nurse, drink a bottle, or suck on a pacifier during take-off and landing. For older children I will usually give them a lollipop or hard candy (I love these lollipops because they are sugar-free and tasty) to suck on to help open up the eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in their little ears! Nothing is worse than a little one suffering from ear pain during travel so I try to prevent it the best I can.
TIME YOUR FLIGHTS TO ALIGN WITH YOUR KIDS SCHEDULE
If you can, aim for DIRECT flights! It is so much more convenient to not have to take-off and land multiple times, on top of exiting and boarding the plane more than once. Shoot for mid-morning or early afternoon flights when kids tend to not be as cranky and tired. Try to avoid flying during nap time unless you are sure your child can actually fall asleep anywhere! It is also key to book your seats early so your family can sit together.
UTILIZE THE ENVIRONMENT
It’s important to use all of the space in an airport to your advantage by allowing the kids to run and play and use their energy so that sitting for a long stretch of time on the flight won’t be as difficult. You can create an obstacle course using the moving walkways and empty gates to create a fun way to burn their energy! We also love to explore all of the shops in our terminal and allow the kids to have a snack of their choice from the food court.
LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND REMAIN CALM
Traveling with kids is not easy, and let’s face it: you won’t be able to control everything! It is important to make sure your needs are taken care of (make sure you are well-rested beforehand and that you have eaten a filling meal) so that you can keep your cool. Also, remember to let go of the guilt (you aren’t ruining someone else’s flight!) Celebrate the little wins (only one tantrum, yay!) Don’t try to be perfect because it won’t happen. Lastly, don’t forget to BREATHE mama- you’re doing great!
Once you get to your destination it will be well worth it!
The special memories you will cherish forever that you make while vacationing as a family will be well worth the stress and effort of travel, I promise! Here is a link to a few more travel items and activities I recommend having on hand.
