Travelling with a toddler can be difficult.
They aren’t young enough to sleep through the plane or car ride, and they’re not old enough to understand when it is time to relax.
However, there are some ways to make travelling so much easier.
Once you have packed your clothes, girls and boys trainers, and everything you need for a holiday, this list will ensure you remember everything else you need for an easy and stress-free flight or car ride.
Use a Car Seat for Road Trips
The first thing you should pack for a road trip is a car seat.
Beyond the safety aspects, it will keep your child comfortable and stop them from getting too rowdy in the back seat.
However, they also need to stretch their legs, so once they start getting a bit riled up, stop the car and have a walkabout.
Have a Meal Beforehand
Young kids get far more emotional when they are hungry compared to adults.
They can quickly become uncooperative and disruptive when hungry; therefore, having a meal before you set off is essential.
Don’t let them fill up on dessert and candy, though; keep the meal healthy, as that will ensure they are full but won’t get spikes of energy at the wrong time.
Bring Snacks
Speaking of food, always have a few bags of snacks close to hand.
Not only is it a good way to distract and relax your child, but they are sure to get hungry on a long car ride or flight.
Snacks can also be a lifesaver on long-haul flights.
Considering aeroplane food isn’t always the best unless you’re in first class, there is a chance your child just won’t like what is on offer.
They can’t go nine or ten hours without eating, and this is where snacks will make the difference.
Get Them Tired
One of the easiest ways to get a child to calm down or be more relaxed is to get them sleepy.
If you are travelling during the day, ensure you have a good dose of playtime with lots of physical activity before heading to the airport or getting into the car.
Depending on when you are leaving, it is also a good idea to delay nap time by a couple of hours.
If you are lucky, your child could fall asleep the second they are in their seat.
Bring Simple Bedding
Like most of us, an uncomfortable seat is not conducive to having a nap.
It is a bit different for your child, though, as they are small enough to make a rather comfy sleeping nook within the confines of an aeroplane seat.
Therefore, bring a blanket and a pillow and set up their seat in a way that is cosy and relaxing.
Being a bit warm and feeling like they are in their bed allows them to relax quickly and easily.
Don’t Forget Their Favourite Toys
No matter what the toy may be, as long as it is allowed on the flight and is small enough to pack, let them take it.
Young children are nervous or scared of new environments, and considering a flight is scary for some adults, how do you think they may feel?
Bringing a toy that they love gives them a connection to something they know and are comfortable with, which is either their bedroom or play area.
You also don’t know if they have a strong emotional connection to a toy, which some kids do, and having it will calm them and put them at ease.
Keep Activities Calm
The last thing you want to do is to pack games or activities that will get your child excited and hyped up.
Therefore, keep activities simple and relaxing; pack a few crayons and markers, some blank paper or a colouring book.
Audiobooks are also an option, but ensure that you keep control of the tablet or phone you use as an unneeded distraction would only be a few clicks away.
Save the Best Distraction for Last
Speaking of tablets, every parent probably has that last resort distraction that they save when things get very difficult.
Nowadays, it is usually a tablet or phone that has a few of your child’s favourite games downloaded onto it.
While something like this may get the best results, it should be the last resort, as your child will get bored of it at some point.
Also, depending on the game, there is a good chance they could get a bit too over-stimulated and over-excited.
Keep Calm
Finally, some parents tend to build up travelling with their kids in their head; will they behave, will they sleep, will they listen to me when I need them to?
These are all questions that go through your head before stepping onto the plane.
The best thing to do is to try to stay calm and keep it fun; your child will sense if you are tense, and they don’t know how to handle that yet.
Therefore, try to stay relaxed and keep everything calm, including your voice and tone; this will keep those around you relaxed as well.
