Well... We're home. Came back on Friday and saw our home and nearly passed out from joy. Traveling with a toddler is not for the faint of heart. Here are a few tips we tried and liked.
First would be to plan your trip with a break in mind. On the way down we stopped half way and ate at a sit down restaurant. He got a nice break from being in the car. But if you are planning on flying with a bunch of time in the airport- just find a way to take a break from it all. It could be breaking out the coloring books or a special walk around the terminal. Just do something to have fun.
This one is so obvious but check the weather and plan accordingly. Then plan if they are wrong. The weather forecast is always wrong in my book. Also pack 2-3 more outfits than you think you need. If you change your mind or need something dressier- you have it. Also kids make messes and you might not have access to a washing machine.
Bring anything that makes you feel at home and really happy taking care of your toddler. For me- that is my Aden + Anais skin and hair care stuff. We really love the scent and it works well. It helps me feel a little like normal! Also bring along a few door knob covers and electrical outlets. Door latches or anything like that can be a life saver. It is a really nice feeling to not have to watching them 100% of the time.
We packed one pair of shoes and multiples of socks and his bogs. Hat and Gloves- basically anything we figured he could need. I just brought him his own suitcase and made a packing list so we didn't forget anything.
Sleep Arrangements...
Toddlers and Babies need safe places to sleep. We had the hardest time figuring out what to get for Sammy while out of town. My grandfather has been sick so we've been traveling more than usual. We decided to get the Joovy Moon Room because it did not have a weight limit and Sammy had outgrown his standard pack and play. We had Amazon ship it to my grandparents house so he has a place to sleep and we don't have to stress about it. It comes with a sheet and we generally bring a pillow. I bring his Aden and Anais dream and a couple swaddle blankets so he feels at home and really cozy.
Bring your monitor. It is a hassle but just bring it.
Odds and Ends
Bring toys if the place you are heading does not have any they can play with. Plan some activities for when things get stressful. Does the town you are visiting have a mall? They probably have a toddler play area or a local library sometimes are great places to go and hang out. Just figure out 2-3 little things you can do to give everyone a break and give you a break.
Don't be afraid to be mean about their schedule. No one is going to make those plans for you- no one thinks about that little kid that needs that nap or needs to get to bed before too much longer. One night Sammy was up all night because his sleep schedule was so off. That was a fun next day for sure...
The biggest thing I did to make travel easy was that I came home on a Friday so Sammy had a couple of days to rest up and get back onto schedule for school. I am so glad I did that because it really made a difference. He needed that rest badly.
Hope your travels are great! Planning ahead a bit can make the difference between a disaster and a fun time away from home.
First would be to plan your trip with a break in mind. On the way down we stopped half way and ate at a sit down restaurant. He got a nice break from being in the car. But if you are planning on flying with a bunch of time in the airport- just find a way to take a break from it all. It could be breaking out the coloring books or a special walk around the terminal. Just do something to have fun.
This one is so obvious but check the weather and plan accordingly. Then plan if they are wrong. The weather forecast is always wrong in my book. Also pack 2-3 more outfits than you think you need. If you change your mind or need something dressier- you have it. Also kids make messes and you might not have access to a washing machine.
Bring anything that makes you feel at home and really happy taking care of your toddler. For me- that is my Aden + Anais skin and hair care stuff. We really love the scent and it works well. It helps me feel a little like normal! Also bring along a few door knob covers and electrical outlets. Door latches or anything like that can be a life saver. It is a really nice feeling to not have to watching them 100% of the time.
We packed one pair of shoes and multiples of socks and his bogs. Hat and Gloves- basically anything we figured he could need. I just brought him his own suitcase and made a packing list so we didn't forget anything.
Sleep Arrangements...
Toddlers and Babies need safe places to sleep. We had the hardest time figuring out what to get for Sammy while out of town. My grandfather has been sick so we've been traveling more than usual. We decided to get the Joovy Moon Room because it did not have a weight limit and Sammy had outgrown his standard pack and play. We had Amazon ship it to my grandparents house so he has a place to sleep and we don't have to stress about it. It comes with a sheet and we generally bring a pillow. I bring his Aden and Anais dream and a couple swaddle blankets so he feels at home and really cozy.
Bring your monitor. It is a hassle but just bring it.
Odds and Ends
Bring toys if the place you are heading does not have any they can play with. Plan some activities for when things get stressful. Does the town you are visiting have a mall? They probably have a toddler play area or a local library sometimes are great places to go and hang out. Just figure out 2-3 little things you can do to give everyone a break and give you a break.
Don't be afraid to be mean about their schedule. No one is going to make those plans for you- no one thinks about that little kid that needs that nap or needs to get to bed before too much longer. One night Sammy was up all night because his sleep schedule was so off. That was a fun next day for sure...
The biggest thing I did to make travel easy was that I came home on a Friday so Sammy had a couple of days to rest up and get back onto schedule for school. I am so glad I did that because it really made a difference. He needed that rest badly.
Hope your travels are great! Planning ahead a bit can make the difference between a disaster and a fun time away from home.
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