Top Tips for Traveling with Toddlers

The season for traveling has arrived, summer time! For parents of toddlers this can be exciting as well as frightening at the same time. Toddlers are unpredictable and often think the world revolves around them. Toddlers are famous for having little patience and are often uncertain how to handle emotions. This can raise some concerns when it comes to planning a travel excursion with toddlers, but that doesn’t mean you have to cancel plans. You can travel with toddlers and have fun, believe me! Today I am sharing the top tips for traveling with toddlers, so that you can plan a great vacation this summer season without too many mishaps.

Entertainment is necessary!

While you won’t want an overstimulated toddler traveling with you, there’s something to be said in favor of bringing along mild entertainment for those boring moments. Traveling to the destination of your choice may seem exciting for you, but it’s not so much fun for your toddler. Toddlers want to hop in the car, hit a button and arrive at the destination! This waiting game of driving, flying or taking a train isn’t so entertaining for the younger crew. Consider bringing entertainment such as coloring, books and a tablet or portable DVD player along with your toddler’s favorite movies so they can be entertained with minimal effort from you.

NAVISKAUTO 10.1TFY Car Headrest Mount for Portable DVD Player – 2 PiecesAll-New Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa, 8Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T580NZKAXAR 10.1-Inch 16 GB, Tablet (Black)

Consider bribery.

Many parents don’t condone bribery but what’s a parent to do when they are about to embark on a long journey to their destination? Consider wrapping up small trinkets that your toddler can open up along the way. Think about these ideas as a reward system for good behavior. If little gifts aren’t your thing, perhaps use other methods of rewarding such as allowing them to peek out the window for a period of time if they sit still for a long duration. There are other creative ways to bribe your child, so to speak, without giving gifts. Plan ahead of time how you will reward their good behavior and let them know what expectations are before the trip begins. You will want to go over these expectations several times both before and during the trip.

Miffy Character Rabbit Plush Doll (White/SS Size)Snow&Stella Interactive Snow Plush ToyElloapic 7 Piece Children Educational Toy Colorful Wooden Brain Training Geometry Tangram Puzzle + one small gift11 inch Soft Body Caucasian Doll in Gift Box – 11

 

Bring a pillow and a blanket.

Your toddler may get tired if you are traveling a long distance to your destination, so please consider bringing their favorite pillow and blanket if possible. It’s important that your toddler feels comfortable while traveling and is able to take a decent nap. Overtired toddlers will have even more difficulties at controlling their emotions. Try to maintain as much of their daily routine as you can and this includes nap time. If you will be in route to your destination during nap time, then the pillow and blanket will become necessary items to pack.

Disney Toddler Pillow and Blanket Set, FrozenNaturally Nature Stuffed Plush Elephant Pillow – 24 inches, Grey with Blanket Baby PillowDisney Finding Dory Micro Raschel Throw Blanket and Pillow SetZuwit 3 in 1 Bear Travel Blanket & Hand Warm & Pillow Set Adults Kids Throw Pillow Cushion

 

Bring Snacks

The next worst thing to an overtired toddler is a hungry toddler. Consider packing snacks that will keep your toddler full longer and aren’t full of sugar. After all, you don’t want a hyper toddler, you just want a hunger satisfied toddler so that they can have some self-control. Snacks to consider bringing are ones that aren’t choking concerns and are packed with protein as well as natural sugars such as nuts, fruits and veggie sticks. Pack snacks that won’t require refrigeration because an ice pack in a lunch box will only keep things cool for so long.

Sahale Snacks All Natural Nut Blends Grab And Go Variety Pack (1.5 oz x 12 Packs) with 2 x 2Crispy Green 100% Freeze-Dried FruitsAnnies Homegrown Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks Variety Pack 0.8 Oz (24 ct)Austin Cookies and Crackers Variety Pack

There you have it – top tips for traveling with toddlers. You see, it’s all about ensuring they are entertained, have nap time, feel self-pride in their behavior and ultimately have snacks to keep their tummy from growling. Traveling with toddlers can be quite the experience but once you master it one time, you can master it every time!

Got any tried and true tips to share? We’d love to hear them in the comments!!