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 Pieces
All-New Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa, 8
Samsung 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 Toy
Elloapic 7 Piece Children Educational Toy Colorful Wooden Brain Training Geometry Tangram Puzzle + one small gift
11 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 Pillow
Disney Finding Dory Micro Raschel Throw Blanket and Pillow Set
Zuwit 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 Fruits
Annies 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!
Bill Sweeney says
I don’t care what any child psychologist of family counselor says, bribery is absolutely a worthwhile parenting tactic. LOL. It works!
Melissa Chapman says
Great tips for traveling with the little ones especially sleep and snacks to keep them from getting fussy. I don’t have little ones anymore but these tips apply to bigger kids too on long trips.
Sarah Bailey says
These sound like some great tips, I can imagine that travelling with toddlers can be a bit manic so planning is key.
Meagan says
These are some really great tips. I absolutely adore that giant elephant!!
Vera Sweeney says
These are awesome tips! I always made sure we were completely squared away before any trip. Toddlers are adorable – until they become cranky monster. LOL
Pam says
We travel a lot with my granddaughter, who is a toddler now. I definitely agree that sometimes bribery is necessary.
Theresa says
I ain’t ashamed to admit that bribery was my #1 tool when it came to dealing with my kids and travel. And, plying them with lots and lots of snacks!
Amanda Love says
Snacks and entertainment are top priority when traveling with the kids. It’s really important that you have those, otherwise, it’s going to be a difficult journey, lol. These are great tips!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
This is a helpful post for some of the people in my family.
My sister-in-law in particular has four very young boys, yet she does travel with them.
I will be sure to share this post with her.
Jeanine says
Wonderful tips. Snacks and entertainment are a huge must. Even when we don’t go far for my kiddos!
Louise Bishop says
I had to laugh out loud when you said consider bribery. I have used bribery more times than I can count.