Travel with Toddlers: 5 Tips for Getting There without Tearing Out Your Hair

Toddlers have lots of energy. In fact, they may have more energy than their parents, if they've just had a nap and they are cooped up in an airplane or carseat for hours at a time. And once they reach their destination, a whole new set of challenges begin. So what's a parent to do? Here are five tips for keeping your toddler happy during vacations and long trips, whether on the road or through the air. 1. The most important thing when traveling with toddlers is proper preparation. Have plenty of activities on hand, as well as snacks and drinks during the trip. By all means, stay away from sugary snacks and drinks, which can amp up your child's energy when you least want it to. 2. Keep your child busy. Pack your child's old favorites, as well as a fresh new activity book and pack of crayons or colored pencils. You'll want your child's favorite book, as well as soft blanket to cuddle up in. A little snuggle time with mom or dad or an extra afternoon nap can make a big difference in your child's mood. If nothing else seems to work to calm your child, try simply reducing the stimuli around your child for 20 minutes or so. Take her on a quiet stroller ride or take her into a quiet room and hold her or rock her until she either falls asleep or you can see her tension start to subside. 3. Encourage your child to wash his or hands often. Wipe down grocery carts, rented strollers, and other surfaces with antibacterial wipes when possible. With your child's new sleeping and eating habits, she might be more susceptible to illnesses and you don't want to cap off your trip with a sick kid. 4. Do your best to stay calm, no matter what. You know how children tend to mirror your emotions, and that is never more true than when they are away from the comforts and routine of home. If you encounter delays during your journey or if your child shows signs of a meltdown, keep your voice steady and talk soothingly. Gently rub your toddler's back and sing a song softly. This can do wonders to soothe both your nerves. 5. Keep in mind that your child might need more sleep than normal. On vacations, families tend to go, go, go – but a small child can easily become overwhelmed and overstimulated, especially with new sites, smells, tastes and noises. When visiting relatives and friends who don't have toddlers themselves, be polite but firm about respecting your child's naptimes and bedtimes. The more you can manage to keep your toddler in a predictable routine, the more likely she'll be to take the journey in stride. Few things are as fun and rewarding as discovering the world anew through your toddler's eyes. Enjoy this special time, take lots of photos, and enjoy the adventure.