FIRST CIRCLE LEARNING CENTER • BLOG POST NO. 06
tips for
traveling
with children
the best advice?
be prepared,
be prepared,
be prepared!
general travel
- CLOTHES Wear comfortable, stretchy clothes and bring a change of clothes for children as well as adults.
- LUGGAGE Invest in a carryon bag or backpack with lots of compartments and use stick on labels so you’ll know where everything is.
- SUPPLIES Emergency supplies should include: Kleenex, paper towels, kitchen towels, wipes, quart/gallon size zip lock bags (to contain…….whatever)
- SNACKS Grapes, small crackers, small cheese slices, cheerios, and cereal packed in snack bags or small plastic containers are healthy, easy snacks.
- TOYS Bring toys and treats to dole out over the duration of the trip. Also try coloring apps and games on phones and tablets.
- TECH Charge phones and all gadgets ahead of time and pack chargers. Use “find my stuff apps” to keep track of easily lost items – phones, tablets, and cameras or attach a “Tile” ($20 online) to locate lost items.
- PAY ATTENTION Be extra alert while traveling as the combination of kids and luggage can be very distracting. Be aware of other travelers, and when traveling with more than one child, frequent head counts are a must.
- AVOID MELTDOWNS Lolli-pops may help prevent epic meltdowns; (regardless of how you feel about sweets) an occasional treat can save you from a screaming child.
airline travel
- CAR SEATS
Babies don’t require a separate seat on a plane if they are under 2 years old, but well traveled parents suggest that you buy a seat for your infant for long flights. Some airlines supply bassinets, call ahead to make arrangements and to find out airline policies and special services. You can also find your seat assignments online.
Car seat carriers fit nicely in an empty seat and are the safest way for an infant to travel on a plane. A baby car seat is best placed next to a window so it does not impede other passengers from getting around seats in an emergency.
If you can afford to pay for extra leg room, it makes it a lot easier for all concerned. - GETTING THERE
Pack enough diapers, snacks, and formula – and then some! (You never know when a flight might be delayed or a connecting flight missed.)
Get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight and allow at least 30 minutes to get through security.
Go right to your gate and get your gate check tickets for stroller or car seats; if you’re renting a car at your destination you can rent a car seat and avoid the hassle of bringing one from home. - THE AIRPORT
Don’t forget to print boarding passes and put them in your carry-on bag. Program phone numbers, hotel, Grandma’s, or neighbor in your phone in advance.
Let the kids burn off some of that excess energy in the lobby area or browse the airport gift shops.
Several child locator devices are available for little wanderers consisting of an ankle band that works with a phone app. You can also try something as simple as writing your phone number on the child’s arm. - THE FLIGHT
Take advantage of family boarding, but be aware this means extra time confined to your seats.
Feed baby at take off and landing to help ease the pressure on their ears.
Keep in mind the flight WILL end at some point; you may be able to distract toddlers with stories about who or what you will see when you reach your destination.
car travel
- Before starting on your trip make sure your vehicle is in good shape. Check tires, oil, all fluids and windshield washers.
- Some emergency supplies you may want to consider are: maps, battery jumper cables, a tow rope, emergency flares, blankets, energy bars, a spare tire and jack, rags, simple tools, a flashlight, kitty litter and a small shovel.
- Babies and toddlers are used to sitting in their car seats for short drives, but during a long trip they may get restless or feel too confined. If an adult or parent can sit in the back seat, it’s a lot easier to attend to the child’s needs, or distract them with simple toys.
- If the child is restless and really tired of being confined, it’s best to go to a rest stop for a break. A diaper change, food, and some freedom will put them in a much better frame of mind.
- Never take a child out of their car seat to feed in a moving vehicle; accidents can happen in a split second.
- Ask your doctor about motion sickness meds before giving them to your child.
