FIRST CIRCLE LEARNING CENTER • BLOG POST NO. 01
travel tips with children
general travel
• Wear comfortable, stretchy clothes & bring a change of clothes for children as well as adults.
• Invest in a carryon bag or backpack with lots of compartments and use stick on labels so you’ll know where everything is.
• Emergency supplies should include: Kleenex, paper towels, kitchen towels, wipes, quart/gallon size zip lock bags (to contain…….whatever)
• Grapes, small crackers, small cheese slices, cheerios & cereal packed in snack bags or small plastic containers are healthy, easy snacks.
• Bring toys & treats to dole out over the duration of the trip. Also try coloring apps & games on phones & tablets.
• Charge phones & all gadgets ahead of time & pack chargers. Use “find my stuff apps” to keep track of easily lost items – phones, tablets & cameras or attach a “Tile” ($20 on line) to locate lost items.
• Be extra alert while traveling as the combination of kids & luggage can be very distracting. Be aware of other travelers, & when traveling with more than one child, frequent head counts are a must.
• Lolli-pops may help prevent epic meltdowns; (regardless of how you feel about sweets) an occasional treat can save you from the ultimate embarrassment of a screaming child.
airline travel
• 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 & to find out airline policies & special services. You can also find your seat assignments on line.
• Car seat carriers fit nicely in an empty seat & 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.
• Pack enough diapers, snacks, & 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 & 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 & avoid the hassle of bringing one from home.
• Let the kids burn off some of that excess energy in the lobby area or browse the airport gift shops.
• Take advantage of family boarding, but be aware this means extra time confined to your seats.
• Feed baby at take off & landing to help ease the pressure on baby’s 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.
• Don’t forget to print boarding passes & put them in your carryon bag. Program phone numbers, hotel, Grandma’s, or neighbor in your phone in advance.
• 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.
