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Six Things You Need to Prepare for Travelling with a Toddler

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“In America, there are two classes of travel: first-class and with children.” — Robert Benchley

For those who have traveled with toddlers (not infants), I salute you. Packing numerous peoples luggage, cleaning the home, and making a million to-do and to-pack list’s before you head off on holidays can be very overwhelming. Some may even say it’s crazy, others would say ‘brave’.

I’ll be the first to admit I am a terrible packer. I either pack far too-little, or far too much. Now to take into consideration all the extra clothes and miscellaneous items you’ll need for your child… bring on the anxiety.

If you’re anything like me and the idea of travelling with your kids makes you want to cringe, I’ve compiled a checklist to help ease the process. Wish me luck!

How to prepare yourself:

1. Take your time

I think any parent understand children are slow, things happen that usually always make you late. Toddler’s are on their own time. They like to explore, cause havoc, and ultimately don’t care when you’re in a rush. Make sure to add in more time for bathroom breaks and tantrums.

2. Load up on apps

Ah the joys of technology – a love, hate relationship we all share. Bringing an iPad or leapfrog is going to be much easier than stuffing your luggage full of toys. Of course if your child has a favourite stuffy, toy, or book, bring it – but everything in moderation. The less stuff the better.

3. Be prepared for the climate
This comes as a no brainer. Regardless if you’re going to somewhere that’s ridiculously hot or cold – be prepared for anything. I always pack one or two outfits of the opposite season as a precaution. Weather can change on a dime and it’s better to be safe than sorry.


4. Remember the medicine
Regardless if you’re traveling by car, plane, or boat and the duration of that trip, always remember some sort of medicine for the little ones. Kids can also become jet-lagged, picky to new cuisine, and catch a bug. Suggestions: infant tylenol, benadryl, baby gravol.

5. Keep the activities coming
Similar to loading the iPad up with apps, kids can only handle so much screentime. If you’re on a long road trip or flight, give them a new toy or game every hour or so to keep things interesting. Colouring books, stickers, handheld puzzles, and wordsearches are great activities to have stashed away.

6. Wipes
Any parent knows that wipes are the best invention. They clean up spills, messy hands and faces, bums, surfaces, the list goes on! They’re easy to pack and store and good to whip out in any type of situation.

 


 

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