The terrible twos and threes don’t take a vacation just because the family decides to go on a trip. The terribles come along as part of the baggage, and sometimes they are even worse than at home. I find this age to be the most challenging when traveling with kids, but I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge.
Even during the difficult toddler years, we kept right on traveling with our kids and just gritted through the tantrums that invaded the experience. Looking back, I wouldn’t have changed that plan for the world because it was the training ground for teaching my kids to be good travelers in the future. I think traveling, both near and far, when my kids were little was also a sanity saver for me. If I had waited at home until they got old enough to behave themselves in public, I might still be waiting. Getting out and about gave us all a chance to explore new surroundings and work on new skills (like not falling on the ground when we don’t get our way.)
In the traveling with toddler years, I learned a few tricks for making it easier and even fun (I swear!) to travel with toddlers.
1. Plan your day with your child’s interests in mind. Start the day with a fun toddler activity and plan for something fun later in the day too. It’s okay if the whole day isn’t about them, but make sure you throw in some little kid interest throughout the day.
2. Invest in a great baby carrier. Even at two, some toddlers still love to ride in a carrier with mom or dad. My hands down favorite is the Ergo, both for versatility and comfort. Being in a carrier gets kids out of the stroller and makes them feel like they are part of the action.
3. Let them walk. Of course you didn’t bring your stroller just to haul around your diaper bag, but lots of toddler will just want to walk. It will slow you down somewhat, but letting toddlers walk gives them independence and wears them out. A win-win, especially at bedtime.
4. Collect special stroller treats and toys. There will be some times when you will need your toddler to ride in the stroller. Keep a small bag handy with extra special snacks and toys that will entice your little one to sit for a few moments.
5. Eat early and often. Full bellies make happy travelers. Nuff said.
6. Divide and conquer. If you are traveling with more than one adult, give one adult toddler duty while the other enjoys traveling with the other kids or alone. Meet up often to trade duties and keep each parent fresh.
~Dad's turn to man the stroller in the art museum~
7. Relax your standards. Even if you banish movies and candy at home, a little treat on the road can be your best friend. Movies are great for long car rides. Lollipops are a perfect treat for times when you need to keep little mouths quiet for a few minutes.
8. When things get tough, sing a song. Toddlers love to sing. An aptly chosen song can stop a meltdown in its tracks or make a difficult transition a little easier.
9. Stop and act silly. The sheer exhaustion of traveling with a two year old can make even the sunniest parent lose their smile. A little game of peek-a-boo or tickles can cheer up both of you in an instant.
10. Find your ace in the hole. For us, it is toddler games and movies loaded on our smart phones. If we are desperate for entertainment or diversion, we pull it out and can guarantee at least a few minutes of rest.
Great tips. What’s your take on naps when traveling with toddlers? Back at the hotel/vacation rental/grandma’s house or on the go? I’m still trying to figure out which is the best strategy, and think it probably depends on the trip destination (urban trips = on-the-go naps, while beach trips = in-the-room naps).
And one other tip I’d add to the list: Playgrounds, which are everywhere, are your friend on trips, providing an easy and free toddler activity.
Jennifer (aka Hint Mama) recently posted…Today’s Hint: The Seats to Book When You’re Flying With a Lap Baby
Jennifer – my take is it depends on the child. Our first we always had to make it back to the hotel room or *no nap*. (He dropped his day naps altogether before his second birthday so that was a rather short period for us anyway.)
The second we would always just nap on the go. She would sleep anywhere – there was just no need to plan!
Bronwyn Joy recently posted…Bits of August – The Power of Friendship, Milkshakes, and Hypothetical Rifts In The Space-Time Continuum
Absolutely agree with the tip about the Ergo, we can’t live without ours. Also, the walking is key, it helps wear them out!
I’d also say develop a tough skin. Everyone will want to give you “helpful advice” or roll thier eyes. I generally go with the “not likely to see them ever again theory” and ignore them. You know your child best and only you can make the call on how to handle them.
Robin recently posted…The Trip You Never Want To Take
Excellent list. After several years of not having a toddler in the family, we are about to enter this stage once again. Our little guy turns 1 this month and is on the verge of walking – toddler years here we come! It is hard to remember that your travel pace does have to adjust, so this is a great reminder.
Leslie H (tripswithtykes) recently posted…6 More Tips for Changing Diapers on a Plane
That sing a song thing has saved me so many times! Queues at airport check ins are always the worst..
Alyson recently posted…Where to Stay in Port Douglas
Great tips! I agree with every one. The song singing helps us a lot with transitions. I like the one from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”: “It’s almost time to stop so find one more thing to do.
“That was fun but now it’s done.”
Beth H (Cloud Surfing Kids) recently posted…A Flight Attendant’s Tips to Prevent Blocked Ears