Family Travel

Lesson 2: Traveling with Toddlers

Once your baby has started walking he or she is considered a toddler. Children of this age continue to be extremely dependent upon their parents. Toddlers are usually just starting potty training. Most toddlers are eating some sort of regular food.

Children of this age group tend to be either difficult or easy travelers, usually in the same hour. Your toddler might happily fall asleep with the slight rocking motion of the car or stroller. He or she might also wake up and insist on walking. As long as your schedule is flexible, taking time to walk your little one around the museum isn't usually a problem. The key to traveling with toddlers is flexibility.

Unlike a baby, a toddler will not appreciate the constraints of a baby backpack. A lightweight stroller is a better bet, even if you end up pushing it empty. Get your little one to help you push the stroller. This allows you some control of his or her movements. Diaper bag items, lots of dry clothing, favorite toys, snacks, and water can still be kept in a backpack. Again, a backpack frees your hands for the stroller and your energetic toddler.

If your little one is toilet training you may want to consider pull ups instead of diapers or regular underwear. In this way, your toddler can still continue training without the misery of wet clothing or embarrassment of wearing "babyish" diapers. Nonetheless, schedule lots of bathroom breaks.

Transportation

As I noted before, toddlers may or may not sleep with the motion of walking, cars, busses, or trains. If possible, schedule traveling during the little ones rest times. For instance, if you have a long car ride, travel at night or break your trip up into several smaller stretches.

Bring lots of snacks and activities for your little one in case he or she wakes up. Try to keep the snacks fairly nutritious and sugar free, and not messy. Always keep a wet cloth in a baggy for quick clean up of sticky hands and faces.

Bring plenty for your child to drink so he or she won't get dehydrated. This is especially important during car and airplane travel. Water is better than high sugar caffeinated sodas or fruit juices, as it won't make your child overly hyperactive.

More drinks will require more frequent bathroom breaks. Therefore, plan regular rest stops. The benefit of bus, train, and airplane travel is onboard bathrooms. For car trips and camping, my mother always kept a "cookie can" handy. "Cookie can" is a euphemistic term for an old ice cream bucket reused as a cookie jar then reused again for sudden needs. A cookie can fits nicely on the floor of the back seat of the car or at the door of the tent.

The best area to sit on an airplane with toddlers varies with you’re your toddlers preferences. Your child might like to watch out the window. This could keep him or her entertained for some time. Furthermore, it is easier to keep track of your little one if he or she has to climb over you to reach the aisle.

However, the aisle seat might be appropriate if your child is potty training and requires frequent bathroom trips. In this way, you need not disturb your neighbours as you pass. You will have to keep a watchful eye so that your toddler doesn't disappear as he or she finds something interesting five seats ahead.

The bulkhead area is another popular area for families with toddlers. This area, near the cabin, allows a bit more room for your child to play. However, your carryon baggage may be limited.

For trains, you may want to reserve a sleeper car. Then, your toddler has the run of your compartment, an area to spread out his or her toys, easy access to a bathroom, and a place to have a nap.