Family Travel

Lesson 2: Traveling with Toddlers

Food

Near normal eating schedules are also important for toddlers. Your little one will be far less cranky if he or she is not hungry. Also, try to feed your toddler foods that they are used to. New, spicy, or rich foods can cause stomach upset. Bringing sandwiches or frozen meals from home will reduce costs and reduces the possibility of stomach upsets. Changes in water can also cause sickness in small children. Either bring water from home or boil even tap water thoroughly.

Eating out is more possible with toddlers than with babies. Kids under 12 years often eat free at many family restaurants. These restaurants also often have kid menus with kid sized portions. Choose finger foods and your toddler's favorite meals from the kid's menu. If the restaurant does not have children's deals, finger foods off of your plate work just as well. Be sure to ask ahead if the family restaurant or fast food joint has high chairs to hold your child safely while you eat.

Don't expect a leisurely meal with your toddler. Once your little one has gummed his or her breadstick to bits and dropped his or her mashed potatoes on the ground, he or she will want your full attention once again. When I took my toddlers to a restaurant, I always brought a few teething cookies. My toddlers loved to chew on these cookies, giving me some time to eat. Further, teething cookies tend to last longer and tend to be a little less messy than regular cookies.

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