TRAVELING WITH A TODDLER
Traveling with a toddler is different than a baby. I’ve flown with Brooklyn several times but it is definitely different now than it was when she was younger (aka smaller and she slept). Some people might say just go and figure it out, but for me I like to be overly organized and prepared. Hopefully these tips and tricks help some of you!
WHAT TO KEEP WITH YOU ON FLIGHT
Pack a bag with organized pouches inside. It’s easiest if everything is separated and organized so you know what pouch has what vs. a messy bag just full of stuff. Keep this bag under the seat in front of you. I use this bag every time :
Snacks (think things that will not make a huge mess). Get something like this or this to make snack time extra fun and take up even more time
Diapers, wipes, change of clothes, travel size rash cream, travel spatula (love this little thing)
Toys (nothing that makes noise or that has a ton of pieces to it)
Tablet, tablet charger, headphones
If your little still uses a paci, this is my favorite holder. I just have it tied to the bag strap
ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE PLANE
Tablet and headphones - make sure to buy a cover for the tablet. Not only to keep screen from breaking but on a flight you can stick the cover into the tray table to have your tablet on the back of the seat when you don’t want the tray table down (see above image)
TRAVEL TIPS
Use packing cubes if you aren’t already!! Not just for your little but everyone in the family
Make sure and download shows/movies at least by the day before travel and charge your tablet and headphones
Let your little run around and get some energy out at your gate before boarding
Put them in an easy outfit to take on and off! We love a cardigan and pants situation because the plane can get chilly so it’s nice for Brooklyn to have that extra layer
You can take some toys your littler already owns but I like to get a few new things so that it is something exciting
Fill up water cup before getting on flight so you don’t have to wait for flight attendant. I sometimes even bring extra water just in case
If you are taking a child under two, they don’t have their own seat, and you don’t have extra leg room, just go ahead and mentally prepare that it will be tight. They move around a ton and there isn’t much room, but you will survive…
Get a good travel stroller. It makes it so much easier! I know this one is not cheap but we are obsessed with it. I have zero negatives to say about it : The Joolz Aer+ . It fits in the overhead compartment, is so easy to carry around (comfortable strap), and weighs nothing. Biggest perk is it only takes one hand to open and close it. It rivals the Doona for my favorite thing ever… might even surpass it
Book a car service with a car seat or Uber has car seat options (I’m not 100% if that’s everywhere but everywhere we have been they have had the option)
Call where you’re staying ahead of time and tell them you have a toddler so would love to get into your room early if possible. We have been able to get in early to our room at every single place when I’ve done this
I like to take a small bookbag to have while we are on our trips to use as Brooklyn’s ‘diaper bag’. I have never purchased a specific diaper bag so just keep one clear pouch with sticky placemats, diapers, a paci, and wipes in it. I bought this one - I know, I know, but I wanted something chic if I was wearing it, and it’s actually the perfect size. When Brooklyn is older I’ll have her carry her own bookbag but this works for us now
Don’t forget to request a crib ahead of time so you don’t run into a situation where they have lended all of them out. I highly highly doubt this would ever happen but you don’t want to be the one it happens to - I’m personally not sharing my bed on vacation with my little one lol
Bring your own crib sheet (this is definitely not a necessary thing, I’m just ridiculous)
Don’t stress about how your child might be impacting other people - that only adds to any stress you might have