Surviving Holiday Travel with Kids
Traveling with children for the holidays (or most times really) can be challenging and unpredictable. Despite occasional panic, exhaustion and common unpleasantness, it is always well worth the effort. Don’t let the fear of travel or disrupting your routine keep you from visiting family this holiday season.
Manage Expectations
Manage your expectations of the trip, your child’s behavior, your emotions… and expect there will be hiccups along the way. Keep expectations low. Understand ahead of time there will be situations out of your control, possibly meltdowns, and get on board with implementing a modified routine if necessary.
Talk to your kids to manage their expectations. What does it mean to “be good on the plane?” or “be good at Grandma’s?” Will there be new food where you are traveling? What will the sleeping arrangements be like? Are they expected to attend any special services or events? Explain where they are going, what will be happening and how you would like them to behave during these times. If you are attending a church service, explain it will be a quiet event but they can participate in the fun singing!
I have had more success when I explain and re-explain what is happening or going to happen to help manage my toddler daughter’s expectations. Even though she is not quite two, she understands enough and my explanation her a sense of security in knowing what we were doing. Fear of the unknown is a big hurdle for toddlers and a big reason for meltdowns.
Prepare
Plan what you need ahead of time. Do you have a monitor you can travel with? Do you need the stroller, a travel high chair, portable black out curtains? Get all of your travel essentials ready ahead of time. I wrote a whole post about my travel favorites, check it out here! Don’t forget a special lovey or favorite stuffed animal!
Preparing means more than thinking of what to pack in your suitcase. Are you flying? Driving? What activities will be planned? Will you go to restaurants or services? Get some special and inexpensive activities to keep your child busy for places like a church service or restaurant and even for the car or plane. A new coloring book and crayons, doodle pad or books. Most importantly, SNACKS! All the snacks. Travel is the one time anything goes. You need another animal cracker? Sure! More raisins that will end up on the floor of my car? You got it!
It goes without saying to always pack extra clothes, but make sure a set is readily available. The bathroom situation can be challenging on the road. Have spare diapers, wipes, and underwear on hand. I like to put my daughter in an overnight diaper sized up on long car rides. Bring a plastic bag to act as a changing pad for the car or public restroom stall. Bring ALL the hand sanitizer! Give your kids breaks as they need them. Car seats can be especially uncomfortable. Stop for bathroom breaks or to stretch as needed. Even newborns and infants need breaks.
If you plans include air travel, factor in plenty of extra time to get through security and the gate. Kids under age two travel free on most flights – as long as you can keep them on your lap. If your child is over the age of two, look into discounted fare for children. I have seen Southwest offer discounted flights for children over two. Be careful they don’t limit baggage allowance on these discounted fares for children though!
Sleeping
Sleep will be impacted. Period.
Try to keep your child on their normal schedule as much as you can. I know lots of parents who travel during nap time or overnight so their children sleep while on the road. The motion of the plane or vehicle lulls the kids to sleep and makes travel a lot easier on everyone. If you think your child will be too excited to sleep or doesn’t sleep well in the car, then plan for a time when they are awake and bring lots of activities to do. Have a parent sit in the back with them to keep them entertained. And of course, SNACKS! Honestly, whatever works best for your family is the best time to travel.
There is no doubt that traveling with small children requires planning and preparation, but it also demands flexibility. Expect inevitable surprises along the way and try to prepare in advance for as many situations as you can think of!
Travel Checklist:
🗹 Identification cards for you and your child
🗹 A recent physical photo of your child (in case you get separated)
🗹 Cash
🗹 Snacks
🗹 Changing mat
🗹 Plastic Baggies or Reusable Baggie (for anything that soils during your travels)
🗹 Portable crib
🗹 Travel Black out curtains or Slumberpod
🗹 Sound Machine
🗹 Monitor
🗹 Baby Carrier/Wrap
🗹 Baby proofing items (outlet covers, etc)
🗹 Pedialyte, baby Tylenol or Motrin
🗹 A favorite stuffed animal or special lovey
And most importantly…
🗹 Don’t forget your sense of humor!
Safe Travels!
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