The holiday season is a time for many families to travel and celebrate with long-distance loved ones. If you’re parenting small children, you may be wondering how to make your travel plans happen as smoothly as possible. Toddlers are often unpredictable, but planning ahead and arming yourself with an arsenal of toys, snacks, and other distractions can help.
Read on for suggestions to help make your transportation by car or plane a little easier, from the staff at Providence Children’s Academy.
Tips For Traveling With Toddlers
As a parent, you can’t plan for everything. But knowing your child, from their personality to daily routine, can help you plan for holiday travel accordingly. While traveling with toddlers can feel intimidating, we encourage you not to allow fear to keep you at home: traveling with young ones is actually quite beneficial.
When traveling a significant distance this holiday season, consider these tips:
Consider Your Child’s Schedule
Nap time in the toddler era can make the difference between a good day and a stressful one for many parents. If your child has a specific, unchanging nap time during the day, that may affect how you travel. Try to schedule your flight around that time, so your child is likely to sleep for most of the trip.
Keep Active Until It’s Seatbelt Time
Keeping still for a long period of time is difficult for young movers and shakers who want nothing more than to explore the world around them. They won’t understand why it’s essential to remain seated with seatbelts fastened for everyone’s safety. Take a walk around your airplane gate area until it’s time to board. If traveling by car, stop at rest stops every now and then so everyone can stretch their legs and get some wiggles out.
During mandatory seatbelt time, try playing a game like “I Spy” to keep their minds engaged when their little legs can’t be.
Try Not To Worry What Others Will Think
Most of the time, the people you encounter while traveling will be helpful and understanding. After all, we were all children once – and many people are parents themselves. Many understand how hard it can be to travel with little ones.
That said, there may be people who stare rudely if your child isn’t perfectly quiet or gets upset. Your child is acting in a way that is developmentally appropriate, but not everyone is understanding. This can be incredibly hurtful, but try to keep it in perspective: these strangers don’t know you or your child. You are highly unlikely to ever see them again. Try to focus on the positive interactions you have as you make your way through the airport or with passengers seated near you.
Give Yourself Permission To Deviate From Routine
Maybe you’re strict about limiting screen time at home, or the amount of sugary snacks. “All things in moderation” is generally good advice. Vacations are a special time in which we deviate from our normal, daily routines, and do things we don’t normally do. That may include watching a show mid-flight or in the car, or having a sugary snack. Use your own discretion, of course, but consider which “off limits” activities or snacks may be worth allowing if it means preventing tantrums or crankiness.
Give Lollipops At Liftoff
Airplanes can be difficult for young people due to the increase of pressure while ascending or descending in altitude. Lollipops are not only a fun treat, but engage the jaw and enable swallowing, which can help keep little ears from hurting while in the air.
Distract With Snacks And Toys
A small toy your child has never seen before, or a tasty treat, is gold for toddlers. Take a cruise through the Target dollar section, or local thrift store, for a small, inexpensive item your child might enjoy. A favorite book with colorful pictures is another great idea. This can keep your child occupied during long stretches of travel.
Keeping your toddler’s belly full is also key for smooth traveling. A sweet treat is fine, but you may not want to load them up on sugar for a long day of flying or driving. Younger kids love pouches of applesauce or yogurt, Bamba Puffs, Gerber teething snacks, animal crackers, or granola bars are all excellent options.
The Best School Choice For Toddlers In South Florida
At Providence Children’s Academy, we don’t just teach young children their numbers and letters: we help prepare them for life with a strong foundation for all types of learners. With a curriculum focused on play, teaching moments are made fun for toddlers and preschoolers. Our caring staff understands that every child is unique, and incorporates a variety of methodologies in the classroom.
In addition to preschool classes, Providence Children’s Academy also offers summer camps, after-school programs, and more. To learn more about whether our academy is right for your child, or to schedule a tour, call today at 954-570-6914.