Traveling over the busy holiday season can be stressful, especially with a newborn or young child. Proper preparation can make the process smoother. Here are our tips for keeping your sanity while traveling with kids.
Don’t travel too far
Newborns are more susceptible to illness during travel, so consider sticking to short, nearby trips. A weekend getaway within a couple of hours’ drive is ideal, especially in those early months. If you’re planning to venture further, check out our top travel tips ahead.
Flying
When to fly: It is always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before flying with your newborn. Their still-developing immune systems may not protect them from illness in a plane’s close quarters. Typically 2 months is recommended. However, some doctors may recommend waiting longer.
Safety: Most airlines allow children under 2 to sit on their parent’s lap, however, that’s not the safest place for a child. The FAA recommends securing your little one in a child safety seat. Most car seats will work; just check your seat to see if it says “approved for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.” Visit the FAA’s child safety page for guides to installing child restraint systems on an airplane & more information about flying with children.
Plan for your needs: If you are breastfeeding, pack any items you might want like a nursing cover or nipple shields in your diaper bag. If you are formula feeding, ensure you have enough formula in case of flight delays. Depending on your child’s age, you may also need something to entertain them during the flight. A few of their favorite toys, a teething ring, a short story to read together, or some activity books can help alleviate the boredom of air travel.
Traveling by car
Safety: Whether you’re taking a road trip or just visiting family in the next town over, now is the perfect time to double-check your child’s car seat/booster seat. Check that the seat is appropriate for your child’s height and weight, fits snuggly in its base & is installed correctly in your vehicle.
Entertainment: We recommend teething rings, soft rattles, and age-appropriate toys for long car rides. For older children, consider books or preloaded shows on tablets., and family car games are great ways to prevent the “are we there yets” and “how much longers” halfway through the trip.
Plan for your needs: Do you have young children who will need more frequent bathroom breaks? Check ahead of time for areas on your route that may have limited rest stops and make a plan for stopping to avoid accidents. Bring plenty of snacks and water in case of traffic or unexpected delays. Take a few minutes during rest stops to allow everyone to stretch their legs & get the wiggles out before you get back in the car. Those extra few minutes could make all the difference in your child’s mood for the next stage of your journey.
What to pack
Traveling with kids requires more preparation than traveling before kids. Avoid waiting until the night before to start packing so you don’t forget anything important. Keep a list and write it down when you think of something you don’t want to forget.
Here’s a basic checklist:
- Documents – Bring your baby’s birth certificate if you’re flying & their passport if you’re traveling internationally (remember passports for children expire every 5 years!)
- Food for baby – formula, snacks that don’t need refrigeration
- Toys – Pack a few favorites for entertainment during a flight or long car ride
- Transportation – car seat for the plane, stroller
- First Aid – Band-aids, hand sanitizer, any prescriptions
- Changing supplies – diapers, wipes, changing pad, diaper rash cream
- Clothes – socks, shoes, bibs, extra clothes in case of spills
Bookmark this blog post or pin this image to refer back to before your trip!
Don’t worry too much about forgetting anything. As long as you have the essentials, you can always stop by a convenience store near your destination to pick up anything else that’s needed.
Christine C shared her best tip for traveling with kids:
“When our kids were little and we were facing a long car ride or flight, we would pack two backpacks; one for snacks and one for entertainment. Each section contained a different little batch of new things and we would ration out the goodies, section by section throughout the trip. We always had one last thing stashed in one of our bags or under the car seat that we knew would be a favorite. We’d only bring it out at the end and that would get us through the last bit of the journey.”
Where to stay
Some hotels are more family-friendly than others. Do a little research to compare nearby options beforehand. The hotel’s website and Yelp reviews should give you a good idea of whether or not the place is extra accommodating to little ones. The experience will be more enjoyable if there are other families around. Some baby-friendly hotels even offer baby gear for rent so you don’t need to lug your own. Ask the hotel if they have a kids menu at their restaurant.
You might consider booking a larger room than you would without the kiddos. You’ll be thankful for the extra space when it comes time for feeding and changing. Plus, it will be nice to have plenty of room to store all of the extra supplies you packed.
Have realistic expectations
Go into your vacation with the understanding that there won’t be a lot of rest and relaxation time. An infant who is one year or younger requires almost constant attention. If you manage your expectations, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you do get some time to yourself during naps or calm moments.
Staying in for the holiday season? Check out our top safety tips for your home.
