It does not matter if it is the first trip you make with your first child or the fifth trip with the fifth child. Traveling with children is always a challenge. What took me? How do we get there? The list of questions is endless.
However here are some tips that can help you prepare it and keep you from going crazy. We have made a list with 21 basic tips for traveling with children. Some are dedicated to parents who travel with babies, others to those who travel with older children and others to parents themselves.
1. Do not think about it, do it!
Although the idea of traveling with children can be overwhelming, the most important thing is that you do not forget one thing: everything will happen, you will reach your destination and you will survive.
2.Take it easy
Maybe you were used to going to the airport just in time because you knew all the tricks and shortcuts, but that time is over. Now go calmly, sit down and let the others be overwhelmed. You do not get nervous. Unfortunately, the situation is no longer in your hands … so relax and enjoy.
3. Do not carry too much luggage
Remember that wherever you go you can buy almost everything. Maybe it’s not the same brand, but you’ll survive. 100% organic and organic diapers are often difficult to find. If these are the ones you normally use, try a brand that is not organic or organic before going on a trip to see if your child has an allergic reaction.
4. Hotel or holiday home?
The hotels have their advantages (room service, babysitting, food included, etc.). However, you can turn the holiday home into your home for a few days: you can cook, and that is practical when your child has some kind of specific diet. It’s a personal decision, but it’s worth thinking about.
5. Mark it and do not lose sight of it!
If you are worried about losing your child, you can write your name and phone number on the arm. That way, when they find it, they can easily contact you. You can also buy a GPS tracking device. Put it on your wrist or backpack and keep it located through the application.
6. Sea or pool?
Even if you’re going to stay on the beach, it’s not a bad idea if you have a pool nearby. Many children love the sea, but others cannot stand it! A swimming pool is perfect for the little ones to take a dip, to cool down … and to be exhausted after so much bathing!
7. Classic stroller, cart or baby carrier?
This is a recurring question when traveling with children and does not have an easy answer. The most important thing is where you are going. In the destination, will the streets be asphalted or will they be dirt and bumps? Or even that? Will there be a lot of humidity or will it be a cooler climate? What is your son more used to?
A good solution is an off-road light truck. They are easy to transport, you can go directly to the boarding gate with them, they can serve as a temporary bed for naps, they are light, breathable, but you can also protect them from the cold with a blanket or with a rain cover. In addition, they work well on almost all types of terrain.
8. Pack your bag with a head
The diaper backpack will count as your carry-on baggage, so be sure to take it all (keep in mind possible delays): wet wipes, diapers, some doll, finger food (but do not contain a lot of sugars). It is worth taking candy to give it to the child, so he can suck it and avoid pressure changes during takeoff and landing). Also, put a change to change it, plastic bags (for dirty diapers or if the clothes get dirty too), headphones, toys, a pillow, batteries or chargers, a tablet or DVD player, and one more pack of wet wipes, just in case.
And if there is still room to put your stuff, put more wet wipes: you’ll need them.
9. Baby food: what do I get and what does not?
Many airports allow milk and baby food to be passed through safety checks in containers exceeding 100 milliliters. Normally they open them to scan them at the security point. Although it takes time to do it, it does not harm the food in any way. We recommend that you check the policy of the airport you are going to go to anyway.
10. Plan your flights
Try to book your flights for bedtime. Flights at night can be more expensive, but compensate because you get your child to sleep during the journey and that is always appreciated. If you have to make a stopover, make sure you have enough time for it: the last thing you need is to have to run around the airport like crazy to catch the next flight.
Try that the trip is also part of the trip. Take a couple of hours, stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, eat, talk, play and get ready for the next flight.
11. Study your destiny a little
If you are breastfeeding your child, it is worthwhile to “google” a little and find out if it is well seen to breastfeed in public or not in the destination you have chosen. There are countries where that is not a problem. Others, however, prefer to enable a more private space for it. If you have doubts, just ask.
12. Look for information, look for more information!
This applies both to the preparation of the trip and the course of it. Will your child need a visa? What vaccines do you and your child need? Do you have to take additional pills, such as malaria pills? It is better to have everything prepared and not to be caught by the bull at the last minute.
13. Where do we sit?
When traveling with children, many times the seat is assigned taking into account the design of the plane: some only have oxygen masks adapted for children in specific seats. But this can vary from one plane to another, so it’s best to check with the airline and decide which is the best place to travel.
The further back you feel, the less you will bother. You can also get up easily and use the hallway. The services will also be closer to you. However, sometimes these seats do not recline completely and in the rear, there is also usually more noise.
If you decide to go in the middle of the plane, you have the option of the seats in the emergency exit, which in addition to having more space, in these you can also ask to put a bassinet (if the company has them). However, you cannot have any kind of luggage under the seat.
Sitting in front is the same as sitting back, with the difference that the aisle is usually smaller and there are always more people. Another thing to keep in mind, and depending on the age of the child, is: window or aisle? Is it better to be involved without being able to leave or have the possibility of moving easily?
14. Do a small drill
You can try to prepare your luggage and go to the airport (at least as far as they let you arrive). Airports are big and overwhelming, and maybe your son is not used to it. If you have it before, you can make it easier for the day of real travel. Another tip is that you take a short flight. Maybe spend the weekend in another city in the country? A short trip will accustom you to the plane and your circumstances and you will be able to see what your children worst is.
15. Time to travel – Internet bill
Try to minimize the time you spend at the airport queues. One of the easiest ways to do this is to perform billing over the Internet. Then you will only have to leave your luggage and pass the security control. Often, in the controls, there are areas destined for families, so they are travelers who are in the same situation as you and that always helps.
16. Go with time to spare
Although you do not want to spend hours waiting in line, it is not convenient for you to have to go running and in a hurry. Get out of the house with enough time, and if you arrive too soon, take the opportunity to go play with the children in the airport play area. Cause them: the more they play, the sooner they will sleep on the plane.
17. What can go wrong?
Before leaving home make a list of things that can go wrong, from an accident to missing the flight, and consider how to deal with the situation. Thinking about how to react to a situation before it happens, prepares you mentally … do it just in case!
18. Explain how the trip will be
If this is your child’s first time, explain how things are. Tell him what will happen and when it will happen. For example, with the safety belt: when to fasten and why. For children flying is something exciting, so the best thing you can do is motivate them. After all, it’s an adventure!
19. Helpdesk
Check if the airline or airport has an assistance service. Not everyone has it, but if they offer it, they will help you in everything they can, from the moment you board until you reach your destination. If you travel with more than one child, with only one or if you are a novice in this, this service will come handy!
20. Keep Calm
If your child has chosen the worst moment to start screaming like a madman, do not lose your cool and take a deep breath.
21. Enjoy!
Get out in time, pack your bag with your head and make the trip also part of the trip. Remember that nothing is going to happen to you and that you are supposed to enjoy!