How To Travel With Kids
I still remember my First Trip as MoM with a 4-month-old to Prague,
still feels like yesterday. No matter if it's your far and wide family trip, or
a weekend excursion on-road or just visiting natives, it can be so tempting to
pack all the things to cover every potential situation.
I know I’ve definitely wanted to pack the gas stove when making a
packing list for babies😉. We had so many questions and don't even know where
to begin.
"What do we need to pack?
How do we keep the kid entertained?
What if the kid does not feel comfortable?"
How do we keep the kid entertained?
What if the kid does not feel comfortable?"
With no experience as traveling parents, we defaulted to the way we
traveled as a couple. That strategy was a good starting point, but we learned a
few valuable lessons the hard way and made a few mistakes. Now having traveled
with a Kid for many years, I have learned a lot about most of the HOWs & WHATs …
I want to share some of the most relevant things, you need to know for your
next trip with your offspring.
What To Pack For Travel With Kids
Be Informed Of Baggage Limits:
Check in advance about the carry on regulation, baggage, and weight
allowed for both kind of luggage with your airlines to avoid any confusion.
Baby formula, baby food, and milk are usually allowed in reasonable quantities
beyond the regulation of carry-on liquid size.
Consolidate the Substantials:
Into one small, light backpack, pack the trailing, the most important
belongings-
Copies of birth certificates hard and soft copy both... (airports
occasionally ask for proof of baby’s birthdate even when flying domestically so
this is good to have on your baby travel checklist)
- Passport
- Ticket
- Your cash and carry
- Driver's License
- Immigration Documents (If it is an overseas journey)
- Travel Insurance Docs
Exclusive Bag:
Be it Road, Train, Bus Or Airplane journey, I shoulder this one without
fail. This knapsack is "Easy Access Bag". I find it more convenient
plus you can ask your partner to find the specific stuff at a specific place.
So no more fidgeting and juggling. In this bag I prefer to pack all baby
essentials in miniature form:
- Baby Food (For Toddlers) - Fruit Purry/ Mashed Veggies/ Curd Rice/ Biscuits/ Cereals / Hot water
- Feeding Spoon & Bowl
- Wet Wipes - Small Pack
- Diapers (For infants & Toddlers) - minimum 5
- Nursing Cover if needed
- Tethers (For toddlers) - yes single tether will not do when it comes to traveling. Conditions there.... are mood-driven
- Pacifier - 2 (Prescribed for landings and takeoffs) if the baby is weaning
- Diaper Changing Sheet (use and throw)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Feeding Bottle - 1 & one extra bottle nipple, as there will be no provision of sterilizing
- Snacks (For Kids) - Cut Fruits/ Boiled Eggs/ Cookies/ Nuts/ Roasted Dry Fruits/ Pasta Salad/ Banana Chips/ Energy Bars/ Chocolates/ Lollies
- Toys - So this is more kid-specific. Like my daughter never leaves home without her Bunny. We have to tug that little guy along.
- Stationery - One or two paperback storybooks, coloring books, Pencil color-small, Crayons, Activity book(with multiple puzzles and activities), Notepads, pencil, eraser, and sharpener
- Clothes - One set of extra clothing, Extra Sock, Hand Towel
- Accessories - Especially with girls you need some extra Clips and Rubbers
- Prescribed Medicines or Vitamins
- Compact fleece
- Paper Tissues
- Toiletries
- Zip Bags
- Teeny tiny packs of powder detergent
- Do load your devices with kid stuff
Packing Cubes:
Sorting items into sturdy, lightweight, canvas zipper bags eliminates
the stress of digging through suitcases - Label your packing cubes so child has
one of her own. Once on the road, dirty clothes go into a designated laundry
cube.
The Bulk:
For a Weekend Get Away
For Girls -
- 1 pair of pants/top/ (I like to keep a pair of stretchy pants that can also be worn under a dress as leggings if needed – then she can wear either these or her base layers under, or both if it’s quite cold)
- 1 nightdress
- 3 Dresses
- A couple of small hair accessories.
For Boys -
- 2 pair of pants and shorts
- 4 tops
- 1 nightdress.
For Babies -
- 2 long-sleeved bodysuits
- 2 short-sleeved bodysuits
- 4 tops
- 2 pairs of pants
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 one-piece outfit
- 1 extra pair jammies
- Diapers (If we’re traveling somewhere and staying in one place, we’ll take enough for one day, then buy them there. If it is not a staycation and we need to hop to some different destination we take about a week or two stock, since we’d have to make room for them at some point, anyway.)
- Swaddle or sleep sack
For Couple Of Weeks
Think small, versatile, and layers. Pack comfortable favorites, avoid cluttering by not adding loved ones. Balance what they'd love to have
and hate to lose. Don't stint on undies and socks, and pair of PJs if there’s room.
Footloose:
Certainly go with the defined meaning of this word. Keep only
comfortable footwear and a pair of flip flops to travel freely. Traveling is
very exhausting for kids so try to ease out for them. Kids do have growing
pains and a fancy shoe will double their misery of not being in their comfort
zone. Keep the pace slow and relaxing. Don’t try to replicate the way you used
to travel before kids. Things are different now, so try not to squeeze too many
activities or sightseeing into one day. Enjoy your big activity or adventure in
the morning when everyone is fresh and recharged. Break up the day and spend
some quiet time back at the hotel before you venture out again. In Gist, prefer
comfort over style.
First Aid:
Here comes the real point of action. We as mothers think of
all the negativity that can happen on a trip. In a way, it is no bad! Though
critical thinking can bulge the suitcase to edge. Include general medication
for allergic reactions, upset stomachs, ibuprofen, anti-itch cream, Vaseline,
Neosporin for open wounds, hot water bag, a thermometer, bandages, antiseptic cream, tweezers
and a pin protected by a wine-cork (for splinters), nail clippers and a hot
water bottle.
Baby Gears:
Personally I bring my own gear. All I really need is a babycarrier, an umbrella, and a stroller that is light.
Traveling With Kids During COVID - 19:
- First of all avoid, avoid, avoid non essential travel
- If you have decided to fly or commute by any means of travel, be prepared mentally and physically on social distancing
- If I have to do so, I may Prefer Air Travel for longer routes
- Get super educated about booking, seat selection and boarding policies
- Reduce check-in bags thus touch-points will automatically be reduced
- Wear your mask all the time - obviously! For kids check all the guidelines prescribed by WHO thoroughly
- Bring wet sanitizing wipes and sterilize your surrounding and belongings as and when needed
- Eat before and after you go to the airport so you don't have to remove the mask
- If you are comfortable to take baby or kids gear along then tug the stroller, this will make them sit in their safe place and won't give them freedom of exploring any kind of infected surface, however it is totally optional and dependent on the mode of transport and your wish
- Please Do Check CDC and WHO guidelines before planing any kind of travel
Behavioral Tips when Travelling With Kids
Involve Kids:
I involve my kid in the packing process not because it's easier on me
(it isn't), but because it builds her excitement for the trip. It also eases
the anxiety that comes with leaving home. We discuss what to expect and what we
might need, and pick out a few new toys, books and activities to enjoy on trip.
About a week before the trip, she packs her own carry-on bag. She loves
thinking about the trip, planning for the trip, anticipating the trip. And as a
travel lover, I love that she love that too. But I still make sure
that we all have what we need, and that I know exactly where to find it.
Treat For Kids:
Bring small presents and/or treats and reward your little ones for good
behavior. When on a long flight or train ride, give your children a small
present like a toy car, puzzle, or coloring book. Not only does it encourage
good behavior but it also keeps them entertained. It’s a good idea to let your
children choose a few small souvenirs from the places you visit so they have a
memento from the trip.
Watch Your Actions:
The reality is that even the calmest of children have a breaking point.
Crying and misbehaving will happen, so it’s up to you, how you react
will set the tone for future flights. If you freak out too, there’s a good
chance your children will associate air travel with daddy and mommy being
angry.
Don’t worry about what others think. Many people on the plane are
parents that have been in your position before. They can empathize with you and
are usually willing to give a hand when needed.
Stay cool. Smile. Ask for help. It will be over before you know it.
Shopping Cart Ideas -
It takes a little more planning and an adjustment of attitude, but
you’ll be so glad you made the extra effort when you see the positive impact,
travel will have on your children…and you. Remember, travel is supposed to be
fun. So make it fun!
