Luggage? Check. Navigation? Check. Snacks? Check. Grumpy kids? Check.
Traveling with little ones may be the leading cause of going gray early. Kidding, maybe, but fear not! If your family has travel plans coming up, we’ve sourced some ideas to help make your trip smooth sailing. From road trips to baby’s first flight, these tips will help make everyone’s experience a positive one. A special shoutout to Babyquip, who offers clean, safe and insured baby gear rentals to over 1500 locations worldwide so that you can pack and worry less!
Packing Tips for Traveling Families
If you're searching for family travel tips that you can implement before you leave the house, you're in the right place. Packing effectively can ease many of the stresses that come with traveling with kids.
Here are some packing tips that you can use to make life on-the-go easier on you and your little ones.
- Make a list of essentials. At least a week before your trip, take a moment to write down each item your child uses throughout the day, such as medication, toothbrushes, diapers, bathtime supplies, their favorite comfort items, etc. Use this list as you pack to ensure that nothing essential gets left behind.
- Pack an emergency bag. Keep extra diapers, wipes, medications and first-aid supplies in an emergency bag that's easily accessible. Throw in a few changes of clothes for you and your child (just in case!).
- Consider renting big items. Trying to fit everything your little one needs in a car, or worse, on a plane is incredibly hectic. Save time, space and stress by renting items like full-size cribs, strollers, highchairs and bouncers from Babyquip. They even have gear for your fur babies!
- Use separate bags for each child. It can be tempting to throw everything in one bag, especially if you're only packing for yourself and one child. Using separate bags, however, can make it easier to keep things organized once you get to your destination. If you must combine items into one bag, pack your child's things in separate packing cubes, and place them inside your own, larger travel bag. Pro-tip: Try using a fabric over-the-door shoe rack to pack! Each slot would include a day’s outfit plus a diaper or underwear.
- Pack a backpack or tote bag for each child. You don't want to have to dig through a week's worth of clothes, bathing suits and shoes to find your child's blanket when they're in the car or on the plane. Using a separate bag for the in-transit period of your trip can make it easier for your child to access the things that they need quickly. Be sure to include must-have items, such as books, coloring books, reusable activity pads, crayons, snacks, water bottles, tablets, headphones and chargers. If you plan on using electronics, make sure you charge them up before you leave!
Managing Screen Time While Traveling
Screen time can be a lifesaver when it comes to traveling with kids, but it can be hard to turn off the sneaking feeling of guilt that comes with handing your child a tablet. For many of us, traveling with kids involves the use of screens — and there's nothing wrong with that! Try these tips to help your child stay entertained and not overstimulated.
- Use screens for long trips. When there are other opportunities to entertain your children, take advantage of them. Going for walks around the airport terminal, singing songs loudly together in the car and taking in the sights as you move from one place to another can help limit your child's screen time.
- Choose educational, fun content. While not everything your child watches needs to be educational, be sure to highlight educational, fun games, apps, and shows, and encourage your child to share what they've learned.
- Schedule breaks. On long car rides or flights, it's important to take breaks from screens. Use the breaks to play games like I Spy or break out the coloring books.
- Download content in advance. It can be hard to get internet service when you're on the road or in the air. Downloading content in advance can minimize interruptions.
- Let guilt go. If you're feeling guilty about extra screen, rest assured — your child will be fine. Simply return to normal screen time limits when you get home from your trip.
Handling Sleep Disruptions and Maintaining Routines
Struggling to manage your child's sleep routine while you're on-the-go? It can be tough to keep your child on schedule, especially if you can’t plan around wake and nap times.
Try these tips to help your child get the sleep that they need while you're traveling:
- Be consistent when you can. While it might not always be possible to mimic your child's sleep routine, sticking to it as closely as possible can help. Going through the process of brushing their teeth (even if it's just with water and a toothbrush while they're in their car seat or on the plane), reading a story and snuggling with a stuffed animal can help your child ease into sleep despite an unusual environment.
- Bring portable sleep aids. Items like blackout curtains, noise machines, headphones and eye masks can all help your child relax. You may also want to bring or rent travel cots, sleep pods or inflatable beds.
- Prepare for jet lag. If you're traveling to a new time zone, it's a good idea to begin adjusting your child's bedtime about a week before you leave. On the first day of arrival, set aside time for plenty of rest — even if your child needs to take a nap, they'll likely adjust to the new time zone quickly.
Bonus Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel
Almost ready to set out on your family's next adventure? Follow these bonus travel tips to help you and your little ones enjoy every moment.
- Plan for breaks. When possible, schedule stops during road trips for kids to move around. Be sure to factor stops into your travel time so that your children have plenty of time to stretch their legs, use the restroom and move around before you get back on the road. At the airport, get your little one’s energy out before getting on the plane. Depending on their age, let them carry their own luggage. Wander around the airport and watch planes fly in and out.
- Be flexible. It's impossible to control every aspect of your travel, and it's important to allow extra time for delays, unexpected challenges, surprise bathroom breaks and more.
- Pack snacks. Choose mess-free snacks like fresh apple slices or string cheese. For added fun, you could pack a “snackle” box with your child’s favorites like crackers, cucumbers, pretzels snap peas and more.
