I shared this a while back on Naptime Crafters, and after traveling from Germany to Illinois I realized I need to share this here;) Miss M did AMAZINGLY…even though our flight was horrible from Germany to Detroit! The in-flight entertainment never worked in my seat, her’s went out 3 hours in to our 9 1/2 hour journey, her seat didn’t recline, and my lap tray was busted like nobody’s business! How we made it through that flight I have no idea! BUT….here are some tips for traveling with little ones! Enjoy!!
First, let’s start with the airplane tips.
1. When traveling with an infant, use one of those front facing backpack type carriers that you can find at any store that sells baby items. Super lifesaver! The first time I traveled with Miss M, she was about 5 months old and I was doing it all by myself so I didn’t want to have to struggle with a stroller. That thing was amazing….she sat there content, was easy to feed, and I knew she was safe with me.
2. If you child takes a binky, (pacifier), this is a great time to use it. Their little ears tend to hurt going up and down on the plane and having that to suck on always helped us.
3. Be sure to change your baby before you get on the plane. This way you don’t have to worry about being “that guy” on the plane with a stinky little butt sitting on your lap.
4. If possible, try to book your tickets around nap time. Obviously, this is not always something that can be arranged, but if you can, do it. They will be used to sleeping then and the light vibration of the plane will help them.
5. Entertainment- I cannot stress this enough. As they get older, you need to have something to distract them with. Miss M would have a separate bag with her favorite stuffed toy, a book or two, and as she has gotten older, her DVD player or DS. It has been a life saver. You can only go through Sky Mall so many times before they get fidgety.
Now on to the car tips.
1. As with the airplane times, try to leave when they are still sleeping, or if you can drive through the night, do it! It will be the quietest hours of your life…:) We drive a lot because there are so many great places around Europe that are so quick to get to by car. We tend to leave early in the morning when she is still out of it and just let her stay in her pj’s so she’s comfortable.
2. Entertainment- Sure I would love to have a DVD player built in to my car, but let’s be real, I’m not loaded….so….she brings hers along if it’s a long trip, but lately she’s been into books. Pick something that will keep them busy.
3. Snacks- No liquids! There is nothing worse than having to stop every three miles because you have a child in the back who decided to drink a juice box in 30 seconds flat! Goes right through them!! Just pack light snacks that they can eat as needed….fresh fruit, pretzels, etc. Nothing too messy, you’ll regret it;)
4. No matter what you do, most likely, you’ll have to stop at a rest area or gas station to use the restroom….Now, this is where the tricky part comes in. If you have a child who can stand on their own….you can change them standing up. Seriously, I have done it so many times it’s not even funny. There is something about the changing tables in those places that makes me want to die, so I just have her stand on the counter and I would change her diaper… Pee diapers, super easy, poopy diapers take skill…practice at home;) It’s worth it!! Driving through Europe I have seen some of the nastiest rest areas I have ever been to in my life….and if they are potty trained, they need to learn the hover quickly… Boys…super easy, girls not so much! Best case scenario, use a pull up….just in case!
5. Bring a change of clothes for the child. Miss M tends to get car sick some times so we always have a change of clothes just incase something happens. Better safe than sorry.
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