|
It can be extremely stressful for very young children to spend a day or more travelling. Here are some hints that can help keep the little ones comfortable while you're on the road, or in the air.
Security Objects
If your child has a security object, like a blanket, you probably already know it's a good idea to have an identical (or acceptable) replacement available, in case something happens to the original. When you're travelling, don't forget to bring the extra "lovey" with you, and do not put it into your checked luggage if you are travelling by air (unless you have absolutely no alternative.) When the inevitable accident occurs that the blanket is soaked or otherwise becomes unusable, you will be the Savior of the Known Universe when you can instantly produce the substitute.
Extra Clothing
Pack a complete change of clothes (including socks, and even shoes, if possible) for each child and keep it with you. If you have room, pack two. The younger the child, the greater the possibility you will need those extra changes of clothing. If you are still nursing, it's a good idea to carry with you at least a clean shirt for yourself as well.
Diapers and Wipes
Carry on at least a full day's worth of diapers, even if your trip is only six hours long. With the potential for delays and lost luggage, you don't want to be stuck without that necessity. Pack a lot more wipes than you think you will ever possibly use. They are terrific for cleaning up messy hands and faces when there is no bathroom available, and they are indispensible in cleaning up after any kind of accident. The little plastic wipes travel cases are terrific, but I always stuff a quart-size zipper storage bag with another large stack and tuck it in the diaper bag as well. Don't forget to bring a tube of your preferred diaper rash ointment, too.
Zipper Storage Bags
Speaking of inevitable accidents, always have handy a half dozen or so gallon-size zipper storage bags. Freezer bags are ideal here because they are more sturdy than the regular bags, and chances are good you will be happy that the mess you are containing will stay contained in the stronger bags.
Fun Stuff
Crayola has developed a line of ColorWonder markers that are terrific for young children if you can stand the smell. These markers will color only on the special ColorWonder paper, and won't mark clothing or upholstery. That makes them ideal for young children who might otherwise never be trusted with a marker.
For long trips, it's great to have a series of little "surprises" packed away that you can bring out at intervals. Ideal toys for these surprises can be found in the party favor aisles. They have small die-cast cars, miniature Slinky-like toys, small stuffed animals, children's sized playing cards, even small bottles of bubbles that can be great fun at rest areas. The best thing about these party favor toys is that they are inexpensive and you typically get 6 in a package, so if you have more than one child, it's easy to make sure everyone gets the same things.
Tuck away just a few of your child's favorite books and carry them with you. When naptime is approaching, the comfort and familiarity of books from home may help settle him down and get him to sleep a little more easily.
If you will have a layover, consider packing a beach ball or other inflatable toy in your carry on luggage. You can inflate it once you are in the terminal, and then deflate it and put it away when it's time to board the next plane.
Food and Drink
Never assume you will arrive on time or that the plane will have food that is acceptable to a toddler.
It's good planning to carry with you a small cooler with milk for her to drink, and any other snacks that might need refrigeration like slices or sticks of cheese, yogurts, or juice boxes. If you bring yogurt or anything else that requires a spoon, pack a few spoons as well. Don't forget bibs!
It's also a good idea to pack extra snacks like crackers, cookies, or fruit snacks; with older children, raisins are a great treat, too. On longer trips you might want to pack some of each to allow for some variety.
Always bring along a water bottle for yourself and water cups or bottles for your children; water should always be available to them to drink, especially during air travel.
Bring along extra empty sippy cups so if you are at a restaurant or on board a plane and beverages are available that appeal to your child, you can pour the drink into the extra cup and not have to worry about spills, straws, or other hassles.
Miscellaneous Items
Bring sunscreen if you are travelling anywhere you will spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
If your child has a cold or any kind of congestion and you have a flight scheduled, talk to your pediatrician about giving her a decongestant before the flight to help alleviate any pressure buildup in her ears. Do not give over the counter remedies to children under two without consulting your doctor first about the proper dosage.
Some airports now feature play areas for young children. If you have a layover scheduled, ask your travel agent or the ticketing agent if they have information about facilities available at the airport where you will be stopping.
| 
