(Guest Post) How to Travel with a Toddler

“Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.” – Leigh Hunt

Three years ago I lost my father. I was primarily raised by a single parent, my mom, so when I lost my Dad it was weird for me. I was a Daddy’s girl to a father that wasn’t present. It still hurts to know he’s gone, but because he wasn’t really present in my life, I feel like I don’t know how to truly grieve, but that’s a subject for another day.

Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, my Nana, my Dad’s mom, health declined drastically. She lives in New York, and I live in Michigan, so I had a hard decision to make. Do I try and go see her now? Or wait until the funeral? She suffered from dementia and was not eating or speaking, and after talking to my aunties, I decided to wait. 

I was never exceptionally close to my Aunties, seeing how the relationship with my father was off and on, but I loved them just the same. They supported me for all my big events, and after my father passed we connected again. So when my Nana passed I knew I had to go see them!

Turns out that when my father passed away I was 1 month pregnant and didn't know it. This hurts the most because I finally had my girl, and I know my Daddy would have been in love with her. This made it especially important for my Dad’s family to meet my daughter, now 2, who they had never met before. So I decided to get on the plane with my 2 year old toddler to bury my Nana.

This was the first time I had ever travelled with a child, and to say I was nervous is an understatement. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be the parent on the plane with the crying baby! 

Now that I am back home, I can safely say our trip was a success! No major crying (a little on the way back) no tantrums, no  horror stories. My daughter and I had an incredible time and now we look forward to our future world travels.

Here are some of the tips and tricks I learned:

Before your trip:

1. Prep your child

   • No one likes to be ill prepared, and I think children are the same. My daughter and Iread books about planes, and found our destination on the map. No matter how young, children are extremely bright and understand more than you think. They handle new situations better when they are already familiar with what is happening. Plus, it helps to give reference while you are doing the new activity, “remember when Susie from the book got on the plane with her mom, we are about to do that too!”

2. Get your documents

   • If you are like me, and forget to order the birth certificates until you need them, you will be in panic mode! Don’t fret, you can usually go down to the local city office of the city your child was born to get original birth certificates. Remember, your child doesn’t have ID so you will need some type of identification for your child. Passports are great too, just allow yourself enough time to get what you need before your trip.

3. Leave early

   • Rushing makes everything hard, especially when rushing with a toddler. Leave 30 min before the time you would leave if you were travelling alone. This cushion will come in handy. (Especially if your child is still in diapers)

For the trip:

1. Dress in layers

   • Children get hot and cold very quickly, and the last thing you want is a hot baby screaming because they are uncomfortable. Layers provide the best options in these types of situations.

1. Get snacks 

   • Once you have made it through security, allow yourself enough time to stop and get some snacks. A piece of fruit, water and maybe chips are all good options to grab. A hungry child will give you the flux on a fast moving airplane.

During the trip:

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1. Play games

   • Treat the airplane like a day in the living room. The more normalcy you bring to the airplane ride, the more comfortable your child will feel.
     
     

2. Remain calm

   • Children are little mirrors, if you are nervous and anxious, they will subconsciously pick up on it and act the same. Try to relax and know that everything will be just fine. Even if your child starts to cry, or have a melt down, try your best to stay calm. Don’t worry about everyone else, put your attention on your child and soothing them.

3. Have fun

   • This is MOST important. This is an adventure. Don’t rob yourself of the moment worrying about what could happen. Be present with your kid, enjoy yourself and let the child in you come out as you two explore the world together!