As a mom to two high-energy little kids (boys ages 3 and 5), I know traveling withtoddlers or preschoolers isn’t always smooth sailing. Luckily, I’ve learned that being flexible and having a few tricks up my sleeve makes all the difference. Here are the secrets I’ve learned (the hard way) about how to keep everyone happy.
Rethink mealtime:
It can be hard to keep a consistent meal schedule when traveling, plus there are so many wonderful things to try along the way. A good option? Instead of giving your young kids three big meals a day, plan for six mini ones. That way you’re keeping their blood-sugar levels from hitting cranky bottom, plus you’re breaking up the trip by giving kids a little treat. (You can swap in some healthy options, like dried fruit and nuts.) Plus, there’s nothing like a small snack to distract a preschooler from a temper tantrum. Tip: Don’t forget to pack some bland snacks like saltines or Cheerios, suggests Theresa Pickett, an elementary-school teacher in Woodstock, MD, and mom of two young children under five. Some kids can get queasy bellies from car travel or tasting a variety of new foods, and something simple and bland is often the best remedy.
Plus: 14 Best Travel Apps, Games and Toys for Preschoolers
Bring a few of their favorite things:
While traveling someplace new is full of wonderful discoveries, it’s good to bring along a few comforts from home to keep a preschooler feeling safe and secure. Have your little one pack several of his prized possessions in his backpack: his beloved teddy, a soft blanket, even a much-loved toy, suggests Joseph R. Sanok, a licensed counselor in Traverse City, MI, and father to a 3-year-old. Then sneak in a couple small new ones as a surprise. Another good tip? “Cut back iPad time the two weeks before traveling, so that if you have to engage the kids in screen time, it is new again,” he adds.
Avoid rushing through the experience:
Make the journey part of the fun by planning stops along the way. “There is a tendency to want to get to your destination quickly, but letting kids run, eat, and play, will make the experience a lot easier and more memorable,” says Sanok. For long road trips, that means stopping at parks or a kid-friendly museum after a few hours. If you’re flying, spend part of the layover at the play area.
Plus: Why Little Kids Love to Travel
Be flexible about sleep:
As much as you may want to stick to a nap and bedtime schedule, the time change, excitement level, and opportunities to take in the sights means you need to relax your routine a tad. Spending 45 minutes fighting with your toddler to nap and missing the character parade just isn’t worth it (believe me, I know from experience). Part of the fun of being on vacation is staying up a little later and snoozing in the stroller (or the car). The memories you’re creating with your young child more than make up for those lost zzz’s. Besides, you can get your child back on track on the trip home.
Drink and wash up:
Little children's hands like to touch everything—hand rails, coins on the floor, toilet seats. Keeping your kids healthy on the go begins with simple things: making sure they’re drinking lots of water and washing their hands often, suggests pediatrician Tanya Altmann. M.D., author of Mommy Calls. Keep a stash of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes On the Go handy, too, recommends Dr. Altmann. They’re especially good on the plane to wipe down tray tables, arm rests, and plane windows (where little faces love to press their noses and peer out).
Plus: How to Get Kids Super Pumped for Vacation
Carve out pool time:
It’s no surprise that most preschoolers love water play. If you’re heading someplace warm, “make sure to have your swimsuits in your carry-on luggage and head straight to the beach even before you check in,” says Stacy Haynes, Ed.D., a psychologist at Little Hands Family Services in Turnersville, NJ. If you’re traveling to a chillier destination, make sure your hotel has an indoor (heated) pool. This is also a good back-up option for rainy days.
We hope these practical "how to" tips help you make traveling with your preschooler and/or your toddler a more fun and relaxing experience!
Plus: Find More Tips and Trip Ideas at Our Family Travel Hub