Globetrotting with Tots: Safety Tips When Traveling with Toddlers and Babies
People often have the wrong perception about having children. The belief that kids will bring your social life to a halt is utterly untrue. Although there will be a noticeable change in dynamics considering the fact you now have someone else to look after, it doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you like.
Traveling is one hobby that shouldn’t be sacrificed just because you’re now an adult with kids to care for. If you’ve been bitten by the wanderlust, then tag your kids along with you! Sure, your traveling pace could end up being slowed down, but the memories you’ll make as a family are bound to last a lifetime. Besides, what better way to broaden your children’s horizon than to take them on a trip overseas?
The key to having a safe and smooth travel experience with toddlers is to spend a lot of time preparing. Below you’ll find some essential tips that every globetrotting parent should keep in mind.
5 Essential Tips When Traveling with Toddlers and Babies
1. Be on the lookout for non-stop flights
Experts recommend that you book nonstop flights whenever you can. However, flight delays can be your worst enemy here. But if your child can get a bit of shut-eye while flying, it will be a great relief for you and your partner. Should you be forced to take a direct flight instead, avoid having the toddler take a nap during layovers since this is the best time for them to release some of that pent-up energy.
2. While in the air, prepare 15-minute activities
Check how long the flight will take and start planning 15-minute activities for the entire flight duration. For example, a three-hour journey will require at least ten activities to keep your toddler entertained. The first and last fifteen minutes is purposely excluded because this could be spent preparing the child for takeoff and landing. Activities can range from enjoying in-flight entertainment (check for child-friendly television shows) to eating snacks to keep them entertained. Even if you manage to get the child to sleep, it is still necessary to prepare all ten activities so you don’t run out of ideas.
3. Pack extras
Extra outfits, extra diapers, extra snacks, extra toys—these are just some essentials that need to be on your carry-on. Better safe than sorry! The last thing you want is an uncomfortable toddler on a plane.
You’ll also need to have a travel first aid kit with you at all times. You can carry two when traveling: one for your carry on-bag, which usually contains travel-sized goods like band-aids, first aid ointments, and adult paracetamol, and another bag that is filled with larger essentials. This contains non-travel sized bottles of children’s paracetamol and other liquid-based medications.
4. Get a GPS tracker
If you’ve been to LAX, Heathrow, Hartsfield-Jackson, or even Haneda Airport in Japan, then you’ll know that these are the busiest areas in the world. Worse comes to worst, you could end up losing your child in an airport. This is probably the worst nightmare any parent can experience. Fortunately, you can prevent this with the help of a GPS tracker.
Child-friendly trackers like Trackimo will help you keep a close eye on your kids by pinpointing their real-time location on your mobile phone. It takes away the ease and worry you feel when traveling with very young children.
5. Divide your tasks
Traveling with toddlers could be even more arduous when you take it up on your own. As much as possible, have a willing companion travel with you. This could be your partner, family member, or a friend who would be happy to help you watch the child. Not only does this give you time to attend to your own needs, but it also helps you take in the sights while traveling around.
While you continue to plan your trip in advance, it is important to set realistic expectations. Things may not go as smooth as you would have wanted them to, but this statement is true even on adult-only trips. So don’t stress, focus on the fun, and pack those extras for your next adventure with the family.
