Survival Guide to Traveling with Toddlers

By Amber L'Estrange, Photo: Daniela Beckmann
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Traveling with the bubbas can be stressful, even if they are the most angelic, well-behaved children.
To lessen my chances of a stress-filled travel adventure, I work with my survival kit, designed to keep toddlers happy while on the run. 

Snacks
I make sure to keep grounding, healthy, filling snacks on me to help curb any moods swings or pending tantrums. Some snacks I pack include:

• Fruit (berries, apples, pear, banana)
• Pouches (green veggies with some apple)
• Rice crackers with ghee and almond butter 
• Seaweed crackers

Activities
 A positive educational or creative distraction is always a win-win situation when aiming for a smooth ride. Some activities my toddler gets lost in include:

• Coloring books
• Story books
• Sticker books

Toys
I select an array of toys that are from my kid’s favorite picks.
This usually ends up being small toys he can grasp in his hand for hours, line up or make a stack pile with. 
My son loves his:

• Mini cars
• Mini Dinosaurs 
• Balls 
• Mini figurines
• A magical power crystal stone
• A finger laser light

Fresh stimulus
I find getting a new game/activity/book or toy a day before or ON my travel day, helps keep my boy happy and engaged.

Comfort item
Most kids have that one item they haul around everywhere that gives them a sense of comfort, weather it be an old blanket, pacifier, soft toy or item of clothing. Make sure this is packed!! 

Melatonin gummies
When battling long flights and jet lag, melatonin can be a helpful aid. I suggest testing the level that is suitable for your bubba BEFORE you hit the runway. Melatonin can come in a tablet, liquid or gummy (they have thought of everything!!). I currently have a liquid form that has no added sugar, only melatonin and stevia. 

Nap schedule
I always consider my boys nap schedule when traveling domestically. Whenever possible, I book flights that fall over our nap time so my boy gets his sleep in and mama has a stress free few hours.  

Digital Media
As most parents have discovered, screen time can be a savior. Even though this is a quick fix to any fussing that may arise, it is always my last resort as I would prefer my son be using his imagination, creating or learning rather than zoning out. In saying that, there are some amazing educational programs available these days so I suggest carefully hand picking some good programs to put on your tablet for your kid to enjoy. Some shows I recommend are: 

• Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
• Little Einsteins
• Super Why
• Blaze and the Monster Machines

Headphones 
These come in handy when plugging your bub up to the screen are wanting to play them some music or even get some white noise to the little ones.

Engaging 
Traveling demands our keen focus directed towards organizational and transportation elements. This most often than not means our attention is being taken away from the kids and onto the mission at hand. I feel like the children notice this and are particularly inclined to do whatever it takes to get your attention back, usually not considering time appropriateness.
To avoid any child mishaps in their attempt to get some love, I suggest giving them as much presence as possible in between the hustle and bustle. This can look like:
Making a game out of the commuting...

• I-spy
• Telling stories
• Naming colors
• Singing songs   

What is your favorite tip or trick for traveling with toddlers? Or epic fails? Tell us everything in the comments.