10 tips on travelling with a toddler

1. Distractions
   
   Flying with a child can be stressful for both parties, normally at that age the prospect of staying still for 5+ hours is incomprehensible to their young inquisitive mind. While every child is different generally they respond to a series of distractions that will get you through the flight. Simply positioning yourself by a window will always keep their attention. Snacks and inflight entertainment will also keep them occupied, most airlines will have a children’s kit containing coloring activities, books, games and toys. An iPad with the childs favorite programs pre downloaded will also keep them entertained long enough for them to fall asleep for the rest of the journey.

2. Flight Departure time

Whilst this might not be in your control, certain flights can work in your favor depending on your destination. Flights can be coordinated with your child’s sleep pattern to avoid or reduce the disturbance to their normal routine. Flights operating from Northern America towards Europe tend to fly in the afternoon/ early evening giving you the best chance for child to fall asleep naturally. Alternatively the return leg will normally depart in the morning or early afternoon that will hopefully co-inside with your childs afternoon nap. Its in your interest to select the best flight times around your childs sleep pattern to ease the stress on the journey.

3. Destination
   
   In line with the previous point the destination will determine the journey and while we all have bucket list places to visit sometimes its wise to consider a destination with the toddler in mind. The Caribbean is 4-5 hours from the East side of North America offering sun, sea, beaches, wonders man made and natural all at the comfort of an all inclusive resort. Travelling to Europe from North America is easily doable with a toddler utilizing the point above.
   
   Once their Europe has a plethora of options from beach destinations, cultural capital cities and spectacular natural scenery dispersed across several countries. The diversity of places in Europe present the opportunity to stay in one location and take day trips or visit several cities over a short period. This approach of seeking a destination within 9 hours of travel time will see you visit some amazing places no matter where your originate from.

5. Travel stroller
   
   Travel strollers can become a lifeline when flying with a toddler for all sorts of reasons. Its probably not necessary to purchase a specialist one however your standard stroller should be part of your travel plans. Right from the get-go most airports have a specialist line dedicated for young families. Easily identifiable for invitation with the presence of a stroller you can join at the amusement of other disgruntled passengers as you bypass the inevitable long lines.
   
   A similar situation in present when exiting the airport, most security lines will have dedicate lines for young families to you breeze through towards the luggage carousel. Outside of security lines the distances between lounges and gates can be vast and strenuous even without a child present. Easing the burden by having the stroller present to effortless transfer your inevitable sleepy child in familiar comfort reducing the stress would be a wise decision.

6. Day trips
   
   Once arrived in destination you will probably settle into a routine of sun, sea and relax that will likely lead to your child complaining of boredom. A day trip away from the resort gives the child something to get excited for, a change of scenery keeps them interested and intrigued. On a recent trip back to the UK we visited several places like York, Lake District, Chester Zoo and Old Trafford.
   
   During the journey the motion will like cause the toddler to fall asleep and their fore become co-operative and less fussy when you arrive at your destination. Whether its exploring ancient ruins, visiting a theme park or simply discovering a new beach town a day trip is a great way to engage your child in new surroundings.

7. Travel Flask
   
   Travel flasks have become an essential piece of kit for any trip away with our toddler and often a lifesaver when the little one suddenly becomes thirsty. Probably advised to keep it empty whilst passing through security as it can be filled in the departure lounge. Usually airports have a coffee shop present, the perfect place to ask for cold milk for your toddler or boiling water to mix with formula for infants. This will get you through until boarding where you can replenish the flask for the remainder of the journey. Outside of the airport the travel flask is great for day trips and other journeys with the toddler.

8. Packing
   
   Trying not to overthink packing by having a simple checklist to have all the essentials for the flight and destination. Normally we pack a separate detachable washbag with spare change of clothes, several diapers, wipes, cream, changing mat that can be easily accessed from your main carry on. As mentioned above a travel flask with spare bottles is a must have. Medication for yourself and child should also be in the carry on, in addition to spare change of clothes in case of an accident or lost luggage. A small toy or electronic device is also a great distraction to keep your child occupied throughout the journey. All of these items can fit conveniently into a small children’s backpack.

9. Snacks
   
   Light snacks are a great way to keep your child distracted on the plane or in the departure lounge, whether it be nibbling in-between meals or used as a game to practice counting. We often get biscuits or crisps to bring on the plane to keep them distracted for a while. Even the process of buying them in the airport can be a valuable way of engaging the child and passing the time until boarding commences. Definitely have something to hand your toddler when they inevitably get fussy and demanding.

10. Plane seats
    
    This may not matter to some people and the additional cost might not present any value to the guest however in my experience pre booking preferred seats can save a lot of hassle and stress. Recent flights to Europe from Canada normally involve a 8hr flight flight in each direction, and given the unique method of debarkation in Toronto pre – selecting the seats is a necessity. My personal preference is near the front ideally bulkhead on either side of the plane next to the door. Firstly you will have priority boarding as you have a child and therefore have first pick of the overhead storage in addition to be first in line to debark the plane upon arrival.
    
    Secondly the bulkhead seats mean no guests are behind you, ie not bothering you only have to worry about what’s in front. Thirdly check the seating configuration of the plane, long hall flights tend to have 3 – 4 – 3 or 2 – 4 – 2 and shorter domestic flights 3 – 3. In either case make sure you have a window seat selected for the child, to keep them distracted, to sleep on or simply position yourself in-between them and aisle to prevent the curious kid wondering around the plane. Pre booking seats in advance can also prevent you from being bumped off the flight if the plane gets overbooked, the last thing you want to happen at the start of your vacation.

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