This summer, excitement builds as families prepare for a well-deserved break. For many parents, the thought of traveling with toddlers can be overwhelming. However, with a little planning and creativity, the journey doesn’t have to be chaotic. As someone who’s experienced this firsthand, I’m here to share my top tips for making the most of your summer vacation with tiny travelers.
From clever hacks to sanity-saving strategies, get ready to embark on an adventure that’s fun for everyone – including your little ones.
Your Survival Guide to Traveling with Toddlers
When preparing for family vacations with young children, being well-prepared is crucial. For my first trip with my son, I received valuable advice from another mom: pack a substantial amount of snacks, far exceeding what you’ll need. This wisdom has stuck with me, and it’s now the first thing I do when packing for any trip.
One snack that has been a hit with my daughter is Gerber’s Organic Popped Crisps in Green & Yellow Pea flavor.
These crunchy treats are not only delicious but also made with wholesome ingredients. As an added bonus, they keep her occupied and satisfied. This win-win situation allows me to feel confident in the quality of the snacks while keeping my child happy.
To ensure a smooth trip, it’s essential to prioritize your children’s needs by packing plenty of snacks and offering various options.
I like to mix things up with crunchy snacks like the crisps and pouches like Gerber’s Organic Coconut Water Splashers. The Mango Peach Carrot flavor from Albertsons is a particular favorite, and I appreciate how easily accessible these items are in the baby aisle.
In addition to snacks, don’t forget to bring hydration essentials like water, milk or juice. When traveling with an infant under one year old, you can even pass a bottle through security as long as it’s intended for them.
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when navigating airports and other public spaces.
Buy New Toys
While preparing for family trips, I have a fun tradition of purchasing a few surprise gifts for my kids to enjoy along the way. To make it easy and convenient, I often stop by Albertson’s while stocking up on snacks for myself and the kids. The key is to keep things simple and affordable – small treats like coloring books, plush toys or tiny trinkets can provide endless hours of entertainment without breaking the bank.
Wrap the Toys
When it comes to entertaining your toddler on-the-go, a simple yet effective trick is to wrap their toys in a fun and playful way. By doing so, you’re not only adding an extra layer of excitement but also creating opportunities for them to develop their problem-solving skills as they work to unwrap the surprises. The birthday present-like wrapping adds a delightful touch, making it a great way to keep your little one occupied while giving you a few well-deserved moments of quiet.
Get Them Their Own Bag
When it comes to traveling with toddlers, I’ve found that providing them with their own personal space is crucial. For M, who’s only 20 months old, having a special backpack filled with her favorite toys and snacks makes all the difference. She loves to dig through it and discover new treats inside. In fact, she’s become so familiar with the contents that she’ll even point to the bag and say ‘snack’ when she knows there are goodies waiting for her.
It’s amazing how something as simple as having their own space can make a big impact on their travel experience. I’d love to hear from you – what are some of your top tips for traveling with toddlers? Do you have any favorite snacks or activities that keep them entertained?