How to Travel With Children

Before getting in the car or hopping on an airplane for a long flight consider what your children will need to keep them occupied and comfortable. You may not be happy to hear "The Wheels-on-the-Bus" blaring for the hundredth time while driving.Take snacks and toys to keep your kids happy, and expect to make frequent stops to stretch and go to the bathroom.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Traveling by Car

1. Remember you won't be making record time when traveling with an infant or toddler in a car. Expect to make more frequent bathroom stops for toddlers. Take breaks to let your child get out of the car and run around. Wear them out before they get back in the car.

2. Fill a small laundry basket with toys, books, crayons and other activities your child can do in the car. Think twice before adding toys that make a lot of noise.

3. Pack a small cooler stocked with snacks that can be easily handled and eaten while you are driving. Fill spill-proof cups for toddlers and pre-made bottles for babies. This saves you from having to fill them when you are on the road.

4. Bring a rechargeable hand vacuum in the vehicle. Cleaning up those crushed snacks will be much easier. When you get to your destination, don't forget to recharge it for the ride home.

5. Take a practice drive. If you are planning a ten hour trip, take your toddler on a two hour trip to get him used to sitting in the car for a longer period before going all out.

6. Plan your drive for night or nap time to help cut down on the time your infant or toddler is awake in the car. If you have an older child, get them interested in what's outside. They may enjoy watching for landmarks. Give them something to watch for by filling them in on what's ahead.

7. Pack an emergency first aid kit for your trip. The kit should include any daily medications. Also children's pain reliever, adhesive bandages and antibiotic ointment. Include tweezers to get out splinters, small scissors and cold pack for bumps and bruises.

Traveling by Air

8. Before you take a child to the airport explain the security procedures to him. Make sure he understands how the x-ray machines work and that he will need to remove his shoes for security.

9. Give yourself extra time for check-in at the airport. Be ready to help with shoes at security checkpoints. Find a cart to carry the family's bags. Make sure you take your child to the bathroom right before you board.

10. Make a carry on bag just for your child with his favorite toys, books and snacks. Make sure the toys don't make noise so you aren't disrupting other passengers on the airplane. Keep fluids to a minimum, consider how hard it will be to take your child to the bathroom.

11. Have your child chew gum during take off and landings. Chewing will help relieve the pressure in his ears. Give babies and toddlers a bottle or spill proof cup to suck on during take off and landing. Expect babies and toddlers to be crankier during these times.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see if your airline will serve a meal. Some airlines have kid-friendly meals. If they won't be serving a meal, plan to feed your child close to your boarding time and bring snacks.
• Add new toys to the bag. A new toy will always hold attention longer.
• Bring an infant or child safety seat that meets airline regulations.
• Don't forget the baby wipes to clean up the messes.