How to travel easily with a baby or a toddler

There will be times in your life that you will have to travel with your baby or toddler. The longer the trip, the harder it will be to do this. We all know this. Yet, we put up with the challenges because it is nice for a family to get away once in a while and sometimes travel is just plain necessary. If you take a few steps before your journey and acquire a few items ahead of time, you may be able to make your trip not only a safe one; but an enjoyable one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Finger foods such as fruits, carrots, crackers, etc.
• Toys (quiet ones)
• DVD's
• Entertaining books such as coloring books
• Crayons
• Sing along CD's
• Essential items such as diapers, formula, baby food, wipes, blankets
• Change of clothing for baby or toddler

1. Before the trip, take a trip to a dollar store and buy a few toys to distribute to the child or children throughout the trip. Make sure they do not see them first.
   
   Pack all the essentials: food, diapers, medicines, wipes, baby formula and even an extra change of clothes.
   
   It may help to make a list and then go over it twice before leaving, to make sure you have everything.
2. If you need such items as a baby bed, play pen or even a high chair for your stay at a hotel, call ahead or ask when you are making your hotel reservations to see if you can rent one from them. Many hotels have these available to their guests upon request. If the hotel does, it means you don't have the hassle of tugging on such items.
3. Begin the journey or trip off on the right foot. If you are leaving early in the morning or late at night, allow the child or children to come as they are. This means if they are still dressed in their PJ's allow it. If they are comfortable they may just fall back asleep again.
4. You know the child or children must be eat during the trip. Make eating simple. You should plan ahead with simple finger foods. You can cut up some apples and place them in a seal container. Smear peanut butter onto crackers. You can also bring along carrots and other fruit choices.
5. Bring along important items such as: toys (quiet ones are the best, remember you will be hearing them, too), coloring books and crayons.
6. Bring along a portable DVD player and a couple of movies that will keep the children entertained.
7. Take many breaks. Children need to let off steam, stretch their legs and yes go potty. Allow them this luxury and the trip will be smoother.

Tips & Warnings

• Write a list of what you need and go over it again, and again.
• Cut up any finger foods before your trip
• Try to stay calm during the trip.
• If you begin to feel frazzled, take a break. Park and allow the kids a chance to move around some.