How to Attend a Parade with a Toddler

Anyone who has ever taken a toddler anywhere knows the more you plan the easier the trip will be. Attending a parade with a toddler is no exception. To properly plan for a parade with a toddler you must think ahead and have a game plan for your day. Follow these steps to attend a parade with a toddler.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 diaper bag with diaper essentials
• 1 food bag with child's favorite snacks and drinks
• 1 plastic wagon
• collection of toddlers favorite toys
• 1 blanket
• 1 energetic toddler

Everyone Loves a Parade

1. Carry your toddler to the parade site in a large plastic wagon lined with a blanket. This will give your toddler plenty of room to spread out on the way to the parade. It also gives them some place to sit out of harms way.

2. Choose a spot on the parade route to sit that is not too crowded with people. Watching the parade with your toddler from under some shade is the best choice, if it is available.

3. Give your toddler a small collection of their toys to keep them occupied until the parade has started. A bored toddler is a cranky toddler.

4. Make the parade experience with your toddler into a mini picnic. Offer your toddler some snacks and juice through out the parade to keep them from getting bored.

5. Leave the parade route as soon as the parade is over. A toddler will not want to wait for the crowds to dissipate before heading home.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow your toddler to hold your hand and walk up and down the side of the parade route before it starts. This will help him satisfy his curiosity to explore his surroundings before the parade starts. Let him get it out of his system and then he can enjoy the parade.
• The large plastic wagon can double as a bed if your toddler gets tired and needs a nap at the parade.
• Many toddlers are frightened by loud noises and parades are full of them. If this is your toddler, choose a location a few feet away from the edge of the road to watch the parade.