No matter your mode of transportation, traveling with a toddler can make you frazzled. Use these ideas to travel safely and stress-free:
Flying with a Toddler:
- Reduce ear pressure. Help toddlers relieve ear pain or pressure: Encourage them to drink liquids through a sippy cup or straw.
- Understand safety procedures. Even if you've flown before, tune in to the pre-flight safety speech, and clear up any lingering questions you might have with a flight attendant.
- Prepare safe seating. Children who weigh more than 40 pounds can safely use the airplane's seat belt. If your child weighs less than that, bring the proper child safety seat for your child's size.
- Pack entertainment. Carry on a variety of toys and snacks to accommodate short attention spans. Some parents recommend giving toys out on a schedule. Try wrapping them up as gifts to make the experience even more exciting.
Traveling with a Toddler by Train:
- Stick together. It's easy to lose your balance on a train, especially for unsteady walkers. Stay with toddlers if they need to move around the train car.
- Sanitize surfaces. Encourage children to wash their hands whenever possible, and use sanitizer often.
Driving with a Toddler:
- Ensure a suitable safety seat. Exact height and weight measurements will determine the correct size of safety seat for your toddler. Infants should be in rear-facing car seats, but children age 2 and older can typically use front-facing seats.
- Come prepared. Especially on long drives, young children may become bored easily. If both adults are in the front, have the front passenger distribute soft toys and snacks to keep toddlers calm and content.
Whether you're at home or traveling, it's always important to keep your kids safe in the car.