Traveling with children

Author: Slava Digriz

Whether it is your first trip with your first child, or your fifth with your fifth, it will always be daunting to travel with children. From what to pack to how to get there, there are many potential concerns.

However, there are some tips that can help you prepare and save you from going crazy. Below we have listed 25 best tips for traveling with children. Some are for infants, others are for older children and others are for you.

  1. Just do it!Although the idea of??traveling with children can be overwhelming, the most important thing to remember is: it will end. You get there. You will survive.
  2. Take it slowlyThis could be you

You may be used to rushing through the airplane and through the airport and using all the secret shortcuts, but these days are over. Sit back, let everyone rush around you and just go with the flow. You are no longer responsible - enjoy it.

  1. Do not overpackRemember that almost everything can be purchased abroad. It may not be the same brand, but you can. Diapers are often a problem as 100% eco and organic brands are sometimes difficult to find. If you are used to using an eco-label, do a test run with a non-eco-label before leaving to see if your little one has any kind of reaction.
  2. Hotel or vacation rental?Hotels have benefits (room service, meals, babysitting services, etc.), but with vacation rentals you can make it your home - and prepare your own meals, which can be useful if your child has a special diet. It's a personal choice, but it's worth thinking about.
  3. Book wiselyIf you go the hotel route, take your time booking. You may have stayed there before and loved it, but think long and hard about it. Was your room up a steep hill? Were there many steps? What may have been paradise for just the two of you can easily become a nightmare when shooting a stroller and a baby.
  4. Trademark 'em and track' em!He is not lost - it is his parents who are lost

If you are worried about your child getting lost, you can mark them by writing your name and phone number on your arm. That way, if they are found, you can easily be contacted. You can also invest in a Gps tracking device. Attach it to your child's wrist or bag and follow through with the app.

  1. Pool facing the seaEven if you are planning to stay at the beach, consider making sure there is a pool as well. Many children love to be in the sea, but others cannot tolerate it. A pool is perfect for little ones to splash in, cool off - and get exhausted in.
  2. Baby stroller vs. stroller vs. harnessThis is a common dilemma when traveling with children and there is no easy answer. Much of it depends on where you are going. Will the streets be level and paved or will there be potholes and off-road involved? Will it be extremely humid or pretty cool? What is your child used to?

A good alternative is a lightweight stroller. They are easy to travel with and can be taken up to the gate; they can be used as a temporary bed for naps in the afternoon; they are light and breathable but can also be insulated with blankets and a rain blanket; and they are good on almost any terrain.

  1. Car seat or not?Some people swear by them, others think it is madness to bring such a large item in the short time they will be used. They require an extra seat on the flight and are quite bulky, but then you are guaranteed to have it for all types of car trips. If you are planning to take one, it may be worth investing in a car / wagon combination so you don't have to lug even more weight around.
  2. Pack wiselyPeace and quietYour diaper bag is counted as yours, so make sure you have everything (you may want to think about any delays as well): cloths; spare parts pacifier; diapers; snacks (but not full of sugar! However, it is worth bringing some sugary sweets to help with the pressure change during take-off and landing) a change of clothes; plastic bags (for diapers and in case clothes get really dirty); headphones; toys; a pillow; extra batteries or power packs; tablet / DVD player; and cloths.

If there is some space left for your things, fill it with baby wipes - you need them. If you go with children, use special things for safe travel here