Tips for Traveling With Toddlers for the First Time

The best gift you can give your partner is taking the lead on travel logistics. Doing this means you'll help free up their mental load so they can actually look forward to the trip.

Essential Pre-Trip Tasks

• Research and book accommodations with kitchen facilities when possible. A fridge in particular is super convenient for storing milk and other healthy fresh snacks.
• Map out potential grocery stores near your destination.
• Check if your accommodations have baby gear rentals like a crib.
• Plan travel times around nap schedules when possible.
• Research kid-friendly activities but keep the schedule loose.
• Locate nearby urgent care facilities (just in case).

Remember: A well-planned trip reduces stress for everyone, but don't over-schedule. The goal is to create a flexible framework, not a minute-by-minute itinerary.

The way we like to pack for toddler travel is to strategize around what you bring versus what you can buy at your destination. With curbside pickup from many general stores, this has become easier than ever. Here's how to strike that balance:

What to Pack

• Car seat with protective cover. The trick with this is you can store items inside during checked transit like jackets, shoes, or larger stuffies and it often checks for free with many airlines.
• Lightweight and foldable stroller. You may want one that's different than your day-to-day stroller since these can get damaged during transit.
• Favorite comfort items like a special toy or blanket. Be limited here, just one or two per kid to limit how many things you'll have to keep track of when you're on the move at your destination.
• Essential medications and basic first aid (e.g. epipen, ibuprofen, etc.).
• Change of clothes for everyone in your carry-on.
• If they're ~2+ and you're comfortable with a tablet, download their favorite shows (and headphones).

What to Buy There

• Diapers and wipes (pack enough for travel day plus one)
• Swimming diapers if you're headed for the pool/beach
• Snacks and drinks
• Individually portioned meals like oatmeal or pouches
• Basic toiletries
• Beach/pool toys

Air travel with toddlers is an exercise in patience and preparation. The flight can be the most stressful part of the trip. Remember that there's a strict clock on this part and it will probably go by faster than you think.

Flight Survival Kit

• Extra snacks and empty sippy cup which you can fill after security.
• Small toys for the plane ride. We like Montessori toys that have lots of different tactile and attached pieces as it holds their attention for quite awhile.
• Post-it notes. Endless entertainment on tray tables!
• Tablet with downloaded shows.
• Comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.

Pro Tips for Flying

• Use a bottle or sippy cup during takeoff and landing to help with ear popping.
• Book flights during normal awake times when possible.
• Accept that your child might cry, most people understand.
• Consider upgrading to extra legroom seats if budget allows.

After you have kids, I'd say the biggest challenge in family travel is adjusting your expectations. Here's ways to reframe your approach:

The New Normal

• Accept that nap schedules will impact your days
• Plan for earlier dinners before the meltdowns
• Expect to spend more time in your room/rental than before
• Build in downtime as overtired kids, and parents, aren't fun
• Look for kid-friendly alternatives to adult activities
• If you can afford a buffer day, add it as travel can easily upend sleep schedules

Finding the Joy

• Focus on your child's excitement and discovery
• Document the moments regardless of whether they go as planned or not
• Look for parent-swap opportunities for some solo time
• Remember: This phase is temporary

While these trips might not be relaxing in the traditional sense, they're building memories and family bonds that will stick with you. Your toddler won't remember every detail, but they'll grow up knowing that adventure and joy go hand in hand.