Sunday, April 15, 2018

Use This Checklist If You’re Traveling With Kids



Whether you are traveling across town or across the country, taking a child along can be a challenge. But, if you are prepared for whatever happens, you will handle the trip and the kid like a champ. We are going to give you a few tips on how to be ready for anything while traveling with your child.

Stay Calm and Be Honest 

Parents know that their little ones have the capacity to shoot into orbit in 5-seconds or less. This is why we strategically walk around the edge of the grocery store. It is our fear that usually begins the cycle of dread when we have to take a trip. But, if you remain calm, you have at least a 50/50 chance that he will too.

If you are taking the bus or the car to the city, stopping at the doctor so he can have an eye exam, followed by a visit to the pre-school for registration, tell him. You do not have to go into great detail, simply say, we have to get your eyes checked and then we will stop by the school.

It is all in the presentation. If you say, “We are taking the bus to the doctor to have your eyes examined and then we will stop by your school.” He has no reason to be afraid. But if you say, “I know you are going to be afraid, but it will not hurt a bit, and I promise as soon as it is over we will go for a Happy Meal. Then we have to stop by your new school, but I promise I am not going to leave you there today, so don’t be afraid.” Your child just heard “They are going to punch me in the eye and then mommy is going to make a stay at that school thing she keeps talking about. Begin melt down in 3, 2, 1...

Photo credit/site https://pixabay.com/en/plane-aircraft-klm-airshow-volkel-3300972/


Travel Smart 

Use one bag. Opt for a backpack or a diaper bag. Keep your arms free as much as possible.

Take a change of clothes (or two), baby wipes, all purpose cream (for rashes, bites, scrapes, and dry skin.)

Take snacks in ziplock bags, and take a large ziplock bag for wet clothes.

If your child has a favorite blanket or stuffed toy, take it with you.

Download kids shows, music, and games on your cell phone.

Appointments
  • If you are going to a doctor, dentist, or school appointment, contact them beforehand. 
  • Have them email you any forms that need to be filled out and send them in before you go, leaving a copy in your email folder. 
  • Take pictures of your child's insurance cards, birth certificate, shot records, and anything else they need and send them in before you go. 
  • Make your visit as uneventful and stress-free as possible. 
  • You know your child. If your child gets fussy just before lunch or if he doesn’t get his afternoon nap, make the appointment for the morning hours. Do not try to do too much in one day. 
  • If you have several things that need to be done on one day, consider spending the night at a hotel. But, with planning, you should not find yourself in that situation. 
Longer Trips - Going By Plane 

If you are taking your child on vacation, and you are traveling by plane, you must take more precautions.
  • Let the airline know you are traveling with a child and be selective on your seating arrangements. 

  • Take enough snacks and activities to keep them busy. 

  • They will probably not like the sensation of ear popping. Take some gummy snacks to help them chew through the sensation. 

  • If you can, arrange your flight during the time your child normally naps. 
Traveling with your child may seem challenging at first. But, you will soon get the hang of it. Just roll with it and enjoy the ride. It will all be a memory tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This is a guest post written by The Blog Frog. Please check out The Blog Frog.

4 comments:

Ai Sakura said...

Yup I prefer to bring only 1 bag on the plane too.. because sometimes you never know when the cabin overhead might be full even if it's just over your seat and less things to worry about too!! I'm always scared of my stuff getting stolen on planes while sleeping hahaha..

Indah Nuria Savitri said...

I love the tips and try to bear that in mind. I have always spoken at length with the kids whenever we have to do some road trips or travel far.

Theresa Mahoney said...

Thankfully, we waited until the girls were older before traveling with them. Allison had a huge meltdown when she was 8 though, but other than that, our trips have been virtually stress free.

Liz Mays said...

It totally makes sense to keep calm yourself in the hopes of keeping the kids calm. Neither of mine were big temper tantrums kids so I feel pretty lucky!

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