Traveling with toddlers can be a real adventure—one filled with unexpected moments and plenty of patience-testing situations. From managing meltdowns in the airport to dealing with picky eaters while on the road, it’s no secret that traveling with little ones has its unique challenges. But with the right preparation, the journey doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Planning ahead is key. When you take the time to think through your toddler’s needs—whether it’s packing enough snacks, bringing their favorite comfort items, or ensuring a nap-friendly travel schedule—you’re setting the stage for a smoother, more enjoyable trip for everyone. Traveling with toddlers might come with extra steps, but the right travel tips can make all the difference in ensuring both parents and kids have a great time.
Today we’ll share essential travel tips for families with toddlers to help you navigate your next trip with ease.
- Plan Ahead
- Pack Smart
- Choose the Right Travel Time
- Keep Snacks Handy
- Bring Entertainment
- Invest in a Good Stroller or Carrier
- Be Prepared for Delays
- Break the Trip into Shorter Segments
- Stay Calm During Security Checks
- Involve Toddlers in the Packing Process
- Bring Familiar Items from Home
- Keep Documents Handy
- Book Direct Flights When Possible
- Travel with Basic Medications
- Opt for Early Boarding
- Have a Backup Plan for Activities
- Dress Comfortably
- Use Travel Apps
- Stick to Your Toddler’s Routine
- Be Flexible
- Pack Toddler-Friendly Toiletries
- Bring Extra Supplies
- Book Family-Friendly Accommodation
- Make Time for Play
- Stay Positive
1. Plan Ahead
When traveling with a toddler, planning ahead is your best friend. Take the time to research your destination to make sure it’s family-friendly. Look for hotels that offer cribs, high chairs, and play areas, and check if restaurants have kid-friendly menus. It’s also helpful to know what activities are available for young kids so you can fill your days with fun without feeling overwhelmed. A little planning upfront will save you stress once you’re on the road.
2. Pack Smart
Packing for a trip with a toddler is all about being prepared. Make sure you’ve got the essentials: plenty of snacks, extra clothes, diapers, and wipes. Creating a packing checklist can be a lifesaver—write down everything your toddler might need, from their favorite toys to sunscreen. Having these items on hand means fewer last-minute runs to the store and more time enjoying your trip.
3. Choose the Right Travel Time
Timing is everything when traveling with little ones. If possible, plan your travel around your toddler’s nap or sleep schedule. Whether it’s a flight or a long drive, your chances of a peaceful journey are much higher if your toddler is napping. A well-rested child makes for a more relaxed trip for everyone.
4. Keep Snacks Handy
Snacks are a must for any trip with toddlers. Pack healthy, easy-to-carry snacks like fruit, crackers, or pouches of yogurt. Not only do snacks keep your toddler satisfied, but they can also be a great distraction when boredom starts to set in.
5. Bring Entertainment
Long trips can be tough for toddlers, so it’s essential to have plenty of entertainment on hand. Bring a mix of toys, books, and maybe even a tablet loaded with their favorite shows or games. Keep things fresh by offering different activities throughout the trip to help keep your toddler engaged and happy.
6. Invest in a Good Stroller or Carrier
Having a reliable, lightweight stroller or carrier can make all the difference when traveling with a toddler. A portable stroller is great for navigating airports, busy streets, and long walks, while a good carrier lets you keep your hands free and your toddler close, especially when you’re in crowded or uneven terrain. Make sure it’s easy to fold and carry—you don’t want to wrestle with something bulky while managing a toddler!
7. Be Prepared for Delays
Delays happen, and when you’re traveling with a toddler, they can feel even longer. Bring extra snacks, toys, and activities to keep your little one entertained while you wait. If you’re at the airport, let them explore the terminal, or if you’re on the road, try to find a safe spot where they can get out and stretch. Keeping a calm attitude during delays helps set the tone for your toddler, so they’re less likely to get frustrated, too.
8. Break the Trip into Shorter Segments
Long journeys can be tough on toddlers, so it’s helpful to break the trip into shorter segments. Plan stops along the way where your toddler can run around and burn off some energy. Whether it’s a quick playground break or just a rest area with space to move, these mini-breaks can do wonders for keeping everyone happy and making the trip more enjoyable.
9. Stay Calm During Security Checks
Airport security can be stressful, especially with a toddler in tow. Before you get to the checkpoint, explain to your toddler what’s going to happen to prepare them. Make sure to take advantage of family lanes, if available, to speed up the process. Have your items organized and ready to go—shoes off, liquids out—so you can move through quickly and reduce the chance of your toddler getting antsy.
10. Involve Toddlers in the Packing Process
Letting your toddler help with packing can make them feel involved and excited about the trip. Give them a small bag or backpack and let them choose a few of their favorite toys, books, or stuffed animals to bring along. Not only does this make them feel more engaged, but it can also help reduce any travel anxiety they might have by knowing they’ll have familiar items with them.
11. Bring Familiar Items from Home
Traveling can be unsettling for toddlers, so bringing along some comfort items from home can really help them adjust. A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or even a pillow can make unfamiliar places feel a little more like home. These familiar objects provide a sense of security, especially during naps or bedtime in new environments.
12. Keep Documents Handy
When traveling with a toddler, you’ll want to keep all important documents close by. Make sure you have easy access to passports, tickets, and any medical documents you might need, especially if your child has specific health requirements. Having everything organized and within reach will save you time and stress when you need them.
13. Book Direct Flights When Possible
Layovers can be tough, especially with a toddler who might already be restless. Whenever you can, opt for direct flights to reduce the stress and chaos that comes with connecting flights. The shorter the overall travel time, the better for both you and your little one.
14. Travel with Basic Medications
It’s always a good idea to pack basic medications when traveling with a toddler. Bring essentials like fever reducers, motion sickness medicine, any allergy or prescription meds your child might need and a band-aids they just a must. It’s better to be prepared than to scramble to find something in an unfamiliar place.
15. Opt for Early Boarding
Most airlines offer early boarding for families with small children, and it’s definitely worth taking advantage of. It gives you extra time to get your toddler settled, organize your bags, and get comfortable without the rush of other passengers. Having those few extra minutes can make a big difference in starting the flight on a calm note.
16. Have a Backup Plan for Activities
When traveling with toddlers, things don’t always go as planned. Weather can change, attractions can close, and your little one’s mood might shift. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan for activities. Whether it’s a nearby indoor play area, a quick trip to a local museum, or a fun craft to do at the hotel, having alternatives lined up will help keep everyone happy if your original plans fall through.
17. Dress Comfortably
Comfort is key when you’re traveling, especially for long periods. Dress yourself and your toddler in loose, comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. Layering is also a good idea since temperatures can change quickly between planes, cars, and your destination. Don’t forget comfy shoes for both of you—happy feet make for a much easier trip!
18. Use Travel Apps
There are plenty of family-friendly travel apps that can make your journey smoother. Look for apps that offer entertainment for toddlers, such as games or educational content, as well as practical tools like maps, weather updates, and language translation. Having these handy can help fill the time and keep everyone organized.
19. Stick to Your Toddler’s Routine
While traveling disrupts your usual schedule, try to maintain your toddler’s regular routine as much as possible. Stick to familiar meal times and keep bedtime consistent, even if that means doing a shortened version of their usual bedtime routine. A little structure goes a long way in helping toddlers adjust to new environments.
20. Be Flexible
No matter how much you plan, traveling with a toddler will always have its unpredictable moments. The key is to stay flexible and go with the flow when things don’t go as expected. Whether it’s a sudden tantrum, a missed nap, or an unexpected change in plans, keeping a positive, adaptable mindset will help everyone stay calm and enjoy the trip.
21. Pack Toddler-Friendly Toiletries
When packing for your trip, don’t forget the toddler-friendly toiletries. Make sure you have essentials like baby wipes, sunblock, and travel-size shampoo that’s gentle on their skin. Having the right products can make things easier, especially if your little one has sensitive skin or specific preferences when it comes to bath time.
22. Bring Extra Supplies
Accidents happen, so it’s always a good idea to pack extra supplies. Bring more diapers, clothes, and wipes than you think you’ll need in case of spills, messes, or unexpected delays. It’s better to have extra on hand than to run out when you need them most.
23. Book Family-Friendly Accommodations
Choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference when traveling with a toddler. Look for hotels or rentals that cater to families with amenities like cribs, play areas, and even on-site babysitting services. Having kid-friendly accommodations makes it easier to relax and enjoy your trip, knowing your toddler’s needs are taken care of.
24. Make Time for Play
Toddlers need to burn off energy, so make sure to include time for play during your travels. Whether it’s stopping at a local playground, visiting a children’s museum, or just letting your toddler run around in a park, a little playtime helps keep them happy and balanced while on the go.
25. Stay Positive
Traveling with a toddler comes with its ups and downs, but staying positive can make a world of difference. Patience and a good sense of humor go a long way when things get tough. By keeping the mood light and focusing on the fun parts of the journey, you’ll make the experience more enjoyable for everyone—your toddler included.
Remember, traveling with toddlers is an adventure—one filled with memorable moments and plenty of learning along the way. So, pack those snacks, bring the favorite toys, and embrace the fun of exploring the world together.
Adrenaline junkie with a passion for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and finding unique ways to stay active. Expect stunning scenery, challenging workouts, awesome travel tips and a whole lot of fun. Let’s get sweaty and explore the world together!
