In collaboration with Medical Travel Compared
Travelling with toddlers – where do I even begin? If you’re like me, the idea of a family holiday can bring up equal amounts of excitement and anxiety. Toddlers are unpredictable, they have an abundance of energy, and their patience doesn’t last as long as we’d like it to.
But listen up: travelling with little ones doesn’t have to be a stress-filled nightmare. With the right mindset and a bit of preparation, you can make the journey a fun, enjoyable experience for the whole family (I promise!).
So, let’s talk about how to stay calm and collected while travelling with toddlers. Here are some practical tips that have worked for me – and hopefully, they’ll help you too!
Preparation is Key: Plan Ahead
The first step to a smooth trip is getting organised before you even leave the house. It might feel overwhelming, but trust me, a little preparation can save you from a lot of stress down the line.
Start by packing the essentials – snacks (lots of them!), drinks, and a few favourite toys or books. I always make sure to bring a big stash of snacks that are easy to eat on the go – think fruit pouches, oaty bars, bread sticks, or anything that won’t make too much of a mess in the car or on the plane. And snacks for myself too, because I get disregulated when I’m hungry!
I also pack extra clothes (for both of us, just in case) and a mini first aid kit with plasters, Calpol, sting cream etc.
If you’re flying, check ahead for family-friendly amenities. Most airports have small play areas, so you might be able to plan a pit stop at one of these.
Don’t forget to download any travel apps that help you track flights, or show you where you can find baby-changing facilities. Most airports and airlines have them. Trust me, knowing you’ve thought ahead gives you one less thing to worry about!
Another important thing to sort out before you go is your travel insurance. I’ve had to use it several times in the past and the last thing you want when you’re abroad with littles is an eye-watering hospital bill. If anyone in your family has pre-existing medical issues, make sure you’re properly covered with travel insurance with health conditions. It’s always a good idea to check that your insurance policy covers any specific needs, just in case something unexpected comes up during the trip. You’ll feel so much more relaxed knowing you’re prepared for any bumps along the way.
Managing Expectations: Set Realistic Goals
Let’s face it – things might not always go as planned, and that’s OK. Setting realistic expectations for yourself and your toddler is essential to staying calm. We all want everything to go smoothly, but toddlers have their own ideas about what they want to do (and when), and that’s perfectly normal.
Before the trip, talk to your child about the journey – keep it light and fun. If they’re old enough, let them know what’s going to happen, and maybe even make it into a game.
But also remember, flexibility is key. If they need to run around and get their energy out at the airport, let them. If they’re refusing to nap in the car, try not to stress. The trip will still be memorable, even if things aren’t perfect!
Keep Your Toddler Entertained and Comfortable
Keeping a toddler entertained during a long journey can be tricky, but I’ve found that having a few tricks up my sleeve makes a huge difference.
Depending on the length of your trip, you’ll want a few activities to keep them engaged.
Inspired by Five Minute Mum, I always pack a tat bag which is basically a selection of all that random stuff you get from party bags or Happy Meals, just random tiny little toys that your kiddo has probably forgotten about and will be overjoyed to unpack!
Some other winners for keeping a small child entertained on the go are:
- sticker books
- water-activated colouring books
- lift the flap books
- busy books/boards (the kind with zips, laces, buttons etc to keep little fingers busy)
- small tub of playdoh
- fuzzy felt boards
- small bag of Duplo
- small toy diggers/dumper trucks, and rip up bits of paper to cart around in them
- and of course, a tablet loaded with cartoons for when I really need a breather.
All of the above are packable, relatively quiet and mess-free.
Comfort is just as important. Whether you’re travelling by car, plane, or train, I always make sure my little one has their favourite blanket and/or cuddly toy. These little things can make a big difference in helping them feel safe and calm during a journey.
And don’t forget to pack a change of clothes (for both everyone!) – accidents happen, especially when you least expect it.
Also, stay mindful of the need for breaks. Toddlers can get restless sitting still for too long, so if you’re driving, make stops to let them stretch their legs. If you’re on a plane, encourage them to walk up and down the aisle (with your supervision, of course). A well-timed break can make all the difference in keeping the mood positive.
Stay Calm in Challenging Moments
Let’s be real – there will be moments when your toddler throws a tantrum, or they simply won’t cooperate. And you know what? That’s OK. It’s important to remember that these things happen, and they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong as a parent.
When the inevitable tantrum or frustration arises, take a deep breath. It sounds cliché, but I’ve found that a few moments of calm breathing help me reset and approach the situation with a clearer mind. Stay composed and remember that your toddler’s meltdown isn’t a reflection of your parenting – it’s just part of being a toddler.
If things get particularly stressful, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people are actually understanding, especially when they see you’re juggling a toddler. Many people have been there themselves. Whether it’s the airline staff or a fellow passenger, there’s no harm in reaching out if you need a little support.
Be Flexible: Embrace the Journey
One of the best lessons I’ve learned from travelling with toddlers is the power of flexibility. If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t sweat it – sometimes the best memories come from the unplanned moments. Embrace the journey, even if it’s not perfect.
Maybe your toddler is fascinated by the window view and wants to stare at the clouds for an hour. Or maybe they’re suddenly keen on exploring every corner of the airport terminal. Instead of trying to force them into a rigid schedule, lean into the moment and enjoy it. The fact that you’re spending quality time together as a family is what matters most.
Remember, each trip is a learning experience, and being flexible allows you to make the most of it. The next time your toddler gets excited over a small detail, take a breath and let yourself enjoy it too.
Conclusion
Travelling with toddlers might be a bit chaotic at times, but with the right preparation, mindset, and flexibility, it can also be incredibly rewarding. From planning ahead to staying calm in the face of challenges, there are plenty of ways to make the journey smoother for everyone.
So, the next time you hit the road or board a flight with your little one, remember that the goal is to have fun and make memories – perfectly imperfect, but always worthwhile.
Happy travels, and remember: you’ve got this!
