7 Tips for Traveling with Kids

1. Choose Family Friendly Destinations 

When planning your next adventure, opt for destinations that cater to families with young children. Look for hotels and resorts with kid-friendly amenities and research family-friendly attractions nearby to ensure there are plenty of options to keep everyone entertained! Another option is to keep your travel local. Spend less time worrying about the stress of plane trips or long car rides and more time relaxing! Local travel is much more forgiving than traveling across state lines or internationally, especially for new parents. Try researching nearby tourist attractions for a more low-key weekend getaway If you plan on going somewhere that involves a lot of walking, make sure it’s stroller friendly! We suggest the Gaggle Roadster Stroller; it is lightweight, has an expandable canopy, can accommodate up to two children, and has a moveable cup holder.

2. Book Accommodations Wisely

When traveling with little ones, it is best to choose accommodations that offer plenty of space and amenities to accommodate your family’s needs. Consider renting a vacation home or condo with separate bedrooms and a kitchen, allowing you the option to prepare meals and maintain a consistent bedtime routine. Alternatively, look for hotels that offer family suites or have connecting rooms for added convenience. There are few things less relaxing than having to sit silently in a dark hotel room when your baby has gone to bed at 7pm!

3. Ensure there are Proper Sleeping Arrangements

Ensure there are Proper Sleeping Arrangements: If traveling locally, you may have more freedom when it comes to bringing your own crib. We recommend the Metro Play Yard if you’re looking for something light that comes with a carrying bag. This bassinet’s design has plenty of different features fit for any vacationing family’s needs: it’s easily collapsible, water resistant, easy to clean, and designed to keep children from climbing out of it! If you are staying at a hotel or vacation rental, check the amenities to see if they offer travel cribs and request one in your room. Plan on doing this ahead of time so you don’t have to stress about it later!

4. Pack the Essentials

Packing for a trip with kiddos requires careful planning. Create a packing list for each family member, including essentials like clothing, diapers, snacks, and things to keep everyone entertained. Pack a separate bag with travel-sized toiletries, medications, bottles, etc. and don’t forget any special items your baby may need, such as a favorite toy or blanket. When traveling with babies or toddlers, having a change of clothes (with a plastic bag for soiled ones) for baby and you is an absolute must.

5. Bring a Special Toy

Air travel is stressful for everyone, but especially for littles ones who aren’t used to sitting still and have ears that are extra sensitive to air pressure changes. Make it as fun as you can for your child by bringing a special toy (or toys) that they can unwrap and play with throughout the flight. If you’re usually a stickler about screen time, consider making an exception and loading up your tablet with episodes of Sesame Street, Bluey, Paw Patrol, or whatever else their favorite show is. In our experience, it’s always good to have multiple options, because you’ll never know what will take! On a related note, making multiple Cheerios necklaces for toddlers to munch through is also well worth the advanced prep time.

6. Schedule Downtime

While it’s tempting to pack your itinerary full of activities, don’t forget to schedule downtime for relaxation and rest. Allow time for naps and quiet activities, especially for babies and younger kids who may become overwhelmed by too much stimulation. Use downtime to recharge and enjoy quality time together as a family.

7. Be Patient and Flexible

Above all, remember to be patient and flexible when traveling with your little ones. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to roll with the punches when things don’t go according to plan. Maintain a positive attitude and focus on making great memories with your family.