Traveling with toddlers and a newborn!?

Mom to Rai

So Tuesday we're leaving for an 11 hour trip.My girls are 3,15 months,and today my youngest is 11 days.We're going to family's house for Thanksgiving,but I am staying there with the girls all the way until Christmas.What do I need to bring for the trip?I know like clothes and food and everything.We are leaving at 8pm Tuesday,so the whole time that we are driving the girls will be asleep(except the baby).

Answer
what helps on a long car ride for the lil' ones? in my experience it goes in this order: 1) Snack Food (finger food that isn't gooey like crackers or apple slices, cereal such as cheerios - just in case they don't go to sleep like you want them to, or if they wake up too early) 2) Drinks/Bottles (with tops that don't leak; they will be thirsty from eating the snacks) 3) Toys (preferable not loud annoying ones that you can't stand... coloring books are a bad idea because they WILL drop their crayons and will not be able to reach them, and then start to cry) 4) Even if your 3 year old is potty trained put at least a night time diaper on him/her just in case they have an accident and you couldn't pull over in time/ or if they go in their sleep) 5) LOTS of wed wipes - not just for diaper changing, but for cleaning faces, hands, car seats, spills and any other messes that might happen. also, they are great for YOU too while you are driving and eating food that might leave your fingers sticky or messy. 6) a kids sing-along song CD for them (or a lullaby CD for the nighttime in case they have trouble sleeping) 7) blankets and pillows (pack extra just in case they pee, poop, vomit or get food/drink on them) 8) keep changes of clothes handy in the car so that you don't have to open the trunk and your suitcases everytime they spill something/vomit/leak pee or poop on themselves

at night it's best just to put them in the car in their pj's so that they are most comfortable while strapped in to their car seats. the kind with the footies are the best just in case they kick off their blankets you don't need to stop to tuck them in again so that they don't get cold and wake up. also, if you're planning on roughing it and driving straight through the night then pack some stimulant drinks - such as coffee or red bull (however, just a warning, cafeene will make you pee more often) i have driven across country several times (20 hour trips straight through) with my kids from age 6 months to 9 years, and this is what worked for me!

Suggestions of activities for a toddler and a preschooler on a long trip?

myfirstbab

I'll be traveling with my 3 1/2 years old daughter and my 19 months son next week. The flight will take about 7 hours followed by a 14 hours transit time then another flight of about 2 hours. Any suggestions about any activities mainly during the transit time (The first flight is at night so my kids will for sure be sleeping during the whole flight)
Thanks a lot for your help.

Answer
I don't have to say what you already know, which is that this could be a difficult trip if you are unprepared.

My first piece of advice is to let the both kids have thier own seats and a car seat (make sure it is approved for use on an airplane, not all are). Even though your son is under two and qualifies as a "lap baby", this will be a very difficult task on this long a trip.

It would be useful to allow the kids some time to run around a bit before boarding, so try to arrive a little early. Don't worry if they are too hyper at this point; let them blow off their energy. See if the airport you are departing from has a children's play area, and let them run loose. Don't skip any naps, but maybe only allow a short ones to keep them ready to sleep during the flights. Skipped nap = cranky toddler; short nap = sleepy toddler... :)

Here are a few other things to consider... First is hydration! The air in the cabin comes in from a source on the engine (called "bleed air"). Being from the ambient air outside, it is remarkably dry. It is around ten to twenty percent relative humidity, if that much at all. The problem here is breathing. We lose water normally from sweat, urination, etc; but in an airplane we also lose a lot from just breathing. The moisture comes out when we exhale.

Any adult can easily become dehydrated if not taking in adequate water, but for a small child, this is an even greater concern. As long as your flights are, you should make sure they stay well hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, of course; but water, sugar-free, etc. would be useful here.

You will likely have to purchase the water or juice inside the terminal as they do not allow sufficient quantity of liquid through security screening. Also, I do not trust the "tap" water on airplanes; drink only the bottled water...

A bottle or sippy cup, pacifier, teething ring, etc to suck on is also a must. During ascent and descent, the cabin pressure will change and as a result, it is easy to get an ear block. These can be very painful, but are relieved by negative pressure in the mouth and throat. If it is really bad, you can try to yawn with the kids looking at you, the yawn reflex is strong and it often results in equalizing the pressure (ever yawn after watching someone else yawn? or did you just yawn because you've read this?). You can also try gently massaging the forehead, neck, and around the ears if it doesn't clear.

I've flown so many sick kids, I'm pretty good at recognizing the "ear block" before it really becomes an issue; and it during the early onset that it is easiest to treat. Look for fidgetyness, reaching for the ear, changes in breathing patterns, etc. Even slight, subtle clues would be enough to try the "yawn reflex", or give her a sippy cup, bottle, etc. The combination of yawning and sucking give enough negative pressure to the ear canals to prevent a true ear block from developing.

If it does develop, it can last for days, so be vigilant here.

Also, some people fret about pacifiers or bottles at this age. If either uses one, don't hesitate. In this case, it is a blessing! Potty training is also not encouraged on long flights. While enroute it is usually possible, there are long periods where the "seat-belt" sign is on, or the line is long, and the child "has to go now".

Toys and distractions are also requirements. Nothing big or fancy, just something that might occupy them for twenty or thirty minutes at a time. You can recycle them throughout the flight.

Coloring books, toys that beep or vibrate, Be creative, but you don't have to go too crazy either. You can even go so far as setting a small budget for them and letting them pick something out at the airport shop; but remember not to give it to them until you're in the air.

Finally, see if you can get a bulkhead row seat. This will give them the opportunity to have a play area on the floor without being able to get away as easily. Just put a blanket down and some toys, and they will have thier own space.

I hope this helps! I'm a flight paramedic and have transported many children. I am also a frequent traveler, including many international destinations. I speak from both a professional medical provider and a frequent flyer. I've seen dozens upon dozens of parents travel with small children. Some preparation in advance will go a long way in making the flight a comfortable one.

Cheers!

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How soon did you take your baby on vacation?

toddler travel potty seat image

Q. How old was your baby before you took a road trip to a different state for a nice vacation?

Answer
When my daughter was 6 to 7 months old, we took her on a road trip to Utah to see my sister-in-law. We live in Pennsylvania, so it was a long trip. It's easier to travel with babies than toddlers, so if you have a younger child, you could easily do it. Babies will sleep more, and if you have a TV or a screen to strap to the back of your seat, Baby Einsteins keeps them occupied and sleepy. Toddlers are stubborn and usually don't like to go on the side of the road for potty-breaks, or if they do it can be messy, but with babies you can easily change them.

When my younger son was only 3 months old, my husband's uncle was on life-support in Virginia. My husband wanted the family to go see him before they took him off life-support, but I did have some problems with my son, being somewhat of a newborn.

I'm 7 months pregnant with twins, and we are already planning a road trip for Christmas with them and their older siblings. I would say 5 to 6 months would be a good age to start road trips.

If I want to get a head start with baby shopping what are some of the things I could buy?

kmgtm

Answer
The biggest diaper bag you can find. Mom's are very particular about these, though as a Dad I don't see how they're better than just a plain old backback, which is just as roomy and usually a lot less expensive. Use your judgment.

A Diaper Genie and refills for it. It will make a huge difference.

A bottle sterilizer if you don't have patience to boil them yourself.

A breast pump unless you're 100% sure you want baby to drink only commercially available formula.

A baby bjorn or something like it. Google this if you need to. They are incredibly handy.

The baby book by a guy named Sears, as well as the whole "What to expect" series of books.

A good comfy rocking chair for 4 a.m. feedings.

A stroller that has a detachable car seat. When the baby is sleeping in the car seat in the car, this will let you put her right in the stroller without waking her up by transferring her from a car seat to another stroller. You just pick up the whole car seat and it locks into place in the stroller. This will be one of the single most expensive items you buy for your baby, but worth every penny. Trust me.

Crib

Water proof liner for the crib (goes under the sheet)

Changing table and waterproof liner for the same. We cleared off the top of our chest of drawers and just put a big foam bad on it as a changing table, with a waterproof cover for it.

Stuff for baby-proofing the house.

Two or three thermometers, and they must include at least one rectal thermometer and one for the ear.

Playpen. Get one that comes with a changing table and travel bag.

A bouncy seat. These are very handy places to stash a kid while you feed it on a dining room or coffee table.

A high chair.

One of those little chairs that can clamp to tables. They fold up into a small size for taking on the go. They are useful for taking baby to restaurants that don't have high chairs or boosters. Keep one in the car.

A light weight stroller for short trips around the neighborhood, or when you know you're not going anywhere that will be far from a car. You don't need the heavy-duty stroller in Dress Barn if your car is in the parking lot. They also fold up into a smaller package in restaurants than the big strollers do.

There's this fabric border that fits between the mattress in the crib and the bars, but I can't remember what it's called. It reduces the chances that the kid will get tangled up in the bars somehow or get pinched between the bars and mattress. Maybe it's just called a crib border. They sell them at all the usual places where baby stuff is available.

Onesies and Bibs. Buy about three times as many as you think you'll need.

Special laundry detergent that has no fragrance or harsh chemicals in it. Use it for washing the baby's clothes and linens. Dreft is one brand, Seventh Generation Free and Clear, Tide Free is less expensive.

Baby wipes. These come in little boxes slightly smaller than a kleenex box. Use them when wiping the baby's bottom after a poop! You can save the empty boxes to keep small items together.

A fun accessory is a battery powered swing chair. They can soothe a grumpy baby.

Baby bath tub. It's about the size of a kitchen sink and you set it on the dining room table to wash the baby.

Potty chair. Get the kind that becomes a step when you flip it over so the toddler who is potty trained can stand at the bathroom sink to wash hands, brush teeth, etc.

Slippers and a bath robe for yourself. You'll be wearing them a lot while walking cholicky baby back and forth in the middle of the night, so might as well be comfy.

Nail clippers for baby-sized fingers and toes.

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Suggestions of activities for a toddler and a preschooler on a long trip?

toddler travel potty seat image

myfirstbab

I'll be traveling with my 3 1/2 years old daughter and my 19 months son next week. The flight will take about 7 hours followed by a 14 hours transit time then another flight of about 2 hours. Any suggestions about any activities mainly during the transit time (The first flight is at night so my kids will for sure be sleeping during the whole flight)
Thanks a lot for your help.

Answer
I don't have to say what you already know, which is that this could be a difficult trip if you are unprepared.

My first piece of advice is to let the both kids have thier own seats and a car seat (make sure it is approved for use on an airplane, not all are). Even though your son is under two and qualifies as a "lap baby", this will be a very difficult task on this long a trip.

It would be useful to allow the kids some time to run around a bit before boarding, so try to arrive a little early. Don't worry if they are too hyper at this point; let them blow off their energy. See if the airport you are departing from has a children's play area, and let them run loose. Don't skip any naps, but maybe only allow a short ones to keep them ready to sleep during the flights. Skipped nap = cranky toddler; short nap = sleepy toddler... :)

Here are a few other things to consider... First is hydration! The air in the cabin comes in from a source on the engine (called "bleed air"). Being from the ambient air outside, it is remarkably dry. It is around ten to twenty percent relative humidity, if that much at all. The problem here is breathing. We lose water normally from sweat, urination, etc; but in an airplane we also lose a lot from just breathing. The moisture comes out when we exhale.

Any adult can easily become dehydrated if not taking in adequate water, but for a small child, this is an even greater concern. As long as your flights are, you should make sure they stay well hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, of course; but water, sugar-free, etc. would be useful here.

You will likely have to purchase the water or juice inside the terminal as they do not allow sufficient quantity of liquid through security screening. Also, I do not trust the "tap" water on airplanes; drink only the bottled water...

A bottle or sippy cup, pacifier, teething ring, etc to suck on is also a must. During ascent and descent, the cabin pressure will change and as a result, it is easy to get an ear block. These can be very painful, but are relieved by negative pressure in the mouth and throat. If it is really bad, you can try to yawn with the kids looking at you, the yawn reflex is strong and it often results in equalizing the pressure (ever yawn after watching someone else yawn? or did you just yawn because you've read this?). You can also try gently massaging the forehead, neck, and around the ears if it doesn't clear.

I've flown so many sick kids, I'm pretty good at recognizing the "ear block" before it really becomes an issue; and it during the early onset that it is easiest to treat. Look for fidgetyness, reaching for the ear, changes in breathing patterns, etc. Even slight, subtle clues would be enough to try the "yawn reflex", or give her a sippy cup, bottle, etc. The combination of yawning and sucking give enough negative pressure to the ear canals to prevent a true ear block from developing.

If it does develop, it can last for days, so be vigilant here.

Also, some people fret about pacifiers or bottles at this age. If either uses one, don't hesitate. In this case, it is a blessing! Potty training is also not encouraged on long flights. While enroute it is usually possible, there are long periods where the "seat-belt" sign is on, or the line is long, and the child "has to go now".

Toys and distractions are also requirements. Nothing big or fancy, just something that might occupy them for twenty or thirty minutes at a time. You can recycle them throughout the flight.

Coloring books, toys that beep or vibrate, Be creative, but you don't have to go too crazy either. You can even go so far as setting a small budget for them and letting them pick something out at the airport shop; but remember not to give it to them until you're in the air.

Finally, see if you can get a bulkhead row seat. This will give them the opportunity to have a play area on the floor without being able to get away as easily. Just put a blanket down and some toys, and they will have thier own space.

I hope this helps! I'm a flight paramedic and have transported many children. I am also a frequent traveler, including many international destinations. I speak from both a professional medical provider and a frequent flyer. I've seen dozens upon dozens of parents travel with small children. Some preparation in advance will go a long way in making the flight a comfortable one.

Cheers!

What was your experience traveling with your baby/toddler?

Any tips from your personal experience would be great. Can you also say what age your baby was the first time you traveled with him/her & how you prefer to travel? Etc...

Also, what are some items you would recommend (or you think are absolutely necessary) for traveling with a 6 month old baby? & Do you think it would it be better to drive or take a plane or train?

Thanks :)

Answer
We have traveled by plane and car several times with our infants and toddlers. Very often we visit my parents in Toronto during the winter break, and with seven children, we have brought our fair share of small children back and forth at least once every year.

My tips are pretty common-sense and are probably things you have already considered, but here they are:

1. Bring some plastic bags that are easy to reach during the trip. Why? Because children get messy and a garbage container isn't always close by. Dirty undies, half eaten goodies, wipes, wet clothes... all these things are likely to happen with little ones and you don't want to be puzzled and grossed out while trying to put these things away.

2. Make sure you pack medication in an easy to reach place in your bag. Prescriptions meds go without saying. Things like tylenol, cough syrup, aspirin for you, a thermometer and band-aids could be your life savers. I don't always use them, but the few times I forgot to bring them were the time I needed them urgently.

3. Do not stuff your bags or trunks with toys, coloring books and movies for the children. By the end of the trip you are likely to realize that most of the stuff you carried went unnoticed and it only robbed you of space and energy by having to carry them around. Plus, some things might get lost if you bring tons of things. If your child is old enough, involves him or her in choosing which toys will come and which will wait at home. If your baby is too little, bring a blan

What is the best form of travel long distances for toddlers ages 2-5?

toddler travel potty seat image

onlymature

Answer
If it's a long distance you definitely want a plane to shorten the time. The following have helped me out:

1) Pack a new toy or 2 per child. The novelty will keep them busy.
2) Pack snacks & drinks. The worst nightmare imaginable is to be stuck in a plane/delayed at an airport w/o them.
3) DVD player with adapter. We were stuck at Logan in Boston last summer. EVERYONE was delayed bcz of storms. I dug it out, plugged it in and turned it on. My son suddenly had 15 new friends & all parents got a break.
4) everybody wears sandals/slip ons.
5) suckers for take off!
6) final potty break before boarding.
7) get there early. with kids in tow everything takes longer. you can also avoid security lines this way. Pick seats in front of the door to the plane so you can board first!
8) try to book flights around nap times. works like a charm with mine when he was younger.
9)if that is not possible, book the early flight. you will again avoid long security lines and the chance of delay is much less.
10) smile at all the staff when you board the plane & greet them by name! banking goodwill immediately is a good idea because these people can be your allies or your enemy.
11) only fly airlines that allow families to board early. Southwest for example has 'festival seating'. That is a madhouse!

Good Luck!

What are good activites for a 2 and 4 year old for a first plane trip?

Dana

Answer
Try to plan naptime on the airplane (after take off). Make sure they pop their ears (with a sucking sensation...sippy cup, lollipop, or the 4 year old can chew gum) otherwise if their ears hurt you can be in for a very long trip.

Take advantage of the walking in the airport. Get them tired by letting them walk instead of putting them in a stroller. Arrive to the airport 3 hrs early instead of 2 hrs early.

Buy some fruit and muffins in the airport in case they get hungry on the plane. If you have one, bring a DVD player (portable DVD player, laptop, IPad, whatever it is you might have) because if they won't sleep a good movie is the 2nd best option. Bring a carry on for each because they are allowed one at their age. Pack each of them with a bag of toys...whatever they are into. Play doh, coloring books and crayons, stickers, a comfortable pillow and blanket. With my toddler we used to quietly sing songs (ABC's, nursury rythmes, etc) and read books together. New picture books are always fun.

We have traveled many times with my daughter since she was an infant. I really think getting all of their energy out before the flight is the best idea so they aren't so restless on the plane. Make sure you time the bathroom breaks and diaper changes as good as possible. A couple of times we were stuck on the plane for extended periods of time and that wasn't any fun, since we weren't allowed to leave our seats. In those instances we did have pullups and extra diapers with us under the seat (thankfully). And as my daughter became potty trained she also became deathly afraid of the airline bathroom (something else we didn't consider).

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