Travelling with toddlers- The ultimate survival guide
I recently had to make a 17+ hour journey with my 11 month old baby alone. The thought at first was a little daunting. The two times I travelled with my little one, I always had someone with me to help . I first travelled when he was 7 weeks ago on the same 17+ journey and it was a piece of cake. The second time was taking 2 connecting flights with a total for a 5 hour journey. Didn't have any problems with any.
This time, bracing it alone with a toddler who was crawling- Well it wasn't as bad as i thought. Here are some tips for the ultimate survival guide. Start of by making a list and as the song goes- check it twice :) Check all must have items (Milk, food, water) and everything else is there to make your life easier. So aim to pack light!
1. Mums dress comfortable and pack light! Yep i learned the hard way. Having 2 bags to carry plus a baby isn't the easiest task. So avoid boots, go for trainers or pumps and a comfy pair of pants.
2. Pack a super organised hand luggage. You will need items, fast and quickly. Pack them in a way that you can access them easily. If you can pre-divide your milk powder straight away, it avoids spilling ! Pack small containers, with bite size snacks. I used Ella's, multigrain nibbles and put them in a small munchkin container and some organic rice cakes and fruit. Zip bags are seriously your best friend here- put all items in zip bags, makes it so easy to search for items. Also easy to organise when on the plane!
Don't worry about carrying water- most airports do allow you to carry water. I had on two occasions carried a thermos of hot water. During my last journey, i put the water direct into the bottles and asked the air hostesses if they could warm it before i needed it. I would recommend confirming water restrictions with the airport you are travelling too. If you can't take water through, don't worry. Purchase a bottle of water when in duty free and heat it up on the plane.
3. Take some sensible toys with you, that will keep them entertained. Such as stackable rings, music books and a comfy teddy soft toy. If they fall asleep in your arms, you want to make it as comfy as possible! I love the tummy-time / travel mat i had received for a gift. Every time i travel, i role it up and take it with me! The head acts as a cushion and the mat adds some extra padding. This also comes in handy if they are playing on the floor, if you are lucky enough to get some leg room or to put them down on in the airport.
4. Do take your own blanket or large muslin cloth A) To cover them up as it gets a little chilly. 2) Use to line the basinets .Some planes allow you to use basinets, however these will need to be pre-booked. These also cannot be used at any time when the plane experiences turbulence. At one point, the turbulence was pretty bad so i had to keep him on me for a few hours. Use the muslins to lay down in the basinets to make it more comfy for them and also for them to have a familiar smell.
5. Do take a spare set of clothing. Actually i ended up using 2 sets. Make sure that your spare set includes a pair of socks, as it can get a wee bit chilli for them at times. Take comfortable clothes for young travellers. I used cotton sleep-suits. Comfy and easy for them!
6. Take off and landing is not that bad! Just distract them and give them a dummy or a bottle, to help with their ears.
7. Not all airports will give you your buggy straight away. Some do give you a complimentary stroller, however its not always available straight away. Do use a baby carrier- it makes your life so much easier!
8. Ipads can be amazing! Although my little one slept for most of the flight. The last flight of 7.5 hours felt like it lasted forever. There was a hour stop in larnaca, where he had to remain on the plane and that was really the worse. However, this is when the all mighty ipad/iphone came in handy. I downloaded a few episodes of the wiggles, jarmies and peppa pig and voila- had a few minutes of entertainment.
9. Keep yourself and your little ones hydrated!
10. Although not always possible, do try and book a night flight, especially if its a long flight! They will be so exhausted, when on the plane they will just knock out.
Last but not least. If you are travelling alone. Don't be afraid to ask the air-hostesses for help. I travelled with emirates and the staff were so helpful!
Don't be afraid of travelling with young ones. Just be organised, patient and calm :)
Tasha
This time, bracing it alone with a toddler who was crawling- Well it wasn't as bad as i thought. Here are some tips for the ultimate survival guide. Start of by making a list and as the song goes- check it twice :) Check all must have items (Milk, food, water) and everything else is there to make your life easier. So aim to pack light!
1. Mums dress comfortable and pack light! Yep i learned the hard way. Having 2 bags to carry plus a baby isn't the easiest task. So avoid boots, go for trainers or pumps and a comfy pair of pants.
2. Pack a super organised hand luggage. You will need items, fast and quickly. Pack them in a way that you can access them easily. If you can pre-divide your milk powder straight away, it avoids spilling ! Pack small containers, with bite size snacks. I used Ella's, multigrain nibbles and put them in a small munchkin container and some organic rice cakes and fruit. Zip bags are seriously your best friend here- put all items in zip bags, makes it so easy to search for items. Also easy to organise when on the plane!
Don't worry about carrying water- most airports do allow you to carry water. I had on two occasions carried a thermos of hot water. During my last journey, i put the water direct into the bottles and asked the air hostesses if they could warm it before i needed it. I would recommend confirming water restrictions with the airport you are travelling too. If you can't take water through, don't worry. Purchase a bottle of water when in duty free and heat it up on the plane.
3. Take some sensible toys with you, that will keep them entertained. Such as stackable rings, music books and a comfy teddy soft toy. If they fall asleep in your arms, you want to make it as comfy as possible! I love the tummy-time / travel mat i had received for a gift. Every time i travel, i role it up and take it with me! The head acts as a cushion and the mat adds some extra padding. This also comes in handy if they are playing on the floor, if you are lucky enough to get some leg room or to put them down on in the airport.
4. Do take your own blanket or large muslin cloth A) To cover them up as it gets a little chilly. 2) Use to line the basinets .Some planes allow you to use basinets, however these will need to be pre-booked. These also cannot be used at any time when the plane experiences turbulence. At one point, the turbulence was pretty bad so i had to keep him on me for a few hours. Use the muslins to lay down in the basinets to make it more comfy for them and also for them to have a familiar smell.
5. Do take a spare set of clothing. Actually i ended up using 2 sets. Make sure that your spare set includes a pair of socks, as it can get a wee bit chilli for them at times. Take comfortable clothes for young travellers. I used cotton sleep-suits. Comfy and easy for them!
6. Take off and landing is not that bad! Just distract them and give them a dummy or a bottle, to help with their ears.
7. Not all airports will give you your buggy straight away. Some do give you a complimentary stroller, however its not always available straight away. Do use a baby carrier- it makes your life so much easier!
8. Ipads can be amazing! Although my little one slept for most of the flight. The last flight of 7.5 hours felt like it lasted forever. There was a hour stop in larnaca, where he had to remain on the plane and that was really the worse. However, this is when the all mighty ipad/iphone came in handy. I downloaded a few episodes of the wiggles, jarmies and peppa pig and voila- had a few minutes of entertainment.
9. Keep yourself and your little ones hydrated!
10. Although not always possible, do try and book a night flight, especially if its a long flight! They will be so exhausted, when on the plane they will just knock out.
Last but not least. If you are travelling alone. Don't be afraid to ask the air-hostesses for help. I travelled with emirates and the staff were so helpful!
Don't be afraid of travelling with young ones. Just be organised, patient and calm :)
Tasha
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