Traveling with toddlers can be a wild adventure, but with the right tricks, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one! I consider us VERY experienced travelers, and through trial and error, we have learned what to do as well as what not to do when bringing our little ones along. Whether you’re flying across the country or taking a road trip, these five hacks will help make your journey smoother for both you and your little ones.
1. The Monbebe Wagon Stroller
This stroller-wagon hybrid is a game-changer for traveling parents. It gives toddlers the freedom to sit, lie down, or even nap while you move through airports, amusement parks, or crowded city streets. Plus, it has plenty of space for all the essentials! A few things we love most is the independent space for each kid! The kids each have their own seat, and are divided by a tray in the middle that has two cup holders and two snack trays. The push handle is adjustable, and the wheels are large and heavy duty for seamless movement into elevators, parking garages, small spaces, and getting on and off the moving floors at airports. If I only have one of my kids in the stroller, I use the other side to carry either a car seat or an extra bag through the airport to free up my hands!
2. Amazon Fire Tablets
A little screen time can go a long way in keeping toddlers entertained during long flights or car rides. The Amazon Fire Tablet is perfect for kids, offering access to movies, games, and educational apps. Just be sure to download content ahead of time in case Wi-Fi isn’t available. My kids each have one of their own, and each have different movies, shows and games downloaded. We don’t usually use them at the airport when they can run around or even in the car ride to the airport, so it makes for a special treat when they can open up all their content once on the plane. We find this keeps them entertained for longer.
3. Let Your Kids Pick Out Fun Headphones
Kids are more likely to use headphones (and keep the volume low) if they get to pick out their own fun pair. Whether they love animal ears, bright colors, or their favorite cartoon characters, letting them choose adds excitement to the trip and helps prevent noise disturbances for fellow travelers. These are inexpensive, and sold everywhere! We got our most recent ones at Costco!
4. Give Them Their Own Small Backpacks
Having a kid-sized backpack gives toddlers a sense of independence and keeps their essentials within reach. The rule in our family: whatever fits in the bag can come with us! We usually pack snacks, a small pillow, a lightweight blanket, drawing supplies, and card games—everything they need for entertainment and comfort. They know what is in the backpack, and it makes it fun for them to choose what they want vs me picking things for them!
5. Choose Window Seats for the Kids
Avoid the temptation of aisle-wandering by seating your toddlers near the window. Not only does it keep them in place, but they’ll also love watching the world go by from above the clouds! It’s a simple way to keep them entertained while minimizing disruptions.
With these travel hacks, your next trip with toddlers can be a little less stressful and a lot more fun. Happy travels!
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