I leave tomorrow with my 5 year old for a summer trip. As prepared as I try to be, there is always a sense of anxiety when traveling as a single mom with a child. I am lucky I only have one and I am not out numbered but you know as well as I do, sometimes none of that matters. Nothing like having strangers staring, seats being kicked and melt downs seemingly out of nowhere.
Here are some top tips for traveling with little ones:
1) Bring new toys and books.
Something new that the kids have never seen before will buy you some time. The more engaging the better, I have even resorted to the little plane sets at the gift shop in a moment of desperation, best $8.99 I ever spent!
2) Technology!
Whatever you can engage them with …use it! Your own movies, the ones on the plane, games, electronics, etc. Whip them all out and rotate them. Again, the more engaged your child is the better.
3) Be Prepared for all situations
Bring extra diapers if you still have a child in them. Extra clothes no matter what age and an emergency change of clothes for you if possible. Whether a potty disaster occurs or a spilled drink, a change for everyone will help keep emotions at bay if something happens.
4) BRING HAND SANITIZER!
Enough said
5) Bring snacks, enough bottle/drinks or gum
If you are flying, be prepared for ear popping. Most airports don’t carry gum anymore so bring your own and have a drink or bottle on hand so your child can suck or chew during take off and landing.
What tips do you have for traveling? What tricks have you discovered over the years?
