During the holiday period, many families will take the opportunity and travel, to see family or friends or purely to have some time away from their busy lives. Below are some suggestions on how to make traveling with children easier. So quite simply a happy child = a happy parent, so give some of these ideas for long car rides and/or flights a go!
Now get ready to be irritated by your kid’s favourite nursery rhymes and music. Some popular ideas include; ABC KIDS Listen and Kinderling Kids Radio app. Spotify will keep you going with the classics (‘The Wheels on the Bus’, ‘Row, Row, Row’, ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’, ‘Old McDonald had a Farm’ and so on). By the end of the car trip you’ll be ready for your audition to be the next… Wiggle!
Now don’t forget the snacks (and drinks). They are a great distraction and if traveling by plane it helps with their ears! Particularly if not breastfeeding anymore. If breastfeeding, this is an effective way to ease your child's ear discomfort during take off and landing. If travelling by car, keep the snacks and drinks close to your child (ren) so that you’re not constantly turning around. Tissues nearby is also handy. A car organiser (attaches to the back of the front seat is a great way to keep everything super close to them).
Travels games or toys are also good to pass the time; such as, play dough and/or clay, books, colouring book and pencils and/or LEGO/Duplo. Older children may find board or card games more stimulating.
Talk to your child (ren) about what you see and how it makes them feel. ‘I SPY’ is an oldie but a goodie. If your child’s vocabulary doesn’t permit, talk to your child about what ‘you’ see.
Screen time may best suit your child, load up the movies or children’s apps to keep them entertained. Blippi and Baby John on YouTube can too be a winner! Apps such as; ABE Reading Eggs, ABC iView, Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street, Lego Duplo Town, The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Friends: First Words, Kiko’s Thinking Time, Play School Play Time and/or Brown Bear Animal Parade are also great ways to keep the kids entertained.
Frequent stops are appropriate when traveling by car. As an adult, we get fidgety sitting in the same place for too long, children are no exception. Remember as a consequence of the frequent stops, give yourself heaps of time to get to your destination.
A common question I get asked is “how can I keep my child’s sleep and routine the same while traveling?” It is never going to be exactly the same and that’s ok. Enjoy your trip, as you can get straight back into routine once you arrive home. Items that can help with continuity may include; comforters (RED NOSE safe sleeping, recommends pillow use after 6-7 months of age), dummies, if possible onesie or pyjamas or bed sheets unwashed and/or pillow (RED NOSE safe sleeping, recommends pillow use after 2 years of age) and lastly, if already using, bring along a white noise device.
When packing for your trip, try and keep it simple. I know easier said than done. Pack a good supply of clothes, nappies, wipes and ready to go foods (including formula if needed). A portacot and easy to use pram are also great essentials. Remember if you’ve forgotten to pack something, I’m sure it can be purchased while travelling.
Lastly, I believe explaining things /plans to children (regardless of age), is beneficial for relieving their uncertainties. It also makes them feel like they are a part of the planning of the trip.
Safe travels and enjoy your time away.
Cara x