Last month, Life Kit asked parents to share their tips for traveling with babies and toddlers under 2 as part of a episode we did it on the subject. More than 200 people responded with tips they wish they'd known before taking a big trip with a little one.
Reading these responses, it became clear that there is no magic trick that works for all children. Some parents swore by sticking to their kids' sleep schedule while traveling, others said their vacations were smoother when they ditched the usual routine. Some extolled the virtues of flying at night (so their child could sleep on the plane), others said their child had never slept more than 10 minutes on a plane at any time.
A few tips remained valid throughout. A hungry child is an unpleasant child, and children are messy. So packing plenty of snacks, extra diapers, and a change of clothes were high on the list of must-haves. Nearly 40 responses out of more than 200 suggest packing extra outfits in your carry-on bag for both your child and yourself. (If your load spits, vomits, explodes or spills, it will hit you too!)
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So here is a non-exhaustive, impossible to be exhaustive, but hopefully still useful summary of your best tips for traveling with young children. These answers have been edited for length and clarity.
What to pack
A stroller that can be stored in the top compartment.—Amy P.A change of clothes for yourself. —Jenna Yount Additional layers. —Jeanna LimtiacoNight diapers.—Samantha Warren Snacks. —Clara W. Medicines you and your children may need in flight. -Paige EllisA dark colored bath towel. —Judith Heise Think about what might make sense to buy, rent, or borrow when you arrive.—Jocelyne Newman
How to pass the flight
Show up at your gate one hour before boarding. —Shelly C.Check the airport for family spaces.—Sara Conger Take an early morning flight. —Carine OchoaBoard with your partner separately.—Andréa De FrancescaGet your child an airplane seat. —Nicole ShelledyBe prepared for motion sickness. —Tiff BankhurstPrevent ear discomfort.— Shelly Ransom Don't plan on them sleeping on the plane. —Colleen Mayerhoff Don't worry too much about your child “disturbing” others. —Jenna YountMake friends with the flight crew. —April GrahamSave the screens for the flight.-Paige Ellis Download age-appropriate shows for your child on an iPad. —Chantel Dockstader
Travel Tips
Find accommodation near a grocery store and a park.—Gillian MolinaDress your young children in bright, matching shirts.—Emily Hernández If you want to let your toddler crawl—Shannon GeraghtyHire a photographer. —Tina Doyle
Useful spirits
It's not a vacation. It's a journey. —Laura HenriquezThe airport/train/bus/car is not the time for normal house rules. —Meg Houston Allow extra time to get things done. -Cori DeLanoYou won't accomplish as much as you think with a child by your side. —Whitney WintersThey may not remember it, but you will. —Nina Hartman
The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We would like to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email us at LifeKit@npr.org.Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts And Spotifyand sign up for our newsletter.
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