Tips for Traveling with Infants and Toddlers (Adapted from Healthy Steps)

Strategies

• Pack an open mind and a sense of humor. No matter how much you plan, things will probably not go according to plan.
• Whether you are going to some exotic island or to grandma's house around the corner, use the same strategy-think it through and plan for the unexpected!
• Keep it simple! Plan a one-destination vacation. Avoid complicated schedules and tours.
• Dress comfortably. Dress your toddler in layers that are easy to put on and take off. Toddlers might be comfortable in their pajamas for car rides.
• Pack a special bag for favorite toys, snacks, change of clothes, bottles and diapers, books to read, and tapes to play in the car.
• Try not to plan too many activities or too many visits for the same day. Babies tire easily and may get fussy if they have no time to wind down each day.
• Plan to take stretch breaks to get out and play during long car rides. Try to drive during your child's napping or sleeping time if you can.
• Child-proof the room where you will be sleeping. Check the bathrooms, balconies, breakables, lamp cords. Bring extra outlet plugs and keep bathroom doors closed.
• If you can, "set up house." Stay in the same room each night and take day trips to visit family and friends. Find the parks and playgrounds. Set up a cozy area in "your" room where your baby is free to play.
• Ask whether there will be refrigerator space available to store snacks and whether a crib is available. If not, bring a Porta-Crib.
• Be early. Book seating on trains and planes early so you can sit together. Arrive early to board transportation and get settled. Leave in the early morning so toddlers can sleep on the trip.
• For train or airplane travel, try to travel at non-peak times, check baggage curbside, and don't pre-board-it's just more time sitting still! Bring your car seat with you.
• Trains sometimes move unexpectedly. Hold hands until you are seated.
• Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner for a referral to a pediatric practice in the area where you are traveling. Ask about other precautions and medications that your child may need to take on the trip. Bring a thermometer and non-aspirin pain reliever for emergencies.
• Take only what you need.
• Your diaper bag should be plastic-lined with outside pockets for wipes, bottles, and tissues, and should have a shoulder strap to make carrying it easier.
• Review the rules of the road. Give your child simple, clear rules of behavior while traveling. Remember your best limit-setting strategies, but be flexible. It is going to be very hard for your toddler to be at his or her best. Expect to be challenged!
• Reward good behavior. Remember how hard it is to travel and plan to give special attention or treats to your hardworking toddler.
• Bring along your favorite rituals. Recreate comforting rituals on the road. Bring along favorite stuffed animals, musical tapes, or a night-light. Can you use a rocking chair at your destination if your child likes to rock?

Pack these essentials:

• A light jacket or sweatshirt for summer, snowsuit or jacket for colder weather.
• Enough disposable super-absorbent diapers for the first part of the trip. Buy diapers as you go, especially if you are not traveling by car.
• Diaper wipes, diaper rash ointment, a waterproof changing pad, a large waterproof bib, and a diaper pin to use with a restaurant napkin if needed.
• Blankets or pillows for long trips.
• Five to six mix-and-match sets of clothes in colors that hide stains in easy-to-wash fabrics. You may want to carry baby's clothes in an easy-to-get-to bag.
• Bring extra socks in case it gets cold or the space has air-conditioning.
• Some plastic reusable bags to hold dirty clothes, leaky bottles, and food jars.
• Paper towels
• Bring enough snacks, beverages, and food to last two feedings more than expected and then stock up again. It may not be easy to find favorites again.
• For snacks, take juices, ready-to-make formula, crackers, Cheerios, baby food in three-ounce jars, a sippy cup with a lid, bottles, and plastic bags.
• A plastic sheet to put under baby's highchair or sassy seat during feedings, six to twelve plastic spoons you can discard, and absorbent paper towels.
• Sunscreen
• Teething rings just in case of teething
• Plastic outlet covers.
• A light blanket or quit to nap on, something familiar to play or snuggle with, and something new-a new cardboard book, activity board, rattle, mirror.
• Toiletry and medical bag should be waterproof and easy to get to. Bring your samples of shampoo, light baby soap, toothpaste, prescriptions, vitamins, medical information and insurance card, insect repellent and calamine lotion, pocket knife, and a night-light if needed.
• Baby non-aspirin pain reliever, antiemetic for vomiting, an antiperistaltic for diarrhea (not Lomotil), and an emergency kit of gauze, Band-Aids, antibacterial cream, thermometer, and tweezers.

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011