As the Mother of 5 and grandma of 4 (and forever on a tight budget) I have spent my share of traveling with my bottom in the front window and my face in the back seat so I'm aware of the special frustration it is to travel with a child. Here are some tips to travelling with a toddler.
Before the trip:
Pack as many mix-and-match outfits as you are going to be gone days X2 (every shirt goes with every pant and a 2nd change for accidents for every day) plus two good outfits. Pack 1 pair of shoes that go with everything.
Hold off on getting diapers until you get to your destination and then buy a package. Either you'll use them all while you're there or you will bring home less and it's less to pack. Same for anything else like that (wipes, etc.). Just pack what you'll need on the trip, don't stock up before and have to pack it.
Pack an extra diaper bag with toys, snacks, and a wet washrag and dry hand towel (believe me you'll be happy you did!).
Pack a toy with a light or one that glows in the dark. So much fun in the car at night! No flashlights though...can't blind dad in the rearview mirror!
Hotels usually have portable cribs...call ahead and make arrangements. This will save you a sleepless night with a toddler lying horizontally between you and they will sleep better also.
Try Priceline/Expedia/etc. for a hotel. We've gotten 4 stars in downtown Atlanta for a night. Be willing to settle anywhere in one general area and name your price and you will usually get a good deal.
Try to arrange having a playpen at your destination. I'm sure whoever you are visiting knows someone who has one. Your toddler may not like being in it for very long but it will give you a much-needed rest in between carrying him around or when your hands need to be free for a few minutes.
Portable Baby Playpen
On the trip:
Try to keep your child's eating and sleeping schedule the same as at home as much as possible.
Travel at night...children usually sleep and you don't have to entertain as much. A little baby Tylenol about an hour before you leave to relax him and a warm bottle as soon as you're in the car helps. Soft music on the radio or just plain quiet (whatever works at home) is helpful.
Try this - hold your toddler until they fall asleep at home and instead of laying them in bed put them in a reclining car seat ready to go. If you're lucky you can strap it in and get on the road for a few hours before they even know it.
If you can't travel at night can you travel half way, stop, and then travel again? Have family or friends along the way? Is there someplace you've been meaning to see on the way? Breaking up the trip sometimes helps...you more than the toddler at times.
Dole out the toys a little at a time. We used to buy some new toys at the dollar store that the kids had never seen and then give them out one new one per hour. You may have to step that up for a toddler since they usually bore more easily but you get the idea. Once they are bored with a toy they make things miserable so never give them everything at once!
Try more unusual things to entertain your toddler...let him tear up paper, throw paper balls, bang on something, or pack your measuring spoons and cups. Anything that he doesn't usually get to do will keep him fascinated. My youngest son liked wax paper balls, of all things.
Let him color (yes, even at that age...if you're in the back seat with him he won't eat the crayons). My grandson was about that age when we taught him to "draw". He seemed amazed at the colors. Today he's 7 and draws complete comic books for himself!
PS. Take heart in the fact that most mothers feel frustration travelling with toddlers and most toddlers hate their car seats. You will both get through it. You are here to help your toddler figure out how to adjust to your family, not vice-versa. Your ears may be ringing but you are preparing him/her for many wonderful trips to come once they learn!
Special Price!!! Portable Baby Playpen: KidCo Playden
Nov 10, 2011 01:22:50
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Portable Baby Playpen: KidCo Playden Feature
- Model G80-8, 8" Optional Extension.
- Model G80-24, 24" Optional Extension.
Portable Baby Playpen: KidCo Playden Overview
The KidCo Playden provides a free standing, enclosed functional and versatile play area. Constructed of tubular steel with a non-toxic coating. The basic set of six 24" interlocking sections connect and adjust to form almost any layout. The PlayDen sections are 29" high. Available in White. The PD10 comes without a floor pad. It encloses 10 square feet without the extension.
It is recommended that optional extensions be added by the pair to keep the symmetrical shape of the PlayDen.
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