Tips for travelling with children

1) Keep a box in the boot of your car with extra nappies, wipes, clothes and a towel in just in case. No matter how much you have in your changing bag sometimes it's never enough . Sarah at Boo, Roo and Togger Too 

 

2) Take lots of drinks cartons (and a travel potty for toddler) they are easier for them to manage and less likely to spill, always take more than you think you will need in case of delays. Mandy, Big Family, Little Adventures 

 

3) Travel at night or evening/early morning where possible. Means the kids should sleep a good portion of the journey! Kate, My Family Fever 

Time your journey with naptimes so that they're more likely to sleep in the car. If they usually sleep at 11, leave at 10.30 to give them a bit of time to acclimatise. Dave, Dadventurer 

 

4) Try to pre plan as much as possible. Playing it by ear isn't really an option when travelling with kids. Try to work out beforehand where and when your going to eat and take breaks etc. If flying research place to eat whilst there and if travelling by car looks for possible stopping points along the way, service stations, pubs etc. Takes one less stress away last thing you want when travelling is hungry little ones and you panicking trying to find a sign for somewhere to stop. Try and Stick to your normal meal and nap times as much as possible. Sarah, The Parenting Trials 

 

Do your homework before you go, make sure the place is toddler friendly, if your going to a theme park check which rides they can go on etc. We took the baby in the buggy to the Tower of London once and it was totally not pram friendly haha. Vicky, Being Tilly's Mummy 

 

5) If flying pay for the fast track security so your kids don't go crazy if there is a long queue. Plan activities for the flight, break it into 15 minute segments - scheduled with snacks, drawing, games, new toys, new book, iPad/music time etc. We find wearing our baby is easier than a taking a buggy in airports and abroad. Make sure their clothes are super accessible for airplane toilet nappy changes. Breastfeed on take off/landing for ears - if older give them drink or chewy sweets. Naomi, Nomipalony 

 

6) Don't forget batteries! We went away with Aria when she was two months, it seemed that everything we took to entertain her had batteries and they all ran out while we were away! Leanne, A Slice of My Life Wales 

 

Make sure you're fully charged! Love it or hate it, a fully loaded Ipad or tablet can totally safe the day and reduce a parents stress levels dramatically. Cat, Rock and Roll Pussycat 

 

7) For longer journey go to the shops and get a pack of mini cars, wrap each one up individually and give them at regular intervals throughout your journey. (these kept our girls occupied every half hour for 2 days!) Jade, Mummies Waiting  

 

Stickers and more stickers, baby wipes, nappy bags for all those dirty wipes / banana skins, soggy biscuits. Metal oven tray with magnetic letters and numbers (loads of fun!) Kay, Ickle Pickles Life and Travels

 

8) Flying long haul - when at destination, wake baby/toddler no later than an hour after normal (local) wake time even if to means drastically reducing the amount they have slept. That way they will adjust to current timezone quicker to get over jet lag. Simon, Man Vs Pink

 

9) We tend to buy some cheap baby clothing at charity shops and take carrier bags - if a mishap happens they can just go in the bin! Jessica, Babi A Fi 

 

 

What are your top tips for travelling with the little ones? I would love to read your comments below x