25 tips for travelling with a toddler

Embarking on a family adventure, especially with a tiny explorer in tow, can seem daunting. But my toddler and I have already soared through the sky on 13 flights, sailed the seas on a grand cruise, and embarked on countless road trips together. These are my tried and tested tips to help make your first family adventures as easy as possible.

Words: Cara Wagstaff

Keep reading: 

• 20 tried & tested must-have products for travelling with a toddler
• Tips for travelling to Bali with babies and toddlers
• Review: Elements of Byron with a toddler

Be prepared

1. Get organised early

If you’re heading overseas, apply for passports and visas if they are required, and leave plenty of time for them to be processed, as delays aren’t unusual.

2. Do your research

Is the tap water safe to drink, or will you need to bring a steriliser? Are there any health concerns you need to be aware of? Will you require vaccinations, and when? Smarttraveller.gov.au is a great starting point to ensure you’re prepared.

3. Can I hire it?

Before you take up precious space in your car or checked luggage, check to see if your accommodation has cots, highchairs, prams or car seats available. If not, consider hiring them from a local supplier such as balibabyhire.com. If you’re heading overseas, it is also vital to research local safety regulations and, if you’re not comfortable with them, bring your own.

4. Make a list

I love a list and start planning well in advance what I need to pack. Using the Notes app on my phone, I write everything down and add items as they pop into my head. When the time comes for the final pack, I can check off each item.

5. Arrive early

Travel inevitably takes longer with little ones in tow. To minimise stress and make navigating unfamiliar and bustling environments such as airports and train stations easier, give yourself a buffer by arriving early, so you can move through the terminal at a comfortable pace and familiarise yourself with your surroundings.

6. Pack a first aid kit

At a minimum, this should include prescription medications (take extra for your tiny traveller), pain relief, band-aids, insect repellent, emergency contact information, and any necessary medical documents such as insurance and allergy information.

7. Make things familiar

Bring your tot’s favourite book and toy, a white noise machine, and a blanket or comforter to keep the bedtime routine as close to home as possible for a better chance of a good night’s sleep – for all of you!

8. Childproofing

If you’ve got a curious toddler, take precautions by packing a childproofing kit with outlet covers, cabinet locks, and corner guards to keep your accommodation secure and your toddler safe. If you want to keep it simple, duct tape, zip ties, rubber bands, or hair ties will do the trick in keeping outlets secure, doors locked, and cupboards closed. Just be sure they can easily be removed without damaging the property.

Tips for flying with toddlers

9. Book a bassinet

Once you have booked your flight, contact the airline to request a bassinet. These are not guaranteed, have weight limits, and are typically offered to the youngest flyers. Alternatively, you might consider booking a bulkhead seat, as these often provide more legroom, are closer to the bathrooms, and make it easier to get an attendant’s attention if you need assistance.

10. Take a travel pram

Invest in a quality travel pram that folds and fits into the overhead cabin. I always have a pram with me at the airport in case of any delays, so my little one has somewhere comfortable to rest if she should need it.

11. Use an easy-access backpack

Use a backpack nappy bag with internal pockets. You’ll be grateful to have one less thing to balance when you’ve got a suitcase to lug and a toddler in your arms. Stuff it with plenty of snacks, water, formula, and sterilised water or expressed milk if required, ensuring you have more than you think you’ll need in case of unexpected delays. You’ll also want to pack warm layers, books, a comforter, an old favourite plus new surprise toys, baby wipes, lots of nappies, and a change of clothes for bub and you.

12. Protect little ears on takeoff and landing

Breastfeed or offer a bottle, dummy, teething biscuit oe lollypop to help little ones equalise their ears on take-off and landing.

13. Stress less

If your baby is feeling fussy or restless during the flight, don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Babies fuss to help equalise the pressure in their ears. Remember, they have every right to be on the flight, and noise-cancelling earphones were invented for a reason.

14. Ask for help

Where possible, fly with a friend or family member who can help. If you are flying solo, don’t hesitate to ask a flight attendant during quieter moments for help with bottles or to hold the baby while you use the bathroom.

15. Choose a nighttime flight

On longer journeys consider a night-time flight, when your child would normally be sleeping. This minimises the hours that need to be filled with entertainment and makes the trip more manageable for everyone.

16.  Order their meal

Children two and over require a booked seat to travel. When booking, request a kid’s meal but also bring a substantial snack in case they don’t like what’s provided. If your little one has dietary restrictions, bring your own food to ensure they don’t go hungry.

17.  Pack plenty of entertainment options

If you allow screen time, preload a device with favourite shows, audiobooks and games. Remember to pack volume-limiting, child-safe headphones and fully charged devices. Toss in a few space-saving toys and games like stickers and colouring-in books to keep them busy.low screen time, preload a device with favourite shows, audiobooks and games. Remember to pack volume-limiting, child-safe headphones and fully charged devices. Toss in a few space-saving toys and games like stickers and colouring-in books to keep them busy.

Keep reading: 18 tips for a long-haul flight with kids

Road trip tips for travelling with toddlers

18. Check your car seat

Ensure your own car seat is professionally fitted, and if you’re hiring one, check that the seat is safety certified, properly installed, and the straps are comfortable for bub.

19. Plan ahead

Map out your route so you know what time you’ll arrive at your destination, taking into consideration stops for meals and sleep.

20. Keep it close

Make sure everything is handy, so you’re not searching through bags mid-tantrum. Pack an in-car bag full of baby wipes, water, snacks, nappies and pain relief, as well as plastic bags and a change of clothes in case of car sickness.

21. Car karaoke

Load up your phone with your tot’s favourite songs for car sing-alongs.

At your destination

22. Get the groceries delivered

If you’re staying in one location for a while, order online groceries at your destination to pick up on arrival. Or have it delivered directly to your destination, so it’s fresh and arrives when you do.

23. Keep it simple

Don’t try to cram too much into one trip. Factor in rest days and breaks if you have a busy day out. Factor in kid-friendly activities too, such as park sessions or swimming pool days, to keep your little one engaged and refreshed.

24. Book properties with kitchen and laundry facilities

Consider accommodation with kitchen and laundry facilities. You’ll save money by preparing your own meals, and will be able to pack less if you can do a load of washing during your stay.

25. Relax

The most important thing is to remember to relax! Kids will pick up on your energy, so if you’re not feeling calm at first, try to fake it, or at least consider treating yourself to a glass of wine. It’s your holiday, too.

Keep reading:

• Top camping tips for beginners
• Tips for taking young children to the snow

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.