Traveling With Toddlers: 5 Things You Can’t Forget to Pack

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When you hit the road or fly the friendly skies with toddlers in tow, you’re opening yourself up to
all kinds of headaches. And yet, parents pack up their kids and head off to parts unknown all the time,
regardless of the trials of traveling with children that have only recently learned to walk (and escape the
second you turn around). So while you’ll certainly want to equip them with some kind of identification
that includes a place to reach you, just in case they slip away during the security screening at the airport
(hey, it probably happens all the time), there are a few other things you’ll want to make sure to pack
when you bring your toddlers along for the trip. Here are some items that you can’t afford to forget at
home.

1. Entertainment options. Providing each toddler with a small backpack with books and toys is not
   only a great way to keep them occupied during travel, but it can also give them a goal to focus on as
   you make your way through an airport or pack up the car. However, it can be difficult to keep track of
   myriad items for each kid. So when it comes to entertainment you really can’t beat the comprehensive
   and all-inclusive option offered by a tablet. All you have to do is preload it with child-appropriate
   movies, music, games, and books and it will save you the trouble of having to chase toys down the aisle
   mid-flight.
2. Snacks. Tiny tots are known to get hungry on a schedule, so having healthy snacks on hand can
   help to alleviate some fussiness. A good bet is to go with snack packs. You can give each child individual
   servings of crackers and cheese or fruit slices (for example) that will help them stay full for a while and
   likely occupy their hands and minds as they tear into packets and put the pieces together. You should
   also consider bringing bottles along, even if your kids have moved up to sippy cups. You can fill them
   with water or milk for toddlers to suck on during takeoff and landing (to help pop their ears) and they
   won’t spill on the plane or car when dropped. You’ll just want to avoid soda and juice since the sugar
   will only hype them up (not a good state when they’re strapped into a chair).
3. Diapers. Although your toddlers may be finished with potty training, having some Pull-Ups on
   hand could prove useful. Even potty-trained tots have accidents, especially when they are forced to
   hold it. And when you’re trying to board a plane or the next gas station is several miles away, they may
   have no other choice.
4. First-aid kit. Toddlers are an accident-prone group, considering wobbly legs and limited
   coordination, so it’s definitely a good idea to bring along a basic first-aid kit to patch up bumps, bruises,
   and scrapes along the way.
5. Pacifiers. Travel is a nerve-wracking activity for parents, so you can imagine how stressful it is
   for toddlers who like their routine. Whether you’re hopping in the car to head to Grandma’s house or
   you’ve set up a several-day stay at some popular Iceland hotels, you’ll want to make sure to bring plenty of pacifiers, and not just the ones your toddlers put in their mouths. A favorite blanket or teddy bear could also help to keep your tots cool as a cucumber during travel.