In our last Traveling with Tots post, we chatted with Megan Ford, mother of 15-month-old Kelsey. Today, we are sharing more tips from Megan on how she has managed so many trips with an infant, turned toddler.
Let’s talk packing. Are you typically an overpacker or underpacker for yourself?
Pre-baby, I would say I was a borderline underpacker and now I’m for sure an underpacker for myself but an overpacker for Kelsey.
When we fly, we usually check two bags. My partner and I share one and Kelsey gets one all to herself. I understand this isn’t for everyone but we usually just bring all the diapers we need which basically fills Kelsey’s bag. I know I can buy diapers at our destination, but we haven’t tried that yet. Secretly, I don’t mind taking a suitcase full of diapers on the way there because it leaves plenty of room for wine and bourbon on the way home.
Do you bring toys with you or find new things along the way?
We usually bring her favorite lovie and some books, but lately I’ve implemented the trick to bring a new toy (a tip from lots of travel blogs/posts!). For our recent Maine trip, I held back one of her birthday gifts and introduced it on the plane to Boston so we didn’t have to buy anything new.
What tricks do you have for helping her survive long car rides?
At a bare minimum, I rotate toys and books in her lap during the ride. Sometimes I’ll sit in the back seat with her and talk and sing, practice letters, numbers etc. This uninterrupted time with her can be so lovely.
We also try to travel during nap times or at night so she can sleep through some of it too. She doesn’t always sleep in her carseat which is a blessing and a curse. Sometimes we time it over a nap hour and she just doesn’t sleep so it makes for an interesting first few hours at our destination.
What about plane rides?
Most airlines have a policy where children under two years old fly free, and the strollers and car seats are gate checked at no extra charge but you have to ask at the gate. We also always ask if the flight is full and sometimes even though we don’t pay for her seat, we can score a whole row to ourselves so we can bring her car seat and be a little more comfortable.
What lodging is best with children?
We have stayed at Airbnbs, VRBOs and hotels so far. We usually prefer home rentals versus hotels, just because you get a little more space and can have adult time after the kiddos go to sleep. In a hotel, you really have to plan out where the child will sleep if you and your partner don’t plan to turn out the lights at 7:30 p.m. We’ve occasionally put her bed in a large closet or even the bathroom so we can watch TV, chat quietly and enjoy adult time (read wine time).
Speaking of beds, do you bring your own or borrow from your accommodations?
At first, I was all about bringing our own bed for Kels, and we did for the first year. We had a little travel bassinet and pack and play. When we went to Maine, we just borrowed and I wiped it down with disinfectant wipes and moved on with my life. It was so easy and I’ll definitely plan to borrow again. Most hotels offer them for free. Just ask!
She also naps really well and can sleep just about everywhere. We try to maintain her nap and bedtime routines though so she has some consistency even if it’s not location or bed style.
I’m nervous about time zone changes, but we’ll tackle that next.
What about snacks and food for Kelsey?
We make sure we pack easy snacks for Kelsey in her checked bag - this usually includes an oatmeal supply, her little bowl and spoon, some fruit/veggie pouches and a crunchy snack. This saves us trying to hunt down these items at a store we when arrive. Of course, we make sure the carry on bag has plenty of snacks for her as well.
Is your daughter an open-minded eater?
Thankfully she is so far. I attribute that to baby-led weaning. She has always just eaten what we eat. We do have to be mindful of what restaurants we choose, but not because of the cuisine. Often patrons at nicer restaurants don’t want to dine next to a child. We’ve had people move tables because she was loud. YIKES!
How do you keep her calm with all of the disruption?
Fresh air always helps when she is unhappy. Or just getting up and walking around. But when you can't get that (like on an airplane), you just do whatever you can - offer snacks, any distraction - and just pray it ends soon!
It seems that most parents are empathetic when you’re having a tough go with your child. What would you want non-parents to do, say or understand in that moment?
As a non-parent it was really hard for me to understand what that parent with a difficult child was facing. My advice would just be to sympathize as much as possible and if you feel the urge, offer to help. Whether it’s picking up a napkin or being patient while they try to quell the screaming, it will be appreciated. And don’t give mean looks; we’re all just doing our best and don’t want to have to miss out on the experiences just because our kid is going bonkers.