Summer Travels with Kids

Tips, tricks and everything in between.

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Traveling with kids varies greatly depending on their age. Just because one trip didn't go as planned doesn't mean the next one will be the same. Each experience is unique, and as kids grow and change, you'll learn from past mistakes or oversights in planning. Here are some tips to help make your travels smoother when you're with little ones.

Note- the tips are geared towards traveling via flight but most of the tips can be used even if there is no flight involved.

Some General Tips:

1. Let your child be active before boarding. If your baby walks, don't use a stroller. Let them walk and get their energy out! If your baby isn't walking yet, lay a blanket before boarding and let them move around on that or do some tummy time. Remember, they are going to be sitting for a long while, it's best for their self regulation to get moving when possible prior to take off.

2. Make sure to change your child's diaper or go potty right before it's time to board.

3. I prefer to board last so we are not sitting in the plane for too long, that causes the kids to get restless and begin nagging. If the flight seems too full and you worry about your carry on items, it might be a good idea for one parent to go in and the other to stay out with one child.

4. I like to take a carry on size spray bottle and my own wipes to spray down our seating area on the flight. I like to use Force of Nature (code:mamaguide40) since kids touch everything and put their hands in their mouth I like our area to be safely sanitized. Having a hand sanitizer on hand when flying with kids is also helpful. For cleaning hands and face wipes, I love using Handzies wipes. They are individually packed soap wipes for times where water and soap is not available.

5. When possible, try to book travel time as close as possible to nap or bedtime, the noise from the plane is the best sound machine!

My Travel Must Haves:

1. Dress your kids in clothes that cover them up, no shorts or dresses. You don’t want their body parts touching the seats, as little exposure as possible is best. I also like to pack extra socks because my kids always love taking their shoes off.

2. SNACKS! Take lots and lots of age appropriate snacks with you. I like to take "safe" foods for travels and not "new" things. If you pack each thing in a separate small ziplock or reusable bag your child has more to look forward to as you bring things out. Another option is some of my favorites:

   1. Cut up veggies and fruit.

   2. Homemade veggie muffins or pancakes. You can also try the Simple Mills brand.

   3. Hard boiled eggs.

   4. Avocados.

   5. Bars like Skout Organic (code: mamaguide20) or Dino Bars for babies I like these amara smoothie melts.

3. Milk- Bring enough formula or extra breastmilk. Breastfeed or have 2 bottles ready for take off and landing. Sucking helps babies with the pressure on their ears so a pacifier can work as well with an older child. You can also try a pacifier if your child takes one. For older kids a lolipop is a good idea.

4. If you’re breastfeeding, bring some extra milk in a bottle. TSA should not give you an issue. They will just take usual procedures to inspect the bottle. Dont worry nothing will touch your milk.

5. If you are taking a longer flight, make sure to take your pump with you on your flight if you are a pumping mom. A Haakaa pump is also a great idea.

6. Plan to baby wear. It is especially helpful when you go on and off the plane so you are hands free. There are so many great carriers out there, I really liked traveling with the Tush Baby (Code: Mamaguide) since I can use it with the hands free attachement and without, as a hip carrier. When not in use it can be used as a cross body bag. Shared all about the tush baby here.

7. Bring a travel stroller (double or single), Zoe has a single and a double stroller I really like. You can shop them here and get a discount automatically!

8. To keep the little ones entertained- Stickers, window stick, cars, play dough, wow color books, knitting toys and books. You can also fill up this little box with small toys it’s magnetic and makes it fun with mini magnetic toys. You can find more items to put in the box or a mini backpack that will keep your child busy here. For older kids this plus plus set is very fun.

9. I prefer using a diaper backpack when travel or a tote bag that has a luggage sleeve like this one from CALPAK.

10. Load up on diapers and extra clothes in your diaper bag, 1 diaper for every hour of traveling (for a 6 hour flight you need 6 diapers. Bring Disposable bags or doggy bags for dirty items/diapers. Make sure to bring some medicine, supplements or home remedies just in case (allergy meds as well).

DOWLOAD CHECKLIST HERE

Let’s talk about sun protection:

1. Avoid sunscreen for babies 0-6 months old and direct sun exposure.

2. 6 months + use a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and make sure to re-apply every 2 hours. Fine some of my favorites HERE. I like using a mini brush for easy face application and I apply before we leave the house/hotel.

3. Make sure to load up on fluids, water or milk for your little human. Babies and toddlers need about double their usually amount when are in the sun. Pay attention to overheating signs like red cheeks for instance and if YOU are hot, they are most definitely hot.

4. Carry a little fan with you that can easily hang on your stroller.

5. Get UV protecting clothes/bathing suits and hats for your kids.

6. Don’t forget the shades!! I love the sunglasses by Glambaby. We started using these when my kids were just a few months old so now as toddlers they enjoy wearing them when out. Tip- Start young for just a few minutes a day. Note- not all sunglasses are created equal.

7. I love using these towels for the beach because they stay on even when they want to freely walk around.

8. Make sure to get “US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device” for your kids. Kids should always be supervised even when wearing one.
   

Sleep When Traveling:

Check out this post explaining the ideal sleep environment for your child. I highly suggest to follow these during your travels, while still being flexible, to ensure a good night sleep for your little ones.

• View the Slumberpod here and use code:MAMAGUIDE to save some money.

• View the Yogasleep sound machines here or an amazing deal from BuyBuyBaby here.

Lastly, when packing your luggage, I love using packing cubes. We have 1 set for each family member. In the medium one I usually can pack each child's clothing and their personal items. It makes it so easy to find all of our items and there is zero mess in our hotel room. I love using the file folding method to make it easier to grab each outfit without having to unpack during our stay. It also allows me to pack smart and I am able to fit a lot more in each bag and therefore pack less bags/luggage. Find all of my travel essentials including the packing cubes HERE.

You can find my folding video here and I do pretty much the same folding technique when packing.

Lastly, I have these 2 helpful posts for you with lots of my favorite travel essentials for easy access. Summer Essentials, what's in my pool bag, mom pool outfit but make it cute.

Wishing you safe travels!

XOXO Hila

Check my amazon travel essentials lists here.

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