Your trip has already been planned and suitcases have been packed. You are excited to go on a trip with your little one but now that your little one is a toddler, he or she can already walk, talk and already has something to say about things. Your trip does not have to be ruined because of common problems that you will normally encounter when you travel with a toddler. And in this article, you will find a few common problems with traveling with little ones and how they can be resolved.
Flying
Before you will be able to get on board that plane, you and your toddler might have already done a lot of waiting. Toddlers do not have much patience yet. They can also be overwhelmed by the noises of a bustling airport. When your little one is around the age of three, he or she may already understand what is about to happen and might get scared about it. Your toddler is bound to have a meltdown at some point.
How can you help with this? Before the day of your flight, get him excited for the trip. You can point out the planes that pass overhead or give him a toy plane to play with. While you are at the airport, help him burn some energy so that when you are on the plane, he will be ready for a nap. Bring along some old toys and new ones as well to keep him entertained during the flight.
Long drives
Your little one is buckled up in the backseat already and you are all set for the long drive to your parents' house for a visit. However, toddlers easily get bored and it won't be long before they start squirming in their seats and throwing tantrums.
How can you help with this? Although toddlers do get bored easily, it is also quite easy to distract them. So prior to your trip, think of different interactive games that you can play with during the duration of the trip. You should also bring along toys that he can play with by himself. Every now and then, you should also take a break so that you and your little one can stretch out. Do not wait for him to throw a tantrum. If you are traveling with someone and your child happens to be a clingy one, have someone sit with him right from the beginning of the trip to keep him entertained.
Staying Overnight
Being in a new place can be overwhelming for a toddler who enjoys familiarity. It won't be long before he starts longing for his bed and the comfort of his home.
How can you help with this? Bring along something from home like his night light or his favorite stuffed toy. Prior to the trip, show him pictures of the place you will be staying at and new people he might encounter there to lessen the surprises for him. Allow him to adjust to the new environment first before making him socialize with the new faces. Keep his bedtime routine as close to normal as possible as well.