When Travelling With Children Under 5 Years

Last updated on March 18, 2017

As a parent you may have experienced the trials of travelling with your kids. On no occasions can these experiences have been easy. It may have been different when your children were babies, taking their naps seriously but for children between the ages two and five, some pre planning is required. Here are some travelling tips that will make your journey less chaotic:

1. Bring along gadgets, colouring books to distract them during the flight or road trip. Kids enjoy fun activities such as games. Since nowadays children are used to operating iPads, and touch phones, keep these fully charged because they will help divert their attention.

2. Keep extra pairs of head phones. In case your kids prefer watching videos to playing games, head phones will ensure that the driver or other passengers are not disturbed during the travel.

3. If your children are allergic to something specific then it is advised to prepare their food before you embark on your journey. This is better than experimenting with airplane food or at random restaurants when you stop for a bite.

4. Bringing along snacks like chips, light sandwiches and juice boxes well help satisfy their hunger until you stop for a proper lunch or dinner. Since their meals are small but spread out, these items will help in keeping them satisfied throughout the entire way.

5. If your kids have specialist medicine they need to take then put a reminder on your smart phone so that you give them the medication on time.

6. It is always a good idea to keep a spare change of clothes handy. That way you will be prepared to change them in case of an emergency. Not only should you keep a bag of these clothes in the car or plane but also remember to store them in your apartment in such a way that they are within easy reach.

7. Do not forget to keep your doors centrally locked if you are travelling by road. This will ensure the safety of your children. But in case of air travel, make sure your children are securely strapped into their seats. Also, It is advised to sit in a row so that you can keep an eye on them.

8. Make sure to take them for bathroom breaks. If you don’t, they will either have to hold it in for an unhealthy amount of time or just let loose, neither of which you would want.

9. It is likely that by the time you reach your destination, your children are drowsy and ready for proper sleep, in this case make sure you have rooms pre-booked. Options like Edinburgh Apartments can be looked into.

Travelling with kids in their terrible twos or threes can be quite a hassle. No doubt kids are hyper and seek to do something rather than just sitting around. But if the above points are followed, travelling is made both safe and fun for the entire family. This way, you can avoid tantrums and deal with most or all situations that are likely to arise during this time period. It is better to be safe than sorry.