Jill N. of Washington, DC sent in these tips on how to travel with kids (and not go insane). Thanks Jill!
This is what I need to remember to bring for my son when we travel – depending on where we go, some of these things may drop off the list. But this is what I always use as my guide. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or do your best job looking pathetic! People will at least feel sorry for you and not give you as many dirty looks.
Remember - regardless of how the flying experience goes, it will go fast.
For the bath:
- toys
- crayons
- soap
- lotion
- robe
For bedtime:
- his lovey dog
- 2 PJs/sleepers
- music box
- sheet
- diaper rash ointment
For food:
- spoons
- sippie cups – I’d generally bring, depending on the time of day, a couple of already full sippie cups with David’s favorite drink and/or milk. Sometimes they haven’t made it through security. If not, then you just get more from a vendor inside security or on the plane. As for juice boxes – give it a try. Just be prepared to toss them, pending the security screener. Just the way of the world
- lots of little snacks for the plane (Something not messy. Rainbow Goldfish (Pepperidge Farm) are a huge hit here. So I’d pack those and little fruit snacks (Gerber) and cereal bars (Gerber) and anything that he generally likes to eat.)
Etc.:
- iPod programmed with the songs he likes
- toys/books (new, usually) for the plane (since he won’t get bored as easily with something he’s never seen before)… they generally have cheap little things even at Safeway or CVS. Another thing – maybe bring a bunch of post-it notes – there’s some fun to be had by kids with those. Or stickers (make sure they come off so you don’t stick them permanently to the inside of the plane). Crayons have helped us pass time, too (washable).
- his Sesame Street CD
- baby tylenol
- baby thermometer
- back carrier (the ergo carrier, which is what I use in the airports instead of a stroller)
- kids benadryl
- diaper bags (like doggie bags – I put his icky diapers in them)
- night light for the wall in the room that we sleep in
- chocolate covered espresso beans for me – in case he gets up too early for the rest of the house and I can’t get coffee as early as I need it
- book for me