The first time I flew with my son, he was 9 months old and teething. I knew teething babies could be fussy, but no one warned me that teething could also lead to a messier-than-normal diaper. So I found myself in the lavatory, trying to change a diaper in the middle of turbulence. There are no tips for traveling with a little one that can prepare you for that kind of situation. You just have to repeat to yourself, “I can do this.”
Whether you’re flying to see grandparents or taking an old-school road trip with your kids, a little advanced planning can make a world of difference in your trip. Here are some of our favorite tips for traveling with the under-6 set.
1. Bring toys, but pace yourself.
Buy a stash of small, inexpensive toys that you don’t unveil until the trip begins. Then, as needed, whip out one new trinket at a time, like one every hour. Dollar stores are great for this. You could also put away some of your kids’ favorite toys a month ahead of your departure and bring them out on the trip.
2. Help them be self-sufficient.
While en route, let each child keep a small backpack or tote within arm’s reach. Fill it with paper, crayons, a new coloring book and a couple of picture books. One of my favorite tips for traveling with little kids: Attach a hanging storage organizer on the front seats and stuff the clear pockets with toys, napkins, a water bottle, and pre-portioned snacks. Genius!
3. Use iMOM’s road trip games. 
Road Trip Bingo is perfect for pre-readers. Just look for the tiny pictures to appear in real life out the car window!
4. Board last.
“Families traveling with small children may now board.” It’s tempting to get first dibs, but if you have your seat assigned, wait as long as possible before you move your kids to the confined space of an airplane. If you don’t have seats yet and you’re traveling with your husband, let him board and grab seats for you and the kids.
5. Limit the comfort items.
You can get away with more if you’re driving, but if you’re flying, the last thing you want is to keep track of five stuffed animals and a blanket. It’s one blanket and one stuffy, or the stuffy might find it becomes a permanent traveler.
6. Celebrate wins along the journey.
Tie a felt square on the seat in front of each child. Give them pins, velcro, or stickers to put on the felt to mark trip achievements: one hour without whining, a fast potty break stop, or arriving in a new state or city.
7. Start early.
Whether you’re driving or flying, this tip for traveling is a lifesaver. Get the earliest flight possible or pull out of the driveway at o-dark-thirty. The kids will sleep for the first leg of the journey and give you some peace and quiet.
8. Look at it as an adventure.
Mom, your attitude sets the tone for your family. There are going to be some bobbles but there will also be wonderful memories if you can just let little issues roll off your back. (Like the juice that spills in the backseat or the mean look from the lady in the aisle seat when you scootch by to run to the potty… again.) Treat it as a big adventure, and hold tight to your sense of humor!
Mom, your attitude sets the tone for your family. Click To TweetIf your children are older, check out our 9 fun road trip ideas, and make the most of the time (and your captive audience) with these 20 car ride questions.
What are some travel tips you swear by?
