Its easy to go on any trip with an infant as they require just milk, water and perfect atmosphere ? Whereas, to go on trip with a toddler who is moving is a task in itself. And if there is anybody in this world who needs desperate vacation then its parents of a toddler ?. You need to keep certain points in mind before heading out and plan a lot (after all your plans are going to drained out as toddler has his/her plans ready ?) just kidding ? you can still make your trip a lot manageable with these handy tips:
1. Always start your trip early or when your baby is sleeping this way he/she will be sleeping for few hours atleast and you can comfort your mind by saying “ I can handle this naughty pot for few hours common “
2. Dress yourself and baby in comfortable clothes keeping temperature in mind as baby also feels hot if you are feeling hot?
3. Carry few toys, books or any items which can keep the baby busy in moving vehicle, specially his/her favourite or new ones as it will excite them for minutes and they will explore.
4. Always be prepared with stuff to eat and drink for them as hungry toddler is more dangerous than a tiger ? . Carry some finger food too so they can munch on themselves and keep themselves entertain.
5. If you are going by your own vehicle and don’t have luggage constraint carry everything required for your toddler like booster seat, potty seat, few basic utensils, toys etc.
6. If possible book a hotel or service appartment with kitchen facilities so that you can cook once a day atleast for your baby the food he/she is use to and can keep them healthy this way plus less cranky. I took with me this time a small pressure cooker, few bowls, spoon, plate and a big bowl to cook all she needed on this trip and it made my life easy as she could have khichdi, oats, daal etc like she has it in house.
7. Its much easier even on your way back or in between where you have to drive for long and toddler is hungry or cranky you already have sufficient food cooked with you in small container.
8. What if you don’t have a kitchen in hotel you are staying? ? Don’t worry you can still manage well as there are many other options that are easily available in restaurants like daal rice, french fries, roti with butter , cornflakes and milk, bread butter and best is South Indian food easily digestible for babies. ?
9. Take lil short breaks in between while driving as babies need some moving time and rest as well.
10. You can carry some ready to eat food items as well which will require just hot water or milk to prepare. There are few brands who are genuine like -My little mophet, raffertys_garden these are solutions to food on-the go and good for fussy eaters too?
11. Always be prepared with your diaper bag which should be big enough to fit many items of your toddler as that you can keep with you inside the car rest luggage can be far way. Always keep cereals, bowl and spoon inside the bag handy.
12. Make sure your toddler is well hydrated throughout the trip as many kids don’t drink enough water when they change places.
13. Invest in good bibs that are easily washable n dried out like the one with plastic texture, that way you can save a lot on changing clothes and less mess around.
14. Stick to your routine specially with meals and sleep with your baby it will make them more comfortable to the surroundings and you will have less fussy toddler to handle.
15. Most important allow your baby few days to adjust to new environment, new place and worry less? once they accept the environment they will be fine.
16. I specially recommend to carry baby carrier (baby wearing) or stroller while you travel as it makes your life less stressful while you are on-the go.
I hope you get lots of vacations and trips with your darling toddler who is co-operative.
Love
Seema
