Traveling with Littles

Tips and Tricks for Traveling with Kids


    Going on a trip with your kids?  Wondering where to begin?  Here are some resources and products that can help you prepare for your adventure!

    First, let's break down how you are getting to your destination.  Whether you are traveling by car or plane, there is a lot to think about and plan for when your travels include children.  I am a big planner as it is, and even I was overwhelmed when we went on a short 5 hour road trip this past summer.  There are always things we forget or things we think we need and never even end up using!  If you are at all apprehensive about traveling with your kids because it sounds unpleasant and daunting, here is my #1 piece of advice...JUST DO IT!  

    You won't remember the planning, packing and details, but you will remember the fun, laughter and excitement of your children.  These are the moments and memories you will look back on and cherish, so take the trip!

Car Travel






Free! Family Packing Lists



Resources:

Entertainment:

Organization:

Snacks:


Air Travel








Resources:

Car Seat Information:

    This was a big focus of our planning and lead to our ultimate decision to fly instead of drive.  We preferred the 1.5 hour flight to the 10 hour drive with the littles, so we began researching how we would get to and from the airport and hotel.  Here were our options:
  1. Car-Seat Equipped Uber - We were initially concerned because Uber said it cannot be certain that cars equipped with cars seats were available in every city or at your specific time of need.
  2. Personal Driving Company - (Like a limo-service, but for vans to fit families) This was nice because they catered to families and you reserved the number of car seats you needed in the vehicle prior to pickup, but it was extremely expensive. 
  3. Rental Car - We considered this, but because of COVID, cars are in "short supply but high demand" and they are hiking prices and adding on additional cleaning fees.  There are also additional fees if you needed to rent car seats from them or you can bring your own.
  4. Regular Uber (BYOS - bring your own seat) - final option, and the one that was most widely suggested was bringing car seats on the plane and just quickly hooking them up into a regular Uber when you got to your destination.  
    We decided to listen to the masses and go with that final suggestion.  That way we aren't stuck without a car-seat equipped Uber (which were also surcharged like crazy), and we weren't paying absurd prices just to transport our kids safely.  With this choice, we decided to check Baby #2's car seat at the door when we arrive and bring #1's car seat with us onto the plane (since he is almost 3 and has his own seat).  
    Baby #2 is only 6 months, so he is still in the heavy infant car seat and we have no desire to drag that through the airport.  I purchased a Gate Check Bag for his seat so we can put our identifying information on it and keep it somewhat protected during the flight.  
    That being said, one of the first things a friend told me when I mentioned our trip was "If you can, avoid bringing your nice, expensive personal car sears from your vehicles and purchase an inexpensive one (or check FB marketplace), because things get tossed around and may get damaged during transport."  After looking into this, she was absolutely right!  Many sites and resources suggested bringing an old (but not expired) or cheaper car seat just in case something does happen to it during the trip. 
    #2's car seat is the hand-me-down car seat from #1, so we decided to not spend money on one for him for the trip, but instead take the risk of something possibly damaging it because it is already very used and he will be transitioning into a bigger car seat eventually anyways.   #1's car seat, on the other hand, is a very nice, expensive, all-in-one transitional car seat and we do NOT want that bad boy to get ruined because he will be using it for years to come! I looked on FB Marketplace but ultimately decided I wanted something clean and new that we can still use once we get home if it makes it safely, undamaged through the trip.  
    I also grabbed a car seat strap/buckle so we can just hook #1's seat to our rolling carryon suitcase and wheel it through the airport instead of having to carry it since we won't be bringing our big stroller (we are only bringing a small umbrella stroller for #1 if he gets tired of walking).
    
    After doing even more research (this mama spent a lot of time looking into things), this is the car seat we ended up purchasing:
Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

Why we chose this car seat:
  • FAA-Approved
  • Very Lightweight and easy to transport through the airport
  • Small and compact so it will fit easily on the plane and in an Uber
  • Affordable!  Under $50!
  • Many color options (if that interests you) *We made it fun and let #1 choose the one he wanted
    Whatever route you decide to take in regards to transportation and car seats, choose what makes it easiest on your family!  The last thing you need or want are any more added stressors or frustrations when traveling, so keep it simple, keep it direct, and choose what works best for you!

*This was the main website that helped me compare my car seat options:

Entertainment:

Inflatable Air Travel Toddler Bed (if you have a long flight and need your child to sleep comfortably - this came HIGHLY recommended) *Update: Some airlines do not allow these, so check with your airline prior to flying!
Travel White Noise Machine 

Organization:

Umbrella Stroller (This is ours for when little legs get tired - lightweight and easy to transport)
Baby Wrap (This is the baby wrap I got from my husband before #2 arrived and I LOVE it!  It is so soft and cozy, he loves being wrapped up in it and it doesn't hurt my back like my other carriers did.  I will be carrying my heavy little chunk through the airport with this on Friday!)

Snacks:

Baby Formula to Food Travel Container (can carry #2's formula and a snack for #1 and #2 all in one stack)
Easy Travel Spoons (collapsible and easy to toss into my bag)
Toddler Click-Lock Sippy Cups (bringing an empty one in my carryon, filling it with water once we are through security and get to our gate)


    No matter how you choose to travel (planes, trains or automobiles - great movie, if you haven't seen it *wink wink), take a deep breath, plan ahead and enjoy these fleeting moments with your littles.  In the end, there may be some hiccups, but keep a positive mindset and just do the best you can!

Safe Travels!


*This post contains affiliate links.  If you purchase from some of the links, I receive a small kickback at no extra cost to you! 

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