Traveling With Young Children: More Dos and Don'ts

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 Jan 2007 12:59 AM

My 2-year-old has traveled more than 40,000 miles in her short life. Each trip has been an adventure (to say the least). Naturally, I have learned many lessons along the way and try to apply most on each subsequent trip we take.

In my previous blog I listed some of my favorite dos and don'ts to follow when traveling with young children. Here now are more lessons that have served our family well when traveling with young children:

DO pack fun food. I'm not talking about a menu of gummy bears and Hershey kisses. Rather, during long trips we always pack a collapsible cooler with crackers, fruit, string cheese, some candy (no chocolate---never give a kid chocolate if you want them to remain strapped in a carseat), water, juice boxes, GORP, pretzels, and baked chips.

DO place your child's carseat in a shady area of the vehicle. During trips which require us to rent a vehicle I bring along my own sunshades to cover the windows that might let the sun shine on my daughter during the ride. Any parent knows if the sun is shining directly on a child, or if a child is too hot or cold, he or she will not sleep nearly as long.

DO take breaks, especially if you are on a long car trip. We typically stop every three hours or so and allow our two-year-old to run around at pre-selected rest areas. We always pack a ball to play with and use the time to visit the restroom. If you want to use the time to have a picnic remember, whatever you do, don't stick your child in a high chair or booster chair during the break.

DON'T forget the music. My daughter and nephew happen to love music (which comes in quite handy when they get bored with their toys). We travel with Sesame Street, and a variety of other kid-friendly interactive tapes.

DON'T just sit there. Whether you are traveling by plane, car, or train don't ignore your child. As much as possible (especially if you aren't the designated driver) get involved with your child and get your child involved with the activities -- play with the toys, color, draw, sing songs, make funny faces, etc.

Related Articles:

Traveling With Young Children: Dos and Don'ts

Traveling With Children-Learn From My Mistakes

Flying with Children: Layover or Not?

Tips To Remember When Traveling With Children

Flying With An Infant

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger