Claire's Articles
Family
With kids getting out of school soon, many parents are getting ready for their Summer family holiday. And, I can honestly say that until I became a parent myself, I didn't realize how much effort and organization it takes to get kids out of the house and ready for school --- let alone to plan and pack for a family vacation!
There is no doubt that traveling with kids is more complicated, slower and more stressful. But there are some things that you can do to make your next family vacation enjoyable for everyone:
Time your trip. Plan your departure so it coincides with their sleep schedule or naptime. When flying aim for a late-night or red-eye flight.
Most kids love adventure. Let them read about the destination and look at the flight path ahead of time.
Let them help. If they are old enough, encourage them to take responsibility for packing, thinking about what they will need at that destination, and toting their own bags. Kids generally enjoy feeling "adult." Let them select a favorite toy to take--it can provide comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.
Bring it with you. Pack compact items that you may need for your infants and toddlers in your carry-on or in the car. Plastic baggies are handy--you don't have to bring the entire container, but they'll help you keep items neat, clean, and organized. Also be sure to have a change of clothes for both you and your infant in case you have a messy incident. Remember to take extra bottles and/or pacifiers for take-off and landing. When traveling take an umbrella stroller which is light and takes up much less room than the bigger one. Plus, on flights, it can be stored on board as opposed to checked.
Be prepared for emergencies. Have a small emergency medical kit with items such as sun block, insect repellant, children's pain reliever, a thermometer, anti-bacterial ointment, band-aids and sanitary wipes. If you have an infant, it's wise to bring actual baby bottles of water ready to be mixed just in case you don't have access to clean water.
Pack healthy snacks. Carrots, crackers, regular and dried fruit, nuts, and chips are all relatively easy to eat on the road and kids tend to get hungrier more often than adults. Healthy nibbles will help stave off hunger-induced irritability. When flying, gum, candy, or a pacifier is helpful at take-off and landing to assist in equalizing the changing pressure in kids' ears.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated while flying. This helps the body adjust to the altitude and any time changes. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which tend to dehydrate.
Keep them occupied. A portable DVD on a plane can go a long way to entertain and stop the kids from thinking about being confined.
Expend energy. In the airport try stretching exercises while waiting for the plane--they might help your kids to sit still for the duration of the trip.
Take proper ID & travel documentation. Passports, birth certificates, a notorized permission letter if only one parent is traveling. You don't want the trip to end, before it even begins.
