Top 10 List for Traveling with a Toddler

Our DD has been on a plane at least 20 times (probably more) since her adoption in 2006. She is a trooper and does extremely well while traveling, but there are a few must have items that have made it easier to help make her a happy traveler:


1) C.A.R.E.S. - Child Aviation Restraint System. CARES is a harness-type safety device designed for children who weigh between 22-44 lbs and are sitting in their own airplane seats. At first DD wasn't too keen on the harness, but after telling her it was just like what the kids on "Little Einsteins" used when flying in "Rocket" - she was all for it. What I like about it is that is FAA approved, and it can be used instead of a car seat - really keeps the kids in their seat during turbulence and take off/landings. Car seats are bulky and can be a pain to transport through the airport, then while used in flight, many times the tray would not be able to be used - the tray is a key component of craft time, dinner time, and movie time!

2) Portable DVD player. While most flights will have an in flight movie, most are not targeted to the toddler audience. Our DVD player has a built in stand, and is the perfect size to stand on the tray. Many laptop computers also play movies, but what I like about the DVD player is that there isn't a lot of buttons or keys that DD can mess with.

3) Children sized headphones. DD had no problems listening to her movies when wearing stylish (animal) toddler sized headphones . The headphones are adjustable and comfortable.

4) Huggies Overnites Diapers. DD is still working on getting the potty thing down and the airplane toilet scared her when flushed - heck, it scares me too! During our adoption trip in 2006 another mom shared the tip of using the Overnites diapers while flying as they can absorb more liquid than a regular diaper. When wearing the Overnites diapers I felt confident that if she fell asleep before a diaper change I didn't have to worry about leakage.

5) Martha Stewart Puppet Kit. DD loves a good craft and I was kicking myself for not buying more of these easy to use, all inclusive, toddler sized crafts from Martha Stewart. I bought a panda bag puppet kit at Walmart - inside was all the materials needed to complete the puppet. Everything was self adhesive and easy to follow directions. While this craft didn't occupy DD for hours (maybe 45 minutes), she loved sticking all the pieces on and after the puppet was complete she was thrilled that it fit her toddler sized hand. What I loved about it was that it was compact, easy to pack and to get out and use. Two weeks later and DD is still playing with the puppet!

6) Car seat Travel Bag. Since we rented six different cars during our U.S. trip we checked DD's car seat as luggage. To help protect the seat we used a "car seat bag." There are many bags on the market - we bought ours at babiesrus. What I like about it is that it does what it's designed to do, protect the seat as well as becomes additional storage for items that can't fit in other luggage, or that you want to keep separate (we put our dirty clothes in to help pad the seat).

7) Food. While you can't bring liquids through security you can bring food. Apples were easy - they are hard and didn't get bruised too badly. We also brought raisins, Teddy Grahams and a bribe or two (lolly pops and chocolate are DD's favorite sweet treats). Bring more than what you think you'll need as you never know when you will get caught somewhere AND mom and dad usually need a snack too!

8) Long sleeve PJs and a change of Clothes. PJs are a must on a 15 hour flight and regardless of the time of year I would choose long sleeves as the airlines keep it rather cool, and if you have a kid that likes to kick the covers off it's good to keep the legs and arms covered. A change of clothes is a must have, as you never know when something might spill or leak.

9) I Spy Books. The books are great at keeping a toddler occupied alone or with a parent. The easy reader books of this series, show the items to look for on the left so it is easier for the younger child to focus and find an item. These books come in paperback and are easy to pack.

10) And, the most important thing to bring is. . . .Dada! Not only does he share in childcare responsibilities, he becomes a jungle gym while sitting in the airport, and he is an incredible Sherpa that never tires (okay, only after everyone is all taken care off and all the "stuff" is where it needs to be).