Tips for Family Vacations with Toddlers
Family Vacations with toddlers can be fun but, can become hard very quickly if you don’t plan and prepare in advance. Sleep schedules may change, and a new environment may make it difficult for your child to adjust. Not to mention, as a parent planning and packing for a family vacation may lead to a stressed parent. That is not what a vacation should be! Your vacation should be fun and stress free for all. To do this you need to plan ahead and use the following family vacation tips.
Family Vacation Tips:
Plan your family vacation for your child, not yourself. In other words, make your child the first priority which will make it easier for you as an adult to enjoy your time.
If you are planning a get-away family vacation, look at kid friendly resorts and cruises. Many of the resorts have activities for the toddlers and adults, as well as daycare and babysitting services allowing you to have adult time. Before you arrive, make sure to preview and reserve activities in advance to guarantee your toddlers spot. At kid-friendly resorts, activities tend to book up fast.
If you’re visiting family or going to a reunion, make sure to prioritize kid friendly activities throughout your stay.
Travel with another family with toddlers. Not only will you have company to share the experience, but your toddler will too.
Make a packing list a few weeks ahead of time, so you can add to it as you think of things. Then a week before departure follow that list.
Pack plenty of diapers and wipes, maybe a few extra. You never know if you will be able to find them if you run out.
Pack extra cloths for your toddler just in case your toddler gets into some extra mishaps.
If you are planning to do some beach time or pool, pack at multiple toddler swimsuits. Putting on a wet suit is not fun for your toddler. And don’t forget to the swim diapers. Don’t forget to bring some plastic shovels, buckets, and floaties!
Keep your child entertained during flights and long road trips by downloading movies to an iPad.
Bring some of your child’s favorite toys, especially the small ones that are easy to carry. This will help make them feel more comfortable while in an unfamiliar environment. You may even want to pack these toys a few weeks ahead of time, so it will seem more exciting to your child when he/she gets them back again.
Don’t forget to pack your child’s favorite snacks, too. Make up several zip lock baggies to put in the diaper bag and hand them out to keep your child occupied.
Pack a lightweight stroller. You don’t need all the bells and whistles; you need to keep it light weight and not bulky so you can easily fold and carry it at the airport or amusement park.
Make sure your child gets plenty of exercise before departure and throughout your family vacation. A lot of exercise before long flights or long road trips should help them nap, making for an easier time. If their sleep schedule is off, extra exercise an hour or two before bedtime will help them sleep.
Whatever you do, try to keep the same routine. This may be difficult with flights and road trips, other family members, and just the excitement of a fun new place. When you arrive at your destination, go back to the same daily routine. Plan your activities around the routine, as well.
Conclusion
When planning family vacations with Toddlers, you need to prepare in advance and keep the above suggested tips in mind. This will not only help your toddler have fun, but you will enjoy your family vacation, as well.
A special thanks…
Thank you Jessica T. & Michael D. for the helping with the tips for this article. I can’t wait to see you and my little buddies soon!
For more travel tips read 10 Vacation Packing Hacks.
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