Traveling with kids can bring on a lot of stress and anxiety. You start asking yourself what to bring, how much of this and that will I need. I’m no expert, but we have traveled with just one and now two kids and have been pretty successful. With our trips to Kansas City around the corner, I thought I’d share some tips that have worked for us.

Dress Comfortably

There’s nothing worse than traveling on a long plane ride in clothes that are itchy, hot, tight, etc…And I think the same goes for the kids. I usually dress Aria in leggings and a long sleeve t-shirt. Amelia is the usually dressed the same, unless it’s an early morning flight. Our upcoming flight is at 6:20 AM, so I will leave her in jammies for maximum comfort. With a busy toddler that likes our drinks, is potty trained but refuses to use the airplane toilet and an infant that you just never know what could happen (blowouts, spit up, spills), it is essential to bring an extra set of clothes.

Comfort Items
I think most kids have some kid of comfort item, whether it’s a stuffed animal, lovey, blanket or something else…TAKE IT WITH YOU. Having whatever your child uses for comfort on the plane is crucial, for Aria it is her blankie. She has to have it no matter what and for her, she is very particular, it can’t be a substitute. If you can have a similar item for travel do because then you have a lower chance of losing it. As for worrying about germs, I just wash it as soon as I get a chance (being a nurse I’m not super worried about germs).

Snacks, Snacks and MORE Snacks
I have found, at least with Aria,  ensuring you have enough of their favorite snacks (I mean these kids like options) you can occupy a lot of their time. Plus, when she decides to get a little fussy or we’re telling her not to kick the chair in front of her and she doesn’t like it; we can offer up a snack and it’s the perfect distraction. For Amelia I usually try and time a nursing session for take off. Any more she doesn’t nurse quite as long as when she was younger, but it still offers her comfort and can sometimes ensure a decent nap. But, I also bring a bottle of extra milk just in case she stills seems hungry.

Entertainment
I always pack the diaper bag and our carry on with a lot of activity options. You can never have enough. I like to take books to read, coloring books, toys and the DVD player. Aria loves Doc McStuffins so putting on episodes of that is nice to get her to sit still and chill for a bit.

Travel Kit
I always have a little travel kit with me in our carry on. I have wipes, sanitizer and infant Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen. There’s nothing worse than getting somewhere and one of the kids gets sick and you’re running out late at night to get some medicine. With winter coming there’s a good chance one or both of them will get running noses; so I will pack our Nose Frida with us.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a great week!

Kallie