Tips For Traveling with Toddlers Solo

If you follow my InstaStory then you know I just traveled solo with my girls. I have traveled with both kids, but James was with me and quite a different experience. If any of you have done this with two kids four and under then you know how exhausting it is. And let me tell you, it’s not easy, but with a few tips and tricks I have learned from traveling with toddlers on this recent trip you will survive and make it through!

Our flight was a three and half hour flight from Oakland to Kansas City. We have done this a few times, but Amelia was not as active as she is now. I have to admit, I was so nervous about how this would go with her. She is definitely my wild, more active child and seriously has trouble sitting still. She was still a lap child for this flight so I was honestly so worried about the person who got stuck next to us! But, we lucked out, the flight wasn’t full.

Tips for Traveling with Kids Solo

1. Put them in comfortable clothes. This is seriously the most important tip. I know sometimes as a blogger I want myself and my kids to look cute and stylish and sometimes that means sacrificing comfort. Nope. No way, not for something like this. The last thing you want is for your them to whine about being itchy, clothes feeling to tight or being too hot. I have girls, so I’d recommend leggings and a tee or sweatshirt; if you have boys I’d say sweatpants would be good. Dressing in or having layers is also great for temperature changes. If you have a super early or late flight have them wear their jammies, I mean wouldn’t you want to wear your pajama’s to travel in. (Ps: being comfortable goes for you too! You’ll have to run around, carry them, bend over and pick them or carry-ons up.

2. Snack. Snacks. Snacks. I feel like no matter what a kid is fussing about, if you have a couple of favorites snacks around then the meltdowns seems to disappear. Usually on flight I forego the idea of limiting snacks because it’s better for me and other flyers not to have to deal with the fussing!

3. Pack their own carry-ons. I put together these backpacks and had Aria help me stuff them with essentials. This helps because they know there are things to do. I found some fun, easy activity kits from Target’s Dollar Spot. Having activities always helps the time pass quickly. I got these backpacks from Lassig (it’s the same as my diaper bag I”ve shared before.) and I love all of the pockets and storage

4. Movies or music and activities. We have not gotten Aria a tablet of any kind, but I have had a portable DVD player since college and it’s still going strong. I know, totally old school, but Aria loves how it’s like her own little TV. Other activities that are great are coloring and sticker books, magnetic activities and any other favorite toy.

5. Find the right time for travel. I know dates aren’t always flexible, but if they are then choosing the best day and time to fly makes things easier as well. I always choose non-stop flights if it’s available. Our latest flight was Saturday evening and only had about 30 people on it…SCORE!

6. Have patience. I know this is MUCH easier said than done, but it really does make a huge difference. I have learned when the kids get antsy and anxious, the pick up on my anxiousness and it only exacerbates the situation. Remaining calm, even during those crying fits will help. They’ll sense this from you and it usually helps minimize any fits.

Traveling with toddlers solo is definitely not easy, but can be manageable with a few of these tips. Of course, some days it doesn’t matter what you do, or how prepared you are, kids are kids and they can be unpredictable. I also did this post a while back that is also helpful for traveling with kids!

What are some of your tips and tricks when traveling with kids? I’d love any and all ideas, but even with my tips and tricks it’s still exhausting and a challenge!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you have a great week!

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