How to survive holiday travel with a toddler

Flying with a toddler

Take calpol sachets.
Calpol sachets are so much easier than carrying around a glass bottle and save space.

Take a sling or reigns.
a cotton sling can double up as a blanket but most importantly having your child close to you will provide comfort for a first time toddler flyer. You can safely walk your toddler up and down the isles to pass some time knowing that your baby can not escape. However if you have a crazy kid like mine maybe attach to reigns if they demand to stretch their legs!

Secret bag!
We play this game every time we travel. A secret little bag just for your toddler. This is your lifeline for keeping them entertained whilst awake. Filled with little snacks and a few new toys.
We have cheese sticks, boxes of raisins and a sweet treat along with finger puppets, spinning tops and a selection of old bracelets! My girl loves my old dress jewellery! It keeps her entertained and is small enough to bag up.

Water
I am always worried about my little ones ears popping when taking off and landing so the sensible solution is to offer her a drink. I have two alternatives.
Of course I would take a bottle with a teet filled with water. Sometimes she doesn’t always want water so I fill ours with a little diluted pure orange juice. I know she will drink this as the taste to her is a treat.
My second option would be to offer your toddler a drink with a straw. Again this is something my toddler likes to use but taking off may be a little messy!

Cruising with a toddler

Pack everything!
If you are traveling to your port by car fill up with all the essentials you need there is no baggage allowance or weight limit. Nappies are not always supplied on board and may be pricey or hard to find at other ports of destination. Do also take a first aid kit including calpol and bonjela. Baby wash for your toddler as the soap provided may contain perfume. All cruise ships have cartons of milk on board but if your toddler has a special type of milk take it with you.

Activities
Plan ahead and make sure this is one of the first things you enquire. If there is a nursery or play group on board make sure your child gets a space early.

Buggy
Take a light weight stroller for easy access as you may only need it when you dock for day trips. But remember it can get windy up on deck so always be cautious. We traveled many times with a buggy that was too bulky or un sturdy. Finally we found the Quinny Yezz and never had a problem again. Lightweight, looks good and has a carry strap.

Food
Cruise ships have every type of food item you can imagine. I take my toddlers bowl, plate and plastic cutlery on board. I also take the time to get to know who our serving attendant will be for the week as they can be very helpful at having your toddlers favorite meals ready with a highchair.

Sterilization
Cabins on board cruise ships only have a sink in the bathroom however most cabins provide a kettle. You can always request one from housekeeping if this is not the case.
I like to take a washing up basin and some Milton tablets to sterilize bottles and dummies. Some cruise liners are notorious for bugs and viruses!

Camping with a toddler. (caravan)

Torch
Take a torch! Caravans are small and if other people are sharing with you a single light could wake everyone. Also campsites are not well lit so you may need it at night.

Washing
I have noticed that most campsites have shower blocks and laundry area with big deep double sinks. Trying to shower a toddler in a small cubicle in a caravan is a nightmare. Toddle them down to the shower blocks and plonk them in the sink. Take a plastic cup for water play. We had lots of fun doing this everyday with our toddler. It was a great way to cool from the heat also.

Beach
Camping and caravan sites are often situated within walking distance of a beach. Obvious items to pack would be sun hats and lotion but we never let our toddler spend too much time in the sun without a UV sun tent. They are water proof and can be wiped down to rid of food and sand. Most are purchased with a carry case and are light weight. We purchased our Beba one from Kiddicare.

Dinner time
Caravans are tight for space so pack a booster seat as I doubt a high chair will be provided.

Happy holidays!
Are you traveling with a baby or toddler this year and do you have any top tips?