We look forward to our family holidays for months but that feeling of excitement can soon transform into a feeling of being overwhelmed! Travel with tots can be stressful! Probably one of the only things you can be sure of is that not everything is going to go to plan! However, rest assured there are ways you can reduce stress and take the hassle out of travel.
Plan your journey and then add at least half an hour extra to plan for the unplanned; Travel sickness, additional toilet stops, traffic, airport tantrums, sibling squabbles etc. Dealing with ‘situations’ with the additional pressure of a tight timeframe will only add pressure and potentially escalate the situation. If you arrive early, bonus, enjoy a coffee or well-deserved glass of wine!
Try to explain to your little one what to expect, the change in routine, excitement and new experiences can be overwhelming and therefore they may require more support to manage their emotions.
if you are a toddler snacks are life, right?! Ensure you have packed plenty and have them easily accessible. I recently made a mistake I won’t be making again, packing the snack bag in the boot, cue traffic jam….need I say more!
A charged tablet, with programmes downloaded ahead of time, don’t rely on 5G! Offer a range of toys, books, colouring but don’t give it them all at once feed it to them graduality throughout the journey. Newer items always seem to hold their attention that bit longer. Keepemquiet.com is a great company offering prepared travel packs to keep them entertained.
If your little bubba is still of napping age, planning travel around these times is a sure fire quick win. Ensuring their comfort and creating that home from home environment can really help. If your little one is used to sleeping in a darker environment at home you may want to try using a snooze shade, available for prams and stroller or to fit overtravel cots blocking out UV light by 99%
Don’t rely on cots provided! Having recently stayed in a very well-known and respected chain of hotels we were horrified when we saw the travel cot provided, the mattress far too large, soft, and stained, it certainly did not conform to safe sleep guidelines! Making sure sleeping arrangements are of good quality, our top tip, read reviews, check out photo’s, ask questions. If you are not satisfied take a travel cot, you know will be safe, clean and comfortable!
If taking a flight with a toddler / younger child, consider the use of seat extenders such as the Jetkids by Stokke Bedbox, not only does it provide entertainment through the airport, with a ride on option, it offers storage space for toys and books and also extends to turn any economy seat into a 1st class bed, negating the need for little ones to lie across your lap all flight, meaning you will be able to get up and use the loo…hopefully alone…enjoy ;-)
Trying to squeeze all equipment into the car / on a flight can be a huge challenge. The use of equipment such as travel strollers can save a huge amount of space and hassle, they have been designed in-line with IATA guidelines for cabin luggage, meaning most airlines will allow you to take them on board, putting an end to trying to juggle sleepy babies/ toddlers and multiple bags whilst waiting for push chairs to be off loaded.
If travelling by car check out equipment readily available at the hotel or Air BnB, or consider hiring. Here at the Bubba Hub, we stock a full range of quality baby and toddler equipment which is sanitised to standards that we would expect to use for our own children. Items are available to be delivered directly to your hotel or air bnb, ready for your arrival, whether you require a cot, highchair, bouncer, sterilising equipment, play or safety equipment we are here to help. Taking the hassle out of your travel by saving you space and time.
Most of all, enjoy your time away from home with your little ones! Make the memories, take the photographs, visit the sights and attractions. Whether it be visiting family or enjoying the seaside, savour every precious moment whilst your little ones are still young, as before you know it, they are teenagers!
