Spring break is an exciting opportunity for families to escape the everyday routine and make lasting memories together. Whether you're planning a relaxing beach getaway or an exciting adventure, traveling with kids comes with its own set of challenges. With a little preparation, though, you can make the trip smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. In this blog, we'll share some essential travel tips to help make your spring break with kids a breeze—from packing hacks to keeping the little ones entertained!
Preparing for Travel: Packing, Planning, Preparing for an adventure
Preparing for a travel adventure with little ones can feel like packing for an expedition, but with the right planning, it can be smooth sailing! Start by making a checklist of all the essentials your baby or toddler will need on the go—Pro Tip - Make a checklist on your notes app on your phone that can be used for future trips (and share the note with your partner so you can divide and conquer)
Essentials: think diapers, wipes, snacks, and extra clothes plus any comfort items like favorite toys or a lovey for naps. Make sure you have a change of clothes for your little one (and yourself, trust us) for the journey to your destination. You’ll want to pack travel size toiletries or health supplies to have on hand. And don’t forget the meal time essentials like a Babynetic Silicone Bib, favorite cups and utensils.
Baby Gear: Consider the baby gear you'll need for both transit and your destination. A lightweight stroller, foldable stroller, is perfect for the airport or getting around at your destination, while a portable car seat ensures safety on the go. Don't forget a travel crib, a monitor if you're sleeping in a separate space, and a portable sound machine to help your baby sleep comfortably. We often used Baby Quip to rent gear at our destination (plus they usually have it delivered right before you arrive!) – highly recommend.
If you’re staying in a hotel, you can request a crib to be put in your room - make sure to call ahead to see if they will have one available. If you’re staying with family or friends, you could consider asking if there is a way to borrow any items to eliminate having to travel with some of these baby gear items.
Tips for Transit:
When planning travel with a baby, timing, comfort and entertainment are everything. If you're flying, try to schedule your flight during nap times or in the evening to maximize the chances of your little one sleeping through the journey. For road trips, plan for frequent stops to stretch, change diapers, and let your baby relax out of their car seat. Choosing direct flights or shorter travel routes can help reduce the stress of layovers or long stretches on the road.
A smooth journey requires some form of entertainment so be sure to bring along a few favorite toys, soft books, or a tablet loaded with age appropriate games or videos. Some of our favorite travel friendly toys include: Melissa and Doug Activity Book, Melissa and Doug Peekaboo Soft Book, Melissa and Doug StickerWOW, Doodle Tablet, Sensory Activity Board, Magnetic Creations Play Set.
During transit, you’ll want to have a few essentials easily accessible including snacks, water, extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes handy—because with babies, you can never be too prepared! If you’re flying, don’t forget to bring a nursing cover or bottle for takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. If your little one has outgrown a bottle, you can also bring a milk cup and offer them milk at take off.
Enjoying the Destination
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the key to a smooth transition is settling in as quickly as possible. Set up a familiar space for your little one, whether it’s unpacking their favorite blanket, setting up their crib, or organizing their toys. This helps create a sense of comfort and routine, even in a new place. We like to bring along a couple of new surprises for when we arrive at a destination, like squigz or a Creativity for Kids Sensory Pack, which can keep the kids entertained while parents unpack. These little distractions help make the transition easier for everyone!
After unpacking, take some time to explore and enjoy your destination at a relaxed pace. Whether it’s a stroll through a nearby park, a visit to a kid-friendly museum, or simply unwinding together in a cozy spot, slowing down will help everyone adjust and set the tone for a memorable family adventure. By following these spring break tips for kid-friendly travel, you’ll be all set to dive into the fun and create lasting memories from the moment you arrive.
Happy Traveling!
xo
