| Got Toddlers? Got Chaos! Planning any kind of | | | | |
| trip with toddlers can be complicated. There | | | | Maintain a Routine |
| are certain things to keep in mind that might | | | | |
| help preserve your sanity and possibly even | | | | Your toddler probably has a nice nap routine |
| let you have a little bit of fun together as | | | | at home, and vacation is not a time to wing |
| a family. | | | | it. If your little one naps at noon every |
| | | | day, move mountains to help them nap at noon |
| Arrive Leisurely | | | | on the road. Take a break in the hotel room |
| | | | or alternate separate parent activities so |
| Traveling with a toddler can take a toll on | | | | someone is there to help even the most |
| even the most patient parent. If you are | | | | reluctant toddler take a break in a busy day. |
| flying, the experience can be exciting and | | | | Try to keep bedtime reasonably close to |
| will keep them occupied for about ten minutes | | | | normal, too - a tired toddler is not a |
| before your little one is ready to start a | | | | toddler that travels well. |
| full-scale exploration effort. In an airplane | | | | |
| you do have the opportunity to get up and | | | | Keep it Loose |
| move around - take a trip to the restroom or, | | | | |
| pilot willing, consider a trip to the | | | | If you are a scheduling fanatic when it comes |
| cockpit. | | | | to travel, toddler travel may not be for you. |
| | | | Plan activities with plenty of cushion time |
| Car rides can be complicated as well. | | | | in between. Toddlers aren't able to |
| Fortunately, toddlers are great at napping in | | | | appreciate fine architecture, but they love a |
| the car, so you might consider leaving right | | | | good fountain or the local zoo. Find |
| before naptime and letting your enthusiastic | | | | activities that have a little bit of |
| one sleep the first couple of hours. A lot of | | | | something for everyone - zoos, parks, |
| parents also drive in the evening in hopes of | | | | beaches, hikes, wildlife, etc... |
| a sleepy car ride for longer than a few | | | | |
| hours. | | | | Mix "grown-up" activities in with toddler |
| | | | activities to give everyone something to look |
| While your toddler is awake, consider a | | | | forward to. You might also want to pick a few |
| favorite video, toys ( books, coloring, | | | | of the most important landmarks to see and |
| action figures, snacks and anything else you | | | | leave the rest for when your child has an |
| can think of to keep them entertained. Plan | | | | attention span longer than fifteen minutes. |
| on plenty of stops along the way to get out, | | | | Above all, just remember that this should be |
| change diapers and stretch legs. Rushing to | | | | fun for everyone - even if you never leave |
| get anywhere just makes things more | | | | the hotel pool! |
| stressful, so don't get in a hurry. | | | | |