Tips for travelling internationally with a 16-month-old
I will be travelling internationally (planes, trains, buses, automobiles etc.), just me with a 16-month-old in May. Last time we travelled that far, she was 3 months, easy to contain and there were two of us adults!
We already figure that a small light collapsible stroller is a must. Any other recommendations? A big question is whether to bring a car seat, just in case. We expect to be using a lot of public transport, and not rent a car. Other suggestions for making travel less harrowing for all?
4 Answers
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My daughter was 18 months when we went from Honolulu to St. Louis last Christmas. On the way to St. Louis I was alone with her. On the return my husband was with us.
I've found that having a front pack with me thru the airport is ideal. Then I can use the stroller as a luggage cart if I need it. Then the baby is contained thru security (the last thing you load for screening is the carrier) and as you get to your seat on the plane.
Small, new toys were key. I even 'wrapped' each in tissue paper and a ziplock. The unwrapping and rewrapping can take a surprising amount of time. I packed: post it notes, silly puddy, small 'paint with water' book, Pooh / Tigger / Eeyore stacking figures, new play cell phone, Karen Katz 'Toes, Ears & Nose' flip book (was a big hit), and a couple mini board books.
We brought a portable dvd player w/ ear phones made for a child. This was my last resort option! I didn't need it on the way there when I was alone, but we did need it ironically enough when my husband was with us. Totally counter-intuitive, but you just can't predict toddler behavior.
Don't forget snacks and something to drink for take offs and landings.
Also, we did get a seat for our daughter. And after much debate between bringing our car seat on the plane, buying one of those convertable car seat / strollers, and the Cares restraint system. We went with the Cares seat belt thingy. :) It worked well keeping Sam in her seat for take-off, landing and much of the flight. When it was time for her to sleep, we let her lay across us. Because your child is younger than Sam was you may have more of a problem with slippage (slipping down in the seat) than we did. But I found this ehow article that addresses the issue: http://www.ehow.com/how_4905276_modify-restraint-system-toddlers-children.html
Hope this helps!
Aloha,
Beth
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I travelled internationally with my 2 kids last January. They were 7 months and 2.5 years old at the time so this may not apply specifically but the 3 things I learned from the experience are:
- try to have as few carry-ons as you can. I usually tend to pack things in many small bags and carry to much unnecessary junk. But when you have to handle kid(s) + stroller(s) + car seat(s) + coats + bags... with only 2 arms, you better be well prepared. Try to picture each step of the trip and plan how you will handle everything.
- fellow travelers are willing to help. From carrying your bags to babysitting while you take a break, there is always someone nice to help out, especially in planes.
- although intimidating, it can be done!
Thanks, this too is good advice. I am thinking just one bag each for carry-on...
- katja, Mar 25, 2010
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Packing light, per Estelle, sounds very wise. Yet, also consider some small, never-before-seen or old-was-out-of-sight toys to whip out at crucial intervals...(maybe that's part of the "picturing each step of the trip" ahead of time ;) Also, with a walker/runner, consider getting to the gate early enough to have lots of good running/active time before boarding the plane. (We've seen many parents use that time for food or sitting play, you know your kid best, but for ours - getting the running out and our kid as physically tired as possible seemed to be the best use of that great-big-airport time.)
Lately I've been thinking the real trick to traveling is remaining calm, happy and ideally somewhat fed & rested yourself. If you're relaxed and in a good mood, it seems so much easier to share it 'round. (At least this worked with our 1 and 3-year-old on an unexpectedly 11-hour 1-stop road trip this weekend.) And, if that's the trick, what can you do/what do you need to stay happy if your traveling companion for some reason isn't?
Usually, our most challenging part of the trip stuff-wise is the airport & airport security. With all your varied transport, what do you think yours will be? It might be best to plan your "system" around that leg?
Thanks for the suggestion of running around BEFORE the flight... very good advice, thanks!
- katja, Mar 25, 2010
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The trip went well, thanks to all your suggestions! The biggest two things were the great kid-friendly crew on KLM and the ample fresh fruits and berries packed for the flights. There was so much, that the kid sitting next to us had plenty, too. The little toys and books and stickers suggestions were all hits. I hid her favorites books a few weeks before the trip, so they felt exciting (on the flight out, at least - i bought some new books for the way back). There were also iPod games, though the iPod must be off during takeoff (grrr) and ran out of juice on the flight back (grrr). The non-digital toys proved best!
We did face a sudden stomach bug on our journey, but with the combo of my brother's help and washing machine and a few emergency purchases (clean tees and lots of tissues), we got through everything ok. A round of applause to KLM's staff! They put us automatically in the bulkhead, so even though she was technically in my lap, we had a good time and ample space.
This was a super helpful answer! I think I will also add to this an iPod touch with a bunch of kid games (like some of the ones by Duck Duck Moose) on it, ready to go. That extra packing with tissue paper is a fun idea for toys, too!
- katja, Mar 25, 2010