What to Pack and Other Survival Tips For Traveling Alone With A Baby or Small Child

4/18/12 - By Tracy B

Taking your child or children on a trip without benefit of another adult can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach, traveling alone with a baby or small child can be done and done successfully.

I am a veteran of two solo trips with my preschooler. It hasn’t been easy, but the benefits have certainly outweighed the obstacles. Going on trips alone with my child created special memories that only we share together and, perhaps it's like being in the trenches together, a special bond from our trips.

It wasn't always easy. Traveling alone with a child is always an adventure, but it is possible. Consider the following helpful hints when planning and taking to travel alone with a baby or child.

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Attitude Counts: A positive attitude will help you “go with the flow”. Traveling with kids is stressful enough, and being alone with your kids in a car or airport is over-the-top stressful. Keep your sense of humor and your sense of adventure and, if all else fails, remember that nobody knows you. If your child is having a fit, you are just that random stranger with a kid having a fit.

Expect the Unexpected: Realizing ahead of time that there may be delays and other inconveniences makes encountering these issues easier. Put on your game face; if you don’t show stress, chances are your kids won’t even notice.

Be a Schedule Ninja:Planning your trip around naptimes or mealtimes can work to your advantage when traveling alone with your kids. Booking your flight or beginning your car trip about when naptime usually occurs may help to get your kids settled and may serve to give you an hour or so of quiet time to refocus.Passing on a nap on the day of travel may also tire the kids out, making travel time a bit easier on you.

Fly the Red-Eye: For a longer flight, consider an overnight or late night flightyour kids may be exhausted enough to sleep the whole time.

Lighten your Load: Let your child pick out their own suitcase and help pack. This may encourage them to actually carry it. My daughter loves to pull her Ariel suitcase around the airport, which alleviates me having to carry her bag! (make sure to leave extra time for a much slower trip through the airport).

To Car Seat or Not To Car Seat: Depending on the ages of your kids, a car seat may be a necessary evil. If you need to travel with a car seat, look for car seats with wheels so they can be pulled or check into renting. If you are renting a car, the rental company may have car seats available, but toddler seats cost around $15, so it may be cheaper to buy an extra and leave it when you are done.

The Stroller Struggle: Cheap umbrella strollers fold up nicely, and most airlines will let you bring them right to the door of the plane and will deliver them to you after you land. Also look into your destination. Strollers can be rented at some amusement parks and other destinations. Disney has a great deal for stroller rental (worth every cent).

Travel Toys: You don't have to go crazy packing toys, but let your child pick out some small toys that fit into a backpack they can carry on. You may also want to have one or two special new surprises to bust out at the right moment. Sticker and coloring books are compact and offer hours of fun. See our list of favorite activity books.

Snacks: Take along some healthy snacks that take a long time to eat. For example, crackers and spreadable cheese, or veggies and dip. Eating equals happy!

Portable Entertainment: Let's face it, the invention of the iphone and ipad is probably the biggest innovation affecting traveling with kids since the airplane. Games and streaming video can pretty much quiet a child in any situation. If you don't have an ipad, a portable DVD player works nicely too. Don't forget the headphones.

My Three Travel Heroes: Don’t leave home without them. Wipes, gum and Children's Tylenol. From wiping dirty hands and cleaning public bathrooms, wipes are your best friends. Gum and Tylenol for ears, especially for flying. It will ease everyone’s pain.

Ask for Help: Whether it's simply opening a door or getting your luggage to your room. This isn't the time to be stoical. Ask for help and you, usually, shall receive.

Good luck and enjoy the ride……!