Traveling with kids can be tricky. Here are my picks for a smoother journey.
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Kindle Fire
The price of these keeps getting better. I really try to limit electronics with my kids but we make exceptions on flights and long days. Plus these are great for homeschool and learning to read. They come with a kid resistant case and a 2 year warranty. We bought a package of 2 and I hope to put them to good use soon. We subscribe to Kindle Unlimited as well. I’ve more than gotten my money out of it.
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CozyPhone Kids Headphones.
My top recommendation for plane travel with kids are these CozyPhone Kids Headphones. We love them. Each kid has a different animal and they double as masks. M even uses them with white noise to help her go to sleep ( then as soon as she is asleep I frantically take them off since sleeping kids and cords scare me but regardless these things are great). We have a Unicorn, Fox and Green Monster – all are adorable.
Safety Wrist Straps
If you have a runner or you would just feel better with a little extra help, these small wrist straps may do the trick. For me, I’d rather use a backpack version but go with your comfort level. Some kids are behave perfectly calm in busy and crowded situations, others … well, I’ve done way to much chasing down my 3-year-old making a beeline for the people movers.
Back Pack Leash
If I were to do this trip again with a 3-year-old I would get one of these. My youngest is not usually a runner (most of the time) but she does wonder. If there is mischief to get in too, she will find it. It’s already stressful enough finding parking, loading bags (especially in parking garages), checking bags, making it through security and all the other little things you have to do at an airport to get on a plane. Currently we either lock her in her stroller (screaming or not), carry her, or I have to hold her hand – which she hates even just a few minutes. She tries to wriggle away and then I have to somehow hold on to a strong wiggling preschooler that is determined to take off no mater the cost. It’s not a good situation and it’s not easy. My anxiety increases dramatically if she’s not strapped in her stroller. As soon as she is set free from the stroller she bolts – especially if she sees an escalator or people mover. I’ve probably had 4-5 episodes this trip of jogging after her in the airport.
So if this is you or if you would just feel better and be less anxious with your toddler or preschooler attached then consider getting a back pack with an attached leash. Your kid may actually have more freedom and be happier. Kids love backpacks – especially cute ones. You can use the backpack to hold their travel supplies and a snack. It also gives them the freedom from not having to be in a stroller and not having to hold your hand. They can walk by themselves. You just have options if they try to make a run for it.
If you’re in a bigger city and you know that you’ll be around a lot of traffic or you’re going to be in crowds this would be helpful as well.
If someone gives you a strange look – just move on. It’s your kid’s safety and your comfort level that is important. You’ve got guts enough to take a toddler/preschooler on a big trip. It’s OK to have things that will decrease your stress and increase your family’s safety. A back pack leash in no way is going to hurt your child’s development. It may actually be good – less stressed and happier parents equals less stressed and happier kids.
I would remove the leash or use extra caution on people movers and escalators so that nothing gets tied up.
Same concept as above but this is not a bag. It’s a stuffed animal instead.
ID Bracelet with phone number (& Medical Bracelet if needed)
I generally will grab a pen and scribble my kids phone numbers somewhere on their inside forearms on the way out of the door. This is a much better solution and doesn’t wash off. A young child is not going to be able to give much information when they are lost. Having your phone number and information on an ID bracelet is the best way to make sure that you can be found. You can likely teach them to show someone the bracelet when there is trouble but the chances of a 2-3 year old being able to say “my mom name is … and our phone number is …” are very slim. You can also make your own from sets of beads (which we did do but lost them before the trip).
Travel Pencil Kit / Storage
We did not have this exact kit. Ours we bought at a craft fair but it’s a similar concept. It’s a good idea for kids to be able to keep their art supplies easy to access during flights and car trips. It keeps them entertained and gives the electronics a break. Look for something that is compact and had good storage spaces.
