Travel Smart: A checklist for when you’re traveling with children

When traveling, it’s easy to complain about the crying baby a few seats back, or the child that won’t stop asking, “Are we there yet?” In the event that those small travel buddies might be yours, here are some tips from parents who have survived the dreaded trip with kids.

Check that they have their shots. Make sure your baby’s vaccinations are up-to-date, advises Mina Claros, a hands-on mom to a “super kulit” 19-month old boy.

On Mina’s latest trip to Singapore, she asked his pediatrician about giving him a flu shot before traveling and made sure they had brought all of his medications on the trip.

Before you travel with kids, make sure your child is in good health and that you have an ample supply of any meds he may need on the trip, says Claros. Before you leave, make sure you know where the hospitals are in case of emergency.

Look up activities for kids. Before the trip, do some research about activities for children offered at the place you're going. Traveling is a very good way for kids to learn about the world, and you can start even before the trip. Show your child pictures of where you’re going, or create a treasure map of landmarks or items to spot when you get to the destination.

Pack smart. In the same way that you try to limit your own luggage, don’t take more than a three-day supply of baby clothes, Mina says. Choose light fabric that you can easily wash and dry if necessary. Dress your baby in easy-on, easy-off pajamas for travel.

Keep just-in-case items on hand. When traveling with a baby, always make sure to have an extra bottle and formula in case you lose one.

In addition to the main carry-on that will most likely end up overhead, pack one small bag with absolute essentials that will always be with you. Make sure to have enough formula for one bottle, one spit-up rag, one diaper, a few wipes and one small toy. This way you do not need to search overhead for a diaper change.

Always bring an extra pair of clothing for all the children and for you as well. “Trust me, you do not want to spend the flight covered in vomit or anything else that tends to happen when traveling,” Mina says.

Give jobs to 'big' boys and girls. When possible, load their bags with some of the other things that you need, such as bottles, diapers and wipes. Even very young kids can carry a small backpack filled with their own diapers. This saves you space in your bag and makes the child feel like a “big” boy or girl.

Keep them occupied. You may want to reconsider a no-gadget policy, if you have one. For the sake of your fellow passengers, keeping your baby occupied is a must. As Mina recommends, this means charging your gadgets before the flight. You might be able to survive if your cellphone or tablet is off during a flight, because you can always read a magazine. But for a toddler, it’s better to have that iPad or smartphone charged to its full capacity before the flight. “In my case, I even downloaded my son’s favorite commercials on TV and music video,” Mina shares.

Another possible activity is audiobooks or music, coloring activities, or even simple toys. Be prepared to improvise, especially on long trips.

While you wait to board, encourage your child to expend as much energy as possible so he'll either sleep or relax during the flight. Get some kids’ games or apps for your smart phone or laptop. This is also a good time to talk about behavior on the plane.

For a three-hour journey you need around ten activities to keep young kids entertained (for the first and last 15 minutes, you can occupy them with looking out the window for take-off and landing)

Magazines, a favorite story book, drawing, and snacks are all good activities to keep them entertained. It is unlikely you will need all ten (especially if you manage to get them to sleep) but it’s better to have too many than too few. You’ll also be able to use these activities throughout the trip, such as when you’re waiting for your food at a restaurant.

Try a reward system. If you anticipate trouble, try using a reward system to manage your child's in-flight behavior. Explain that he'll receive a special treat, a gift, some special time spent together, or a trip to the ice-cream shop if he sits quietly.

No matter how much you’ve prepared, be ready for at least some fuss. In case your child starts acting up, stay calm and resist the urge to join in. 

While no journey with kids is ever going to be free of hassle, following these tips could at least iron out some of the bumps on the trip while teaching children about responsibility, letting them enjoy themselves—and hopefully will let you have some shut-eye, at least for a little while. — BM, GMA News