| td> | | | | things more stressful, so don’t get in a |
| Got Toddlers? Got Chaos! Planning any kind of trip | | | | hurry. |
| with toddlers can be complicated. There are | | | | Maintain a Routine |
| certain things to keep in mind that might help | | | | Your toddler probably has a nice nap routine at |
| preserve your sanity and possibly even let you | | | | home, and vacation is not a time to wing it. If |
| have a little bit of fun together as a family. | | | | your little one naps at noon every day, move |
| Arrive Leisurely | | | | mountains to help them nap at noon on the road. |
| Traveling with a toddler can take a toll on even | | | | Take a break in the hotel room or alternate |
| the most patient parent. If you are flying, the | | | | separate parent activities so someone is there to |
| experience can be exciting and will keep them | | | | help even the most reluctant toddler take a break |
| occupied for about ten minutes before your little | | | | in a busy day. Try to keep bedtime reasonably |
| one is ready to start a full-scale exploration effort. | | | | close to normal, too — a tired toddler is |
| In an airplane you do have the opportunity to get | | | | not a toddler that travels well. |
| up and move around — take a trip to the | | | | Keep it Loose |
| restroom or, pilot willing, consider a trip to the | | | | If you are a scheduling fanatic when it comes to |
| cockpit. | | | | travel, toddler travel may not be for you. Plan |
| Car rides can be complicated as well. Fortunately, | | | | activities with plenty of cushion time in between. |
| toddlers are great at napping in the car, so you | | | | Toddlers aren’t able to appreciate fine |
| might consider leaving right before naptime and | | | | architecture, but they love a good fountain or the |
| letting your enthusiastic one sleep the first couple | | | | local zoo. Find activities that have a little bit of |
| of hours. A lot of parents also drive in the | | | | something for everyone — zoos, parks, |
| evening in hopes of a sleepy car ride for longer | | | | beaches, hikes, wildlife, etc
|
| than a few hours. | | | | Mix grown-up activities in with toddler |
| While your toddler is awake, consider a favorite | | | | activities to give everyone something to look |
| video, toys ( books, coloring, action figures, | | | | forward to. You might also want to pick a few of |
| snacks and anything else you can think of to | | | | the most important landmarks to see and leave |
| keep them entertained. Plan on plenty of stops | | | | the rest for when your child has an attention span |
| along the way to get out, change diapers and | | | | longer than fifteen minutes. |
| stretch legs. Rushing to get anywhere just makes | | | | |