Traveling (Internationally) With a Toddler

[3dimesdown]

Before we flew last time, we grabbed a bunch of random small shit at the dollar store the LO had never seen and brought a new one out whenever she started getting fussy.

Also snacks, obviously. Lots of snacks.

[dmoney]

Look into getting the Crib thingy that i spoke about!

[sugarkissed]

How dare you mention the word toddler in your title? Denial over here.

I'd definitely bring a carrier and probably use that primarily, but I do that at home as well. Bring a stroller that can manage bumps and cobblestone. We brought a cheap little umbrella stroller to Mexico and it was so useless. Haha.

The plane ride, everyone has already covered... just bring ALL OF THE SNACKS.

[tatersalad]

Bring a few rolls of patterned masking tape. Endless sticker fun to decorate airplane seats and parents with. Dollar store toys are always a good idea. Extra clothes in the carry on bag come in handy for accidents. I usually buy one of those foam airplane propeller fan toys in the gift shop right before departure to keep them entertained too. Not sure what type of connecting flights you have but keeping a few euros handy in the event they charge for snacks/drinks is always a good idea.
Can't wait to hear all about your trip. Italy is on my bucket list.

[sammyca]

How exciting! I took DS1 to Europe when he was a little younger.

A couple of thoughts.
Take heaps of snacks on the aeroplane. More than you think you'll need. Snacks are a great distraction.

I think the formula depends on how well he takes to whole milk.

My only other suggestion is that unless you are taking him to the bathroom for a nappy change you don't get out of your seats. This is really tough on a long flight but once you start walking the aisle with him, it may be all he wants to do. I have been really strict on this with my kids and they all fly well so far.

[Deleted]

-Snacks
-bring toys that light up or have buttons to push (so interactive). I bought Ali a little airplane that had a button on top that when you push it makes the plane lights blink and it fascinates her for a while. Also make sure they are new toys not ones he has seen before that way he is more interested
-iPad w kids shows?
-is this your 1 stroller for the whole trip? I would make sure it has good storage and most umbrella strollers do not so I would bring a regular stroller. But I'm not a fan of umbrella strollers.
-baby carrier
-does he drink from a bottle? Then bring bottles to give him milk or formula on plane and throughout trip.
-sippy cup for water or milk

[Deleted]

Forgot to add that I love Italy and I'm so excited for you! I went to Italy when I was 20 and back packed throughout there (Venice, Rome, Florence). It was so beautiful.

[musicfrk2002]

We've only flown on a 4 hour flight, so no advice for a 12 hour flight. Agree with everyone else on the snacks definitely. I bought him a new toy that we didn't pull out until he was getting squirmy on the 1st flight, so then we was obsessed with that the rest of the flight.

[Deleted]

budders I've never explored Tuscany. that sounds fantastic.

[beersandweirs]

I am stealing some of these ideas for our 3 hour car trip in June. A trip to eastern WA is just as cool as Italy, RIGHT?!

[pbubblegum]

Just about the head out but we are leaving for vacation next week. I'll be back tonight to give you my tips. When are you leaving?

[pbubblegum]

Bring a change of clothes for yourself and H.
I always dress my guy in a zipper sleeper so you're not fucking around with pants and buttons during diaper changes.
Give him something to suck on during landing and take off, bottle, boob, paci, whatever so his ears can pop.
Board last so you're not sitting there.
Snacks
I bought him new toys just for the flight to keep him occupied.
We have a Phil and Teds travel crib. It counts as a carry on and it's super light and easy to put together. Plus you don't have to worry about finding cribs and hotel sheets use harsh chemicals.
Are you staying in hotels? Maybe bring your own crib sheet.
Bring your own medicines just in case.
We started to "train" him for travel by getting him to sleep in the travel crib.
We bought a travel chair strap on thingy. Looks like a thong and you can use it on any chair.
Pack light.
Get him started on milk so he's used to it.
How long are you gone for? Hope you have a great trip!

[purple]

budders, I love Italy, especially Tuscany. But since you're coming so far there's part of me that wishes you were coming to Scotland.

[jillywilly]

I'm jealous of your trip, SC is not quite as cool as Italy. That being said, we just did 13 hours in a car, and are about to do it again, so I'll echo snacks, snacks, snacks to keep him happy.

Also, not on the plane, but traveling in general, were noticing that DS is starting to get more and more fussy, especially when he's confined to a stroller or high chair (we're on day 5 or so now of our trip). I think things would be a lot easier had we waited a couple more months and he were walking, so that'll be huge for you, but make sure wherever you are, give V time and opportunity frequently to move around and explore things. Try to buy some bread and fresh fruit or something to do some picnics or meals that aren't at a restaurant all the time, and let him do his own walking whenever possible. Also, my biggest hurdle has just been getting over the fact this is not a "vacation" - it's a family vacation, and remembering DS really is still so little, and he's dealing with a lot of new things, and giving him the time, space, and breaks to be able to adjust to it all.

[pippiann]

Check if your airline has bassinets which are free and you get a bulk head seat!! It was godsent when I was traveling solo to Italy with MC! Bring favorite snacks you can use as distractions and to stop a tantrum! Stroller was a must and I brought the carrier too, put in the carrier to broad the plane!

[Deleted]

When we flew with DS1 internationally we always always always sat in the bulkhead row so that we had the bassinet for him to sit in. I cant remember the weight limits for them but he was 9 months old and chunky so they arent low. I would call the airline and ask. You can only book that row through the airline directly and they will move your seat assignment for you since you have him with you. Aftet take off they will come attach it to the wall for you and you can set him down to eat, when he naps, etc. It's a life saver. Big time!

[sammyca]

Yes pbubblegum! A change of clothes for everyone is essential. I disembarked one of our flights in the airline provided pyjamas because my clothes were pooped on. That was fun.