Family & Friends

Traveling with a toddler, this is how you survive it

By Lilian Brijl | #!30Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:45:36 +0200+02:003630#30Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:45:36 +0200+02:00-12Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330 18pm30pm-30Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:45:36 +0200+02:0012Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam2023302023Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:45:36 +02004512456pmSunday=9#!30Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:45:36 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam6#06-18-2023#!30Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:45:36 +0200+02:003630#/30Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:45:36 +0200+02:00-12Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330#!30Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:45:36 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam6#

Where at first you are mainly worried about a crying baby, the travel worries quickly grow into ‘how on earth am I going to survive this with my toddler?’ or the terrible two's. In the meantime, together with Enzo, we have had a few flights and road trips, which means I have gathered enough tips over the past three years to share them just in time today for your next vacation destination. There will surely be a few that you have already thought of yourself, but perhaps there are also tips and tricks among them that will help you on your way.

1. Snacks, snack and more snacks. And preferably something that keeps them busy for a long time so they aren't just munch, gulp, gone. Think of sliced fruit, raisins, corn fingers, or a lollipop as big as their head. Okay, that last one was of course a joke. Or was it? Yes!

2. Download games on your iPad/iPhone specifically designed for toddlers. From baking pizza and decorating cupcakes to building with Duplo and taking care of farm animals; they really have the most fun games these days that you don't have to shove right under their noses, but it could serve as your last resort to the final destination under the guise of ‘save the best for last’.

3. Make a playlist of favorite songs. A grumpy attack disappears immediately and it also works great to kill time.

4. And of course videos. Lots of videos. And although we know mobile networks, hotspots, or wifi, it is still a mega tip to download some beforehand (read: no freezes/ads/bad connections) and also really take a good chill moment for yourself.

5. Are you traveling by plane or train? Then consider a Stokke JetKids BedBox. This is a multifunctional travel suitcase that you can easily transform into a comfortable bed. With the top of the suitcase, you make a footrest or bed for your child, and a comfortable and washable mattress is included with the suitcase. Pretty genius, right?

6. Don't forget to bring a favorite blanket/cloth/pillow/stuffed animal in hopes of extra long nap moments and thus a little extra chill time for you.

7. Pocketsize reading and search books and games like a mini magnet game and memory, but watercolor books are also definitely a must for your travel bag.

8. Furthermore, stickers always do well to stick everywhere, but especially on... Yep: your forehead, yes.

9. And last but certainly not least: make a small grab bag. This way you keep being surprised with something small that can be unwrapped and played with. Tip: those pop-it things. Guaranteed to be completely zen!

1. Fishing game, €6.50 Hema
2. Magnetic maze, €12.50 Hema
3. Window stickers, €2.95 Hema
4. Coloring set, €7.50 Hema
5. Watercolor book, €3.50 Hema
6. JetKids by Stokke BedBox, €169,- Stokke
7. Magnetic drawing board, €9.25 Hema
8. Magic water book, €17.45 Konges Sløjd
9. Biting shark, €8,- Flying Tiger
10. Binoculars, €12,- Liewood
11. Magnet book, €19.99 Janod Magnet book
12. Searching in the zoo search book, €10.19 Kids Department
13. What a bummer, my name is gone!, €34.99 Wonderbly