Traveling with a toddler further than the local grocery or park can be a distressing affair for both the child and the adults traveling with him or her. The calmest toddler can become upset by the change of routine associated with travel outside what he or she considers normal. There are things that you can do to lessen the trauma, starting with being as prepared as possible for situations that may arise.

Pack for the Occasion

Whether you will be traveling by car, plain, bus, boat, or train, basic items will be required for each. Pack a spacious diaper bag with the following:

• Diapers, wipes, and lotion
• Pacifiers and bottles if needed (If your toddler has recently outgrown his or her pacifier and bottle, it may still be a good idea to pack one or the other if traveling by air, or any other means if travel will take you through mountains, as the sucking motion may help with ear pressure)
• Favorite toy or blanket
• An additional quiet toy that is new
• A change or two of clothes

Keep in mind that change of scenery can have an unsettling affect on some toddlers, while others it does not seem to phase in the least. To keep the strangeness to a minimum, try to pack his or her favorite items. If they have a particular fondness to a certain pair of pajamas, make sure they are packed. If they rely on a certain song to go to sleep, do not forget the CD player and CD. Try to think of the different ways your child interacts with his or her surroundings in an average day, and try to think of ways to include as many of the similarities as possible.

For most forms of travel, a car seat and stroller should also be packed. Strollers are great even if your toddler is at the point where they would rather walk more than ride. You can always toss the diaper bag and other bonus items that go hand in hand with your child into the stroller, giving yourself the freedom to chase your child as they display their independence. A car seat is necessary for almost any type of travel, but I would recommend contacting your travel agent for information regarding car seat use on an airplane, bus, or train.