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.

Dealing with Motion Sickness

If you know your child is prone to motion sickness, consult your pediatrician well in advance to find out any measures you can take to lessen it. A sick child will make for an extremely uncomfortable trip for all.

Essentials

Besides the items already listed, make sure to pack all medications that your toddler may require, including any ongoing medications such as inhalers. Do not rely on a pharmacy in a strange place unless you have to. Make up your own kit with items such as Band-Aids, tweezers, disinfectant, sun blocker, and other sun aids including a hat, sunglasses for warm weather, and sunglasses and warm hat for a snow vacation, lip balm, and Tylenol or Motrin, depending on your preference. Also, include bug bite soother, child safe bug repellant, lotion for dry skin, (pool water, altitude, etc., may dry your toddler's skin more than normal) etc.

Parent's Bag

What you include in your own luggage can also be the difference between a successful trip and a disaster. Besides your basic luggage, including your clothing and gear specific to the trip, make sure to pack a cell phone, change, or calling card for pay phones for those rare times when your cell phone may not work, and a purse or wallet that can be strapped to your body. Never depend on a regular purse or wallet when traveling with a toddler in tow. It is too easy to set down when you suddenly have to set chase to a rogue toddler. By the time you realize it, your purse or wallet may be long gone, and that is not something you want to be dealing with whether you have children with you or not. If you depend on glasses to see, pack an extra pair or at the least, alternate wear such as contact lenses. Keep in mind when traveling with a toddler, everything that you take for granted can be compromised if lost or broken, and running to the eye doctor may be easy when at home, but can be a major disturbance when traveling.

When You Arrive

Oftentimes we pack for the travel part of the trip, but never give thought to what might be needed at our destination. Whether staying at a hotel, resort, or with a friend, determine what sleeping arrangements you need to provide. If a portable crib will be needed, and you are traveling by car, you can bring your own. If space is limited or you are traveling by air, bus, or train, and room is either limited or cost to bring one along is high, check with your accommodations before you arrive to see what they have to offer. Suddenly arriving at your destination and not knowing where your child is going to sleep is an unnecessary headache.

If your child is on a special diet, for medical reasons or because all they currently eat is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, again, prior arrangements will save you many hassles. If you are staying in a motel, check online to see if they have an onsite menu listed, or phone their service counter to inquire about any children's menu they may have. Find out if they have room service, and what hours. If your toddler requires bottles that need refrigeration, inquire about an in room fridge, or make alternate arrangements such as switching their formula to a kind that can be mixed as needed.

Overall, the best tip to help your child be a good traveler, and for you to be a good travel companion, is to prepare beforehand for the trip, and to be as prepared for the unexpected as you can. Be alert when traveling with a toddler, never let your guard down, and stay calm if the unexpected occurs, such as a tantrum. Most importantly, take advantage of the time away from your normal routine, and engage is as much together time with your toddler as possible.