I am currently 100% focused on preparations for my next adventure with my little one. This time, I'll be facing a whopping 30-hour flight alone with my toddler, and let me tell you, the thought of it is making me a bit anxious. But, as with anything in life, preparation is key. And that's why I thought I'd share my process of organization before those long adventures.
First and foremost, make sure to have with you a comprehensive checklist of all the items you'll need for your trip. I'm sharing with you the one I use before all my trips. You might have to adjust a few things, depending on your little one's age and the type of adventure you are about to embark on, but I promise you: this can be a true lifesaver! You can download our checklist here, which includes separate lists for adventurous tots and courageous parents. Having a checklist ensures that you won't forget any important items and helps to keep you organized throughout the packing process.
When it comes to packing for your toddler, consider any personal needs they may have. For example, our son Arthur has eczema, so we always make sure to bring his moisturizing cream with us, especially during long flights. The air in an airplane can be very dry and make his skin itchy and red, so we want to be prepared for that. Additionally, we learned the hard way that it's important to have some Panadol handy, as Arthur once had a fever during a flight and we didn't have any on hand. And to make sure Arthur is comfortable and entertained during the flight, we always bring his favorite Bluetooth Owl headphones and some of his favorite Travel Toys, which we separate into a list right here.
If your toddler is anything like mine, they'll be in constant need of snacks and drinks, so be sure to pack plenty of those too. We recommend bringing a mix of healthy snacks, like fresh fruit and veggies, and fun treats, like gummy bears or granola bars. Don't forget to pack spill-proof cups or bottles, as well as a bib or two. You can check out some more snack hacks by clicking on this post.
Comfort is also key when traveling with a toddler. Pack a favorite blanket and pillow for your little one to snuggle up with, and make sure to dress them in comfortable, breathable clothing for the flight. If you are in Australia, like us, we highly recommend traveling in a Bonds zippys, as it is very comfortable and easy to change nappies in a (very) tight space. We also recommend bringing a lightweight stroller or baby carrier, as it can be a lifesaver when navigating through the airport or exploring new destinations.
Finally, make sure to pack some items to keep your toddler entertained during the flight. Arthur loves scratch and coloring books, stickers, spinners, and magnetic mazes, which keep him occupied for hours. We try to avoid screen time as much as we can, but during long flights, there's not much to do about it, so we also download new games or movies onto a phone for him to enjoy. And if your toddler has a favorite book or toy, make sure to bring that along as well. Arthur's favorite is a roaring Dinosaur that we keep inside his luggage for emergency situations (aka that moment where nothing else works).
We hope these little tricks and preparation tips will help you to have a lovely time with your family. Always remember that, as hard as they may seem, these moments will never come back, and you are creating memories of a lifetime. Happy travels!