The Advantages of Travel as they Get Older, and the Issues

There are advantages to traveling with your child as they leave their third year. By now they have had their own seat – and that means if you have a row of three of them then you will have your own row. The disadvantage – they always want the window, and that means someone is in the middle (we elected mom).

You no longer have to travel with diapers – but now, at the most odd time you have to go to the bathroom.

Tip: no matter what they say, go to the bathroom 15 minutes before scheduled boarding time.

No longer do you have to bring formula or purchase milk. Now, they want juice, or pop and in a confined area with someone that has the coordination of an octopus on caffeine.

Tip: Don’t let them order anything that has color in it- think 7-up, club soda, or water. For the person sitting next to them – the same thing- unless you can place it where they are unlikely to accidentally spill it (their arms are longer than you can imagine).

 

They love to roll their own suitcase, and sometimes feel left out if they don’t. But beware – you might have to roll it and take it with you.
Tip: Check most of your bags, in their carry on keep some important things for you and them – so you have extra clothes for a night in case the bags don’t make it.

Tip: If you bring a carry on for you and for the child – consider you may have to wheel both and carry the child. It isn’t bad to check bags – you always want to have a had free to hold their hand. 

They love travel – but they can get bored.

Tip: Bring an iPad, or other pad, that you have pre-loaded with movies they like. Or short cartoons. It is inexpensive entertainment. Be sure to load these and have the unit charged the day before. Also, get some earphones for the child – ones that won’t allow them to blast their eardrums out.

Tip: Have them bring a backpack and select two toys. Do not select small ones that can get lost if they fall under the seat. Those 12 inch action figures are perfect. Pack it a day before you leave, and keep the bag out of their reach before you go.

Hotel Stays

 

Many hotel rooms in Europe are small, and offer two connecting rooms. But they are a bit small for that yet.

Tip: Get a room with a king size bed and a sofa. If they sleep on the sofa it is great. If they want to crawl in with you- well, there is a bit of room.

Tip: Find a hotel that loves kids. Not all do – we like Four Seasons as a brand because they always love having kids. Other hotels include Shutters in Santa Monica. Some hotels welcome kids- find those- we will always list them here. 

Tip: Many hotels have registered baby sitters and nannies – get those – you deserve a night out. It is a treat for kids- they love eating pizza with a sitter and you can have a great meal with your significant other

They can get sick on a trip.

Tip: Teach them to chew gum before you fly – it is a great way to open their ears. 

Tip: Bring the medicine that they use in a carry on. Bring the thermometer, baby advil, anti-histamines, and any nebulizer.

They will always surprise and embarrass you. But that is ok – in a few years you get to return the favor.

Tip: Go with it – don’t be, laugh if you can – everyone else is. It is a vacation – as long as they are not going to harm themselves or someone else, just relax.

When JJ was in utero we learned our most famous tip– a mother was going down a jetway with her kids, and most people were hoping they didn’t sit next to them. The mom in a relaxed manner told the kids to slow down and walk, and that she should not have bought them the bloody Mary. We saw a relaxed mom, and non stressed kids. No- don’t give them alcohol – but do be relaxed.

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