10 tips
To make travelling with your little one easier and more fun (1-4 years)
Travelling with your little one can be a breath of fresh air for some parents, while others break out in complete panic just thinking about it. Preparation is key! That's why we've put together 10 useful tips to make travelling with your little one easier (and more fun!). Are you planning a short city break or an exciting road trip soon? Don't forget to pack this list 😉.
1. Do your research on child-friendly places
Your trip is booked, so let the pre-fun begin. Yay! To save yourself a lot of time and energy whilst being on vacation, it might be a good idea to research some nice child-friendly places before you leave. From cozy restaurants and local markets to beautiful hiking trails and cool museums. Save the places beforehand that you think - or better yet, know for sure - are suitable for children. That way you won't have to worry about where to go, but only about when to go!
2. Test the new sleep schedule before your getaway
Are you going further away and is there a time difference? Then it might be helpful to let your little one get used to a new sleep routine about 2 to 3 days before departure. This way, the difference from one day to the next will be a lot less significant. There's a good chance your kid will sleep well on vacation as a result. And you will too! Win-win.
3. Less is more; don't bring too much
While your little one may have a lot of stuffed animals, toys, and cute outfits at home, we recommend you to bring as little as possible when you go on a trip. Trust us, you really don't want to walk around like a pack mule for the entire vacation if it's not really necessary. And honestly? A child often needs very little; sometimes the packaging is more interesting than the gift. Recognisable? Pack smart and light. Not too many clothes, not too many toys. In case of emergency, you can always do an easy hand wash or turn a muslin cloth into a cosy cuddle buddy. 😛
4. Check the weather
To stay on the topic of packing, don't forget to check the local weather report for your holiday destination. This way, you can avoid your child being too hot or too cold. Also, think about useful accessories that can make travelling a bit more comfortable. For example, in colder temperatures, the Joolz Footmuff is a lovely cocoon to keep your little one warm. And in bright sun, the Joolz Comfort cover is a lifesaver!
5. Entertainment for the journey
Are you already dreading the long stretches in the car, train, or plane? Make sure you have your bag of tricks ready so you can provide your little one with enough entertainment while being on the road. If that's not the best distraction tactic, we don't know what is 😉. And believe us, it doesn't have to be difficult! From singing songs to playing games like the always successful 'I spy with my little eye'. And if nothing seems to work anymore, don't be too hard on yourself and use your wildcard: the phone or iPad. If a video keeps the peace in the backseat, a little screen time is not so bad.
6. Entertainment on location
Entertainment on the go is essential - but of course, it's just as important when you've reached your destination. Want to bring some things from home? Then books and a few favorite toys are the best investment. But beware: don't underestimate those mini-humans! They're often very impressed with a new place and are full of enthusiasm. And often, the simplest things can make the biggest difference. Moral of the story: less is more, and be creative with what you have on vacation.
7. Snacks, snacks, snacks!
Something you probably already do at home when you're on the go, but which is definitely applicable on vacation: make sure you always have (healthy) snacks on hand for emergencies - or just for a tasty treat 😉. From pre-cut pieces of fruit and bread to easy jars and dry bites. This way, you always have something to offer your little one! Breastfeeding? Then we're all for feeding everywhere. It saves you a lot of worries, because you don't have to consider where exactly you are at any given time of day (except for in the car, of course!). Formula feeding? Always bring a thermos of lukewarm water and a tower of powdered milk. This way, you have to carry less and can feed anywhere, anytime.
8. Bedtime = travel time!
The holy grail for many parents; try to plan your travel times during your little one's nap time. That way, you don't have to pull out all the stops and hopefully have a fully rested baby when you arrive at a new place. Perfect, right?
9. Keep your hands free with the right essentials!
An absolute must in our opinion: make sure you keep your hands as free as possible. This way, you have more space for all the fun things without it getting too heavy, and you can obviously guide your little one much better. For example, choose a compact and comfortable stroller like the Joolz Aer+ or the Joolz Hub+. Both are compact and easy to fold, which makes them super convenient for adventures near and far. Another great tip: use a backpack as a diaper bag, like the Joolz Backpack.
10. Enjoy the ride
Perhaps the most important tip of all: stay calm, don't forget to breathe, and enjoy every moment! Because let's face it: all those worries really don't outweigh the fantastic time you'll have on vacation together. And if things are going well at home, you'll rock it on your trip too. You got this!
