Stuffed Animals Present Tips for Traveling with Young Children

Once kids start to transition from infant to interactive toddler new challenges emerge when traveling. We have several tips to help ease the burden of traveling parents. These ideas can help a lot; however, you know your child so use your judgment in picking tips that fit your child's developmental stage for fun and safety.

• Talk to your kids before the trip and explain in simple terms what they can expect. For example:
  • Sometimes it can be very busy, especially at the start and end of the trip
  • Sometimes Mom or Dad will need to talk to the travel people to help us get to "your destination"
  • In the middle we will be sitting a lot. (If they are old enough it's a good idea to ask them what they would like to do to be entertained.)
  • Plan the entertainment thoroughly. This fills in the longest period of time so it requires the most planning. Entertainment comes in many forms including books, toys, food and games
• Let them know that they will be sleeping in a different bed but describe it as an adventure. Most young kids love the idea of being part of an adventure.
• Let them know that they can take their favorite buddy or blanket. Giving them an anchor in the familiar can help when everything else is new and different.
• Consider surprising them with a new toy or buddy right as you leave. Let them know that it's part of the "adventure". Hand puppets are great. They tend to be light weight and they allow for lots of different types of creative interactive play. Small stuffed animals are also very good new adventure items.
• If they are old enough consider getting them a small backpack or bag that can be easily opened and closed. Make them responsible for it. Let them know what a "big boy" or "big girl" you think they are so they are ready for this new responsibility.
• If it is a plane trip it can help to have something for them to eat or drink during takeoff and landing to help clear their ears. Apple slices, water, juice, anything to get that jaw opening and closing as long as it's not a choking hazard.

Have a tip you want to pass along to other parents? Email us at: Stuffed.Animals@thegiftshops.biz

Happy Travels,
The Zookeepers and all the Stuffed Animals at the StuffedZoo!