Parenting

20 Travel Hacks Every Parent Should Know

ParentingPublished Feb 5, 2019
By Megan Zander
travel hacks for kidsNadezhda1906/iStock

In the days before we had kids, going on vacation was pure fun. We'd spend the flight curled up with a good novel or taking a nap with the help of a neck pillow and eye mask. We strolled from the gate to the car without lugging a giant car seat behind us. Being away meant sleeping in when we wanted, maybe getting a bit of a tan, and never ever worrying if the trendy new restaurant had mac and cheese on the menu. 

Having kids changes everything, and traveling is no different. Taking a trip with a baby (and/or siblings) can add to a trip's stress factor for sure, but time away with the family is still worth it. With a little planning and some handy travel hacks, it can even be fun.

Whether it's a long road trip or baby's first flight, part of what makes traveling with kids difficult is asking them to sit still for long stretches of time. Kids are adorable balls of energy and are naturally curious, so it makes sense that they'll want to explore the car or plane around them. If driving, try to plan regular breaks along the way to help keep them from getting too stir crazy (and to give everyone a chance to use the bathroom!) If flying, consider letting them out of the stroller to roam before boarding, and taking a walk down to the bathroom to stretch those legs once the fasten seat belt light goes off. 

Packing toys to keep kids occupied is a great idea, but think carefully before taking a beloved blanket or teddy on a flight -- if losing it would mean the vacation was ruined, maybe it would be better off "sleeping" in the checked luggage. 

Check out these and other useful travel hacks for kids, and get ready to start enjoying family vacations again.

1/21
Bring Antibacterial Wipes-placeholder
Bring Antibacterial Wipes
iStock/Ekaterina79

Bring Antibacterial Wipes

Everyone knows to bring hand sanitizer along when traveling. But tray tables, window shades, and even armrests can be a hotbed of germs on an airplane. Bring a pack of antibacterial wipes to swipe everything down before taking a seat and get a little peace of mind.

2/21
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Gate Check the Stroller
iStock/FGorgun

Gate Check the Stroller

The trek from the check-in counter to gate 153 can be long for adults, and it's even further for kids with little legs. Gate-checking the stroller allows kids to stay in their stroller until boarding and gives their chariot back right after landing. Just check in with the gate attendant for assistance.

3/21
Snack Hack-placeholder
Snack Hack
heidishomestead/Instagram

Snack Hack

Giving kids a snack helps to pass the time on a flight or long road trip. But so often, whatever we pack isn't what they want right now, and digging options out can be a challenge in tight places. Make everyone happy with a craft organizer filled with a variety of healthy, sweet, and salty treats.

4/21
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Pack Quiet Toys
sowgrowbloom/Instagram

Pack Quiet Toys

Electronics can make travel with kids easier, but packing some quiet toys keeps boredom at bay better. Rather than risk losing a treasured favorite, opt for toys with simple pieces that won't be missed if they got lost mid-trip.

5/21
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Ask About Family Security Checkpoints
justhavealook/iStock

Ask About Family Security Checkpoints

Long lines at security while trying to push a stroller through narrow switchbacks is a recipe for a meltdown (from both mommy and baby!) Some major airports offer a separate security line for those traveling with strollers that are wider, and often have a shorter wait. Just ask a TSA agent before getting in line.

6/21
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Darken Any Hotel Room
mariaelenaduron/Instagram

Darken Any Hotel Room

Is the crack in the hotel room curtains seriously messing with baby's nap time? Make that sun strip vanish for good with the help of a pants hanger from the hotel closet. Use it to clip the two curtains together and voila -- instant nighttime, anytime.

7/21
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Have Extra Baby Supplies On Hand
Mukhina1/iStock

Have Extra Baby Supplies On Hand

Even on vacation, things can go awry. Flights get delayed or canceled and bags can be lost on the way from check-in to the hotel. Adults can handle these mishaps decently, but it's hard to find diapers or a spare onesie in an airport. Pack extras of all the essentials, just in case disaster strikes.

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Pack Headphones-placeholder
Pack Headphones
Nadezhda1906/iStock

Pack Headphones

My 6-year-olds will happily watch My Little Pony all the way from New York to LA, but our fellow passengers might not have such strong feelings about Pinke Pie. The earbuds offered inflight don't always sit well in little ears, which is why packing kid-friendly headphones makes us and our fellow flight mates happy.

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Prevent Clogged Ears
kaisphoto/iStock

Prevent Clogged Ears

Ear pain from the change in cabin pressure is an awful way to start off a vacation. Adults can pop a piece of gum or suck a hard candy to help prevent their ears from getting blocked. Younger kids can reach for chewy candy, like fruit snacks, to help fight ear pain.

10/21
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Unclog Blocked Ears
boggy22/iStock

Unclog Blocked Ears

If ears do get clogged during a flight, there are a few ways to try and get relief naturally. Swallowing can help, so encourage kids to yawn or sip water. Or keep a deflated balloon handy in a carry-on, and have the child try to blow it up. The effort may just get the ear to unclog.

11/21
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Pack Painters Tape
RightFramePhotoVideo/iStock

Pack Painters Tape

Staying out of town overnight? Don't forget to throw a roll of painters tape in the suitcase. It's great for creating makeshift roads for toy cars to zip along. It's great for babyproofing, too. Use a strip to keep the toilet seat closed or cover open electrical sockets.

12/21
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Get a Headphone Splitter
Amazon

Get a Headphone Splitter

Rather than charging and packing separate tablets or phones for everyone, grab a headphone splitter before hitting the road so the kids (or mom!) can watch the same movie or show together on one device. Ah, sweet silence.

Headphone Splitter, ($7, Amazon)

13/21
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Naps Can Happen Anywhere
paluzzz/Instagram

Naps Can Happen Anywhere

There's no need to abandon naptime while traveling. With a little creativity, kids can grab a good snooze on the go.  Don't have a stroller handy? Let them grab some zzzs on a soft duffel bag (bonus points if it has wheels for getting to baggage claim with the snoozer in tow).

14/21
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Pack Outfits in Baggies
tot.ally.travel/Instagram

Pack Outfits in Baggies

Make both packing and getting ready in the morning super easy by packing kids' outfits (socks, diaper or undies, top, bottom, and any hair accessories) in individual plastic zip-top bags. It makes packing easier, and the bags can come in handy in case a diaper explosion strikes.

15/21
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BYO Sippy Cup
jennsscribbles/Instagram

BYO Sippy Cup

Some flight attendants are great at bringing littles a lid and straw with their drink, but not all. Rather than risk a spill in a stranger's lap, toss a sippy cup in the carry-on. Don't want the hassle of having to clean out a cup? Travel to-go coffee cups work, too.

16/21
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Keep Toys Off the Floor
mumworktravel/Instagram

Keep Toys Off the Floor

Help prevent baby toys from getting lost or hitting the filthy airplane floor with the help of the seat coat hook. (Just make sure everything gets wiped down before hanging up the toys.) Now baby can play without the fear of germs.

17/21
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Bring a Tot-Friendly Meal
LoveSilhouette/iStock

Bring a Tot-Friendly Meal

Sensitive stomachs and picky eaters might not love whatever dining options the airplane or airport vendors have to offer. But tea and coffee service mean its usually possible to get a cup of hot water on board. Pack a travel cup of oatmeal or instant noodles to keep LOs tummies full.

18/21
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Double-Check Breast Milk Policies Before Leaving
MonthiraYodtiwong/iStock

Double-Check Breast Milk Policies Before Leaving

It's totally possible to travel with a tot and keep building up that breast milk stash while away. TSA will allow parents to bring breast milk through security when traveling with a child, as long as it's in reasonable amounts. What's reasonable? It's worth a call to the airport before to check, and get a heads up about any procedures specific to that location.

19/21
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Board Last
FroggyFrogg/iStock

Board Last

Many airlines allow families traveling with young kids to board the plane ahead of the crowd, but if an active toddler is along for the ride, consider waiting. Even an extra 10 minutes to stroll around the gate can help LO sit calmly when it's time for take off.

20/21
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Pack a Spare Shirt for Parents
ferrantraite/iStock

Pack a Spare Shirt for Parents

It's easy to spend so much time worrying about everything the kids need to travel that we completely forget to pack the essentials for ourselves. Meds are a must, but throw a spare shirt in if there's room, in case the baby pukes at 37,000 feet.

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Pin It!-placeholder
Pin It!

Pin It!

Add this graphic to your Pinterest boards to save these hacks as the travel guide for your family trip.

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