Safety Communication Health Education Future
A place for families to explore what it means to be responsible

Traveling with a child under 3 years old can be an exercise in patience, humility and tolerance.  Knowing what to have with you can mean the difference between enjoying your vacation and dreading it.  Are you traveling with a toddler this Thanksgiving weekend?  Here are some tips to make your trip safer and more enjoyable:

1. If you are traveling on a plane, bring lots of board books, especially the kind that have liftable flaps.  If your child has a favorite book, bring it!  And don't forget binkies, blankets and special stuffies to help comfort your child and help him or her sleep.
2. Pack little bags of cheerios or other cereal, crackers, nutrition bars, cut up cheese and fruit, so your child can munch if need be.  Bring more than you think you might need, if possible.  
3. Always travel with 3 times the amount of diapers and wipes than you think you might need. You never know when there might be a long flight delay or lay over.   When possible, both parents should have a set of diapers and a box of wipes!
4. Bring an extra change of clothes for your little one, plus one more pair of pants, in case of double blow outs (they do happen)! 
   
5. Bring an extra shirt for you (remember: you never know when a blowout might occur)!
6. You will never regret bringing a stroller with you, if you will be in an airport.  Toddlers are slow, heavy and easily distracted, this is not a desirable combination for catching a flight!
7. Bring outlet plugs, door knob locks, toilet lid locks and a leash if you have a toddler who likes to explore.

1. Forget about being stressed.  Practice breathing techniques when you are feeling anxious and remember that the guy who stands up at the counter yelling ends up in the back of the plane while the friendly one who waits patiently and with a smile has lower blood pressure and might even get bumped up to first class! 

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