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motherhood: all about traveling with a toddler

1 · Oct 21, 2019 · Leave a Comment

sharing my best tips, tricks & advice for traveling with a toddler

I don’t consider us super big travelers, but over the course of his 2 years, Owen has taken his fair share of trips! I remember how nervous I was for our first plane ride and figured it could be useful to put together a post all about my tips, tricks & advice for traveling with toddlers!

MY BEST QUICK TIPS:

  • Bring entertainment. We pack a couple of Owen’s favorite books, an iPad with a few downloaded shows we know he’s into, crayons and paper as well as a couple small toys.
  • Pack snacks. You never know when and if hunger is going to strike for your toddler (or you!) so I find it best to pack a few different snack options that Owen can have access to throughout the trip. We’ll do some crackers or cereal, sliced fruit like strawberries or a fruit pouch and a frozen yogurt pouch (they’re pretty good about letting that stuff go through security when they see you’re with a kid, they usually just ask you to take it out and put it in a bin – same goes for bottles/formula!).
  • Pack a water bottle. I pack Owen’s water bottle empty and fill it up right before we get on the plane. Flying can be dehydrating experience and he always asks for water. Sometimes service doesn’t come through due to turbulence, he’s sleeping when they come or he’s thirsty before they make their rounds, so I find it’s easiest just to keep one with me.
  • Always pack an extra outfit. If you’re a parent, you know the necessity of at least one extra outfit! I always put one in my carry-on or the bag closest to me in the car because you can just never predict when you’ll need one!
  • Bring a blanket. Nothing huge, just a little travel blanket. I find this especially helpful on planes when he’s sitting on my lap. They can’t be buckled in with you so I fold the blanket up then place it between his back and the buckle to help make it more comfortable for him.
  • Do a diaper change RIGHT before you leave. When Owen and I are flying, we’ll go to the family restroom and do a diaper change about 10 minutes before boarding. That way I’m not trying to deal with doing it in an airplane bathroom. We do the same right before we get in the car for a long road trip.
  • Pack chargers! It can be either a plug-in charger or a portable charger, but either way – make sure you have one! There’s nothing worse than being delayed and all your devices are dying but the only thing that keeps your little one happy is watching a show.

OUR GO-TO PRODUCTS FOR CAR TRIPS:

  1. Sea-bands – Owen and I both get motion sickness (though his seems much improved now that we turned his car seat around) and these bands seriously work wonders. We went through a long stretch of not being able to drive more than 40 minutes without him vomiting everywhere. We finally turned him around once he hit safety regulations and that, coupled with these bands have been the trick for us!
  2. Tablet Holder – Having the tablet stationary versus moving around also helps a lot with his car sickness. Every time we’ve allowed him to hold the phone or the tablet and watch something, he’s gotten sick. Whereas he’s never gotten sick when it’s in the holder (also comes in handy for the jogging stroller!). This also ensures he’s not constantly pressing buttons and accidentally turning it off then throwing a fit about it while we drive!
  3. Snack cups – These snack cups are great for ensuring that snacks don’t get all over the car and that Ollie is not gobbling up Owen’s snacks when we can’t see!
  4. Water bottle – Of all the water bottles we’ve tried – these have consistently been the most leak-proof. There was a recall a while back of a certain version of these due to a piece coming off, but I assume those are no longer being sold. That said, make sure to check the version you’re buying!
  5. iPad Mini – Any tablet will obviously do, but this is our favorite when it comes to car travel because it fits perfectly on the back of the headrest and doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view.

OUR GO-TO PRODUCTS FOR PLANE TRIPS:

  1. Diaper Bag – This diaper bag is amazing. It fits so much and secures everything well so that even if it dumps over under the seat in front of you, you won’t be losing anything. It’s my go-to when traveling because I can get all my carry-on stuff (including my laptop and my favorite crossbody bag!) plus all of Owen’s stuff into it.
  2. iPad Mini – Any tablet will obviously do, but this is our favorite when it comes to air travel because it fits perfectly on the tray table along with a snack and a toy and doesn’t take up too much space in the bag.
  3. Water bottle – Of all the water bottles we’ve tried – these have consistently been the most leak-proof. There was a recall a while back of a certain version of these due to a piece coming off, but I assume those are no longer being sold. That said, make sure to check the version you’re buying!

And that’s about it! What other questions do you have? I’m always happy to answer!

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i’m cait, a registered dietitian and mom. i believe in a realistic approach to wellness. on this site you'll find easy recipes, nutrition content, motherhood tips and more! read more →

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bodies change.  weight fluctuates. skin sags and wrinkles.  hair grays.  these are all part of the natural process (& privilege) of aging.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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we live in a society that promotes this backward idea that our appearance should remain stable despite years passing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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rather than internalizing the false idea that we need always be reaching backward and working to re-obtain what once was, allow your body to showcase the beautiful signs that you were given yet another day to walk this earth.  another chance to pursue your passion and purpose...both of which are so much more important than how you look.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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to anyone that needs this reminder today: you are not your body.  your worth and well-being is not dependent on your appearance.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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tweaked my slow cooker turkey, bean & veggie chili tweaked my slow cooker turkey, bean & veggie chili this past week to make it meatless and it was 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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here’s how I did it:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (I used a mixture)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1  15-oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 1/2 cups veggie broth⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 teaspoons chili powder (+/- as desired)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1-2 sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 2 inch cubes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Salt & pepper, to taste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2-4 tbsp. olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 cups cooked quinoa⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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place everything but the quinoa into a slow cooker & place on HIGH for 4 hours.  Stir in cooked quinoa & add additional salt / pepper / spices to taste.  top with your favorite toppings (I love cheese, avocado, yogurt & hot sauce).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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this chili is great right away (even better after a day to marinate in the fridge) and is an easy make-ahead meal you can enjoy all week!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #chilirecipe #vegetarianrecipe #vegetrianmeal #vegetarianmealprep #slowcooker #slowercookermeals #crockpotrecipes
what's a diet culture rule you've never quite unde what's a diet culture rule you've never quite understood?
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for me it was definitely the "don't eat after 6pm" rule 🤔
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hunger and digestion are not run by the clock.  there are so many factors that can go into why we feel hungry from one moment to the next, and that feeling of hunger is always valid and should be honored, regardless of the time of day.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
similarly, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' times to eat a meal.  breakfast, lunch and dinner are not bound to specific windows of time.  each can be eaten whenever you & your body deem it appropriate.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
hope this reaches anyone who might need these reminders today ❤️
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these greek spinach & feta turkey meatballs make f these greek spinach & feta turkey meatballs make for a super simple weeknight meal.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm partial to serving them over some couscous or quinoa, slathering them in tzatziki sauce then adding some fresh cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes & pita bread.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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but you can really serve them up in whatever way you like best!  done in 35 minutes and makes enough to eat for several meals 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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grab the recipe on @caitsplate (link in bio): https://caitsplate.com/greek-spinach-feta-turkey-meatballs/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #dinnerrecipes #dinnerathome #easydinner #easymeals #thefeedfeed #f52community #huffposttaste #recipeideas
just to add a little perspective around the messag just to add a little perspective around the messaging that’s out there telling us all how to “lose the COVID 15...”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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let's reframe the fear mongering language around weight gain during this pandemic as a sign of privilege.  having enough, at a time where so many have lost so much, should be looked at as nothing but a positive.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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our bodies are meant to shift and change with different seasons of life.  using food as one way to cope with hard emotions is completely common and part of a peaceful relationship with food.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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we are in unprecedented times.  seeking self-comfort and care in whatever way works for you is OKAY.  having gained weight during this pandemic is OKAY and not something you need to be jumping to 'fix' or 'correct.' and most importantly, it's okay to reframe comfort eating to something you can be grateful for, a coping skill you have the privilege and opportunity to enjoy, rather than berating yourself for it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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sending everyone a great big virtual hug today 🤍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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this veggie sushi grain bowl takes all your favorite flavors from a veggie sushi roll and deconstructs it into an easy lunch.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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finished off with an Asian ginger vinaigrette, it will definitely be a meal you make time and time again.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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here’s what you need: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
for the grain bowl:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 cups cooked rice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 cup steamed shelled edamame⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 cups carrots, peeled & cut into ribbons (you can also shredded or thinly slice them)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 avocado, sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Optional: black sesame seeds⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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for the dressing (recipe from all recipes):⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled & minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3/4 cup olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/3 cup soy sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 tablespoons honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/4 cup water⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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full recipe details on @caitsplate (link in profile): https://caitsplate.com/veggie-sushi-grain-bowl/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #vegetarianrecipe #vegetarianeats #vegetarianlunch #huffposttaste #thefeedfeed #f52community #lunchtoday

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