Traveling with kids soon? Read this first

Hitting the road or taking to the skies with kids can feel overwhelming. Lots of planning and preparation is usually involved in a successful travel day.

If travel is in your future, Dr. Markeita Moore, a pediatrician with Advocate Children’s Hospital, offers these tips to make for a smoother journey:

• If your child is nervous about traveling, talk them through the method of travel and what they can expect along the way. Bring a calming sensory toy like a pop it or motion tubes.
• Snacks, snacks and more snacks! Come prepared with plenty of water and snacks. You never know if delays will occur.
• Consider catching a red eye. This is sometimes better for smaller children, who typically become sleepy by the time you sit down on the plane.
• Keep any medication in a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. This allows for accessibility and guarantees you will have it with you when you need it.
• If you have an iPad, download your child’s favorite movie, episodes of a show or music ahead of time. And don’t forget the kid-friendly headphones so they can enjoy en route.
• If you are traveling by plane, and depending on your child’s age, give them a pacifier, bottle, sippy cup or gum during takeoff and landing to help mitigate ear popping.
• Remember – kids will make noise and may cry. That is normal! Don’t feel bad if your child talks, cries or even becomes irritated. Try your best to remain calm and comfort them. Kids can sense our energy.

“Traveling with your kids is a great opportunity for everyone to have fun, but there is always the potential for hiccups and last-minute changes,” says Dr. Moore. “Stay calm and flexible as much as possible. Focus on making memories and enjoying the ride.”

Are you trying to find a pediatrician? Look here if you live in Illinois. Look here if you live in Wisconsin.