Our first 7 days trip and a longer flight of 4 1/2 hours to Taiwan. I usually like to plan an itinerary which can cover as much as possible but of course now we have to incorporate a 22 months old toddler into it as well.
1. Travel as light as possible and bring soap powder
Wash your clothes whenever there is longer than 1 night in one hotel. So you don't actually need to bring spare clothes really.
The first challenge when arriving we have to take a bus and a train to reach our first destination which is Taichung City. So, we have to definitely travel light.
With 1 medium size bag and 1 cabin size we managed to fit all our essentials and clothes including a thicker sweater to beat the colder weather in Cingjing and of course enough diapers.
2. Plan the flight time that suits your toddler
I have read quite a bit before the trip. If your toddler can sleep anywhere at night, then you can consider the night flight, however if you are unsure, you should try the morning flight (avoid the too early morning flights like 7am) so that he or she had a good sleep the night before not to ruin the trip.
Of course this also depends on your itinerary.
For us, we took day flights, 10am flight leaving KL and departing Taiwan at 3pm and there were no big issues on this timings. I think day flights are a good option to avoid crankiness at night.
3. Use a baby carrier instead of a stroller
The big question we have been considering, should we bring a stroller?
My daughter takes her afternoon nap and sometimes evening nap throughout the trip in the baby carrier. She could sleep for about an hour each time.
4. For ascending and descending from the plane, let the toddler suck something
I find the pacifier helpful, or drinking milk whether via bottle or nursing your child, honey sticks or eating something. However I remember when returning home, my daughter wasn't sucking anything and she was perfectly fine.
So I guess you just need to RELAX!
5. Prepare some light activities like a small sticker pads and a small note pad to let your toddler stick on it. Something small and light so its easy to bring around. You can even bring her favorite thin small book.
6. Snacks
This is definitely useful as you will need it throughout the trip it can be fruits or biscuits.
7. Sleep
Tips on the plane: I guess this is one of the best way to tire them out before the plane, just let them run around so by the time on the plane it will be sleeping time.
This will ease everyone on the plane.
Make sure throughout the day during the trip, they get adequate sleep as well.
8. Know your toddlers pattern
So if you feel your child will get cranky soon usually there is signs like being hyperactive suddenly or not their usual self, try to carry them and calm them down. At most times they are tired and sleepy so try to make them sleep before they get out of control.
Well, traveling with toddler is actually not that difficult so let us travel with ease. Sit back and relax.
