Every year we take a trip to Minnesota to visit relatives. There is a 3 hour plane ride and a 5 hour car drive. It makes for a very long day. This year my son was 20 months. At this age, he moves constantly and I was trying to figure out how I could entertain him during these travel times. One major quirk about my little guy is that he does not sleep on trips. I think on the way over this time he probably slept a half hour in the plane and maybe 45 min in the car. That's it! The rest of the time, it's busy.
So I asked around and I came up with some ideas. First, I gathered lots of different and NEW toys that he had never seen before. I also brought a lot of books and snacks. Suffice to say, the only thing that really helped my son during travel times was SNACKS and singing! Needless to say, I was exhausted. None of the toys interested him and it seemed that they mostly frustrated him. I brought flannel board stories, pipe cleaners and a quiet book. The quiet book was probably the best bet. I found that on Etsy.
However, with normal everyday travel in the car around town and short trips, my son is content with snacks, water, a stuffed animal and books.
We go on this trip every year, so I'm going to begin now to research what would be best for a 2.5 year old. Any ideas? Send them my way!
I'm linked up to Toddler Talk Thursday.
My 3-year-old LOVES his travel-size etch-a-sketch & coloring books when we are in the car. Good luck next year!
ReplyDeleteFollowing from Toddler Talk Thursday! Would love it if you would follow me back!
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I think snacks, books, and a favorite toy are the very best bets when it comes to traveling with toddlers. I've learned that dum dum suckers last a long time too, in keeping them occupied and quiet. Maybe not the healthiest choice, but hey..they work.
ReplyDeleteWhere in MN do you travel to? I've lived here all my life. :)
Oh, it's beautiful there!!
ReplyDeleteMy sister-in-law goes to college up at UMD in Duluth, so we've taken a few trips up there. We go to Gooseberry Falls and whatnot. I love it.