Travels and Tribulations

Surviving Travel With Small Children

By Shel Franco

My first-born hated the car. He just screamed. We tried a pacifier, music, sitting next to him and rattles galore, but the only thing that worked was keeping him out of the car. Then, my husband decided on graduate school out West.

The expense of moving across the country left us with no choice; we had to drive the 30 hours to our new home. With a baby that screamed at the sight of a car seat, we were in trouble. I asked everyone for ways to get him to sleep. I heard the same things: pacifier, bottle, sit in the back and music. Finally, I stumbled upon my miracle. My dear friend, Denise, listened to my dilemma. "Charlie was just like that," she said. "When I realized I could nurse him in the car, I finally got some quiet."

"Oh sure," I said. "We do that, but as soon as I put him back in the seat, he's a wreck. Besides, Todd hates to stop every 30 miles."

"Oh, we don't pull over," she said, correcting me. "And, he's not out of his seat."

Denise spent the next half an hour explaining. "You and the baby stay buckled in," she said. "Then scoot close to his seat. Give yourself some slack in the belt and lean over the baby. It's that simple."

The next day I tried to nurse just like Denise described. It was awkward. The car seat dug into my side, I felt stretched to capacity and all I could think about was passersby wondering what I was doing. But, after five minutes, my son was asleep.

We made the 30-hour trip in record time. We stopped more for the dog than we did for the baby. In fact, our angel slept most of the way. Finally, after six months, we mastered car travel.

Then, a family emergency required us to fly. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from my son. He was a toddler on overdrive. On the advice of friends, I loaded my purse with tasty treats and sippy-cups of soda and packed a carry-on bag full of new toys.

Takeoff was a breeze with help from the soda. Once we reached cruising altitude, the fun began. In 10 minutes, my son tossed aside two busy books, five board books, a set of keys, some measuring cups and a dozen rattles. Just when I thought the flight was doomed, my son discovered the melting point.

Want to see more?

• Kids Wanted: How to Find a Child-Friendly Hotel
• Flying With Babies and Toddlers
• Camping With Your Toddler: Tips to Keep Young Explorers Safe
• Are We There Yet? Car Games to Keep Kids Occupied
• A Safe Ride: 10 Tips for Keeping Baby Secure in the Car Seat
• Traveling With Toddler: A Quiz for the Parent Who Dares
• Talk about it!