Former midwife and mother-of-four shares her top DO’s and DON’Ts for travelling with children

With spring firmly on the horizon, the start of the holiday season looms – but traveling with kids can be both stressful and fun.

But now a baby and parenting expert and writer has revealed her tips and tricks for surviving a long journey with little ones in tow.

Rachel FitzD, former midwife and author of Your Baby Skin To Skin, told FEMAIL that taking a flight can often feel utterly miserable — and suggested other forms of transportation for the family instead.

She shared her expert advice for making travel less traumatic and more of a treat for kids, including letting the kids pack their own suitcases and bags.

Meanwhile, she also recommended carrying an “In Case of Accidents” essential bag.

1. TREAT TRAVEL LIKE A MILITARY OPERATION AND PLAN LOTS OF PIES STOPS

Rachel advised, “Take a leaf out of the military handbook and think ahead.”

She explained that kids have short attention spans and “teenage moods,” so she told parents to pack plenty of easy-to-carry, nutritious snacks.

Plus, lightweight books, games, and puzzles are great to have on hand.

She suggested, “Divide them into a bunch of goody bags, which can be pulled out when boredom sets in or you crave a break from the endless “are we almost there yet” quizzes.

Meanwhile, she suggested packing a separate “in case of accidents” bag with piles of clean pants, pants, wipes, and diaper bags, that will serve you well.

Even if you don’t think it’s necessary, Rachel encourages parents to always pack one of these bags.

She said, “Always keep it handy and never underestimate how many pee stops are needed on an outing with kids.

‘Me and my dude took bets and the record was 12 pee stops in two and a half hours.

“Sometimes you just can’t go to the toilet and then that ICOA bag will help.”

2. GIVE LOTS OF CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS

Parents are often very good at letting their children know what they don’t want them to do.

For example, “stop jumping on the seats,” “don’t keep nagging for chips,” etc.

The former midwife continues: ‘We are not very good at telling exactly what we want.

“We’re vague and hinting and our kids have to try all the tricks in their book to see which one is acceptable.”

Still, it’s possible to stop all this guessing and tell them straight; such as ‘we are traveling by train today’.

“It’s fine for you to chat and read and look out the window, but no feet on chairs or running up and down the aisles.”

Rachel explained, “Kids want clarity and assurance from you, so give it.”

3. LET THE CHILDREN PACK

The parenting expert suggested letting kids pack and carry their own backpacks while traveling.

She said: ‘Children love choosing their own clothes, stuffed animals and games for outings and having their own children’s backpack teaches them to think about what they really need.’

However, this does not mean that you hand over full control of their wardrobe, snacks and games to them.

Of course, you still have to bring things that they just can’t handle.

Rachel, however, insisted, “You’d be surprised how much a couple of kids can carry between them.”

4. MAKE THE BEST OF WHEELS

“It’s easiest to carry babies in a tight-fitting sling or sling, so you have your hands free,” says Rachel.

‘But toddlers and young children can’t walk at our pace for very long, so beg, steal or borrow an easy-to-fold but robust stroller with a front and rear footplate so that if little feet can’t take a step, they can all hop on . take a ride.

“This is how I transported the four of me through many a busy train station and airport – baby in a sling, toddler in the pram and the other two ‘carriage’.”

Popular celebrity personal trainer Joe Wicks recently shared snaps on his Instagram of his three kids at the airport.

The 37-year-old, known as The Body Coach, was seen pushing the Babyzen YoYo2 stroller with his six-month-old daughter strapped in, with enough room for his eldest daughter to sit next to her, while his son sat on the extendable board. the side sat. the back.

There are many options for strollers these days, and many of them are versatile and compact.

5. MAKE FRIENDS WITH FELLOW TRAVELERS

The parenting expert said: ‘You can see the fear in their eyes as you drive through the train car with a screaming baby and a feral toddler lugging along – they avert their eyes, stare out the window and scatter across the only remaining seats. ‘

Rachel advises against panicking or getting on your high horse, and instead encourages parents to hold their ground.

She suggested saying, “Hello, I see there are some free seats here and we’d love to join you.”

The former midwife explained, “Instead of fighting and grudges, disarm and charm and you might just find an ally who will entertain your tribe for a while while you indulge in a quick daydream about how easy this will all be… in another 10 years.”