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The first step to planning a vacation with a toddler is realizing that it is possible to map out a getaway the whole family will enjoy! 

So, if this is your first vacation with a toddler, know that there are plenty of family-friendly spots  that will welcome you. Read on for our tips on planning unforgettable—and yes, even relaxing—vacations with your kiddo.

Choosing toddler-friendly destinations

Which vacation spots are best for youngsters? First, consider what you want: Maybe it’s a family-style beach vacation or a visit to Mickey Mouse. Perhaps a trip to the mountains or a national park is more your style. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of family-friendly options if you are traveling with a baby or a toddler—and a little advance planning goes a long way.  A few factors to consider:

  • Proximity. How far away from home do you want to go? Do you prefer to stay within a few hours’ drive, or will you be flying to your destination? If you’re traveling for long distances, plan on breaks where everyone can move around and burn off some energy.
  • Climate. A location with mild weather conditions generally simplifies packing, letting you take less bulky clothing and gear.
  • Family-Friendly Activities. With a toddler in tow, opt for somewhere with child-friendly activities nearby, things like parks, children’s museums, nature trails, petting zoos, water, or whatever else piques your family’s interests.

Lodgings: where to stay?

Once you've chosen a toddler or infant-friendly vacation destination, the next step is booking accommodations. While hotels and toddler-friendly resorts are popular choices, they may mean the whole family is crammed together into one room. And if your child’s bedtime doesn’t align with yours, the arrangement can result in you suddenly finding yourself confined to a dark, silent room, watching a movie on your laptop with headphones—not exactly the vacation you imagined.

A rental home may be a better solution for everyone. You’ll have instant access to a kitchen and separate living and bedroom areas. Which means you can enjoy those late-night snacks and watch a movie as loud as you want.

Plus, staying in a rental home can even include resort-style amenities. With ResortPass, you can select hotels and resorts near your lodging, purchase a day pass for your entire family, and enjoy perks like pools, spas, gyms, and other activities. For example, you can visit the Omni Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, AZ, or the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa in Austin, TX. You get the best of both worlds—resort-level pampering and you don’t have to call it a night when your little one does.

Accommodation tips for toddlers

No matter which type of lodging you choose, check with your accommodations to make sure they have toddler-friendly features, such as:

  • Childproofing. You’ll be better able to relax with the knowledge that your accommodations are  safe for children with outlet covers, cabinet locks, and furniture corner guards.
  • Cribs or Pack ‘n Plays. It’s a beautiful thing when you don’t have to lug your  Pack ‘n Play around. (But don’t forget to bring a spare crib sheet!)
  • Playgrounds. If you’re staying at a resort or hotel, ask if they have designated play areas or kids’ clubs. For rental homes, search for nearby parks, cafes, or other fun spots within walking distance.

Packing essentials when traveling with toddlers

Clothes and sippy cups, check! But consider a few other worthwhile items to make the vacation more comfortable for everyone, including:

  • Stroller. A stroller makes all the difference when you’re sightseeing, giving your child a place to nap and you somewhere to stash your water bottle and souvenirs.
  • Baby monitor. Stay tuned into how your little one is sleeping even when you’re not at home. The Nanit Pro Camera lets you monitor your child from your phone and receive real-time alerts when they need you. Nanit Pro also uses a secure encryption method to keep your baby’s data safe, so it only works with Wi-Fi connections that require a password.
  • A favorite stuffed animal or blanket. A favorite lovey is an easy way to help your child feel safe and comfortable in a new environment.
  • Ziploc bags. Leftover snacks? Sand-free storage for your toddler’s favorite pacifier? Baggies to the rescue.
  • Toddler headphones. They’ll come in handy on the plane or during downtimes on the trip.
  • First aid kit and medicine. Be sure you always have a bandage, tweezers, or any other necessary supplies when you need them. Because the last thing you want to do on vacation? Hunt down an open pharmacy at 10 p.m.

Sleep in safety and comfort with Nanit—wherever you are

Crafting a family vacation with a toddler is possible with a dash of planning and patience. One of the most important steps is to pack wisely—and bring along your baby monitor.

Nanit’s travel bundle makes toting your camera, stand, and Breathing Band a breeze. With our convenient travel case, you’ll be able to pack up everything within seconds. And once you’re settled into your home away from home, you can rest easy knowing the Nanit Pro Camera is tracking your baby’s breathing motions throughout the night.

For all of your smart monitoring needs, choose Nanit.

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Smart Baby Monitor System

From $289.99
 

Key takeaways

  • Choose toddler-friendly destinations. When selecting where to go, consider factors like proximity, climate, and child-friendly activities.
  • Consider lodging where the whole family can be comfortable. Rental homes offer more flexibility and comfort compared to studio-style hotel rooms.
  • Pack toddler essentials. Items such as a stroller, a baby monitor, and Ziploc bags will come in handy throughout your travels.

Sources:

ISJS. The Positives of Plushies: Stuffed Animals Have Benefits for Children and Adults. https://icjs.us/the-positives-of-plushies-stuffed-animals-have-benefits-for-children-and-adults/ 

ResortPass. Take a daycation. https://www.resortpass.com/ 

Baby Center. The best family vacations to take with your toddler to create lifelong memories. https://www.babycenter.com/family/travel/best-family-vacations-toddlers_41001878 

CONTRIBUTORS

Natalie Barnett, PhD serves as VP of Clinical Research at Nanit. Natalie initiated sleep research collaborations at Nanit and in her current role, Natalie oversees collaborations with researchers at hospitals and universities around the world who use the Nanit camera to better understand pediatric sleep and leads the internal sleep and development research programs at Nanit. Natalie holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of New England in Australia and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pediatric Sleep Science from the University of Western Australia. Natalie was an Assistant Professor in the Neurogenetics Unit at NYU School of Medicine prior to joining Nanit. Natalie is also the voice of Nanit's science-backed, personalized sleep tips delivered to users throughout their baby's first few years.

Dr. Maristella Lucchini serves as Senior Clinical Researcher at Nanit. In her role, Maristella works to secure grant funding in collaboration with Nanit's university research partners and supports the development of the company's research collaborations around the world. Previously, Maristella served as an Assistant Research Scientist in the Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center where she led projects across several cohorts focusing on prenatal and perinatal health. Maristella holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano.

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