Travelling with a Toddler: Our Holiday in Korea (free winter checklist!)

My Mum turned 60 this February. 🙂 I wanted to bless my parents with an extra special celebration, so we decided to celebrate this milestone in Korea! They have been there twice and they still love it. That says a lot, doesn’t it?

My dear husband couldn’t take leave during that period because of work commitments, so it was solo-parenting with the support of my parents. I have to admit that I was nervous but just kept reminding myself to pray and trust that God will grant me the wisdom and patience to take good care of Ellie.

It was also her first plane ride and her first time experiencing winter! I was so thankful that she managed to sleep during both flights and was healthy throughout. 🙂 Travelling with little ones can be challenging, but the memories created are definitely worth the preparation and effort.

So I thought it would be useful for me to compile a list of what helped, in case any of you are making travelling plans too!

 

Tips for Travelling with Toddler

Note: it was winter time in Korea (0-5 degrees C and dry), and Ellie was 15 months old during our trip. The following is just for your reference, and I would advise that you consult your child’s PD for specific instructions too.

 

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Things to Pack for Toddler

• Activity bag – books, toys, stickers, coloring book, comfort item, snacks (during flights, go for savory types which will cause them to drink more water and so ease the ear pressure)
• Basic first aid items – antiseptic wipes, band-aids, thermometer, alcohol swabs, gauze, adhesive tape, adhesive bandages
• Basic toiletries, diapers, wipes
• Child booster seat, if needed
• Oral medication for fever, cold and diarrhea
• Water-bottle, milk powder, bottles, bottle washing liquid

 

Winter Prep

• Blanket
• Gloves/Mittens
• Instant heat pads for hands and feet (suitable only for adults!)
• Thick-soled, non-skid waterproof boots/wellies
• Thick socks
• Winter hat (preferably those that covers ears)
• Winter toiletries – moisturizer, lip balm
• Scarf
• Snowsuit (if needed)
• Vacuum bags

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Travelling with a toddler is already a challenge. Make sure to bring clothes that are easy to remove so that it is less of a hassle during diaper changes. 😉

I go by the guide of having 3 layers:

1. a thermal base layer (preferably in merino wool/polyester); avoid pure cotton as it retains moisture, dries slowly and loses its thermal properties, making you colder.
2. a middle layer (preferably merino wool/down/fleece)
3. an outer layer (eg. a waterproof jacket/breathable Gore-Tex)

 

My Favorite Shops to get Winter Wear

• Coldwear
• H&M
• Timberland
• Mothercare
• Robinsons
• Twelve by Elly
• Uniqlo

Get your FREE <Winter Checklist> HERE !

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Keeping Toddler Happy on the Plane

I was nervous about this since it was Ellie’s first flight and I was traveling without my dear husband. Though my parents were around to help, I wanted them to get sufficient rest too.

So thank God that she managed to sleep well for both flights, including the 430pm flight which was her usual awake time! My tip would be to keep your little one awake till the flight. 😉

If Ellie had her usual nap around 12noon, I am very sure I would have to entertain her for the full 6 hours of the plane ride…which would be plain torture.

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My Favorite On-the-Go Items for Travelling with a Toddler:

1. This duffel bag has a secret side pocket so you can separate the “soiled apparel from the rest of your bag’s contents”! Ahem, I call it the “poop section”. Oh the joys of travelling with a toddler…(do check the dimension restrictions for carry-on luggage with the airline that you are flying with)
2. Toddler snack cups are a must especially if you have an independent toddler like I do. I love these!
3. A recent favorite of mine is reusable sticker pads. Ellie loves to stick them everywhere! I use this to keep her occupied during meals too. Another good option is washi tape because they peel off so easily.
4. I like to book the window seats not just for the gorgeous views, but also so that these window clings can become a source of entertainment, haha. There are several cute designs!
5. Water-painting books are another good option, especially for older toddlers. I learned from another Mum that you can dab tissue in a little water and use it to “color” too!
6. Traveling with a toddler means you have to be prepared for lull moments when they might get bored. So Busy bags are a must, and you can create one based on your child’s preferences and abilities.
7. I bought some inexpensive new toys for Ellie and only brought them out during the plane ride or in the middle of the trip. It worked as a distraction when she got fussy.

 

Well, I hope these tips helped! I plan on posting the highlights from our Korea trip soon, so you can look out for them.

 

(Update: Planning a trip to Korea soon? Here’s my sharing on our time there.)