Top Tips for Traveling with Babies & Toddlers with Rita Strange 👶
Rita, a frequent traveler and mom of three young ones, shares all of her tips and advice on how to travel with little ones
Meet Rita Strange
Rita Strange lives in Oakdale, California with her husband and three young children. Both Rita and her husband Steve work in education. Rita loves traveling, supporting her husband’s wrestling teams, crafting, and celebrating her Portuguese heritage. Rita’s adventurous kids have already been on many flights around the U.S. and across both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Her 5 year old son has already been on 39 flights, her 3 year old daughter has been on 27 flights, and her 1 year old daughter has been on 12 flights to date. ✈️
Please enjoy Rita’s expert tips on traveling with babies and toddlers around the U.S. and beyond!
Top Tip for Traveling with Babies & Toddlers 👶
Q: How do you manage long flights and road trips with babies/toddlers? Any tips for keeping them comfortable?
A: Long flights and road trips with a baby or toddler can be daunting, but with a little preparation, they can also be enjoyable! Here’s how I manage to keep the kids comfortable and entertained:
Entertainment as a "Special Treat"
Our kids are allowed to use their Amazon Fire Tablets exclusively during flights. This makes it feel like a treat and keeps them excited and engaged for the duration of the trip. Pre-loading the tablets with their (parent approved) favorite movies or educational games is key, as well as making sure they are well charged. We are not fans of screens in our home, however we feel for the sake of others on the flight, it is worth the exemption.
New Toys and Activities
I always bring a few new toys or activity books for the journey. The novelty factor works wonders in keeping them interested. One cheap item is an LED drawing pad, which is versatile and entertaining. It’s perfect for endless games of Tic-Tac-Toe, "boxes," or free drawing,
Family Road Trip Games
For car trips, we lean into family games that are fun and thought-provoking:
Animals A-Z: Naming an animal for each letter of the alphabet (e.g., Umbrella Bird, Narwhal – yes, you're welcome!).
Name That Tune: I play a variety of our 'favorite songs' and they have to guess who sings it.
These games encourage interaction and help make the journey a bonding experience. We do not allow screens in the car, so we want to have several strategies for keeping them engaged them in other ways.
Comfort is Key
Snacks are non-negotiable! I pack a mix of their favorites and some travel-friendly options like fruit snacks, granola bars or crackers. Also, frequent breaks on road trips give everyone a chance to stretch, reset, and recharge. If we know we are traveling far, we may plan a stop to visit a friend, family on the way. We travel through Fresno alot, and always make it a priority to visit my sister and her family, this checks several boxes, even if it's just a quick visit.
Our approach transforms travel time from a challenge into an adventure, with memories to cherish along the way.
Q: What are your must-have items when traveling with a baby/toddler?
A: When traveling with a baby or toddler, my absolute must-have item is my City Select double stroller with its convenient scooter add-on in the back. This stroller is a game-changer, especially when managing three kids on my own. It allows me to navigate airports, parks, and resorts seamlessly, keeping all the kids comfortable and secure while minimizing my stress.
The stroller’s ample storage underneath is incredibly practical for holding essentials like snacks, extra clothes, or shopping bags. I’ve also added carabiners to carry the kids’ backpacks or our diaper bag when necessary—super handy for staying organized on the go, especially if I need to have quick access to things and do not want to dig through the bottom of the stroller.
When flying, we gate-check the stroller, ensuring it’s ready as soon as we land. A word of advice: don’t forget to grab the travel tags at the gate! On one trip through Dallas Fort Worth, our stroller was mistakenly sent to baggage claim. That turned into a challenging adventure, carrying three exhausted kids and several bags across the airport. Lesson learned!
My husband Steve is also a super fan of the backpack carrier. Each kiddo has survived some hikes up in Calevaras Big trees, as well as Wrestling tournaments and even practice in them. We currently have the Luvdbaby, which has lasted very rugged trips and on our third kiddo.
Having a reliable way of carrying the kids around comfortably makes traveling more manageable and keeps everyone happier.
Q: How do you balance sightseeing and taking care of the baby’s/toddler’s routine (naps, feedings)?
A: When it comes to balancing sightseeing with a baby or toddler’s routine, we take a “go with the flow” approach that keeps everyone’s stress levels low and ensures we can fully enjoy our time together.
Flexible Mindset
Our primary mindset is that this is our family time, and it’s okay if things don’t follow a strict schedule. Vacations are about making memories and enjoying each other, so we let the day unfold naturally. In meltdowns and frustrations, my husband and I often look at each other... smile and say…"have kids they say... it will be fun they say." ;-)
Vacation Style Suited for Littles
Most of our vacation trips with young kids have been to all-inclusive resorts, which offer the perfect blend of relaxation and flexibility. With meals available around the clock and plenty of space for naps—whether in a lounge chair by the pool, in a quiet cabana, or back in the room—we can adapt to their needs without feeling rushed.
Traveling for Wrestling Competitions
A big part of our trip involves supporting my husband’s wrestling team throughout California and sometimes other states. These trips often mean long days in school gymnasiums, but we’re blessed to be part of a wonderful team of families who help out with the kids. They entertain and engage the little ones, making even the busiest competition days manageable and fun. When I was still nursing, we had several parents with RV's so I could sneak away and take care of the baby.
Ultimately, our philosophy is simple: enjoy the journey, be present, and let the little ones guide the pace. It’s a much more enjoyable experience for everyone when we prioritize connection over a rigid schedule.
Q: What are your tips for choosing baby/toddler-friendly accommodations or destinations?
A: When choosing baby- or toddler-friendly accommodations or destinations, my go-to preference is an all-inclusive beach resort. Destinations like Cabo, Cancun, and most recently Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic have been perfect for traveling with little ones. Here’s why and what I recommend:
Why All-Inclusive Resorts Are Ideal
No-Stress Dining: Having food available around the clock is a lifesaver for unpredictable toddler appetites. Many resorts also offer room service, so if the kids need a quiet meal time or snack, it’s as simple as calling room service.
Kid-Friendly Amenities: Resorts often provide cribs, high chairs, and play areas, making it easy to keep your little ones comfortable and entertained.
Relaxing Environment: With everything in one place, from pools to activities to dining, there’s no need to pack up and leave the resort to enjoy your vacation.
Planning Ahead
Call Ahead for Amenities: Before booking, I always check the website or call the hotel or resort to confirm what they provide, such as cribs, pack n' plays, or bathtubs. This helps reduce what we need to pack. I do always remember to pack a few of the kid medicine especially such as Benadryl for any allergies, or Tylenol, I usually never need it, but paying for some of those items at a resort is usually 150% marked up.
Travel Day Convenience
Drive-Up Pickups: For travel days, services like drive-up pickups at stores like Target/Walmart are fantastic. It allows me to stock up on items that are difficult to fly with (like bulky packs of diapers) without needing to unload the kids from the car. Most recently we visited some friends in South Carolina, landed, got our rental car, and picked up diapers, wipes and snacks for the kids so we were stocked before getting to their house and did not have to pack all the extra items.
Choosing accommodations and destinations with your kids in mind doesn’t mean compromising on relaxation or fun—it just takes a bit of planning to ensure everyone has a stress-free experience!
Q: What’s your go-to method for keeping a baby/toddler calm during travel delays or disruptions?
A: Keeping a baby or toddler calm during travel delays or disruptions often comes down to flexibility, preparation, and mindset. Here’s what works for us:
Red-Eye Flights
We’ve had great success with red-eye flights, though they aren’t for everyone. While it usually means only one parent gets any real sleep, the kids often sleep through the majority of the flight. Since we’re often traveling to tropical and relaxing destinations, catching up on rest with a nap upon arrival is usually manageable.
Flexibility is Key
Our kids aren’t tied to a strict schedule, which makes it easier for them to adapt to delays or changes. This flexibility gives everyone a bit of breathing room and helps keep stress levels low when travel plans don’t go perfectly.
Engaging with Others
We’ve found that our kids’ social nature is a huge advantage. They enjoy interacting with friends or fellow travelers, which can be a great distraction during long waits or disruptions.
Staying Calm and Prepared
Even with red-eye flights and a go-with-the-flow attitude, it helps to have a few calming tools on hand:
Comfort Items: Blankets, stuffed animals, or pacifiers can provide a sense of security. We have planned breaking bottles or pacifiers habits around our vacations.
Snacks and Entertainment: Having their favorite snacks and activities ready helps keep them content and occupied.
Mindset: Staying calm ourselves sets the tone for the kids, showing them that delays or changes are just part of the adventure.
By keeping things flexible, being prepared, and leaning into their natural adaptability, we’ve been able to handle travel disruptions with minimal stress!
Q: How do you handle jet lag with a baby/toddler?
A: Handling jet lag with a baby or toddler requires a mix of patience, flexibility, and preparation—and yes, coffee and a smile for the parents go a long way, too! Here's how we manage:
Embrace the Time Change
Instead of stressing over the time difference, we ease into the new schedule by following the local time as much as possible. This means taking naps and meal times as needed to align with the destination, even if it takes a day or two for everyone to fully adapt.
Plenty of Sunshine
Natural light is a fantastic way to reset everyone’s internal clock. We try to spend time outdoors during the day, whether it’s at the beach, a park, or just exploring the area.
Flexible Naps
While sticking to routines can help, we stay flexible about naps, especially during the first day or two. If the kids are tired, we let them rest, but try not to let them nap too long or too close to bedtime.
Keep Things Familiar
We bring along comfort items like favorite blankets, stuffed animals, or bedtime stories. These familiar items help create a sense of normalcy no matter where we are.
Patience and Positivity
Jet lag is temporary, and we remind ourselves that it’s all part of the adventure. Coffee helps us stay energized, and keeping a smile sets the tone for a positive, relaxed vibe that the kids pick up on.
Adjusting to jet lag with little ones is always a bit of a process, but with a flexible mindset and some planning, it’s entirely manageable!
Q: What have been some memorable trips you have been on with your babies/toddlers?
A: Some of my most memorable trips with my little ones have been a mix of international and domestic adventures.
Internationally, our favorite was exploring the Azores islands of Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, and São Miguel. I was born in the Azores and moved to the United States at 4.5 years old. We were able to connect with family, enjoy the stunning landscapes and share my Portuguese heritage. At the time, I was pregnant with my third child, but we can not wait until our next trip with the whole family.
Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic also stand out for their beautiful beaches and family-friendly resorts. Both trips were with other families and friends, so we were with about 15-20 people, with all inclusives, we have a lot of success traveling with a large group.
Within the United States, our trips to Oahu, Hawaii and Key West, Florida were my favorites. Hawaii has always been my favorite with the coconut scent the moment you get off the airplane, breathtaking scenery and relaxing vibes. We love Oahu because there is so much to do, we can be at Waikiki Beach, or go up to North Shore and enjoy the infamous Shrimp Trucks. We also cannot leave Oahu without having a Leonard's Bakery Malasadas, a Portuguese delicacy.
Our trips to Ocean Isle, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina provided a great escape to two different atmospheres, 1 hour drive away from each other. We stayed in an inlet front property in Ocean Isle, enjoyed fishing, swimming and jet skiing. Myrtle Beach gave us some more beach town vibes and we got to visit The Bowery, the start of the famous country band, Alabama, who played there as the house band for 7 years. My son is a HUGE fan of Alabama and was able to get 'on stage' and got to see all the memorabilia.
Traveling with babies and toddlers is a special adventure, and every destination adds its own charm to the journey!
Thank you Rita for your fantastic tips, recommendations and inspiration for traveling with babies and toddlers!