getting ready for a trip with a toddler

We are currently getting ready for our trip. Things are interesting in how things are different when you pack with a toddler around.

The first thing you notice is that you can't just pack right before you leave. When there is a little person involved, you need to plan ahead more and if you are talking airline travel-- a lot more. Figuring out how much to take and have everything you need and still travel light is a skill that I am still working on. I was able to get everything into Addie's backpack that doubles as a carrier for her. I was able to get both Warren's and my stuff into another small backpack.

The second thing you notice is that you will research how to travel. I never gave much thought to airline travel, except what you can and cannot take. With traveling with a little person on a long plane trip you start reading up on mom blogs and book about what worked/didn't work for them. Here's a list of the things you think about when traveling with a little person

1.What kind of toys to bring (can't make too much noise, have wheels, take up too much room, too precious to loose, etc)

2. which seats are the best location wise for a child

3. how to deal with possible ear pain

4. how much food to pack, what you can and cannot get in the ways of food and drinks for your toddler on your flight

5. how many diapers to pack (especially if there is a possibility of getting grounded-ever see diapers sold at an airport??)

6. sit on your lap vs dragging a car seat around everywhere for 2 weeks (that was answered for us as one of our carriers will not allow a child under 2 to have her own seat)

7. how to reserve a carry cot (a bassinet for us Americans)

8. Body scan vs having a stranger 'pat down' my almost 2 year old. I would opt for neither if I had the opportunity

9. How to explain that the monkey back pack she adores has to go through the scanner with a minimum of screaming and tears (she shrieks when I take it off)

10. Can I or can't I bring milk? This question varies by the airline carrier and by the day. I don't want to have anything in the sippy cup as I don't want it confiscated, so we will bring a little milk in a sealed bottle and hopefully I can open it and have it tested as opposed to having to have it taken from me

I have been able to answer some of these questions and have done a lot of reading of other people experience. Some questions I will not be able to answer until we go through this experience ourselves and some questions do not have an answer.

We three are embarking on an adventure and I am planning on doing my best to make the trip there as interesting and fun as I can for Addie. She's never been to an airport, so this is a whole new experience for her and I am hopeful that since we are having this experience early in her life, she will be a better traveler in the future because of it.

However, I do wish the airports and airport security did not have to be so infuriating.