Thursday, April 4, 2019
SOLO TRAVEL WITH MY SON - 11 TIPS TRAVELLING WITH A TODDLER
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
3rd December 2018
I travelled with my son for the first time that day. We traveled and had our first solo trip just the two of us from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan. It was a 4 hours journey to reach my hometown. It was raining along the way.
I was so afraid actually to travel with my son alone. Afraid that I would not be able to handle him. Little did I know, I have Allah to take care of me and ensure our safety. I submit all to HIM. I kept on having kind thoughts to Allah along the way and pray a lot to HIM.
I used to travel on my own a lot as I really enjoy driving. Name me cars, I have driven all (I mean my parents' cars). I truly enjoyed our trip together. I had a blast had fun with my son. We chatted along the way and he was MashaaAllah being such a good boy and listened to me all the way. He sat and never showed any signs of tantrums of getting out of his carseat.
I'll cherish this memories forever in my heart. I was so happy that I got to spend my 5 days here with my parents. We truly enjoyed our stay there as I really--miss my parents, my hometown.
Here are some of the tips that I can share while travelling with a toddler:
My son, Purnama was around 3 years old at this time. Fortunately, he has been free from diapers since August 2018, about 4 months before this trip. He only wears it during night time but still, he left it dry. I put it on just in case of any incidents.
1. Fill your car tank full!
- Estimate how many pit stops you will need to stop to fill your gas. To avoid stopping too much and it will be a hassle to bring your kid and all important belongings to the counter just to pay for the gas because you can't just simply leave your kid in the car! No no parents.
2. Prepare food and water in the car beforehand.
- My son, Purnama, he drinks a lot of water in a day. I brought 1 big mineral water and few drinks like strawberry milk or any kinds of drinks you would like to drink in the car to keep yourself awake and to keep your kid entertained. Sometimes they don't really want to drink but due to boredom, they will keep on asking this and that. Buy some snacks so that you can enjoy them together to avoid feeling sleepy!
3. Bring a sweater along for your kid!
- Being in the car for hours, with raining that does not stop at times, it is important to prepare a sweater and put it on before you even start the journey. This is because, if your kids are still on potty-training, you may need to put on a diaper in case you didn't manage to reach on time. But if you are OK, then proceed. Remember to always ask you child if he/she wants to pee or poo.
4. Did Fateh ask to pee?
- Yes. I asked him once in a while like every 1 hour or so just to make sure I can make it on time to reach the RnR and assist him to pee or poo. I only stopped for 2 times if I'm not mistaken during the trip. One because Fateh slept along the way, and second, I can notice if he shows signs of wanting to pee.
5. Choose bright and fun songs.
- Kids being kids, they will want something entertaining that you can join in together. If your child is happy, you are happy and InshaaAllah you will have a smooth sailing journey.
6. Did I give gadget to Fateh along the journey?
- No. I did not give him any gadgets. First, I trained him so. Second, when he was awake, we talked a lot about what we saw, we talked on so many random things. Do not underestimate your child's curiosity and they actually have so many things to ask. Keep on telling him where you are going, what will you do during your stay at the place, tell him who will he meet. At this time also you can remind him on the do's and don'ts. Keep the conversation going as I was getting sleepy too during that trip so having someone to talk to really helped a lot!
7. Get some fresh air!
- When you stop at the rest area, turned off the engine and bring your child for a walk around the area. You have to know that a child can be really restless if he/she is seated for hours without doing anything. By taking him/her our for a good 20 mins will be really good for you and your toddler to stretch a bit and loosen up those stiff muscles!
8. Leave your home early.
- Leave your home as early as possible. Early in the morning is a very good time and you can never know what you will face along the trip. Being a woman and having a toddler on your own is quite risky actually. Time and plan your journey well so that you will arrive during the sun still shine bright and you will feel at ease a bit.
9. Bring some toys and books to entertain them.
- If you noticed, in the picture there s a box full with his trucks and cars. Those were my saviors! My son was being such a good boy but there was this one time where he said he didnt want to sit in the carseat anymore which worries me and I didnt want to stress myself out. I took his toys and put in front together with some books. He was distracted and we managed to reach my parents' house in no time! Alhamdulillah!
10. Pray hard and never stop your dhikir to Allah S.W.T
- This is very important as you know only Allah that really helps you to have a smooth journey. Hence, along the way I pray hard verbally, in my heart that both of us arrived at our destination safely.
11. Update your location from time to time.
- This is very important too mothers! Update your husband and your family members about our being and the location you are at. Maybe you can update them every 1 hour so that they will feel at ease and they can estimate the time you will be arriving.
I hope these tips help the mothers who may have to travel solo with their toddler. Be safe on the road and have fun making memories with your precious!
See you in the next post inshaaAllah.
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Salam !
Writing is a way that I can express myself and be connected with other people. Thank you for taking some of your time here--my blog, my space. I hope you benefit something from it.
Hi Mom, It was great to be able to read your holiday experience and the tips you shared are very useful. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge about holidays. theapartmentsumalas.com
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