Traveling with children, especially if they’re toddlers, is often seen as something to stress about — a tiring, daunting undertaking parents need to “bear” and “survive from”. But did you know that there are hacks to actually have a genuinely fun and enjoyable stay with your little ones?
Let’s start with the hotel.
If you’re traveling with babies, we recommend these useful hacks to make your stay easier and more comfortable than you think it would be.
1. Research the hotel amenities
Before booking the cheapest hotel in Oudenaarde Belgium, see if the room has got everything you need. You’ll need a mini-fridge (not a minibar) to store food and drinks. You’ll also need a kettle or coffee maker for heating water for milk, coffee, cereals, and cup noodles.
Next to in-room amenities, it’s also advisable to book hotels with pools, playgrounds, game rooms, and other amenities that foster family bonding.
2. Address any hazards
Your home may have already been “toddler-proofed” but the hotel rooms aren’t. Before relaxing, take a quick look around and see if there are any hazards.
Are there any cords hanging down from the blinds that need to be elevated? Are there any breakable items, like coffee makers, glasses, and vases that need to be put out of reach? Does the hotel room have pens your little ones can use to vandalize on the wall?
See if there are items left under the bed which might pose a choking hazard for your little one. Check the balcony too and keep it locked at all times.
Give yourself some peace of mind by addressing these issues to prevent many accidents from happening.
3. Bring a childproofing kit
Do you have a childproofing kit? It can be as simple as a roll of duct tape or blue painters tape, and rubber bands. Give yourself some peace of mind by covering sharp table corners, edges as well as electrical outlets, and prevent many accidents from happening.
4. Be organized
Designate areas and unload the luggage, especially if you’re staying for a couple of days or weeks. You don’t want to dig into the suitcase all the time to look for things. Put the clothes on the rack, organize the diapers and other baby items, and set up where the feeding and diaper-changing station should be.
5. Create a comfortable sleeping space
When a child’s sleep is disrupted, parents take all the beating. Consider how they sleep at home and take their sleep essentials into your hotel room. If they use a regular bed, sleeping in a hotel bed is no big deal. But if they sleep in a crib or toddler bed at home, they may not feel as comfortable. Consider taking a travel-sized toddler bed or inflatable bed rails.
6. Bring sleep aids
Aside from the bed, consider other factors that will make their sleeping environment ideal. These include taking along a portable nightlight and using a white noise machine or app.
7. Block the noise
The slightest noise like drunk guests, bar carts, elevator sounds, and rattling ice machines in the hallway may be enough to wake your baby up, especially if you are staying in a hotel with thin walls. Block the noise by rolling up a towel and stuff it near any gaps along the floor.
8. Take plenty of toys and portable forms of entertainment
Let’s be honest: a toddler’s ultra-short attention span and overflowing energy aren’t a desirable combo. They need activities and toys to keep them occupied.
Make sure you bring their favorite toys along and create a playing area in the hotel room. The best toys are small (but not small enough to be a choking hazard), quiet, and entertaining, or educational. If your toddler loves nursery rhymes and sing-a-longs, bring a tablet along so they can watch their favorite online shows.
9. Don’t get “hangry”
Does your toddler get super cranky when hunger strikes? Don’t go anywhere without snacks. Make sure you have a stash of biscuits, cereals, pretzels, dried fruit, and other easy to eat options.
10. Try to maintain routines
Plan your activities while making sure you’re maintaining your usual routine. Toddlers take normal naps and they stick to their regular bedtime. The more sleep they get, the happier they will be. They’d also love having access to their blanket or stuffed animal even when they’re far away from home.
11. Book a larger room or suite
If you have the budget for a suite, go for it! No need to squeeze your family into a cramped room — You and your toddler can move around a bit more since the suites are more spacious. They have separate areas too.
12. Ask your hotel for help
If you’re staying in a kid-friendly hotel, chances are that they have a couple of baby packs. These include entertainment packs like toys and cribs. Some family-friendly hotels even have babysitting and daycare amenities.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a passionate content writer who loves traveling, discovering new food, taking photos, and of course, writing. She’s got a lot to say about travel, dining, cultural appreciation and lifestyle. To know more about hotel and tourism tips, you may visit Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde.