So we decided to go on a Hawaiian vacation with family. My husband and I had never been to this particular island. We went to Kauai for our honeymoon but the big island was new for us and we were going to be traveling with our two year old, scary! The first three days I was without my husband, he had to meet us there due to work. So, being 23 weeks pregnant and never having flown with my toddler I was definitely overwhelmed. All I can say is, if you are traveling with family ASK FOR HELP. I did not do this enough and it left me drained and overwhelmed.
Toddler snack items.
So, in my previous post I talked about all the snacks I planned to pack on the plane. I am here to say I did not use most of the snacks I brought. I would say, pack a few of their favorite items but don’t over do it! However, I did use them later in the week once we got there which was helpful. I also packed a bunch of our own snacks in our checked bag and it helped save us money on groceries once we got to Hawaii. Pack the high value items in your backpack and the less exciting stuff in your checked bag, save your back the hassle! Plus, he was very excited about the little snacks they give out on the plane so that helped a lot!
Toddler plane ride activities.
The activities that worked for him was obviously the iPad but I did try to limit the screen time. However, keeping a two year old settled in one place for over 5 hours is a struggle! So we used the iPad a lot. BUT, he did color for a bit, I got some color form sticker activities that he enjoyed. Amazon has different character options and they are reusable! I brought his favorite books but I also bought him a new book he’d been asking for but didn’t show him prior so it was exciting when I brought it out on the plane. I got him the little excavator and he loves it! But if you need the IPad the whole trip then use the iPad!! During times like these, rules can go out the window to make the trip easier for everyone!
Lifesavers in Hawaii
I am glad I bought the travel seat for the regular toilet. If you have a newly potty trained toddler like I do who is still too little to sit on the big toilet comfortably I highly recommend getting one. We didn’t use the actually travel potty but I still took it with us everywhere just in case! I was very proud with how well he did on this vacation, we had zero accidents. We also ended up bringing a travel toddler mattress and saved us at night so we didn’t have a crowded bed. One thing I do wish I had was a travel stroller. We did a lot of walking and he was so tired by nap time and bedtime and that led to more tantrums. So if you are able to bring a travel stroller save yourself and bring it.
Mom lifesavers
Being away from your own bed is a struggle for most people. Being away from your own bed while pregnant is an even bigger struggle. I made room for my wedge pillows because at this point that’s the only way I get comfortable at night. Depending on how far along you are, a belly band may help you while you’re out and about. I have reached the point of depending on my belly band for extra support and that was a must on this trip. Of course you want to research pregnancy safe sunscreen if you will be spending time in the sun. I’d also say it’s worth it to invest in a comfortable maternity bathing suit. Another thing is finding a pair of comfortable shoes and sandals for all the walking! Being later in pregnancy your feet and legs will begin to swell so have supportive shoes to ease discomfort. Lastly, my dresses were a huge lifesaver for being comfortable and staying cooler in the hotter humid weather. So pack all the dresses!
The plane ride home
By the time the week was over we were all exhausted and dreading the flight home. Unfortunately, all the things I used on the way to Hawaii didn’t work on the way home so we leaned heavily on the iPad. No guilt here because you just have to do what you need to survive in situations like this. We also walked up and down the isles a few times to stretch our legs and get a change of scenery and that helped. I also ordered our son one of the special kids boxes on the plane and that was exciting for him. Just remember to do what you need to survive in time like these and don’t fret about what others are thinking. Just relax and have fun!