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Northern California Babies
Tips for travelling to Hawaii with a toddler?
Hi ladies - it feels like forever since I have posted here. DH, DS and I are going to Maui in November.
This will be our first time. Just wanted to see if anyone had any tips about travelling and what we should just buy when we get there.
Just some questions about:
Bringing our own PNP vs renting when we get there
Packing our own diapers vs buying there
How it worked for the flight with a toddler (any tips for this)
Items that you think are crucial to pack for my boy (i'm thinking Ergo for sure, but other than that)
Thanks
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Tips for travelling to Hawaii with a toddler?
We didn't go to Hawaii with a toddler, but did travel to the Philippines with a toddler. We had to bring the stuff we needed because it wasn't available at a similar cost/similar brand there, but given that Maui has a Costco right by the airport (and a Kmart too when we were there), you totally don't need to schlep all that stuff.
So my big advice is travel at a time when your kid would normally be asleep, wear the child in the Ergo at the airport and onto and off of the plane, have lots of snacks and more diapers than you think you need, plus extra clothes for all three of you. We had bags of toys, books, etc and didn't use much though DS did watch whole Elmo DVDs on our trip.
Have fun!
We just went to Maui a few weeks ago with our 2 year old and it was SO MUCH FUN. I actually want to cry about it because we aren't there right now!
We stayed in a full service resort and they provided lots of stuff like strollers and potties, so we didn't bring a whole lot (but you will probably need more for a one year old-my DD wants to walk or run everywhere). We got a room with a king sized bed and we all slept together, but she would have refused a pack and play, either hers or a rented one.
We brought our own diapers, mainly because we use Seventh Generation and they can be hard to find. There are ABC stores everywhere that sell diapers so they shouldn't be hard to find, but expect to pay a lot. Maui is spendy. I would bring your own if you are picky about brand.
In terms of the plane ride we brought a portable DVD player and when the battery died she played games on our iphones. It couldn't have been easier.
I would plan on packing any other creature comforts you think he might need. We brought 5 or 6 books which were great for down/nap/bed time. We brought a few toys (like puzzles), which didn't get used at all since she was more interested in the sand toys and ukelele we bought her there. Have a fabulous time!!
Hey there! We are jealous!!!! So want to go to Maui with the kiddos right now! But back to you...we haven't been to Hawai'i w/ the kids but travel to the east coast frequently (DS is 2 and 1/2 and DD is 11 mo). We've flown w/ DS when he was 4 mo, 9mo, 1yr, 18mo, 2 and 2yr + so have some experience.
We never did the PNP thing since we are co-sleepers. But from friends' experience, better to rent. Though I'd probably bring my own and just check it at the airport and you don't have to deal with carrying it really.
For our travels, we always brought some of our own and then just bought as needed there. Though, Maui is kinda pricey, so maybe you'd prefer to bring your own - especially if you only use specific brands.
I don't remember how old your toddler is but I remember it was toughest on the flight when DS had only recently learned to walk b/c he could not sit still and wanted to walk walk walk everywhere all the time. This made it really tough on the flights to the east coast. It seemed like no matter what we did he was just super fussy the whole time. But then when we took him when he was 18 months and older, he was great the whole time (w/ only a bit of fussiness when we were delayed on the plane on the tarmac). My tips based on our experiences: get your toddler as tired as possible at the airport - get him to walk a lot! Do as much physical activities as you can in the airport itself. If you need to (when you can) walk your toddler down the aisle for a change of scenery.
Other activities that help entertain: DVD player/iPhone if you're into movies and games for your little one (we never had to use either to entertain yet), coloring books, reading books, other little toys - both toys he loves and new ones. Lots of snacks. Cup or bottle for filling up w/ water/milk. 2 things that helped us for the times he was really fussy - we wrapped up a little, small, cheap toy (like a mini slinky) in several things - paper then tin foil, then more paper, etc. and so it was like a game for him to unwrap and making the toy surprise extra special. He loved this. Lollipops worked for us too. He had never had it before and just sucked on a little DumDum for a loooong time. Kept him happy and quiet!
Other things to pack - ergo for sure, blanket (a lot of airlines don't supply these anymore) and even if they do, you can always use an extra blanket as a pillow, or even if its extra cold. Extra set of clothes - just in case for those spills, etc.
That's all I can think of for now...hope this helps.
We went to Maui when ds was 9months old.
I did rent all our equiptment, it was delivered to our hotel/condo for us. Most airlines charge extra for stuff like that and its about the same price to rent it, plus you don't have to carry it all over plus deal with a toddler. We ended up renting, car seat, booster chair, box of toys, and jogging stroller. We used everything and it was so nice to have.
In the airport we used the ergo a lot.
If you can afford it, try and get DS his own seat, i know i know too expensive but it would be nice ;-)
I would buy diapers/wipes when you get there.
I am totally keeping an eye on this thread since we are going to Hawaii (probably not Maui this time though, boo) in about 6 months.
Keep the responses flowing ladies, I am taking notes!!!!
Money Matters The other half's blog.
EJ is growing up too fast!
My family and I love Hawaii! We took DS twice to Oahu. Once when he was 13 months and again when he was 19 months. I brought our Maclaren umbrella stroller and checked it in at the gate check right before we boarded. If you do bring a stroller, it has to be able to fit through the TSA scanning machine thingy. When we gate checked our stroller, I put it in a stroller bag so it wouldn't get dirty.
We didn't buy him his own seat on the plane and just had him on our lap the whole time. He did just fine. We kept him busy with new little toys (cars, books, etc) that I only brought out when he started to get fussy. I gave him a bottle when we took off and when we were landing. I heard it helps with the pressure in his ears. I also packed lots of clothes, lots of snacks (goldfish crackers) and a couple of plastic grocery bags to collect all of the garbage or to put any dirty/sticky clothes in.
We rented a carseat when we were there. The hotel we stayed at provided a PNP free of charge when we requested it. Maybe you can call them and ask ahead of time. Good luck and have a great time!!!