Travelling with two kids of different ages
A two-year-old and a five-year-old want completely different things from a journey. And both want what the other one has. Here's how to keep both busy, and the peace too.
Each their own
The most common fight on a journey is about whose thing it is. A bag or box per child, with their name, solves most of it. Inside, things suited to their age: what interests a five-year-old will frustrate a two-year-old, and the other way round.
| Age | What works on the way |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Soft books, stickers to peel, a toy car, a busy board, peekaboo. |
| 3–4 | Sticker scenes, chunky crayons, small figures, simple puzzles. |
| 5–7 | Puzzle books, a small building set, card games, audio stories. |
Seating
- On a plane: one adult with each child, or the older one at the window and the younger on a lap.
- In the car: a bag of things between the seats, out of reach of the little one's feet.
- On a train: the table between you, each child on one side, facing you.
New things, at the same time
If a new thing comes out for one, something new should come out for the other one too. Otherwise the younger one wants the older one's sticker book, and the older one feels the little one always gets more. Same moment, different things.
Something to do together
- The older one reads or tells a story to the younger one
- Spot it out of the window: the younger one looks for colours, the older one for letters
- A shared song or a silly dance at the stop
- The older one is the helper, with a real job: the snack bag, the tickets
Quick answers
How do you travel with a toddler and a baby?
Two adults: one child each. Alone: a carrier for the baby, a pushchair or reins for the toddler, and everything you need in one backpack, so your hands are free.
How do I stop siblings fighting on a journey?
Give each one their own bag with their name, hand out new things to both at the same time, and seat them so they can't reach each other's things.
Do I need different toys for each child?
Yes, ideally. Children of different ages need different activities, and their own things prevent most arguments.
Want it ready-made?
You can order a box for each child, each packed for their own age, with their name on it. From €59, packed by hand for your child's age and delivered before you go.
Build their box