How to find Wisconsin rest stops, and 5 other things to know when traveling with young kids

Longer days, the end of the school year, warm weather. It’s travel season for Wisconsinites.

But for families with young children, merely getting to and from the desired destination often is a journey in itself.

The good news is, whether you’re driving or flying, there are steps to make the trek less stressful.

Prepare to make frequent stops

Anyone who has traveled with children knows it just takes longer. So get to the airport earlier or, if you’re driving, allot time for stops.

Jim Savage, program director for the Children’s Wisconsin Safety Center, recommends stopping to give an infant a break from their car seat every two hours, and toddlers a break every three to four hours. Savage, who is also the state’s child passenger safety coordinator, explained newborns and younger infants are at risk for experiencing breathing difficulties when riding in a semi-reclined, rear-facing position without breaks to be repositioned.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s website has a map of rest areas throughout the state, as well as a list of what amenities each one provides. It also provides links to neighboring states’ rest areas.

When choosing an airport, it's also a good idea to check which family-friendly amenities are available. For example, some airports have private rooms where parents can breastfeed or change diapers. The Appleton Airport has a "Mother's Room" both before and after TSA.

Check out your car seat before you go — and yes, this includes plane rides

Children are not required to use child restraint systems, such as car seats, on planes. In fact, children younger than age 2 do not need a ticket and can ride on a caregiver’s lap, but the Federal Aviation Administration recommends buying the child a seat and using a child restraint system.

“A caregiver’s arms just aren’t able to hold the child securely if there’s sudden, severe turbulence,” Savage said.

To use a child restraint system on an airplane, it must be certified for this use. Typically, this information is on the car seat itself, Savage said.

For more information, visit bit.ly/FAAchildseats.

It's best to check with your specific airline to ensure your child seat will be allowed, suggested Savage and Jesse Funk, air service and business development manager for the Appleton Airport.

There are also restraint systems for use specifically in planes. The FFA-approved Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) is for children between 22 and 44 pounds who can sit in their own seat. Savage said this product properly restrains children in the event of severe turbulence.

For children taller than 5 feet who require extra upper body support, there’s also a Special CARES product.

More: Make sure your child is riding safely in your car by following these guidelines

More: Counterfeit car seats can be dangerous. Here's how to spot one.

Talk to children about the trip

Letting children know what they can expect prior to the trip can go a long way, no matter the medium of travel. For young flyers, FAA’s website includes its Kids’ First Flight video.

Keep essentials easily accessible

Essentials to keep on hand include sanitary wipes, a change of clothes, extra diapers and snacks.

For specifics about what can be brought on a flight, including formula and breast milk, visit bit.ly/TSAalloweditems.

Children are not immune to “airplane ear,” the uncomfortable sensation that comes with quick changes in air pressure and altitude. For infants, sucking on a pacifier can help. For older children, a sucker or chewing gum will do the trick.

Also, keep medications you know your child might need with you. For children who struggle with motion sickness, Savage suggested asking their pediatrician before giving them medication for it.

Prepare multiple entertainment options

Chances are, a single game or toy will not keep children occupied throughout an entire trip.

“Electronics are great, but have a plan for if they fail, if they don’t turn on, if their battery dies. A lot of planes have power outlets, but some don’t,” Funk said.

Bringing lightweight coloring books, or playing family car games like "I Spy" or "Twenty Questions" can help pass the time without batteries.

Be sure to secure the luggage

It’s essential to secure your luggage and other heavy items when on road trips, Savage said.

“Let’s say you’re traveling 55 miles per hour and your vehicle comes to a sudden stop. Everything in your vehicle —the passengers, the luggage, that can of soda — is going to continue to move at 55 miles per hour until something impacts it to stop," he explained. "The heavier an object, the more force it’s going to have as it’s moving, so the impact if it were to strike a passenger would be much more severe.”

Related: 5 signs your child is ready to start kindergarten

Related: 8 tips to help Wisconsin parents find the right pediatrician for their kids

Madison Lammert covers child care and early education across Wisconsin as a Report for America corps member based at The Appleton Post-Crescent. To contact her, email mlammert@gannett.com or call 920-993-7108. Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to Report for America by visiting postcrescent.com/RFA

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Traveling in Wisconsin? Here are 6 tips for families with young kids