Gap Year with a Toddler: Navigating Changes

We decided to start a gap year when our toddler was just shy of three years old. At this age, young kids experience big changes. Being away from home for a long stretch meant jeopardizing the stability of a well-established routine. This was a concern for us, but it turned out that the transitions were smooth, and we could create a “new routine” that worked out anywhere we went during a gap year with a toddler.

We wanted to share some of our concerns and how the transitions turned out. Every kid is different, but navigating changes on the go is not necessarily any more difficult than navigating them at home.

1. Potty Training

Our daughter was still using diapers when we started our gap year. We were nervous about potty training while traveling. Particularly in Cuba, there were some logistical considerations including maintaining a supply of diapers and wipes for an entire month. That being said, our next destination would be Colombia where we would spend over a month, mostly among family. We decided this was a great opportunity to just stop using diapers. Maybe Vienna was ready because she didn’t need much training save for a few long sessions in the bathroom, or potty paraphernalia. If she needed a bathroom in a public space we would ask in a restaurant and in general people would understand and let us use their facilities.

The transition was easier than we imagined it being. But it helped that we planned on cutting out our use of diapers while we spent a longer stretch in one place (a farm) where we weren’t as worried about “accidents.”

2. Nap Schedule

Vienna was taking a nap every day for two hours when we started our gap year. If you’ve had young kids, you know that nap time is a precious time for parents. Three months into our gap year this changed and she went from napping almost every day to just once or twice per week. We adapted to this new schedule, and enjoyed the advantage of exploring a bit more during day with her. We no longer needed to always return home at lunchtime (although it did help to do so because even without the need for a nap, we would all benefit from some “quiet time”). Also she started going to bed earlier, which helped us to work on other personal projects at night.

3. From crib at home to bed anywhere

Vienna slept in a crib (we had recently removed one wall) until our very last day in the USA, and in a bed from the very first day abroad. We were nervous of her sleeping in an unfamiliar setting, and in a bed with no railings. Although she fell from the bed a few times it was all part of the natural learning process (the same would have happened at home). We did move beds in rentals against the wall once or twice just to have one side more protected. Now she is excited to go to new places and discover her new bed! Sometimes we decorate her temporary bedroom with her drawings so it’s more familiar for her. 

4. New food

By traveling far from home, we would naturally have different kinds of food. So far Vienna likes almost everything and enjoys trying new flavors. It probably helped that she experienced some variety early on as a result of our own diverse culinary upbringings as parents, and the simple fact that we like to try cooking new things. Our main concern was to have a balanced diet, especially in places where we wouldn’t have a kitchen. Something we found key is having a big, balanced breakfast. That way, Vienna would start with good nutrition no matter what would happen during the day. If we felt we were lacking vegetables in the local diet, we would buy some in the markets (avocados are the best, and available almost anywhere) or look for international restaurant options.

5. Sickness

Generally speaking, kids get sick quite a bit. That situation can be more stressful when traveling. One advantage of slow-travel is that we would be in a place for relatively longer stretches of time. It allowed us to become familiar with the area (medical facilities, food, transportation, etc.), but also to avoid the feeling that we would miss something if someone became sick. And of course, we had international medical insurance, and consulted our pediatrician on the medicines we needed for our travels. We prepared ourselves on what we could, and had flexibility in our plans if any of us were to get sick. 

6. Skills and learning

Although Vienna is not receiving formal education during our travels, a gap year with a toddler is a great opportunity for hands-on learning. We incorporate some age-appropriate traditional skills development, and make sure to have a few activity books handy. However, most of her learning comes from what we are experiencing. It comes from hiking and observing different landscapes, from seeing animals, fruits and vegetables different than what she sees at home (and knowing how they get to the plate). She went from knowing a few words in Spanish to being able to communicate with locals in Latin America!

7. Social life

Our major concern was that Vienna wouldn’t have a consistent group of kids to play with, and that this could impact the development of her social skills. When we are abroad, we try to have a routine that involves playgrounds, parks, libraries or spaces where there are other kids. As her Spanish has been improving she has become more confident speaking to others. We also look for activities or workshops for local kids that she can join. 

8. Balancing parenthood with our personal goals.

We wanted to use this opportunity to be more present parents, while also being able to dedicate time to our personal projects. To do that, we established a routine. For the most part each parent has a half-day “off” which we use for our personal activities (Spanish classes, music production, yoga, website development, city exploration, etc.), and the other half day is spent with our daughter. We usually have all meals together, or at least breakfast and dinner. Our daughter has a full day of parental care, and each of us gets half a day of personal time. It’s a win-win!

Although we were nervous about navigating these toddler changes at first, the benefits of a gap year with a toddler outweighs any challenges. A toddler is a toddler whether it is at home or anywhere else. But during this precious time we have the mental space and the outside conditions to foster her growth and help her (and us) navigate any transitions. We couldn’t be happier to spend time with her, and consider this a great privilege.