The background: I have five kids, three of them by marriage, two of them by birth. They range in age from 14-years old to 16-months old, and when we travel, we haul around a lot of stuff. I started keeping an eye out for gear and gadgets that would make our lives easier -- and by "make our lives easier" I mean "allow me to get from Point A to Point B with my sanity more or less intact." Et voila: A handy list of 10 things that I think are absolutely essential when traveling, anywhere, with kids.
1.) A great carryon for each kid: The clever Skyway backpack comes in two colors and has zippered compartments and a detachable lunch box. Awesome.
2.) Electronic entertainment: For long car trips, consider a dual-screen DVD player, preferably with headphone jacks. We have this one by Disney and it's worked well for us so far. Or, get a set of books on tape or CD, and catch up on your family "reading" as you ride. If you're traveling by plane and need a less-cumbersome option, Work It, Mom! member Leian suggests stocking an iPod with cartoons and other downloads from iTunes (thanks, Leian!).
3.) Drinks and snacks: Juice Pal holders add handles to most standard-size juice boxes or pouches, and you (and your car) won't get soaked if your kid gives it a squeeze. As for food, well, you will need plenty of snacks. Really. Tons.
The Snack-Trap by Made for Mom keeps even itty-bitty things like cereal well contained, and you can get a special lid to convert it into a sippy cup.
4.) Comfort: Bear Hugs are very large, U-shaped blankets that fold up into a pillow. Your child can wear the whole contraption as a backpack, but he or she might be too busy cuddling it to do so -- these things are soft (and washable)!
5.) Avoiding nausea and ear-popping pain: Motion sickness relief bands are a drug-free way to keep nausea at bay, and
EarPlanes ear plugs can help children and adults alike. Other options: Breastfeeding your infant -- or offering him or her a bottle or a pacifier -- can help reduce ear discomfort and, for older kids, gum and lollipops do the trick (and double as bribes).
7.) Clothes: Pack extra outfits for each kid in an easy-to-reach place, and don't forget to throw in something for you to wear, too. Travelsmith has some great, wrinkle-resistant, mix-and-match pieces for adults, and you can find pre-packed, color-coordinated kid wear at Little Jet Set.
7 comments so far...
Also, thanks for including our BearHugs!
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Ymke Dioquino on 18th April 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by frazzledmum on 23rd March 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Blondie on 23rd March 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by wondermom on 23rd March 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Daisy on 23rd March 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by The Tattooed Mommie on 19th March 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Hollly - PerpetualMom on 18th March 2008