Tips for Traveling with Kids
Thu, November 11, 2010 
Guest Post by Sophia
My dear friend Sofia has been a host on three national tv shows and was most recently Tru TV's Hollywood Heat red carpet correspondent. Her work has brought her around the world and back again with kids in tow. By her son's first birthday, he had been on over 80 flights! Sofia is currently creating an educational children's program for the Asian market and stays up-to-the-minute on all the hottest baby gear, so I thought she would be the perfect person to contribute some tips on traveling with kids as we approach the holidays...as well as some free downloads to help organize your Thanksgiving day!
THINK
Think ahead about how you want to approach the trip. If you are looking forward to the trip and talk about it enthusiastically, your child will likely respond positively and mimic your outlook. Children can sense stress, unease, and dread, which may translate to bad behavior during travel. I like to think of travel as a many-part adventure that I narrate to my toddler as we go. First we drive to the airport, then park or ride on a bus, then press the buttons and go up an elevator or escalator, then take off our shoes and walk through security...you get the picture. My little guy enjoys the process because he can see that his Mom does, and he always knows what to expect. And my baby does well because she can sense that this experience is something fun, not to mention that she gets undivided attention in my lap!
PACK
You'll need more than a few tricks up your sleeve to keep your tots busy during long flights or road trips. Here are a few ideas:
1. Pack unusual or never-before-seen toys. You can find all kinds of treasures at the dollar bin at Target. Visit a fabric or tailor shop and pick up an assortment of oversized buttons. Or bring some mess-proof markers that only appear in coloring books.
2. Pack a snack bag. One time, before an especially long trip, my toddler's little friend gave him a huge Ziploc bag full of munchies (Cheerios, raisins, popcorn, cranberries, nuts, granola) and picking through the goodie bag kept him occupied for long stretches.
DO
- Nurse in flight on the way up and down to help baby pressurize her ears
- If you have a ticket-less lap baby, ask the gate attendants if there are enough seats on the flight for you to bring your baby's car seat. If it's not a full flight, they are usually more than willing re-seat you next to an empty seat, so you can give yourself a break during flight while your baby gets some nap time in her own space.
- Ease the social tension by being self-aware. Let's face it- some people don't enjoy sitting next to kids in flight, so disarm them with a little humor. I tell people they've won the "baby lottery" when I sit down with my kids, or ask where the nursery is. Okay, even though I'm not funny, people can't help but give me a courtesy chuckle, which diminishes any future irritation they may feel during the flight if my child decides he's found his new best friend in seat 24B.
WEAR
- SmartMom teething necklaces keep your toothless wonder occupied during flight. Or bring a simple long beaded necklace for their fidgeting needs.
- A wrap cardigan will serve as an extra blanket, a makeshift tent, and even a nursing cover.
- Comfortable clothes and layers to deal with those icy or hot airplane temperatures.
USE
- Some of my favorite baby products have made traveling with tots a breeze:
- Aden and Anais blankets- they're soft, light, and made with breathable natural muslin. Target now carries them. (www.adenandanais.com)
- Flexibath- This innovative portable tub folds completely flat and fits easily in your suitcase or car. I let it double as a toy trunk when I reach my destination.
- Lascal Buggy Board Maxi- This two-wheeled board attaches to the back of most strollers, so your toddler can ride along without the hassle of packing a double stroller. (www.Amazon.com)
- Easywalker QTRO stroller- This sturdy and fashionable single stroller can handle all surfaces and carries children up to age 4, so you can push your newborn or your mid-sized person and let them enjoy the four reclining settings. (www.Easywalker.com)
- Balboa Baby nursing and car seat covers- I love their patterns and super soft fabric. (www.BalboaBaby.com)
- SmartMom Teething Bling- (http://www.smartmomjewelry.com/)
- Ergo Baby- This soft carrier distributes weight on your hips instead of those tender shoulders. My Ergo Baby has seen many airports, sporting events, and rock concerts (my baby wore ear plugs, of course!)! (www.ErgoBabyCarrier.com)
