Quick Tips For Traveling With Kids

My husband and I recently traveled to Seattle from San Diego which seemed manageable. The flight’s barely two hours. Piece of cake, right? But don’t forget there is the journey to the actual plane. Driving to the airport, the shuttle from parking and the always-fun security line. The breakdown of a stroller, shoe removal and the 20-minute analysis of applesauce pouches (all the while receiving dagger eyes from fellow passengers who just want to GET THROUGH) is enough to send me into anxiety fits. Finally we are on the airplane and have the pleasure of being trapped with two adults, a three-year-old and a 17-month-old in economy class. Did I mention the youngest one is in a leg cast? Thankfully my husband is willing and able to get us through these situations. He puts his head down and just works. I on the other hand do all the prep work (packing, preparing snacks, providing plenty of diapers, etc) and then pray.

For those of you traveling this summer with little ones I have a few ideas to help you arrive to your destination as stress-free as possible. What cocktail you need after getting there is up to you!

Usborne Activity Books
For older toddlers and preschoolers the Usborne line of sticker and activity books are the best. My older son really enjoys these and although it requires some adult help, a couple new ones for take off and landing when electronics are not allowed is key. Our particular favorites are the Little Boys’ Activty Book or Pirates Stickerbook. A fresh box of crayons helps too.

Crayola Color Wonder Books & Markers
These mess-free markers are truly a wonder. For children discovering their inner Picasso, hand them a couple of these along with a Color Wonder coloring book and rest your weary head. No worries about graffiti on the tray tables or you.

Magformers Building Tiles
Although this building toy is targeted for ages six and up toddlers find them fascinating. My 17-month-old would snap these square and triangle shaped magents together over and over again. These are a bit pricey but if they buy five minutes of peace they are worth every penny.

Do I even have to mention a tablet and headphones? This is obvious. Even if you have strict rules about electronics or screen time I say put a moratorium on those restrictions and allow a movie or two on the way to funland.

Remember sometimes in life its the journey that matters not the destination! Any tips for how to entertain kids on long car rides or flights? Please post below. And safe travels!

Sunscreen Round-Up

Protecting your skin has never been more important as we are all (or should be) hyperaware of the dangers of sun exposure. And not just during the summer while at the beach or pool but in our daily lives. Living in San Diego, I have the benefit of beautiful year-round weather. As a stay-at-home mom I am also outside in the weather every day with two very active boys. After trying many different sunscreens I have found the ones I love the best. No matter if you give these specific ones a try or not be sure to protect your skin every day!

FOR THE FACE
Your face is the one body part that is exposed to the sun every single day no matter where you live. Wearing a facial sunscreen should be vital to your skincare routine. The one I have come to love the most is Coola’s Face SPF 30 Organic Cucumber Classic Sunscreen. The fresh cucumber scent is divine.  It goes on smoothly and lightly making it ideal to wear under make up or simply by itself.

FOR THE BODY
Recently I’ve started applying sunscreen every morning to my hands, neck and chest (I should have been doing this for a long time now but I’ve finally gained some sense). Again, living in San Diego I’m exposed to sun most days even just driving in the car. I admit part of my motivation is aging (yikes!) but the main reason is staying healthy. This summer I discovered Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. It is a fast-aborbing, lightweight sunscreen with a subtle “beachy” scent. I recently went on a girls trip to Palm Springs and friends at the pool asked what fragrance I was wearing! This is a great option for all over body coverage when doing summertime activities or just for day-to-day use on exposed skin.

FOR BABY
I have tried so many sunscreens on my children ages 17 months and 3 years. My favorite to date is BabyGanics SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray. I apply liberally all over them before putting on their swimsuits and reapply as needed. It has no smell, no irritation and rubs in quickly – key for fast moving boys! Once the beach or pool activity begins its hard to reapply so I often use Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 70. I quicky spray them down and even use it on their scalps! Neither of my children like to wear hats so this is a quick way to protect that sensitive part of the head and believe me it can burn.

What sunscreens have you found to be the best? Do you apply every single day? If you try any of the above suggestions let me know what you think! Comments always welcome.