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!

Easter Basket Ideas For Toddlers

Holidays have taken on a whole new meaning now that I am a mom.  Seeing Christmas, birthdays and upcoming Easter through the eyes of a child have made these days a lot more fun.  It also brings back fond memories of my own childhood holidays, with the ubitiquous photo of sitting on Santa’s lap and handing out cards to classmates on Valentine’s Day.

Last Easter my son was not even a year old so there wasn’t much to do but go to church.  This year we will do the same but also add on the traditions of an Easter basket and a couple of Easter egg hunts.  It took some hunting of my own but I have rounded-up a few ideas for simple but playful Easter baskets for young toddlers.

First…the basket.  The baskets from Pottery Barn Kids are super cute personalized and will last through the years.  Last Easter my mother purchased one for my son and I even use it as a centerpiece on our dining table filled with vintage looking paper Easter eggs in different sizes.  I also love the look of galvanized buckets such as these from Etsy shop BroddersTubs for a more contemporary look.  Of course inexpensive baskets from Target work just as well!

Now…what to put in these baskets? Older children are easy:  candy, candy and more candy.  Peruse the seasonal section at any Walgreens or Target and it is chocolate bunnies galore.  For toddlers, however, I really don’t see the need to give them anything for extra energy.  For candy alternatives I like snack treats such as Annie’s Graham Crackers, mini boxes of raisins or small bags of Happy Baby yogurt melts.  The all natural “Kitty Egg Crayons” from Etsy shop Kitty Baby Love is an adorable gift.  And what child doesn’t love a lovey? A small bunny blanket from Angel Dear provides something soft and lovable.  As a toy option Little People by Fisher Price is just the right size for a basket goodie.  Its a collection of figures in the form of different characters (farmer, bus driver, etc) and even superheroes (Holy Smokes, Batman!) perfect for little hands to hold.  Happy Easter!