Traveling Tots
If you think A-listers can be demanding, try traveling with the under five set. Before embarking on a journey with little ones, remember the Boy Scout motto: be prepared. It can make or break your trip.
Little ones love surprises, and "special" (i.e., they don't get to use them often) toys. Having "for trips" only toys can help keep those little hands occupied. Our three-year-old daughter's "go out" backpack contains:
- books
- magnetic "paper dolls"
- coloring books.
- triangular crayons (so they won't roll off restaurant tables)
- invisible ink books with pens
- kid magazines, My Big Backyard and Sesame Street
- a tablet of paper
- reusable sticker books
Our ten-month-old's "to-go" toys include:
- board books
- a set of toy keys
- small baby-safe stuffed animal
- toy cell phone
- small rattle with mirrors
Long trips can be tough on grown ups, for little ones they can be agony. Keep everyone happy with little surprises along the way. Get some lunch bags and put a treat in each, such as:
- bubbles
- new coloring book
- press-on tattoos
- stickers
- toy binoculars
- magnifying glass
- new book
- chocolate chip granola bar
- small stuffed toy
- a small inflatable ball
- jump rope (to help blow off steam during breaks)
- a cool water bottle
- Crayola wonder finger-paints or markers and paper (awesome for travelers, no mess!!!)
Decide how you will dole out the goodies, it could be when:
- you reach certain cities
- every hour or half hour
- you see a pink flower
- you cross a bridge
- you see out of state license plates
- you change highways
You get the idea. Get the kids involved, and make a game out of it!
Snacks are crucial. Hungry kids are cranky kids, and hungry parents are no fun, either. Avoid the fast food trap by planning ahead. Pack plenty of water for each person, and foods your family enjoys that are easy to eat, serve, and clean up. Don't forget hand wipe or hand sanitizer, both is even better. If you are traveling by car, a small cooler can be great. Healthy snacks to bring along:
- orange sections
- grapes
- apples
- bananas
- pears
- sliced cheese
- cheese sticks
- Lunchmeats
- pre-cut fruit salad
- dried fruit
- pretzels
- Lunchmeat
- granola bars
What words can bring terror to a parent's heart? "I have to go, now!" Luckily, there are products on the market that can make life a little easier, including special oversized changing pads that are designed to make changing a diaper in the car a breeze, special bags designed to help keep stinky diaper smells trapped, and nifty portable potties that fold up like a little suitcase and use regular large zip-top plastic baggies for disposal. All are well worth the minimal investment they require.
Bring along childproofing gear, just in case. Unless they cater especially to families, few hotels offer it, fewer consider child proofing when setting up their rooms. Things to consider:
- outlet covers
- cabinet latches
- travel gates
- elastic table edge bands
- doorknob covers
A little preparation can make a big difference when it comes to little ones. Take some time before your trip, and happy trails await.
Kristin Ranuio was born in to a family of world travelers, Kristin was bitten by the bug early
and enjoys all form of travel, from road trips to crossing the world. A PADI
certified scuba diver, she dreams of and seeks out warm clear waters, and even
went so far as to marry a man who traveled the world for a living, making it a
family affair.has been a personal trainer and fitness pro- fessional for over a decade. She has been certified by ACE (American Council on Exercise), AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), CrushKick Cardio Kickboxing, and is a Yogafit instructor. Kristin has been writing about healthy lifestyles since 2001.