Best travel tips

Greatest travel accessory
I picked up a package of “ Color Wonder Finger Paints” and that was the greatest traveling accessory I brought with me that trip. The Wonder Colors require no water, there is a palate of Vaseline type “goo” (wipes off easily) and when touched to the special coloring book the color desired shows up like magic. The color does not show up on anything else so there is zero mess.

This amazing invention and a few of my daughter’s favorite snacks I brought along in case we got in a pinch made the trip so easy.

Another big travel entertainment hit
Also a big hit for my daughter was the airline provided headphones and music. For the entire 2 hour leg of our flight she sat with the headphones on her head, playing with her finger paints. This even provided a distraction for her while I got up to use the restroom often, as pregnant women do. She never made a sound and was even complimented on her behavior by the elderly couple sitting across the isle from our seats.

Family restrooms
In most airports now there is access to “Family Restrooms”.  I suggest you seek these out and use them when traveling with small children that ride in strollers. They are large restrooms with changing tables and lots of room to park that stroller while everyone in the family is serviced between flights.

Airport dollars
One other thing that I did was give my daughter a few “airport dollars”. She felt very grown up and privileged to be able to blow a few dollars on a candy bar or apple juice at one of the airport shops.

Disposable cups
You can also see a disposable cup with lid in the picture of my daughter on the plane. These are always with us for flights too - that way we can just toss them after the flights instead of having to keep up with them during our vacation.

This fall my husband and I will be traveling to New Orleans with our 8 month old baby and our oldest daughter who will then be 4 years. I am anxious about this trip, but I know with a little planning and good advice we can make it work.

We think so too, Stacey! And thanks for your wonderful contribution to Flying with Kids. A small thank-you gift is on its way to you from the FWK team! (Ed)

If you'd like to send your travel tips to Flying with Kids, just email the Ed .

One Step Ahead

We've found these fantastic travel toys at One Step Ahead. Click the link above to go there and buy.