Travel Tips:
- No matter what age your child(ren) are you're going to have some type of battle. Just prepare your family with snacks, toys, and rest as you set out to enjoy family & vacations.
- Easiest time to travel is during the 1st year. Babies love to sleep on the plane and the engine sounds like white noise. Young Toddlers (ages 1 - 2.5yrs old) are difficult to travel with since they don't want to sit still or take a nap so bring along lots of books & toys. Children above 2.5yrs old understand the trip more and can more easily communicate their needs to you. You know your child the best and what type of activities they enjoy. A portable DVD player with their favorite movie or cartoon is always a sure winner for most families to pass the time.
- If travelling with 2 infant babies, only 1 baby can be a "lap-baby" per row (that includes all 3 seats on BOTH sides of the aisle for most airlines) Before the girls were 1 to save money we booked 1 window seat in front of the other so we both could hold our twins and pass food/toys back and forth. After 1 years of age, we booked 1 extra ticket so all 4 of us could sit in the same row. One baby was a lap-baby and one baby sat in the middle seat with the CARES seat belt system. Right at the 2nd birthday you are required by federal law to buy a seat per child.
- There is usually 1 bathroom in the back that is marked with a handicap sticker along with a baby changing table that pulls down. We either did a quick diaper change on our lap, on the extra seat between us, or in the lavatory stall depending on what type of diaper "mess" was involved and how long the line was for the restrooms.
- The flight attendants can give you milk and water on board for your bottles or sippy cups before/after/during beverage cart service.
- The flight attendants on board have always been extra helpful towards our family while travelling with children since the more we are able to keep our kids happy, the easier time they have keeping the rest of the cabin of passengers happy. If you are friendly to them, they are friendly back.
- Bring *Duct Tape* to child-proof any hotel room by covering outlets, light switches, cabinets, etc.
- If you are flying with young children that are 16+ months and don't necessarily want a bottle right away to suck on in order to help their ear pressure release, pack a bunch of snacks in zip lock bags to bring out during the flight (10+ types) and feed the salty snacks first (gold fish, pretzels, etc) and then when the flight takes off they will want their sippy cup of water and you'll be happy since their ears will equalize with the pressure and you'll deal with less of a fuss.
- Bring triangle crayons so they won't roll-off the airplane tray while coloring
- Bring copy of birth certificate or Passport ID just in case. Most airlines don't require ID for children travelling under 18 yrs old; however, we've heard of some requesting it. A Letter of Consent to Travel (LOC), signed by the non-traveling parent(s), is also not required when the child is traveling domestically. More info at: Alaska Airlines
- Check airline rules on travelling with large strollers. American Airlines and others are now requiring strollers weighing more than 20lbs or don't fold up to be checked with luggage. Click to read more.
Travel Products We LOVE:
- Airplane Travel: CARES Seat belt-system. Approved by most airlines so you don't have to bring the car seat on-board for older toddlers. We started using this for our girls at 15 months. (Buying 2 enter "Twins2" for 15%, Buying 3 enter "Trplet" for 25% discount) Alaska Airlines states that "Currently the AmSafe CARES Restraint is the only approved Aircraft Safety Device (ACSD)."
- Travel high chairs & pack n plays for easier hotel night stays or trip to grandma's.
- Travel table covers for local restaurants or while visiting a new place. These products help keep your child's food clean & contained:
- Travel bags that help protect your car seats & strollers at GATE check *OR* luggage claim. The backpack straps truly help you pull your luggage, carry the car seats, AND hold your child's hand.
- If you are travelling to a place where you can ship food, use http://www.amazon.com/ and have your baby food sent right to your relatives house so its ready upon your arrival. We LOVED being able to do this while visiting family since it meant it was ready to use right-away and we didn't have to make a quick run to the grocery store, send a shopping list in advance, or pack it in our travel bags. We also ordered the diapers & wipes to show up with this food supply.
Other GREAT Travel website resources:
- Kids Fly Safe - resource website
- Travel-Tot - resource website
- Tripit - FREE app or online resource to recording your travel itinerary information
- Balanzza Ergo - Handheld scale - weigh your bags before you travel
- TRAYblecloth Airplane Tray Activity Cover - tray cloth cover for activities on the airplane
Travel-Tot provides families with an easy, temporary, non-damaging way to childproof hotel rooms, motel rooms, even grandma’s house! Items included in the kit are: finger pinch guard, electrical outlet plug covers, foam corner guards, door knob cover, cord wind-up, sliding door lock, cabinet lock, multi-purpose straps, water thermometer, bandages, forehead thermometer, and “shhh, Travel-Tot sleeping” door hanger.
Cost = $29.95
Book Travel *DEALS* for flights, hotels, car, tickets, etc:
