Elaborating on some practical 'traveling with kids' advice

I can honestly say I have no recollection of where I saw this (You Tube, linked from some other blog or forum? my apologies to the original idea 'generator'), but thought this bit of advice was hilarious...

It went something like this;

Before boarding a plane with a child (or children), purchase a variety of $10 gift cards. When you are settling your child and/or family into their seats, hand out gift cards to any other unsuspecting adult in a seat adjacent to yours. The idea being, now you, the parent/guardian of a potential meltdown, spiller, seat kicker, etc.. now have the upper hand in making peace with those around you. I thought that this idea was brilliant, along with the suggestion that one traveling with a family always boards a plane with a handful of foam ear plugs (they are MUCH cheaper than the gift card option), and similarly, hand them out to those seated around you.

The problem with this approach, however, is that it does nothing for the entertainment of your child or children. That's where Kids Travel Happy comes in.

Here are a few ideas really inexpensive ideas from our site that we are pretty confident you will get many miles out of (literally)! click on item to see more info on our site
- Water Games $6.95: adults will remember these games. Best of all? They come empty, so bring them through airline security, and fill up once through!

- Fifteen Puzzle/Frog Slide Puzzle $9.95/$4.95 (respectively); the frog puzzle is designed for 4-5 and up, and the fifteen puzzle is great because it comes with a travel case and a booklet with 40 or so other games to play

- Magnetic Board (letters NOT included) $3.95 (9" x 11.5") or $7.49 (12" x 16") then add Magnetic Poetry and other magnetic games and save taking the fridge (check out this BLOG for more info)

- NAMiTs Flash Cards on a ring: $7.95 - Junior, Original, and Challenge Versions: compact and durable, these ringed flash cards provide over 150 categories for naming, and brainstorming, award winning and developed by a mom in Maine

- Are we THERE yet? (Auto and/or Air editions) - cards in English and French to keep you bilingual and keep you and your family entertained for travels by car or plane. Many of the activities are "I Spy" themed - perfect for layovers, rest stops or en route.

- FUN on the RUN: 324 Instant Family Activities (BOOK) $8.95: perfect for car rides, doctor's waiting rooms, restaurants - an 'essential travel tool'

- Set of 2 Sandtimers: 1 minute and 2 minute times $3.50 for the set: we've had lots of fun with these, how many things can you spot in a minute, or, do you need the 2 minute timer?? Make up your own games and watch the time sift by!


- Word Rally: a word Search Game, $1.95
A handy little game, self-contained, pair it with the sandtimers, and have a timed, fast-paced word search game!

- Caterpillar Spillers set of 7, $5.95 - stack, sort, nest, count, connect, NOT your ordinary stacking cups (AND great for the toddler bath!)

There are many other fun, inexpensive items on our site, you can search by 'under $10', or browse the entire range of items. Many fun and high quality products at all price ranges.

Isn't this the coolest, craziest thing?

A SOLO (with a babe) TRAVELER's MUST HAVE

I recently ran across this on the web (another blog?), and couldn't resist contacting the company (Mommysentials) to be able to provide this on my site as a 'travel gear' option.

www.KidsTravelHappy.com as mentioned in previous posts is foucused on providing high quality games, books, activities and toys for kids of all ages for travel, home, and gift-giving, but when we come across strikingly unique 'gear' products like this one, well, we can't resist.

What is this thing?? It's called the Mommysentials Babykeeper Basic. What does it do? Isn't it obvious? It allows Mom (or whoever is on 'solo' duty with the babe) to use a bathroom, grocery cart etc. in a way that keeps the young one safe, nearby and clean! We just feel this is brilliant. And, with highest regards for the creators, we must say this looks hilarious (the baby 'model' upper right is particularly adorable!).

From the Manufacturer "Finally, the answer for when the Mom (or Dad) on the go...
HAS GOTTA GO! The Babykeeper is the only portable, safe and sanitary
solution for what to do with your infant or toddler while
using public restrooms and fitting rooms."

The Babykeeper Basic® is a patent pending infant carrier style seat, that hangs from the stall wall in most public restrooms, and can also be used in many public fitting rooms.
- For babies 6-18 months, who can sit unassisted
- Simple to use harness system keeps baby securely in the carrier
- Made with only the finest materials, to ensure your child's safety
- 2 large metal hooks encased in safety webbing, each lined with non-slip material for added security
- Durable and easy to clean nylon fabric
- Easy to use, and small enough to take everywhere you go

The Babykeeper® also provides you with a safer and more reliable means of restraining your child in a shopping cart. By using The Babykeeper® as a harness, you are making it practically impossible for your little one to climb out of their seat, thus preventing a fall

Visit our site to purchase, and pay only $6 flat rate shipping!

Should you buy your under 2-year old a seat on a plane?

(photo above is NOT a great example of child restraint!)

A friend of mine is travelling with her nearly 2 year old girl next week and we were having a discussion about flying without a reserved seat for an under (barely) 2-year old. They had already made the decision NOT to buy her a ticket, but I thought I'd first touch base on this topic before moving on to her other questions that prompted more investigation.

First of all, we have had this debate in my household, as we have flown many times with our boys, who are now 2.5 and 5. Most recently, we have travelled from Maine to Oahu, Hawaii and our youngest son, Izaac, turned 2 on the trip. We debated changing the trip to save the over $800 for his ticket, and come home before he turned 2. After about an hour into our first flight, we were SO thankful that we'd spent the money. First of all, it gave us room for him and his travel activities, and it also gave the adults their room. It made Izaac feel like a 'big boy' and it made it easier to get him to settle into the seat belt, for meals etc. By half-way through the flight, we would have paid thousands of dollars for his own seat if we didn't already have one.

My opinion is that once a child is mobile (crawling, standing, walking) it's worth every penny to get that seat for them, but infants and pre-crawlers are mostly going to be held anyway (and they are smaller!), so the seat isn't as essential. Also, if the plane is NOT full, I have been given an extra empty seat (unpaid) for my traveling lap child, but obviously, this is not a fool-proof strategy, as more and more flights are filling up these days!

Another thing to think about however, is that some airlines discount a seat for a child under 2. This was the case when our boys were under 2, but not sure with all of the changes in travel regulations these days. The ticket price (even at full fare) may be worth the extra luggage allowance your small travelling companion now has - we always made good use of it, checking car seats (although, usually these are NOT counted as part of the allowance), kid carrying backpacks or other things we would not PAY to take along.

Our investigation shows that some airlines require any child (even under 2) have a seat for international or similarly long flights.

A link on the FAA you may find useful (in reference to child restraint safety)

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

SO, now it brings us to the question of what can one bring for the UNticketed passenger?

As far as we can tell, a lap child is considered part of an adult's ticket, and thus is NOT allowed any luggage. Note that airlines will usually check a stroller at the gate, and a diaper bag is usually NOT counted as one of your carry-on bags. It is best, however, to check with your specific airlines. Airline's websites usually have this information in a not-so-hard-to-find place.

One other last tidbit worth mentioning when flying with an 'under 2' child. The bathrooms are equipped with a changing table, but if you've never used one, successful use of one is based on practice, and preparation. The space is tiny, and if you have unexpected turbulence (YIKES) it's a bit scary. Board the plane with your own self contained system you may be able to use on the floor (discretely), and all will be happier!

Make sure you pack proper activities to keep the young traveler busy. One cool activity is a set of hand puppets from Manhattan toy, where one is sized for a 'big' hand, and one for a 'small'.

Or, get a set of finger puppets and entertain with storytelling!

Enjoy your trip!