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The holidays are here, and you are anticipating quality time spent with family and friends. It is also one of the most hectic seasons of the year, if you have to travel many miles to be with the people you love. Traveling with young children can be stressful, especially around the holidays. But with the proper planning and tools, you can change your trip from stressful to fun. We will share five must-haves to stuff in your luggage that will be sure to ease some of the stress for you and your child.
- Noise Reducing Headsets. The airports are at their busiest. The many sights and sounds can be overstimulating for babies and toddlers. Consider a noise-cancelling headset that's lightweight and comfortable. You also have a choice between noise reducing headsets and noise cancelling ear plugs.
- Travel Tray Table Cover with Pockets. I was on a long flight when I noticed a mom constantly pick up her child’s crayons and hot wheels that rolled off the tray table several times. She was clearly frustrated after a few pickups. The child was sad for making mom “mad,” so he stopped playing and sat there with folded hands. I could see the regret on mom’s face. She must have been tired from a long day at the airport. If only she had known about the Travel Tray with Pockets! This travel tray will keep your child entertained offscreen while keeping little toys and trinkets intact.
- Match-Up Memory Snack Tray. Let's talk about feeding and entertaining your child at the same time. This is a fun interactive game snack tray for children of all ages (well, recommended for ages 2 to 99). Even the picky eater would appreciate this fun tray. Just fill it with their favorite snacks and hand it over to them for several minutes of entertainment.
- Juice Box for Toddlers or Baby Bottles for Infants. The last time we checked, the TSA allows you to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids through the checkpoint. A small juice box of 3.4 ounces is approved. During takeoff and landing, swallowing, chewing and yawning can help reduce pressure buildup in the ears. It would be a good time to give your child a drink of water or 100% fruit juice to keep the ears from plugging up. We do not encourage sugary drinks on a long flight as they could cause some restlessness.
- The Comfy JR Wearable Blanket. We can't say enough good things about this comfortable blanket! Just check out the ratings and reviews online. This blanket is sure to keep your child warm on a cold flight (some adults too). Typical blankets are okay, but they don't protect the head from the cabin air that blows directly from the overhead bins. Unless you are flying first class or business class, the airline-provided blankets are quite thin. If the Comfy JR Wearable Blanket isn't long enough, a second blanket could be used to cover the legs. Also, if budget is an issue, there are comparable sherpa blankets available for a lower cost. However, the Comfy JR Wearable Blanket is our top choice, because you will get great value for your bucks.
We hope these five must-haves will help create an enjoyable travel experience for you and your family. We wish you Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!
- Idong E. and the ID Ventures Team