On the Go

• Giraffe Backpack, Food Bags, OXO On the Go Spoon, OXO Roll Up Bib, Paige Lauren Romper, Submarine PJ’s, Nursery Rhyme Blocks, Robot Blanket, Stripes & Glitter Weekender

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The thought of traveling with kids can send even the coolest cucumber into a panic attack. You’ve asked how it works for us and the boys. The name of the game – preparation and simplicity.

 

EAT: Whether in the car or on the plane, eating is a big part of the traveling equation. If flying, I find it helpful to prepare two bags full of easy snacks: one for the ride there and pack the other in checked luggage to reserve for the return. In addition to dry snacks,  include fruit that doesn’t spoil at room temp: apples, oranges and/or bananas. Another trick: pack instant oatmeal cups. While technically a breakfast food, oatmeal can be eaten at any time of day. On the plane, your warm meal is one call button away. Simply request hot water, stir, and you’re set!

New Travel Products by OXO: the On the Go Spoon and Roll Up Bib. Now our spoons aren’t covered with fuzz and whatever else is lurking at the bottom of my bag. And the bib is completely wipeable, catch-all, and foldable for easy storage.

 

PLAY: We go for cheap entertainment around here. That means raiding the dollar section bins at Target and getting creative. Buy a pack of stickers and notebooks. Not only can the child peel and stick on pages; but you can draw related pictures, and even make stories with your work! New toys really do help! And for roughly $5 for each child, you can’t beat it! I also like to pack a few new books. Instead of buying, check out new reads from the library. We also like to pack toys that are multifunctional or can be used again and again. We like, Melissa Doug’s Water Wow and/or Nursery Rhyme blocks. Stack them, read them, sing with them, or whatever else comes to mind. Plus, they’re relatively quiet.

Of course, there’s also electronics as back up. We don’t like to use the iPad unless we absolutely need it. But in chance you do …

A Few of Our Favorite Apps: Zoola Animals, Monkey Preschool Lunchbox, Duck Duck Moose (fish hd & trucks), A Bee Sees, Paint Sparkles Draw, ABC alphabet phonics – preschool kids game free lite, Nighty Night the Bedtime Book, and iDream (use in hotel room).

Check out Carmel hotels if you’re looking for a great place to stay.

CARRY: For a week long vacation, we (two adults, toddler & infant) pack: 1 large checked suitcase, 1 carry on duffle/weekender bag, kids backpack, and an xlarge purse. Depending on the size of your family the amount of luggage will vary.

Suitcase: 5 outfits total for each person (choose pieces that can be intermixed into several outfits). The 6th & 7th outfits are the same — for travel days. Tips: Pack an empty plastic bag (or likes thereof) for collecting dirty clothes accumulated during your trip. Don’t forget your other snack bag for the ride home!

Duffle: Pack PJ’s, light blankets, and few toiletires in case checked luggage gets lost. If traveling at night, we change the boys into PJ’s at some point during the flight for comfortability and to help them understand it’s ‘bed-time’. Our laptop, snack bag, toys (remainder that don’t fit in plush backpack) and diapers/wipes (enough for the whole trip) are also packed in the duffle. In addition, it comes in handy during the vacation. If we’ll be gone too long to stop back into the hotel, we pack the duffle with clothing and whatever else we may need for night activities. By the return flight home, the duffle is lighter — souvenirs take the place of the diapers.

Backpack: Gage gets to carry his toys and a few books in his own backpack. An added bonus — it’s soft enough to be used as a pillow.

Purse: All of our important documents, camera, and iPad, all electronic chargers, instant oatmeal, and travel utensils.

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 This post is sponsored by OXO.
For a chance to win an OXO traveling tot gift package enter HERE.