Traveling with Toddlers

Take the Stress Out of Traveling with Toddlers

by Meredith L. Phillips

Traveling with little ones can be a stressful event, even with the best-laid plans.  Anything that can make a trip go smoother is worth the money.  Here are a few items we tested this summer, including a six-day round trip from Kansas City to New York City, and found to be especially helpful.  We hope they help save your sanity, as well.

Mutsy GrowUp! Seat -

This soft, flexible booster seat is small and lightweight, making it quite portable and easy to install.  After the first round of belt adjustment to fit your child, it is simple to move from chair to chair, adjusting the back and bottom straps to accommodate a new location.  Allowing a child to take part in more family activities and joining the adults in a "big people" chair provides a sense of confidence that a traditional high chair cannot.  Along with portability, this seat grows with your child to about age four.  The GrowUp comes in bright colors and cleans up with a damp cloth.  $59  www.mutsy.com

Kushies My Bag -

This bag is so versatile that it goes from nursery care to a sleepover at Grandma's house with ease.  A hook allows vertical hanging to save space in daycare cubbies.  Kushies thought of everything, including bags for both clean and soiled clothing, as well as insulated meds and food zippered pouches.  The cheery striped pillow and blanket set is soft and washable.  I would recommend this as a great baby shower gift.  $79  www.kushiesonline.com

Pediped - 

The new machine washable shoes from Pediped allow parents to pack just one pair of vacation shoes and relax while kids splash in mud puddles, play in the dirt, and run through the tall grass.  These lightweight, comfy shoes come with an extra insole for extended wear and better fit.  They feature temperature and moisture control as well as a microbial odor repellant.  Pediped's structural design promote healthy foot development.  Soft soles are available to infant size 6, and the Pediped Flex soles with a shock absorbing heel and arch support are available to size 12.  $48  www.pediped.com

Kushies Training Pants -  These machine washable, pull-on pants resist leaks when your toddler can't help but go while on-the-go.  Environmentally-friendly, they are both reusable and free of lead, BPA, PVC, and pthalates.  Though waterproof, these printed pants are lined with 100% cotton flannel to feel soft against skin and to prevent rashes.  Reusing these adorable underwear saves a ton of money and waste over the disposable training pants.  Find these in sizes to fit little trainers from 22 to 50 lbs.  $10  www.kushies.com

Mutsy Easyrider Stroller -

The Easyrider has many features of a full-size model but folds to the size of an umbrella stroller for easier storage, perfect to pack in the car or check on a plane.  At only 14 pounds, this is the perfect stroller for carrying, packing, and handling on long trips and is has great features for any use.  The swivel front wheels and a suspension system especially for handling bumps and curbs.  A 5-point harness offers better security than many umbrella models.  The Easyrider reclines fully, and the adjustable leg rest provides support for babies and toddlers alike.  This stroller has ergonomic handles, a large canopy with peekaboo flap, and a handy mesh basket.  Recommended for ages 3 months and up, the Easyrider comes in navy or red, and an optional rain cover may be ordered.  $169  www.mutsy.com

Kokopax Samamntha Diaper Tote -

A great everyday bag for Mom, the Samantha diaper tote works perfectly as a carry-on, too.  At 20"x14"x5", it collapses to fit into a stroller basket or to stow under an airplane seat.  This stylish and roomy bag includes a changing pad, zippered pocket, magnetic closure, deep pockets, beverage compartment to hold as much or as little as you need for a trip to the store or off to a summer adventure.  The Samantha is made of 100% cotton canvas, chocolate leather trim, and water-resistant lining with a cheery print inside & out!  Five fabric patterns are available.  $100  www.kokopax.com

C.A.R.E.S. System -

After 9/11, fewer car seats have been used on airlines due to the hassles of carrying them through security checkpoints.  Kids over age two have to occupy their own seat but only get a lap belt, which often does not secure them properly.  C.A.R.E.S. is made by a manufacturer of aviation seatbelts and comes from the design of a concerned grandmother who wanted parents to have a convenient option with a more secure fit.  This airplane harness system from KidsFlySafe, LLC, gives peace of mind without the need for a bulky car seat.  At only one pound, this belt is a breeze to carry and install and provides the safety of a 20-pound car seat.  The only FAA approved alternative to a car seat, it installs in just one minute and fits almost any airline seat.  The $75 price tag may seem a bit hefty, but it is well worth it for the safety of little ones who are too small for just a lap belt.  The C.A.R.E.S. system is approved for children from 22 to 44 pounds and approximately one to four years of age.  C.A.R.E.S. includes a DVD and a manual, which is hardly necessary.  Approved for U.S. aircraft for domestic or international flights, over 55,000 units have been sold.  $75  www.kidsflysafe.com

Earplanes -

These little devices allow air pressure in the ears to be released without the pain usually suffered by many flyers.  We find that Earplanes work great for adults and for the little ones who leave them in.  Distracting a child can extend the time left in but some pulll them out at the first sign of discomfort.  A pair is affordable enough, though, to be worth any benefit for a small child suffering from painful ear pressure during takeoff or landing.  These can usually be found in Walmart or Walgreens in adult sizes, but if they don't carry child sizes, you can find them online.  $6 www.drugstore.com