Games on the Go

In Parent's Magazine's October 2008 issue is an article titled 29 Kid's Games to Play On the Go. A few of these ideas are really great for travel, too... And won't annoy your fellow travelers, which is always a plus...

For Babies:

Who's This? Laminate photos of grandparents, aunts, uncles,
cousins, and their pets too. Put them on a key ring. Say the name of
each person as your baby looks at the picture. When that gets boring,
point to the cat and ask, "Is that Grandma?" Then try to get your baby
to shake her head "no." We have a little photo album with "extra" family photos in it. My two-year-old still loves looking at it. And my 4-year-old loves to "remember" when the pictures were taken.

Paperwork: Crumple a piece of plain white paper and give it to your baby. Let her
crumple it more. This is apparently really, really fun. When she gets
it too soggy (because it will go in her mouth), replace it with a new
sheet of paper.

For Toddlers:

Look Closely Pack a child's magnifying glass. If you're at a
place where she can walk around, let her check out her surroundings. If
not, dig things out of your purse for closer examination.

Mirror Game Let your child draw on a nonbreakable mirror with a
dry-erase marker (don't forget to toss one into your bag) as he looks
at his reflection. Whether he gives himself a mustache, glasses, or
freckles, he's bound to give himself a giggle. The only problem with toddlers and dry erase markers is that they like to draw on themselves, too! Keep a stain stick in your purse, too!

Tell Secrets
Whispering has a great effect in a loud, crowded place. Simply whisper
a message in your kid's ear. The background noise will require him to
focus intently on your message, and he will undoubtedly want to whisper
a message in your ear next. Concentrating on hearing and delivering the
whispered messages is calming for your child -- and for you too.

Talk to the Hand Use a plain brown paper bag as a puppet, and
talk to your toddler with it. Give your toddler a bag too, and your
hand will have someone who speaks the same language. We use socks. My girls love "sock hand puppets" and will even do this at home.

For Preschoolers:

Art Appreciation: Look around you. Is there a painting on a wall? Ask your kid
questions about the painting and, together, create a story. Who lives
in the house? Why does the man look so happy? If we are traveling we always have paper and crayons or markers. Have your child draw the picture as she sees it and then talk about both pictures together.

Tricks of the Eye Floating Hot Dog: Point the tips of your index fingers together
until they almost meet. Bring them closer to your eyes until it appears
that a hot dog is suspended in the air between them. Hole in the Hand:
Roll up a piece of paper and look through it with one eye. With both
eyes, focus on a distant object. Now hold your other hand right next to
the rolled-up paper. You'll see a hole in your hand.

How Big? Whip out a plastic retractable tape measure and your young surveyor can
get the measure of the land ... and the leg ... and the arm. When that
gets dull, challenge your kid to a "guess how many inches" contest with
your child's head. All kids love to have their head measured. I like a sewing tape measure... It's more flexible, doesn't have sharp edges and can be used as other things, too. Like a leash or a jump rope. And you'd be amazed at how often a kid can roll it up and then watch it unroll across the floor...

Budding Photographer? My daughters love my digital camera- or even the camera on my phone. And seeing things from their point of view makes you realize how much you miss. We love our VTECH Kidizoom camera. Or give them an old cell phone with photo capabilities. Let them take pictures and then talk about what they've seen.

Handy Things to Have On Hand

• Emergency lollipop. Even if your kids don't normally get to indulge.
  
• Favorite book. The one they always beg for. The one you're sort of sick of reading.
  
• Travel-size Magna Doodle. Or Etch A Sketch. The Aqua Doodle Travel N Doodle is wonderful, too.
  
• Notepad and crayons. Can't do without 'em.
  
• Audio story. Whether it's delivered by a CD or an MP3, a story is a lifesaver for a very long wait.
  
• Deck of cards. Have your kid make up a card trick or two. Flash cards are a favorite of ours, as well.
  
• Sticky notes. Doodle on them, make a flip book, or arrange them on a table in a cool design.

Portions of this article originally published in the October 2008 issue of Parents magazine.

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My Favorite Travel Diaper Bag

I received this Oilcloth Changing Tote as a gift when I had my second daughter. And,to be quite honest,I didn't think I would ever use it. But soon we were preparing for a flight- our first with the new baby and a two-year-old. And that is when I realized just how wonderful this tote is.

Because it is oilcloth anything you might get on it wipes right off. Plus, it's all-in-one. No changing pad to pull out; just unfold and you have all your diaper changing necessities in easy reach.

It is lightweight and so easily portable- no lugging a bulging bag (you already have enough in your carry on!). And because it folds so nicely I didn't have any difficulties about it being an "extra bag".

And it's chic. I get so many compliments on it. When we are at home it resides in the "mommy vehicle", packed and ready to go.



The Oilcloth Changing Tote is available from The Essential Bebe. Right now it is not listed on their web page so drop the ladies a note and they can take care of you. And don't forget to check out their other great stuff. We also have the Petite Love; it goes everywhere with us.

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Tips For The Airport

Brenna's first flight was from Des Moines, Iowa to Shannon, Ireland via Chicago and Dublin. Needless to say it was a very long flight. She was 12 months old. Luckily she showed no ear problems and slept quite a bit. Caelan's was from Des Moines to Dallas, TX when she was just two months old. Here are my tips for remaining sane.

1) If your child uses a safety seat in the car use it on the plane. Not only is it safer but your child will be more comfortable. It will also be familiar to them and will make the strangeness of the flight a bit more normal. Some airlines charge less for a child's seat; ask. We used a wheeled, collapsible dolly (you can find them in most stores in the luggage department) to pull the seat through the airport. If you fly often the Sit-N-Stroll Baby Car Seat and Stroller may be for you.

2) Do not try to carry your baby, your luggage and your carry-ons. Strap as much as you can in the carseat (if your child isn't in it!) and strap the carseat to a rolling suitcase or Folding Cart. And get a stroller/backpack combination. We have the InStep version and absolutely love it! This is the most versatile product we own and we can't imagine doing without it!

3) If you plan to keep baby on your lap, as we did for Caelan's first flight,I recommend using a Snugli By My Side carrier. Of course there are many other brands. I chose the Snugli By My Side for two reasons: one, I am short. The front carriers didn't allow me to walk easily with baby as her legs dangled too far down. And two, with baby on the hip it is more comfortable to sit.

4) Don't take your big, bulky stroller through the airport. These systems are expensive and will probably get damaged in some way. Airport baggage handlers who have to take the stroller from the jetway to the luggage area and back will thank you. Use an inexpensive umbrella stroller or the stroller/backpack.

5) Pack plenty of juice, milk and snacks - just be sure it's allowed through security before you go. Don't forget food if your child is too young to eat what the airline may serve. Pick up some new books and small toys to entertain your child. Brenna loves flash cards, coloring books and crayons. If you have purchased a seat for your child she gets one carry-on and one personal item, just like everyone else.

6) Yes, families with small children can board first. And if you are traveling alone with children you need to do this. But, if you have the option, one parent can go on and get the seats set up while the other remains in the terminal until final boarding call. Why strap the kids down before absolutely necessary?

7) Most flight attendants are great with kids. If you get stuck on the tarmac waiting for the weather to clear in Chicago (as we did for over an hour) the flight attendant can be a big help. Even though we were told to remain seated our flight attendant walked our daughter up and down the aisle and "introduced" her to the other passengers.

8) Know that sometimes you can't prevent the fussiness. Apologize to fellow passengers who are close. Most of them will understand and will appreciate your acknowledgement.

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