Family Travel Tips: Just in time for July 4th!

STRESSLESS SUMMER TRAVEL WITH KIDS: TIPS FOR THE PLANE, TRAIN OR AUTOMOBILE

As parents gear up to hit the road, they come to realization that tossing stuff in a suitcase is not going to work like it did in their pre-baby years. There are so many necessities for keeping kids happy and healthy while traveling that the task of getting everything together is daunting. Stacy DeBroff, parenting guru, author and founder of MomCentral.com has partnered with CVS pharmacy and their new line of Baby Care products to provide tips for creating the ultimate travel survival kit for stress-less and fun travel, no matter whether it’s via plane, train or automobile:

JUST IN CASE…

• Bring along a spare set of clothes for everyone (parents included)
• Don’t leave home without the cloth wipes as they can salvage almost any unexpected spill or spit-up. PLAYSKOOL Cottony Cloths are unique wipes as they are made with real cotton so they stay super-soft and strong, meaning you only have to pack a few
• Pack doubles of essentials, from pacifiers to diapers
• For toddlers, insulated with flip top design are perfect for travel as they both keep drinks cool longer, but also help prevent accidental spills
• Include snacks that won’t crumble or go bad, like pretzels or raisins, and drinks that don’t leave impossible stains, like bottles of water or apple juice boxes
• Split each family member’s clothes among your suitcases in case one bag is lost
• If staying at a hotel, bring along adhesive bandages to cover and baby proof any exposed outlets in the hotel room

KEEPING YOUR BABY OR TODDLER ENTERTAINED

• Nesting toys, baby proof mirrors, soft animals, plastic keys and help keep baby entertained and less fussy
• Keep Teething Keys in a cooler, and look for ones filled with non-toxic Ice Gel that remains soft even when frozen and gentle on baby’s sore gums
• Toddler picks include stickers and sticker books, crayons, small-wheeled cars and trucks and blank paper and rubber stamps
• Don’t give your child too many sweets: all the candy, junk food, and soda often leave kids feeling sick on the flight
• Buy small gifts and wrap them in tissue paper to hand out in spaced-out intervals

CAR TRAVEL

• Spread a sheet or beach towel over the backseat to make cleaning up spills and crumbs that much easier
• On those hot summer days when metal seatbelts can get too hot, cut an old sock and fit it over the seatbelt
• Put a box of toys or a soft suitcase or a diaper bag between two kids in the backseat. It gives them boundaries and also serves as an ad hoc table for play

PLANE

• Pack your diaper bag as if you were going to a desert island for an entire day!
• Request a bulkhead seat with lots of extra leg room to stand up and play in
• Loop toddler or baby toys on a thick cotton rope, as this keeps them from being flung into the aisles or on the laps of fellow passengers!
• Suction toys that won’t fall off the airline trays make perfect playthings for babies

For more great family travel products, visit www.cvs.com.

US $2.99 End Date: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 18:20:02 PST Buy It Now for only: US $2.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 20:27:23 PST Buy It Now for only: US $15.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 21:46:48 PST Buy It Now for only: US $15.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list