Sanity-Saving Ideas for Traveling with Small Humans
Some say the greatest gift we can give our children is the opportunity to explore this great world we live in. As magical as that sounds, the reality is that traveling with small children and babies can be challenging even on good days.
Luckily, there is a plethora of products that are specifically designed to make life on the road or in the air less stressful for everyone involved. Here are a few don’t-leave-home-without-them travel picks for families.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Planes can be notoriously loud and hard on little ears. The Banz® company makes quality Baby Banz Hearing Protection Earmuffs that are specifically designed for ages three months to two years. These soft and comfortable noise-canceling headphones have an industry-leading noise reduction rating that can mean the difference between a calm, happy child versus a stressed, overwhelmed one.
Backpack Diaper Bag
All parents know that a diaper bag is an essential part of everyday life whether travel is involved or not. But when traveling with toddlers or babies, there are never enough hands. Backpack diaper bags free up Mom’s and Dad’s hands for other things and make bending over, walking and even getting in and out of taxis much easier on everyone.
The Glober Water Resistant Diaper Backpack is one of the many exceptional backpack diaper bags. This roomy bag is versatile and can be worn as a backpack, over the shoulder or attached to a stroller. The Glober features a wide opening that allows parents to find what they need quickly, along with plenty of pockets and compartments and travel-friendly perks such as removable organizers that include an insulated zip bottle bag, a zipped pacifier pocket, a transparent zip-top pocket and a coordinated changing mat that neatly folds for storage. And it’s water-resistant!
Travel White Noise Machine
Like airports and airplanes, hotels can sometimes be filled with noises and distractions that make settling down for the night virtually impossible for babies or toddlers. HoMedics® makes the perfect compact white noise machine that comes with digitally recorded relaxing sounds such as white noise, sounds of a summer night, ocean waves and the comforting patter of rain. These rhythmic noises help drown out the chaos outside your hotel room and lull everyone to sleep faster. A sleeping baby means more sleep for the whole family!
Adventures in Babywearing
“Babywearing” refers to the practice of carrying a baby close against one’s body in a sling or similar carrier for safety and comfort reasons. Baby slings are perfect for traveling and are especially helpful when moving from the car through security and the airport, finding seats on the plane, and for using the restroom when traveling alone. Solly Baby Wrap is one example of travel-friendly baby wrap carriers for the modern parent. Designed for a baby’s first year of life, these stylish wraps can safely carry up to 25 pounds and can be worn on a parent’s front, back and as a hip hugger.
Travelers with toddlers can benefit from body carriers as well. Kids old enough to walk on their own are not always cooperative, especially when you’re in a hurry, and they get tired and cranky. The Lillebaby Toddler Carrier is best for youngsters around the 18-month to two-year mark. Parents will appreciate the breathable mesh center panel that keeps child and parent both cooler.
When Simple Is the Best Option
Macy Miller, mother of two toddlers and creator of Learning the Long Way, has a unique perspective on what works best with little ones while traveling. She should know; the Miller family of four (plus a very large Great Dane) are currently living the nomadic lifestyle in a 1966 Aloha Travel Trailer nicknamed Little Beastie. To date, the Millers have traveled 18,000 miles, seen 32 states and 15 national parks. When asked what her must-have travel choice was, her answer was surprisingly simple: squirt bottles.
“I can’t imagine any sort of travel without our trusty squirt bottles,” Macy shared. “They’re used nearly daily for something! We use them for off-grid dishwashing, one for soapy water and one for rinse water plus quick hand clean-up. They also make the best kid toys. Many hours have been spent making ‘soup’ in the dirt or having water fights. Also, when an off-leash dog came by, just having a bottle was handy to help them keep their distance from the kids. I didn’t know simple squirt bottles would be such an asset when we got them, but now I’ll never travel without several!”
The universal message for all parents traveling with small humans, whether it’s by boat, plane or car, is to take your time. Parents who remain calm and patient have a better chance of having calm and happy mini-travelers, too. ■
Sources: babymoov.com, carrymeaway.com, homedics.com, learningthelongway.com, shop.sollybaby.com and usa.banzworld.com.
