Here
are some items I think would be pretty useful when traveling with
children:
A stroller gate check bag
If you're traveling by plane and bringing a stroller, you are sometimes
allowed to bring it with you to the gate and check it there, but
sometimes it will have to be checked with the rest of your luggage.
Often, it will then have to be put into a gigantic plastic bag and put
with the special luggage. A stroller gate check bag can make it a lot
easier to pack up your stroller, and it can also protect it (at least a
bit) from the rough treatment it might receive in the luggage hold.
A car seat travel accessory
I have only brought a car seat on a flight once, and found it to be
something of a hassle (partly because one of the airlines we traveled
with allowed it on board, and another didn't). However, when traveling
with a baby or young toddler it can definitely make the airplane seat
comfier for them. And this contraption will make it a lot easier to take
the car seat with you on your trip.
A kid-sized travel mattress
When my kids were babies, I usually brought along a fleece blanket that I
could spread on the floor or on a seat wherever we went for them to lay
on and sleep on. A travel mattress would have been a good option too,
especially since it could also be used at your destination, if you're
staying in a hotel or with friends or relatives.
A nursing cover
Breastfeeding is a very convenient way to feed your baby when you're
traveling: no accessories to pack, no washing up (unless you count your
nursing bra/nursing pads...), and no microwave needed. (I did the
bottle-travel with my oldest who never learned to latch and the
breastfeeding with my younger one: both ways work just fine on a plane,
but yes, breastfeeding was easier.) A nursing cover is a great way to
get some privacy for you and your baby when it's time to eat.
Reusable snack containers
I'm a big believer in bringing snacks
along on flights, and the best way to do that is in some kind of
packable, crush-resistant, reusable containers.
A kids' book
I'm sneaking this in here, because a good book can be a great travel
accessory on board, at the airport, or at bedtime.
Comfy travel pillows
No matter what kind of pillows you bring on board, it is difficult for
adults and kids to sleep comfortably in economy class. But a travel
pillow can definitely help. There are inflatable ones (I like these
because they're easy to pack), and others made of memory foam or other
materials.
A portable DVD player
This is an item I frequently consider buying, but haven't quite gotten
around to acquiring; partly because of price, and partly because it
makes for a lot of electronics to carry around for a flight. This
Tmvel 9" PAL/NTSC All Region Free Code Free Zone Free Multi-Region Portable DVD Player does look good though, especially it Play Any Region DVD 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0.
ID Wristbands
This is one of those items you hope you don't really need, but maybe it
would be a good idea to get, just in case. I was thinking it would be
especially handy if you're going to somewhere big and busy, like
Disneyland or other amusement parks or resorts. You simply write down
your contact information on a piece of paper that is inside the band,
and then your child just wears it (and you hope it will never, ever have
to looked at by other people...).
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