Kids Travel Must Haves
If you are anything like me, the fear that comes with flying with kids is REAL!!! The anxiety that starts to creep in a week before continues to grow. Over the many years of traveling with our kids, I have learned many tips and tricks that help make it a little easier. At the end of the day, we will survive, and the light at the end of the tunnel should be some fun family time.
I keep a bag of activities hidden away, so I can pull it out when we travel. These are things the kids only get to play with when we travel, so they feel new and fresh. That newness makes a big difference instead of bringing things they play with all the time. Think about it.. how many of us buy a new outfit or something fun to take on vacation and how exciting it is to wear it for the first time while out. It’s the same with their toys. I will add to the travel bag throughout the year if I see something fun on sale while out and about.
So what’s in the bag??
Being a family of five, we always have a window seat, which is a fun way to keep little hands busy. They can peel them off and move them around the window themselves. When they are done, put them back on the plastic, and you are ready for the trip home.
Melissa and Doug triangle crayons
These are a must for us. How many times have you been down on the plane floor looking for a runaway crayon on marker? Not on my watch!! I got you! These crayons are triangle shaped so they stay put on the tray table. I also love they come in a sturdy case, so when we are done they are safe and sound until next time.
I have talked about these before but they are just so darn good. My babes spend lots of time making all kinds of mess free creations. They are also very compact so its not awful to haul!!
Melissa and Doug watercolor book
Ok, I know what you are thinking… but trust me. With a cup from the flight attendant, a tablespoon of water, and a brush, this is an easy craft that will keep those little hands busy. I keep a wet wipe nearby to clean up the brush as needed and possibly some little hands. It will feel like such a special treat on the plane. (I have even packed Q tips to paint with if I don’t want to bother with a brush)
At some point they will want some sort of device. We love these headphones. All our kids have them.
It makes no difference how long it's been sense I have fed my kids as soon as we sit down on the plane, they want a snack. I fill these tackle boxes with lots of little snacks and pop them in their backpacks. Then they have lots of choices and can help themselves.
Random Bag of Crap
I have learned that the little babes love to play with unconventional things. This is one of my favorite mommy hacks and my go-to first birthday gift. I will take a medium-sized makeup bag and fill it with all kinds of random items (in sizes that are not a choking hazard). I often collect things and save them just to make these bags. Some of my go-to items are free hotel room keys, old spice jars, the scoop cups in protein powder, empty three spools, and old keys on key rings. I will also pick up things at the dollar store, like packs of spoons, combs and brush sets, sponges, toothbrushes, and scrunches. I also check out the toy section for things I think would be easy to grab, such as play bracelets, slinkies, rubber bath toys, and cars. Now all you do is load it all up into the bag, and I’m telling you it’s going to keep them entertained. They will spend lots of time taking things out one by one, examining them, and then putting them back in the bag. If you take anything from this post, I’m telling you this is it!!!!
Ok now that we have been through what we take on the plane here are a few of our favorites once we have landed.
With three kids, shlepping carseats has always been a huge pain. We found this little booster seat is perfect for our oldest.
Ok yes, this one is an investment but with three kids and a lot of travel, it has more than paid for itself. We had to watch the youtube video a few times to get the hang of it, but it is easy to use once you do. It’s so easy to haul and is one thing to check off my list.
I feel like most of our vacations involve the water. So naturally, my kids are going to want all the toys to play with in the water, but who has room for a boogie board in their suitcase??? Not us, that’s for sure. This guy is nice and compact and does not take long to blow up.
Space is very limited when traveling with a family of five. I love how easy it is to travel with these buckets.
Cheers Babes
XOXO
