For lots of families, traveling with kids is a complicated ordeal. Cross-country treks, multi-hour car trips and overnight stays in not-so-familiar places, like the ones that many had to go through during the holidays, are not only crazy, they can seem impossible.
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But if you accept that these trips will require more time, more planning and a whole lot more luggage, it'll all be easier. That and some of these incredible products that will change the way you travel with kids.
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Trunki
If you're going on a longer trip, it may be worth it to pack a separate suitcase for your kid. I like the Trunki because as your child grows, it can also be used as a ride-on, which will help you get through airports and train stations with ease. Trunki by Melissa & Doug, $39.99
Tablet
Any tablet will do, but I really like the ease of the iPad when using it with kids. This multi-purpose device can be used for white noise during naps and at night, play music and movies for long car rides, serve as an E-reader with great interactive storybooks while you're waiting at a restaurant and much more. Definitely a life-saver when traveling with small children. iPad, from $399
Travel Pillow
Car naps are great, but how many times have you wondered whether your baby's neck would be sore when he woke up? The Baby & Kids Travel Friends Pillow from One Step Ahead solves that problem, with an age-appropriate headrest and contoured bolsters that will keep your child's head upright. Baby & Kids Travel Friends Pillow, $19.95
Wriggle Wrapper
I especially love multi-use items for traveling and the Wriggle Wrapper by Phil & Teds definitely fits the bill. Its main use is as a portable harness to strap your child into dining chairs, but you can also secure it to your waist for hands-free lap sitting, and with the included extension strap it can be used as a sleep wrap that converts any single mattress into a safe infant sleep surface. Wriggle Wrapper by Phil & Teds, $49.99
Easy Scoop Bowls
Tommee Tippee's Easy Scoop Bowls are an awesome on-the-go solution. In our family travels, I've found that a lot of rest stops, food courts and airports simply do not offer food that I would feed my child, so I pack what I can in these bowls, snap on the lid and use the enclosed spoon. The best part is, that once you replace the lid and spoon, you can put it all aside to wash when you reach your destination, without mussing up your diaper bag. Tommee Tippee Easy Scoop Bowls, $4.79 for two bowls with one spoon and lid.
Flyebaby
You can keep your infant secure and comfy during flights with the Flyebaby–a hammock-like device that attaches to the seat back and is compliant with all FAA regulations. Since the Flyebaby doesn't require it's own seat, you'll still be able to take advantage of free/discounted infant airfare. Flyebaby infant airplane seat, $49.95
Boba Air
My one-and-a-half year old son sometimes falls asleep in a carrier when he's not even due for a nap — a godsend when we're on the go. The Boba Air can be used as a front or back carrier, is incredibly lightweight and can fold up into its own sleeping hood when not in use, making it ultra-portable. Boba Air, $65
