Travelling Over the Holidays?

Travelling with young children over the holidays to see friends and relatives is exciting for children. But it can be difficult and tiring for everyone. Here are well-tested travel tips to make it all go a little smoother:

--If you are travelling by car, leave about an hour before naptime. Then you get an hour before nap, naptime, and maybe an hour of driving after the nap before you have to stop if you are lucky. Or alternatively, leave an hour before bedtime and drive through the night. One warning: don't drive through the night if your child doesn't sleep well at night. That can be disastrous. Believe me, I've been there!

--Stop for a meal and then stop separately for dessert. Then you can say, "If you can both sit back there without hurting each other for another hour, we will get you some dessert."

--If you can stop at one of those McDonald's with a play area all the better because then those little wiggly worms can work out some of their energy.

--If you are travelling by plane, do not schedule to fly during nap or bedtime if at all possible unless you have a baby. Your child will very likely be too excited to sleep because they are going on a plane, but they will be tired enough to have a tantrum every five minutes.

--If you have a baby, get a seat by the bulkhead and reserve a bassinet. And the bulkhead is also good if you have a toddler and a long flight. They can play on a blanket in the extra space. Otherwise, don't get a bulkhead seat because you can't stow your stuff under the seat in front of you and you will be getting up every few minutes to pull down the bag to retrieve whatever item your antsy child wants next.

--Nurse or give your baby a bottle on take-off and landing to help relieve the pressure in their ears or be sure to bring some gum for children old enough to chew it. Gum is so much fun!

--Either by plane or car, buy a bunch of small, inexpensive toys at resale shops (Grow With Me, for instance) and hide them away. Wrap them up if you have time and then give them something new every half hour or so during the trip. They will be so happy and so will you!

--Make sure you have more than enough snacks, diapers, and a change of clothing for everyone (with you on the plane if you are flying). I'm not kidding about this one. Imagine that you are on a short one hour flight and assume you don't need these extra clothes. Now imagine baby having a huge blowout poop all over your lap during that short one hour trip! Need I say more? You can grab something out of our weekend dollar bins for that extra travel outfit.

--Bring a portable dvd player with you or laptop computer. Then, if you don't already have one, buy a cd/dvd case and stuff it full of videos and music. We have a good selection of both here at the store. Oh, and if you have two children, don't expect them to share or take turns. Really, I promise you, it's worth investing in two. And thenonce again, everyone will be happy!

--Books or audiobooks also help pass the time, unless your little one gets car sick. Stop by to pick up some new ones!

--Grow With Me has Pack & Plays, Portable Swings, Booster Seats, Bedrails, Baby Carriers, and Diaper Bags of all shapes and sizes to use once you reach your destination.

--Ifyou are staying at a hotel, be sure to bring your swimsuits! That's half the fun for the kids. If the kiddos have grown since the summer, we keep swimwear out all year long.

--And don't forget that you will have to do this all in reverse on the way home!

Wherever you may be going and however you may be getting there, Grow With Me wishes all of you easy travels!