family blog

  The holidays are magical. How is travel required to get to Grandma’s house? Not so much. Whether you are driving 6 hours or flying across the country, traveling with kids requires military-level planning. 1. The "Snackle Box." Buy a cheap plastic tackle box or craft organizer (with little compartments). Fill each spot with a different snack: Cheerios, blueberries, cheese cubes, and pretzels. Why it works: The novelty of opening the little lids keeps toddlers occupied for 30 minutes, whereas a bag of chips keeps them busy for 30 seconds. 2. Wrap Old Toys A few weeks before the trip, hide 3 or 4 of their current toys. Wrap them in wrapping paper. On the trip: When they get fussy, hand them a "present." The excitement of unwrapping it makes the old toy feel brand new. 3. Respect the Sleep Routine It is tempting to keep kids up late for holiday parties. The Warning: A sleep-deprived child in a strange house is a recipe for a meltdown. Try to stick to their normal b...

  The idea of being trapped in a metal tube at 30,000 feet with a screaming infant is terrifying. But with the right prep, flying with a baby is manageable. Here are the 3 most important rules: Feed on Takeoff/Landing : The change in cabin pressure hurts their ears. Swallowing (nursing or bottle) helps their ears pop. Gate Check : Keep your stroller with you until the very last second. Gate-check it right at the airplane door so you have it immediately upon landing. Change Before Boarding : Airplane bathrooms are tiny. Do a "tactical diaper change" in the airport terminal 15 minutes before you board.