Make holiday travel with kids a little easier
The holiday season and the busiest travel days of the year are upon us. Traveling with little ones in tow is always an adventure and often a lesson in patience and creativity. While we can’t do much about airport delays or traffic on the highway, bringing along the right products can alleviate a few headaches. Here’s a few of our favorites for holiday travel with kids in no particular order:
1. Travel Bed
No matter how much holiday fun you’re having, if the little ones aren’t sleeping, everyone suffers. If your destination doesn’t have a crib for baby or toddler bed, bringing one that is easy to transport and your little one will actually sleep in is key. Four babies we love the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light, and for toddlers and younger kids, we love the Shrunks Toddler Bed.
2. Lightweight Stroller
Even for toddlers who usually prefer to walk, holidays and travel = tired kids and having a stroller is usually a good idea. We love the Baby Jogger City Tour as it’s so lightweight, compact and easy to use.
3. Headphones
Devices aren’t for everyone, but whether your little ones are listening to music, books on tape, playing games or watching movies, headphones are essential for everyone around them. We love lilgadgets Connect+ as they’re fantastic for siblings who want to listen together.
4. Fun Travel Bag for Kids
For older kiddos, having their own bag can be exciting and give them a sense of responsibility. There are lots of great options out there including backpacks and roller bags, we love the fun designs and ingenuity of the Trunki.
5. Water Bottle
Staying hydrating while traveling is key, but carting around bulky water bottles and keeping them clean isn’t always easy. These water bottle cap adapters from iplay baby quickly convert a standard water bottle into a sippy cup.
6. Activities
Stocking up on new activities is always a good idea before a trip. Melissa and Doug has a great selection of “on the go” activities, we especially love Water Wow because unlike coloring they’re not messy and the kiddos can do them over and over. 
7. Wipes for Clean Up
Messy fingers and faces are inevitable when traveling, keeping wipes stashed in your bag is a must. We love Neat Cheeks because they make it easier with a lot less protest.
8. Travel Pillow
Whether your on a plane, a train or riding in the car, holiday travel can be exhausting. Having a pillow to encourage your little one to rest is never a bad idea. We love these adorable pillows from Skip Hop.
9. Smart Diaper Bag
Choosing the right diaper bag for travel is key. Our main criteria is easy to clean, plenty of space, lots of pockets and carrying options including backpack straps. For all these reasons and more, we love the B.F.F. Bag from Ju Ju Be.
10. Carrier
Traveling with young kiddos brings a whole new meaning to the saying “hands free.” With a baby or young toddler in tow, wearing them in a carrier is virtually the only way to make this happen. Bringing a carrier that is easy to pack and offers versatility with positions is usually a good bet – there are so many great choices but we love the Lillebaby Complete.
11. Car Seat on Wheels
Brining your little one’s car seat is often a smart move as it’s comfortable, familiar and on an airplane will keep your little strapped in and may even encourage them to take a rest. The Go-Go Babyz Travelmate is a lifesaver when it comes to carting the seat through the airport.
12. Cares Harness
If you decide not to bring your toddler’s car seat on the plane, the CARES Harness is a great option to keep them safe and secure in their seat.
Do you have tips for holiday travel with kids?
This post was contributed by Rebecca Spear as part of Savvy Sassy Moms Product Scouts. You can find more from Rebecca on her blog, Mainely Mama.
