Don’t Forget the Toys When Traveling with Your Children

As parents we know that the whining and crying to get out of the car can be frustrating. If they are newborn of infants and you know what they love bring it along. If your child can speak let them help pack their own bags. Some items to consider – books on CD, their favorite music CD’s, blankets, pillows and favorite small toys. Coloring books and crayons will also keep the young ones occupied – surprise them with a new one when the car gets moving. Keep the car clean by taking along a trash bag to collect the remains of snack time and moist wipes to clean up minor spills. An easily accessible (not packed deep in the trunk) change of clothes is a wise idea in case of spills or accidents. Here are some great toys to take with you when traveling.

Play and Grow Trotter the Pony and Freddie the Firefly
Soft plush toys with peek-a-boo mirrors and clinking rings attach to a baby’s car seat for endless entertainment.

Zoolio
Animal-inspired activity cards that fit into a fun travel case give toddlers practice zipping, buttoning, and snapping.

Magna Doodle On The Go Games
Play one of six preprinted games or enjoy doodling on a blank screen in this travel-size version of the classic drawing toy.

Travel Bingo
Cross off familiar objects on your Bingo pad – train tracks and stop signs, for example – as you spot them; perfect for the whole family.

My First Colors and Shapes Card Game, My First 1-2-3 Card Game, and My First ABC Alphabet Card Game
These games based on the ever-popular Golden Books series make learning colors, shapes, numbers, and letters fun.

Magic Magnets Funny Faces and Dolly Designer
A carrying case transforms into a play center where kids can design hundreds of funny faces and chic fashions with easy-to-use magnetic pieces on preprinted cards.

Some parents have portable DVD players in their car so that their child can watch or play a game. This is a great game system to have to pass time for them. No matter how you choose to get there, keeping the kids entertained is a top concern. Here is a checklist for traveling with children:

Cooler with beverages (water is best) and lunch items
Snacks (crackers, mini rice cakes, dry cereal, dried fruit or nuts and the like) in small zippered Plastic bags
Small backpack for child to carry own toys and art supplies
Pillows
Towels (in case of hot seats or spills)
Medical insurance cards
Prescriptions and other medications
Maps, directions and reservation confirmations
Camera and film
Books and magazines for kids and adults
Toys, playing cards, small games
Flashlight and batteries
Umbrella and rain jackets
Plastic bags for wet items
Wallet and/or purse and cash (sometimes we forget the most obvious things)
Credit cards and/or traveler’s checks (plus list of numbers of both)
ID or driver’s license
Car and house keys (plus duplicate sets kept in different bags)

Do not forget to lock your home before leaving the driveway. Make sure you have everything with you even the kids.