Planning a trip and traveling to Disney World or Disneyland with kids is extremely exciting but, at the same time, can be very overwhelming. There is so much to do and think about. What should you reserve? What do you need to pack? How can you find the best deals? That’s why we’re chatting with Sarah, today’s guest, to give us the scoop on all the best tips and tricks to make your next Disney vacation with the kids just as amazing as you imagined!

Who is Sarah Huff?

Sarah Huff is a SoCal native and mom to two boys (8 and 6 years old). With a background in Business Administration and Psychology, Sarah joined the Baby Quip team in 2016. She now manages the ever-growing Quality Provider Community by providing real-time support to Quality Providers, maintains a superb brand image through quality control, and oversees customer service and support for all of BabyQuip. When she’s not chasing her tiny boy gang around, she’s soaking up the California sunshine.

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, we chat with Sarah about all things Disney, including the best tips on how to have a magical trip with the kids! Here are several of the questions that we covered:

• Where should a family start when planning a Disney trip?
• How can families get the most out of a Disney trip?
• What should families take into consideration when choosing a place to stay at Disney? And how do you recommend families find the best hotel deals?
• What recommendations do you have for planning out each day when visiting Disney?
• Do you plan out your rides and meals at Disney in advance of your trip? What recommendations do you have for this process?
• What are your top tips and tricks for babies and toddlers at Disney?
• What gear and products are the most important things to bring to Disney World with a baby or toddler?
• What “must haves” do you pack in your bag for a day at Disney?
• What are your top “Disney hacks” for doing the parks like a pro?
• How do you recommend keeping young kids engaged when they might get tired after a long day at Disney?
• Disney vacations can be expensive. What are your tips for saving, and what is worth the splurge?
• What resources would you recommend for families who are looking to plan a Disney vacation?

Sarah shared some amazing and helpful information with us today. Now we feel completely ready for our next trip! We hope you feel the same. Cheers to a magical Disney vacation with the kids!

Sarah’s Resources

• Website: BabyQuip.com
• Instagram: @babyquip
• Facebook: @babyquip
• Sarah’s Facebook: @babyquipsarahhuff

Parents shouldn’t forget to have a great pack-and-play when it comes to must-haves for any baby. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which pack-and-play is best for your family.

Whether you need a pack-and-play primarily as a baby playpen or need a pack-and-play with a bassinet for sleeping, we can help you choose with our picks for the best pack-and-plays available in 2024. Check out our favorites below.

Summertime means travel for most families, thanks to the prolonged break from school and sports obligations. But can some kiddos be too young to experience those grand trips parents are planning and saving for? One writer asked this question when he realized his 4-year-old traveling companion might not remember their family vacation. This prompted him to ask the pros what they thought.

According to the experts, there’s a good reason children don’t necessarily remember the details from their toddler vacations. However, they’ve offered up some tips for how you can change that.

Children Don’t Create Accessible Memories Until Age 4

Science seems to tiptoe around the exact age children begin creating those formative memories. But the consensus is that it doesn’t start before age 4.

“Since there’s a large range for when long-term memories begin and persist, it’s hard to say definitively when the right time is for a bucket-list trip for any given family,” Rebecca Weksner told The Washington Post. She is a psychologist in Massachusetts specializing in pediatrics and the mother of three young children. “One child may recall it since the emotional experience may have been so strong as to create a lasting memory trace, while for another it may not,” she explained.

Some Things Can Make Memories More Likely To Stick

You can do a few things to make your big-ticket vacation more memorable for your child, according to Ryan Sultan, who also spoke with the Post. He’s an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University.

“To make experiences more memorable, consider activities that cater to their interests,” he says. He notes that trips where they participate in activities and experience sensory stimulation can leave a bigger impression. “A visit to a children’s museum or a zoo can be more memorable than passively sightseeing.”

Parents and caregivers should also focus on keeping their kids in good spirits, so they have good memories of their trip. Travel planner Tom Marchant told the Post that he and his company Black Tomato help parents with this. “We organize experiences that can be done in a short time frame so that a child’s wonder is maintained,” he explained. “This way we avoid young children becoming annoyed and tired, which could eclipse the richness of the experience.”

In other words, skip the long lines and don’t over-schedule. And follow your toddlers’ cues when they’ve had enough for the day!

Keep the Memories Alive After You Get Home

We all know how critical repetition can be when helping toddlers learn. Jessica Sproat, a child development specialist from Vancouver, told The Washington Post that parents should talk about their trip after they arrive home, especially when comparing what they saw while they were away to the sights and tastes back home. She gave a few conversation starter examples, like “This is different than what we saw in…” and “This tastes similar to what you ate in….”

“This process of linking existing knowledge to new experiences strengthens cognitive associations, helps with knowledge transfer and improves memory,” she continued.

Chatting about your time away, especially while recalling pleasant memories, can help you both remember the good times you had. This can make it easier for kids to remember their trip long after you’ve put away the suitcases.

Sometimes, Travel is About More Than Creating Memories for Your Child

Traveling with young children has plenty of benefits beyond getting a chance to see the world.

“Travel provides multiple opportunities for new experiences and therefore has the ability to activate different regions of the brain,” Jessica shared in her interview. “These activations strengthen the connections between neurons in the brain and increase its ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences, leading to increased learning capacity.”

Let’s not forget the benefits of a shared experience that parents will carry for a lifetime. While your 2-year-old may not remember the trip of a lifetime to Disney, you will! You’ll forever have that image of the first time they saw the Magic Kingdom or met their favorite movie character. And that may be all that matters.

If you’ve flown with a baby on an airplane, you know it’s one of the least fun things you can do with a small child. These lap babies squirm and cry, their ears pop, and you end up a sweaty, exhausted mess, questioning many of your life choices.

However, despite the horror of dealing with a blowout diaper in a tiny 12-inch wide bathroom or the embarrassment of your one-year-old chucking his toy at the head of the person in front of you. Or the fear that surges through you when you realize you tore through all their snacks in the first 20 minutes in the desperate (and failed) attempt at keeping them entertained, at least there’s one perk parents have been capitalizing on for years — those tiny terrors fly for free.

But even that one positive part of flying with tiny humans (who have zero control over their limbs and bodily fluids) might be going away.

Flight Attendants Call for a Change for the Safety of Lap Babies

According to the New York Post, flight attendants are calling for a change in policy for lap babies. They want to see everyone on a flight — even the tiniest passengers — in their own seats that they are buckled into. The concept is “a seat for every soul.”

And if you think about it, it makes sense. When turbulence hits, we are all told to buckle up, but lap babies aren’t secure. Like ensuring they are harnessed and safely buckled in when riding in a car, plane turbulence can be dangerous, and having a child in their parent’s arms, flight attendants say, isn’t enough to keep them from harm.

“We’ve seen airplanes go through turbulence recently and drop 4,000 feet in a split second,” said Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, as reported by The Washington Post. “The G-forces are not something even the most loving mother or father can guard against and hold their child. It’s just physically impossible.”

Children under age two can fly for free as a “lap child” on most airlines — a policy that’s been in place for decades. But flight attendants have seen first-hand the physical harm that can come to a child not properly restrained.

On a recent flight that hit turbulence, the New York Post reports, seven people were injured, and an “infant flew out of their mother’s arms.”

FAA Joins Call for Ban on Lap Babies, But There is No Industry Rule

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA union has banded together to call for change. And although the Federal Aviation Administration doesn’t require infants and children under two to be buckled into their own seats, the New York Post reports that the FAA does echo the recommendation of health experts who have joined flight attendants in their call for a ban on lap babies.

The FAA states that the safest place for a child younger than two on an airplane is a restraint system in their own seat, not your lap. “Your arms aren’t capable of holding your in-lap child securely, especially during unexpected turbulence, which is the number one cause of pediatric injuries on an airplane.” The FAA recommends that parents and guardians bring a restraint device on flights.¹

Airlines, however, aren’t yet on board. Flying is expensive, and if parents must pay for a seat for their baby (knowing full well they’ll probably be holding them most of the time anyway, so the child doesn’t scream and disturb the entire plane), they might not fly at all and choose to road-trip it instead.

And parents who are already lugging 900 things through the airport when traveling with little ones — a diaper bag, an activity bag, snacks, a stroller – bringing their bulky car seat onto the plane may not be high on their list. For a lot of exhausted parents, that’s going to be a big ol’ nope.

Suggestions to Help Parents and Airlines

There are, however, ways to make buying that extra seat a little bit easier on parents. For one, The Washington Post shared a great idea from Ben Hoffman, president-Elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Hoffman suggested airlines compromise and offer a discounted rate for the child’s seat to ease parents’ financial burden and maybe encourage them to choose the safest option, even if they have to spend a bit more to avoid having babies in laps.

Another idea, once a child can sit upright, they can utilize a child airplane safety travel harness specially designed for children older than one. They’re easy to install and better than lugging around a heavy car seat through the airport.

Extra Cost May Be Worth the Peace of Mind

Having traveled with my kids many times when they were babies, I can attest to how hard it is to hold your baby the entire flight. So yes, while paying the extra cost is a burden, parents would then be able to put their baby into their car seat for some much-needed rest themselves. And you can’t put a price on that.

The push from the union of 50,000 flight attendants worldwide to ban lap babies isn’t new; in fact, it goes back to a tragic flight from 1989 when United Airlines flight 232 had a crash landing. One infant named Evan Tsao died that day, and two other passengers were injured. Then, flight attendants began their quest to ban unsecured infants so no other child would meet the same fate.²

With 30 years of fighting, will flight attendants’ fight against lap babies finally lead to real change? It looks like parents of young children will soon find out. But for now, if you’re planning air travel with a baby, you might want to consider booking that extra seat. Your child will be safer, and your arms will thank you!

Traveling with toddlers is always an adventure, but making memories as a family is priceless. Preparing for anything that may come up makes things like traveling with toddlers easier. It feels like moving with all the items you need to gather to take with you. You may need items for eating, sleeping, playing, and more.

It can be overwhelming when packing to anticipate all the things you may need while on a trip. It certainly can be helpful to list everything your toddler may need. Then, narrow it to the essential items. I’m sharing all the must-have toddler travel items to make packing easier.

Must-Haves for Traveling with Toddlers

Snacks and Mealtime

1. hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat

This portable highchair has been an absolute must when on the go and traveling with my son. It folds up easily, and the tray can be removed as needed for easy cleaning. The cover is also machine washable. It can be used on the ground or tethered to an adult chair as a booster seat. We also use it at the beach as his chair without the tray.

2. Munchkin Snack Catcher

These snack catchers are a must for traveling with toddlers. Fill them with your kid’s favorite snack by removing the top. It has handles that make it easy for them to hold. The opening for the top is spill-proof while still allowing them to get the actual snack out. You can easily clean them with soap and water; they are very durable and are our diaper bag staple!

3. GoBe Kids Snack Spinner

Take the fun of snack time on the go up a notch with this spinner. Each compartment separates the snack and prevents spilling when the lid is snapped close. There is a button in the center that rotates the compartment. This will give your toddler the novelty of switching compartments and eating their snacks. It makes snack time even more entertaining and fun. And it can easily be taken apart to be washed as needed.

4. Bentgo® Kids Water Bottle

Staying hydrated when traveling is so important. This leak-proof water bottle will keep you mess-free. It features different fun prints to choose from and has a straw inside for easy sipping. You can easily take it apart for washing.

5. Teivio Reusable Portable Travel Utensils

This set of toddler utensils includes a fork, spoon, and chopsticks. They come in a set of two or four and various colors. They do not contain heavy metals and are made of wheat straw material. The handles are also designed with a rounded shape, making it easier for little hands to hold and control.

6. Fold-N-Go Baby Plates & Toddler Plates

These plates are designed to promote self-feeding in babies and toddlers by keeping the dining experience the same in and out of the home. They are foldable silicone plates that are a great travel option. They are also fully microwaveable and dishwasher-safe, which is a huge plus.

7. Bibsters Disposable Bibs

These disposable bibs are great for the on-the-go family. They have a handy pocket to catch food, and you throw them away when you’re done!

Strollers and Wagons

8. Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller

This affordable stroller is a perfect choice for travel. It is lightweight (weighing 11 pounds) and easily foldable. Some parent-friendly features included are 2 cup holders, a storage pouch, a storage basket, auto-lock, anti-shock front wheels, lockable rear wheels, and more. The comfort features for baby include a full-sized seat, multi-position recline and padded seat back, hassle-free canopy with pop-out sun visor, padded 5-point safety harness, and more!

9. DOONA Liki Trike S5

This is another option you could use instead of a stroller. The Doona Trike features a harness, safety bar, and handle for pushing. It also has a canopy for sun protection. We love how it features five phases catering to babies aged 10 – 36 months. It can go from stroller to trike in seconds, making it a product that truly grows with your family! The Doona Trike completely folds into a bag and can even fit under your seat on a plane.

10. Graco ® Modes™ Adventure Stroller Wagon

Another option instead of a stroller is this foldable wagon. It can haul your toddler and all your things as needed. It has a small, compact fold—one of the smallest in the market (30% smaller)— which ensures easy storage and transportation. There are two seats and a footwell for little legs and feet to rest in this kids’ wagon. We love how you can pull it like a wagon or push it like a stroller; it easily converts from one to the other. Plus, this folding wagon stroller accepts any Graco infant car seat with an adapter (sold separately), so even your infant can come along for the ride from day one. It includes a child’s tray with cup holders, a lightweight aluminum frame, a height-adjustable handle, and 2 large canopies with breathable mesh panels and UV 50 sun protection.

11. Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat

This lightweight car seat is affordable, making it an excellent choice for travel. It is no-frills and safe for your toddler. It will work perfectly on a plane or in a car. We have used one each time we have traveled.

12. Stroller Travel Bag

This bag is perfect if you will be checking your stroller during airplane travel. It is water-resistant and has adjustable straps for easy carrying.

Sleeping

13. Lotus Travel Crib

This is our go-to travel crib. We have used this when traveling with my son since he was two months old. He is just as comfortable and safe in it at two years old. The crib folds up into a handy backpack for easy carrying. It is also straightforward to set up.

14. SlumberPod

This is an absolute must-have in my book! The SlumberPod tent creates a dark, safe space for your toddler to sleep in and fits over most travel and mini cribs. It allows your child to sleep in the same room as you without being able to see you. It is easy to set up and completely breathable. It also includes a spot for a USB fan and a baby monitor. Your baby or toddler will be able to sleep so much better with this when away from home!

15. hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers

This will be a great option if your toddler has transitioned out of the crib and into a regular bed. This toddler travel bed includes an air mattress and bumpers all around for safety. It completely folds up into a small carrying bag perfect for easy traveling.

16. Hatch Rest Mini White Noise Smart Sound Machine

Here is another must-have for travel in my household. We love the Hatch Rest, but this travel-sized one with no cords seems much easier to take on the go. It has eight sounds to choose from, and you can control it easily via the app on your phone.

17. Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine

This sound machine is another great travel option. It is rechargeable via USB and can be clipped anywhere. We like to keep this close by in or near the car seat to help our little one rest. It is tiny and easy to take with you. The sound machine features three soothing sounds and a nightlight.

18. BlueHills Ultra Compact Travel Blanket in Portable Case

Traveling with blankets can be annoying due to how much space they take up. This soft travel blanket folds up small into its pouch. It can also be used as a pillow.

Activities

19. Melissa & Doug Water Reveal Activity Pad

These are one of the best activities for traveling with toddlers. These activity pads are reusable because the color comes from water application. Add water to the pen, revealing the color as you go. My toddler has so much fun with these!

20. Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Book

Another favorite when traveling is stickers. These puffy stickers by Melissa and Doug are super fun. It comes with two fold-out scenes, and the stickers are reusable. There are several themes you can choose from for your toddler.

21. iClever Headphones

These headphones are perfect for little ears. They limit the volume to a safe level and come highly rated and reviewed.

22. Fire 7 Kids Tablet

When all else fails, grab the tablet! This one by Amazon is specifically made for kids. It’s a great size and comes with a protective cover. It contains parental controls and programs for kids. We always make sure to charge our Fire Tablet before hitting the road!

Luggage and Bags

23. Lulyboo Activity Backpack

Such a neat travel backpack! This one is designed for toddlers and unzips to reveal a contained activity area. There’s a sleeve for a tablet and mesh pockets for other items too.

24. JetKids Ride-On Suitcase

This multipurpose luggage does it all. It functions as a suitcase for your toddler and has the capability for them to ride on it. Once on the plane, it can also become a bed so your little one can comfortably nap. It is TSA-approved for safe travel.

25. Diaper Bag Organizing Pouches

When you’re traveling with toddlers, you need all the things! Keep them organized even on the go with these pouches. You can easily keep snacks, medications, toys, and more in the zippered organization bags.

Make sure to pack your extra patience when traveling with a toddler. Keeping expectations low also allows more enjoyment for the whole family. Remember that they are only a little once, and sometimes you must go with the flow. Don’t forget to take photos to look back on. Safe travels!

Disney has always been a part of my and my husband’s story. After finishing a semester in college, we went to Disney. When we graduated college, we went to Disney. Disney was our place to reconnect. Naturally, when our son came into our lives, we booked a Disney trip. We could not wait to take our son to Disney and experience the magic through his eyes. We considered ourselves Disney pros . . . until we had to plan a trip with an eight-month-old.

Disney World with a baby was a total game-changer. We were in new territory. I am here to say that we have now taken our son to Disney four times – all before he turned three. We survived and you can, too!

Best Tips for Going to Disney World with a Baby

Planning Your Disney World Trip

With four theme parks, two water parks, four forms of transportation, and over 20 resorts on Disney property, Disney is a lot. Then we factor in Genie+, park hopper, ADRs, rope dropping, and MDE. Yeah, it can get a bit overwhelming.

As a mama, our lives are already busy enough. Adding in the pressure of planning a Disney trip and researching all of Disney’s lingo does not sound “magical.” For this reason, I always recommend using a certified Disney travel agent. Disney travel agents can help you plan park days, resorts, and dining reservations. Think of your Disney travel agent as your go-to Disney expert. The best part? Disney travel agents are completely FREE. Disney adds the price of a Disney travel agent into their packages. If you book through Disney, that money just goes back into their pockets, and you just paid for a service that you are not getting to use.

Where to Stay at Disney World

On-site or off-site? That is the big question! Some believe that you can save money by staying off property. In some cases, you can. Usually, larger parties who want a house or condo will find better prices off-site. However, standard hotel rooms are comparable to on-site resorts. In our family, there is only one way to do Disney: on-site. There is nothing that compares to staying in the Disney bubble. Staying on the property comes with perks as well. You can enjoy early entry into the parks, access to Disney transportation, access to early dining reservations, and the ability to book individual lightning lanes (Genie+) early. The Disney bubble is real; there is something magical about entering a Disney property and forgetting about the outside world.

Disney resorts are put into 3 categories: value, moderate, and deluxe. Value resorts are the cheapest resorts on property, and the prices rise as you move through moderate and deluxe. Our family has stayed in every resort category, and we love each category for its own reason.

What to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay

First, determine a budget and find a resort category that fits your budget. Next, I recommend families with little ones to try to stay at a resort that offers a variety of forms of transportation to and from that resort. One thing to keep in mind when using Disney transportation is that when you get on a Disney bus, you must break your stroller down. Yes, sleeping child and all. So, our family tries to stay at a resort that offers multiple transportation options.

Next, consider the theme. Each Disney resort has its own unique theme. Some of my favorite resorts when traveling with little ones are Art of Animation (the theme there is amazing), Polynesian (you cannot beat the theme, location, and use of the monorail), and Contemporary (location, location, location — you are a 5-minute walk to Magic Kingdom).

What to Do While You’re at Disney World with Your Baby

This is the big question! Once you have planned your Disney vacation, making sure you have made park reservations for each day of your trip is important. Currently, Disney requires a park ticket and park reservation for entry. These park reservations will book up, so it’s important to make these as early as possible.

Dining

The next step in preparing is to make dining reservations. Disney allows guests to make dining reservations 60 days before arrival. All sit-down dining restaurants on Disney property require a dining reservation to enter. On our trips, we try to book a dining reservation for every other day of our trip. It is important not to overschedule your days, especially with littles. They are unpredictable, so allowing some days to remain open is helpful.

There are tons of great restaurants at Disney. If you think your little one will enjoy a character dining, I highly recommend planning one in your day. We love Topolino’s Terrace for breakfast. They have some of the best breakfasts on the property, and the character interactions are amazing.

Rides

A question I always get is, “Will my baby be able to ride anything at Disney?” One thing Disney is great at is accommodating little ones. At every theme park, there are rides that have no height requirement. This means that every park offers some sort of ride that little ones, even infants, can get on. Some of my favorites that my son has loved over the years are:

• Mickey’s Run Away Railroad
• Toy Story Mania
• Finding Nemo
• Remy’s Ratatouille
• Dumbo
• Winnie the Pooh
• Buzz Lightyear
• Peter Pan
• Triceratops Spin

Over 20 rides at Magic Kingdom do not have a height requirement, so there are plenty of options!

What to Pack for Disney World with a Baby

I always feel like packing for Disney with a little one means packing my entire house, and on our first trip, I am pretty sure we were successful. Over the years, we have learned the necessities, what we can go without, and what Disney provides for us in our room.

Essentials to Bring

Here is a list of the essentials that we always bring to Disney World with a baby:

• Stroller fan
• Cooling towels to beat the Floridian heat
• Medical items — medications, thermometer, band-aids, etc.
• Portable phone charger — Disney has gone digital, and it is so important to have your phone
  charged throughout the day
• Sunblock . . . and more sunblock
• Insulated water bottles — you can ask for free iced water in the parks and have them refilled
• Baby carrier — most rides do not allow you to bring your stroller in line, so it’s easier to wear your
  baby in line and keep them secure on rides
• Snacks — ex. Goldfish, milk, cuties, peanut butter crackers, pretzels, Cliff Bars, yogurt pouches, etc.

Then we bring the obvious – we always pack multiple pairs of clothes (for accident preparedness), bottles, sippy cups, and all the hygiene items. All Disney resorts provide a pack ‘n play or crib, which is helpful when packing. We usually brought our own crib sheet and blanket to help him feel more at home.

Food, Snacks, and Drinks

Another service we take advantage of at Disney is Amazon Fresh delivery. If you have Amazon Prime, it is a free delivery service for groceries and all the necessities. Amazon Fresh offers free 2-hour delivery, so I usually place an order for all our snacks/drinks on our way down to Disney. The front desk will keep all of your groceries stored until you arrive. If you are flying in as opposed to driving, and space is limited, you can also have Amazon Fresh deliver diapers and wipes. Disney transportation is baby-friendly. So, no need to bring a car seat if you plan on staying on a Disney property and using their transportation. Disney does not require car seats on their transportation.

Stroller: To Rent or Bring?

We usually drive to Disney, so we bring our stroller. If you are not attached to the stroller you have, or if you are flying and easy packing is a priority, then I recommend renting a stroller. There are many services in the Orlando area that rent strollers to Disney guests. One service I would recommend is Kingdom Strollers. They have single or double strollers that they rent and will deliver the stroller to your resort. They also will pick it up for you upon checkout. This service is excellent because you are not dealing with turning in a stroller each night. The stroller you rent is yours for your entire trip. Read our guide for the best strollers for Disney World.

Be Selfish, Mama!

A question we always got was, “Why even go through all of that work if he won’t even remember it?” This is true. It’s a lot of packing and planning, and let’s be real, Disney is not cheap. So why do we keep going back? At Disney, under three is free, but I like to say under three is for me. The first time my son waved was to Mickey on Mainstreet. He laughed so hard when he met Daisy Duck at Topolino’s Terrace. I will never forget the look in his eyes when he rode Dumbo. These trips were for me: To watch the magic through his eyes.

I hope you feel more prepared for your Disney World trip with your baby with these tips. Is there anything that we missed? Let us know! Cheers to having a magical experience with your little one at the happiest place on earth!

Traveling with children can be overwhelming, from what to pack, what to prepare, and how they behave on such a voyage. Traveling by plane can be even more overwhelming as you try to entertain them on a flight and not annoy your neighbor. As an Early Childhood Specialist, my biggest tip is to bring snacks for your toddlers and kids to eat on the airplane, and lots of them! However, you don’t want them filling up on cookies and puffs the whole flight, either.

Check out my list of healthy airplane snack ideas for toddlers and kids that you can pack and serve mid-flight that will be appealing and healthy to your little one while keeping their bellies full longer. Then, read some snack-packing tips to help you stay organized and make mealtime easy and accessible. 

10 Healthy Airplane Snacks for Toddlers and Kids

1. Homemade Muffins

Muffins are easy to eat on the go, low-mess, and energy-dense, and you can pack them full of fruits and veggies. They are a great vessel to hide extra fruit and veggies without your littles knowing. My “mom hack” is to buy a boxed mix and blend in some carrots, berries, or even zucchini for added nutrition.

2. Bars

A child favorite and a filling snack, too. Try to avoid ones with nuts or nut butter due to allergies on the plane, but granola-packed ones are great to fill up on.

3. Sauce Pouches

These pouches are 100% allowed on planes. They fall under the “baby food” category, which you can bring. Mix up the flavors and even bring veggie ones for added health benefits. They can also help with constipation issues, which tend to happen on vacation due to our eating habits and schedule changes.

4. Dried Cereals

Make a container of Cheerios, a snack and an activity all in one. Create Cheerio bracelets and necklaces or use them to play a game of checkers or tic tac toe. The possibilities are endless for this snack idea.

5. Cheese Sticks

This is a great protein-packed snack but can be challenging for long flights without refrigeration. If you are packing a cooler for the baby, toss some of these in there for your older ones.

6. Trail Mix

A fun activity to do before the flight (and to clear out your cabinet) is to let your children make their own trail mix. Take all the cereals, pretzels, and snacks out of the pantry and let them make their own “travel mix.”

7. Whole or Cut Fruit

Choose fruits that aren’t super juicy to minimize mess. We like grapes, apples, and bananas. Be sure to pre-cut them to help with choking hazards and ease of eating. To avoid browning, squirt a little lemon juice on them to keep them fresh-looking and add a little tang.

8. Hummus/Guacamole

Pack the single-serving kind and let kids dip their crackers, fruit, or veggies. It gives them a boost of protein and healthy fat, all while keeping portion control.

9. Whole Grain Crackers or Pretzels

Great for dipping into that hummus or alone as a salty treat.

10. Raw Veggies

Choose easy-to-eat options like baby carrots, sugar snap peas, and bell pepper strips. Easy for little ones to grasp and great for dipping, too.

Snack-Packing Tips for Successful Travel with Children

Keep snacks in zippered plastic bags.

As much as we love reusable containers, dealing with reusables during travel is a huge pain. Instead, pack snacks in individual portions that are easy to get and hand them to kids one at a time.

Pack your kids’ favorite cups.

Flights don’t commonly offer milk, so if you plan to serve some in your day, buy it after going through security or bring milk boxes for extra convenience and a treat.

Pack an activity bag.

Pack a small backpack or bag for your kids with a few things they love, including one or two books, some snacks, and their own cup. Kids love this independence; even toddlers love being in charge of their “stuff.” And you won’t have to carry as much.

The key to any successful travel day is full bellies, which make for happy campers. Hopefully, these tips will help you feel prepared for your next flight. Be sure to check your TSA guidelines in case things have changed, and avoid nuts and nut butters due to the allergy factor of all those on board. If you are worried about your child eating too many airplane snacks and not enough substance, my advice is to start your day with a solid meal or a green smoothie if you do not have enough time. This will help balance nutrients, protein, and fruits/vegetables to help fill your little one up and make you feel better about the rest of the day’s snacking.

Summertime, spring break, and holidays usually mean family road trips and adventures are on the horizon! The excitement of visiting new or familiar places, creating family memories, and experiencing summer in all its glory is a staple for many families this time of year. But road trips can also be challenging for many parents. How do you keep your kids busy for a few hours (or more) cramped in a car? Will you all survive the trip without wanting to turn around and go back home? Whether you’re gearing up to visit family or to explore the great outdoors, I’ve compiled my BEST road trip activities for kids to help YOU and your kiddos stay sane and engaged while on the road!

Best Road Trip Activities for Kids

As an occupational therapist and mama, I’m always looking for activities to keep my kiddos entertained AND on track developmentally. Why should education stop in the summer (or while driving down a long highway, for that matter!)? I’ve put together this list of some of the best road trip activities to keep your kiddos happily engaged and learning while you travel.

Road Trip Activities: Ages 0-2

Use these sleepy years to your advantage! Try to plan road trips around naptime or bedtime, if possible.

• A favorite blanket or stuffed animal
• Infant safety mirror
• Teethers and/or keyring toys
• Soft books and hardback books
• Sticker books (There are many fun themes, such as trucks, animals, and numbers/shapes/colors!)
• Snacks! Consider a “less mess” approach with pouches or puffs for littles under one! For your toddler, make-ahead snack packs with healthy foods like cut-up fruit and veggies, crackers, fruit snacks, or pouches. Find healthy snack ideas here.
• A toddler-approved playlist (sorry, mama, baby shark is coming your way!)
• Flashlight
• Mini water board or water book to doodle on
• Window stickies
• Sensory bottle
• Cause + effect toys

Road Trip Activities: Ages 3-4

• Musical playlist
• Simple stories on a CD or downloaded to a phone
• Toddler-friendly workbooks + coloring books (don’t forget the crayons!)
• Magnet board (Safety tip! Make sure the magnets are large to prevent choking)
• I spy! Get those little eyes out the window and play a road trip version of I SPY!! Look for fun landmarks, cars, or the same colored objects! Or have them play a book version of the game.
• Have a sing-a-long!
• Favorite books
• Mom-approved toddler apps on a tablet or phone
• Snacks, snacks, and more snacks! Have a variety of fruits and vegetables, crackers, fruit leathers, and a spill-proof water bottle!

Road Trip Activities: Ages 5-6

• Workbooks and coloring books (don’t forget colored pencils or markers!)
• Cards (object identification, numbers, shapes, colors, matching)
• Books on a CD or downloaded to a phone
• Magnetic puzzles and games
• Sensory fidget toys
• A personal notebook to be used as a journal for documenting the trip!
• Mom-approved apps or a movie downloaded onto a tablet or phone
• Handheld game console
• Snacks . . . ALL. THE. SNACKS.

Road Trip Activities: Ages 7+

• Kid-friendly map or atlas
• A kids’ travel journal or notebook to document the trip
• A waterproof, action-proof kids’ camera
• A new book (or two or three!)
• Plushie travel pillow (maybe a blanket too)
• Audiobook downloaded to a phone or tablet
• Mom-approved apps or downloaded movies to a phone or tablet
• Binoculars
• Travel bingo games
• And of course . . . SNACKS!

But wait. What about mom and dad? We, parents, can use all the help to make road trips as easy and stress-free as possible. Here are a few suggestions for must-have items for your next road trip:

• Backseat organizers (with a place for touchscreen tablets!)
• Kids travel trays
• Portable emergency urinal or potty seat (for the potty trainers!)
• Kids headphones
• Bento boxes (for ALL THE SNACKS!)

Okay, Momma! You’re well on your way with this list of the best road trip activities for kids. And don’t forget to take breaks as needed, dress comfortably, and give yourself all the extra grace!

Have a great summertime road trip with your kids!

It’s the time of year when families are packing up and heading out of town for some spring break fun. No matter where you might be headed, some fun family memories will surely be made! Before you travel, looking into baby gear rentals is a good idea. Popular family destinations like Disneyland or Hawaii may have local companies where you can rent all sorts of equipment (from cribs to strollers to sand toys), so you might be able to avoid having to haul all your gear with you. Whether traveling by car, plane, boat, or train, here are some spring break must-have products for kids to make your travel days easier for everyone.

Must-Have Spring Break Products For Kids

Entertainment

When traveling with kids, entertainment options are a necessity! If your little ones are preoccupied and entertained, that means less stress and headaches for mom and dad! Here are some of my favorites for keeping your kids entertained while you travel.

This summer, my husband and I flew to the East Coast and back with our two daughters (ages 11 months and 2.5 years). Twice. I learned a lot the second time around. And really, what you need to survive a plane ride with kids is to take better care of yourself.

Learning How to Survive a Plane Ride with Kids . . . the Hard Way

We’re a bi-coastal family. Our trip last June was brought about by a funeral, and our trip in August was a yearly vacation to the New Jersey shore with my parents. In both instances, the flying was worth it once we got to our destinations.

My 2.5-year-old, Addy, is a strong-willed, rambunctious, emotionally intelligent, articulate, curly-haired wonderer. Getting her to stay still for any amount of time is a challenge unless she’s sound asleep. My baby, Sage, had severe eczema from newborn to about 9 months of age, after which it became more moderate. She is very light-hearted and laughs a lot. But when she cries, she brings down the house and has a powerful voice that projects about a mile out.

So going into the flights, I knew my biggest obstacles would be:

1. Helping Addy stay in her seat and remain engaged in fun activities; and
2. Keeping Sage’s skin hydrated and the volume of her cries to a minimum.

Our Biggest Mistake

The biggest practical mistake we made was booking flights that left mid-morning.

I thought my kids would take their midday naps on the flight to New Jersey—but that didn’t happen. My kids were awake nearly the entire time.

This really set things off on the wrong foot as I struggled to make bottles and entertain our toddler. I started taking my frustrations out on my husband instead of taking responsibility for how I felt and taking action to calm myself down. That meant that instead of a team-oriented approach to parenting like usual, I was biting his head off, and he was disengaging.

Several poopy diaper blowouts and a sprint marathon up and down the aisle later, we had finally arrived. It was midnight. We were completely frazzled.

Whoops. I felt sorry I’d been rude. Perhaps not surprisingly, no one moved to help us.

But as with anything difficult, sometimes we learn from the experience and become better people—better travelers.

Tips for Preparing Yourself for a Plane Ride with Kids

Take Care of Yourself

The best advice I can give any mom is to take care of yourself before, during, and after the travel.

Yes, it’s possible:

1. Call a few friends before flying. People you know will offer words of encouragement.
2. Journal about some of your anxieties and hopes for the trip. Envision what a successful, positive flying experience will look and feel like.
3. Try and exercise before the flight, or at least the day before.
4. Carry a calming essential oil or hand lotion with you. Take it out for a relaxing scent break when needed.
5. Stay grounded! If you’re religious, say a prayer. Or find a way to get in touch with your higher power to feel rooted in self-love.

Because I was feeling healthy, I was better able to provide for my family. I also recognized that so much of the trip was out of my control. I would do what I could, but I wouldn’t sweat the small stuff.

This time, I laughed when Addy ran over to the dog pee station in the airport and put her hands on the red fire hydrant. Then, of course, I disinfected her hands.

Practical Tips for a Plane Ride With Kids

1. Time it right.

Schedule your flight(s) for the evening hours. Our kids slept much better at night.

2. Pack strategically.

If you’re short on time, prioritize packing your carry-on bags over your suitcases. Finding things you might have forgotten at home is harder when in transit.

3. Back to basics.

Ensure your kids have their basics on board and easy to reach: food, drinks, clothes, diapers, favorite toy, or lovey.

4. Make them comfortable.

We found blankets and pillows to help our toddler sleep on the airplane. Dress your kid in comfy clothes or pajamas.

5. Lean into entertainment.

A children’s iPad uploaded with storybooks and TV shows was essential to keeping our toddler occupied during the flights.

6. Avoid bringing your car seats.

If possible, rent them or arrange for family, friends, or car service to have some ready in their vehicle. We struggled greatly with lugging car seats around the airport. And then they got lost in transit anyway. We were held up in the airport (after hours of flying), attempting to track them down. (With no immediate success.) Eventually, the airline delivered them to my parent’s house several days later.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Most flight attendants are glad to help. And most were very kind and supportive of us as we made in-flight requests.

8. Give yourself some grace!

Lean into your faith, higher power, or supportive friends. Remembering that I wasn’t alone gave me the clarity that I didn’t need to figure it all out myself. Nor did I need to lean entirely on my husband for support. There was a happy middle ground in the midst of it all.