Simple Tips For Travelling With Children

Proteins Win the Race
- When they get up in the a.m. before the trip, make their first food/drink of the day, a small bit of milk, (like 1/3 - 1/2 cup) The protein will 'win the race' as the chemical which reaches the brain first. This stimulates a natural 'up' and sharpness as opposed to a day of sluggishness. It will last through mid day 'fueling time' when children typically are tired. Most important part is to prevent your child from eating or drinking anything else (especially sugars or starches), for at least 10 minutes after their milk/protien. The chemicals that are produced by starches, for example, get to the brain prior to the protein, and the milk will not do anyone much good! Laugh, smile, hug a lot (best tip).

Quick Mini Fridge
- Fill the trash can up with ice and it becomes like a little fridge where you can store milk for little kids.

Reusable Stickers, Lollipops, and Safety Bracelet
- When traveling in the car or on an airplane, a great entertainer is reusable stickers. Your children can stick and restick them on the windows of the car or airplane. Also, lollipops are good for earaches during flying. 

Rice Cooker to the Rescue
- Carry a rice cooker with you - which can be used for sterilizing bottles, boiling water, heating baby food, etc. Just plug it into the bathroom outlet and keep the cooker on the counter. Works great!!

Road Sign Game
- A game for travelling - draw road signs on a sheet of paper, when your child sees the sign he/she can cross it off, being given a reward as all are crossed off. (If the reward is good enough - it should keep them amused for some time!).

Save Your Car Upholstery
- On a long car trip, place an old blanket/bath towel along the length of the back seat, under any carseats, etc., if you have younger kids. This will save your car upholstery from the splilled juice, dropped snacks, etc. It also makes it easier at the other end to do the clean up job!

Simple Tip
- When traveling by car, a simple trick like removing the children's shoes, or changing the location of their car seat, will ease a child.

Sing-a-long
- Here is a great activity for long road trips with the whole family: Write down the names of your children's favorite songs on separate pieces of paper. Mix them up in a small box or bag (an empty wipes container works great!) While you are traveling, have your children take turns pulling one piece of paper out of the box. Everyone in the car has to sing the song that's written on the paper.