Before her son was born, Krissa's car was tidy inside and out. She couldn't imagine how her sisters (both with children) could possibly have such messy cars. You never knew what you would find: stale french fries, sticky juice boxes or mashed-up Cheerios.

Then little Owen joined the family.

Krissa discovered that one way to keep a toddler happy while traveling was to feed him. Often. And suddenly her sisters didn't look like such messy parents after all.

While good advice can't keep your car free of crumbs, some helpful tips might make travels easier with your little ones.

In the car or bus:

  • Entertainment is key. Keep a supply of music, books on CD and even videos on hand. The prices of portable CD and DVD players keep dropping. You can borrow or rent books, music and movies from your library. Play music tapes with sing-alongs for children, also available from the library.
  • Snack time. Bring healthy, low-salt snacks like raisins, trail mix, bite-sized fruit, cheese sticks and snack crackers. Be sure to include travel cups of juice or water in your ice chest. (If you're worried about messes, spread a sheet on the seat before hooking up the car seats).
  • Comfort me. Make sure a favorite stuffed animal and blanket are nearby. With a little luck, these "friends" will help your child get comfortably drowsy.
  • Wise driving. On long trips, many families find that traveling through the night while children sleep makes the time fly by for everyone. If that is impossible, remember that little legs need stretching often. Get out, run a quick little race, and then buckle everyone back in.

In the plane or train:

  • Something old. Bring a familiar car seat. Your child is used to it, and when you strap him in, he will know it's time to sit. You will also have a car seat when you arrive at your destination. Bring an easy-to-fold-up stroller, where he can ride right up to the gate.
  • Something new. Bring along something new, like an activity book, a few fat crayons and some stickers. The newness of the items will entertain him.
  • Something borrowed. Borrow books, music and DVDs that your child has not seen. Borrow a portable DVD player if you can, or buy one if you can afford one.

Once you're there:

  • Travel light. Pack only enough diapers and wipes for the trip. Wait until you reach your destination to buy packages of diapers and wipes.
  • Adjust what you expect. With toddlers in tow, you may need to skip adult activities like museums and shops. Your little one wants to run and explore and yell. Gear activities toward the younger ones in your family: go outdoors, dig in the sand, run races, picnic by a playground, splash in the water.
  • Go-go-go--and stop. Remember to schedule naptimes. Tempers will flare if you don't find a time and a place for him to settle down for awhile. Bring out that blanket and teddy bear for a quiet time, even if it's in the stroller.

Traveling with little ones can be exciting if you plan ahead. If you provide times for activity and times for quiet, good food and familiar comfort, you and your child should both have fun. Bon voyage!

 

Shaunna Howat is a teacher and a mother of three children in Milford, Ohio.