Elizabeth Thorp, Founder of Poshbrood
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It doesn't take a parent to point out that traveling with little ones is tough stuff (hello seat kickers!), but ELIZABETH THORP, founder of POSHBROOD—and mother of three—knows how to make it infinitely more pleasant. Both in-flight—and on the other side of the airport doors. After all, her site rates and compiles travel experiences from around the world according to their kid friendliness, answering questions like: does the hotel offer room to run and play, are there babysitting services available, can you book interior attached rooms, is there a nearby children's museum. Accordingly, it seemed like a no-brainer to tap her for a list of things that keep little ones both calm and engaged.
Herewith, the 1i things Elizabeth Thorp relies on when traveling with her children.
- 1
Selvatic Little Rolling Suitcase
We let our girls pack their own carry-ons, since they love having a "grown up" bag and wheeling it through the airport. This roller from Selvatic Collection is a perfect petite size to roll on the plane and house each kids' snacks, books, and activities.
- 2
Snacks. Lots of them.
I learned long ago not to expect snacks or meals to be available on flights, and well, a hungry child is a hungry child. I pack tons of snacks in compact containers, from granola bars and apples to crackers, grapes, and cheerios.
- 3
Children's Medicines
In addition to any prescriptions, I always pack some children's Ibuprofen (fever reducer), Pepto Bismol, BAND-AID, Neosporin, saline drops and congestion medicine. If your kid gets a bug, you don't want to have to wander around in a new city looking for a pharmacy.
- 4
Chewing Gum or Pacifier
For my kids who are three and older, they get a special treat of Trident Gum for the descent and landing to help them pop those little ears and avoid pain. For infants, a pacifier can be a life-saver, or I used to nurse them on descent.
- 5
Apple iPod or iPad
This is not the time to leave devices at home: Just like an absence of food, I know to never expect entertainment or movies in flight. We have strict rules on how and when the kids can be on it, but it's a traveling life saver! We load ours up with some short Dora and iCarly episodes, Fruit Ninja, Cupcake Decoration games and Word Mole.
- 6
Travel Games, Coloring and Activity Books
We bring an arsenal of activities to keep them occupied during the trip. I also pack a few "surprise" activities in case we're delayed or about to have a meltdown. We love the travel games from Melissa & Doug .
- 7
Pillow Pet
We bring this sucker everywhere—and sometimes even I borrow it!
- 8
Cottonelle Wipes
These aren't just for diaper changes. I always have a small travel-sized packet of wipes in my purse for spills, sticky hands, cleaning grubby faces (even my husband's) and for sprucing up before we see Grandma Mimi.
- 9
Tide to Go Stain Pen
SOMEONE will spill (and sometimes it's me). I take this stain removal pen everywhere I go to help address the mess as it happens. It can be a lifesaver, particularly when you're far from home and can't do laundry.
- 10
Mack's Waterproof Silicone Kid's Earplugs
Great for naps on public transportation and uninterrupted sleep at a hotel in a big city (particularly when your room is next to the elevator). We like the kid-size silicone earplugs best, because they stay in and fit better.
- 11
Lilly Gold Sit and Stroll
Everyone asks me what the ONE piece of travel gear is that I couldn't live without. It's the Sit and Stroll, which is an all-in-one safety approved car seat plus stroller for infants (even rear facing) to toddlers weighing 40 pounds. I see people lugging car seats while pushing strollers plus gear. The Sit and Stroll meets all US safety standards and has retractable wheels and a sunshade. Plus, it's FAA-certified for air travel, makes an ideal dining booster, and saves you money because you don't have to rent a car seat at your destination. To say I love it is an understatement.
