When traveling with kids, refrain from putting your child’s name prominently on their bags. This gives a stranger the opportunity to call them by name to convince an innocent child that they know them. Skip Hop Rolling Luggage is a perfect bag for the little ones to carry their own things without risking their safety by putting their name on the bag.
2) Bring your own car seat.
Although the FAA allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult’s lap, it is best to purchase the child a seat and bring an FAA-approved car seat on the plane to ensure your child’s safety. The Diono RXT is a perfect car seat that is FAA-approved, narrow enough to comfortably fit in an airline seat and folds for easy transport.
3) Medications and snacks go in the carryon.
When traveling by air, take a large bag, tote or purse with lots of pockets to carry on all your child’s medications and needed snacks in case of a delay or lost luggage. The new City CarryAll by Petunia Pickle Bottom is a large, easy to clean (glazed coated cotton canvas) bag that will hold all your necessities.
Snacks from Healthy Family such as Happy Times Sunny Buddies peanut-free PB&J bites and Happy Yogis organic fruit and yogurt drops are perfect to breeze through the airport security, keep the little tummies full and the whining down to a minimum.
4) Bring your own play yard or travel crib.
You never know when the hotel or resort may offer gear that is not up to the latest safety standards. The compact BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light 2 only weighs 11 lbs and is easy to set-up and take down making it a perfect on-the-go bed for babies and toddlers.
TIPS WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION (like grandma’s house).
1) Lock up Grandma’s Medicine.
According to the CDC, more than 60,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year because they swallowed medication when no one was watching and up to 20 percent of child poisonings involve a grandparent’s medication. When visiting relatives (especially the grandparents!), make sure that all medications are locked up out of the reach of a child.
2) Bring Outlet Covers.
According to data from the U.S. CPSC, about 2,400 children 10 years old or younger suffer electrical injuries each year. If you are traveling with toddlers, it’s a good idea to bring along a bag of outlet covers.
3) Put up the Chemicals.
Go through the grandparent’s (or family member!) accessible cabinets and remove and put all chemicals and harmful substances up and out of the way of the children.
4) Check the Window Treatments.
Keep an eye out for any window treatments or blinds that have a looped cord that can ultimately pose a strangulation hazard for a small child.
5) High Locks on the Pool Door.
Family members may have a pool but may not be used to little ones running under foot all the time. When staying with a family member with a pool, always check to make sure the door to the pool is secure enough that a child can’t open it. If you visit frequently, I suggest installing a slide lock higher up on the door out of reach of the small children.